Project Readiness Leadership Team
Jen Scarpati, Founder & Executive Director
I'm a mother of two boys, an attorney, and I'm passionate about both community service and education.
A wise person once said to me: "No one can ever take away someone's education," and I take that very seriously. Schooling can and should be a youngster's most valuable asset, and I believe that no child's economic status should determine his or her academic trajectory. No child should walk into school fearing the stigma of having inadequate school supplies. No child should be expected to excel in school without the proper tools.
Prior to co-founding Project Readiness, I worked to pair children with backpacks full of age-appropriate school supplies through Volunteers of America's Operation Backpack in NYC, and through a grassroots effort at Nourish NJ. In working with Nourish NJ, I was struck at the magnitude of the need in Morris County and Project Readiness was born.
Danielle Roth, Director of Procurement
I grew up in and currently live in Morris County, and I am passionate about volunteering for and supporting charities focused on children's well-being and education. A few years ago I founded my own business, Bex Consulting Services, where we partner with leaders to formulate and execute winning strategies. Prior to that I served as Chief Financial Officer of Guiding Eyes for the Blind in New York and also worked almost two decades at Verizon. I have a BA in Spanish and International Studies from Fairfield University and an MBA in Finance from Rutgers Business School.
I have been involved with Project Readiness since its inception, first as a donor and later as a volunteer and Board Member. I have three children who prepare a backpack for a child their age each year. My entire family, including my husband, has volunteered time at the office, unpacking and organizing supplies, making backpacks, and loading them into trucks for the organizations we support.
When I have a spare moment, I love to read, bake, listen to music and podcasts, go to the beach, and spend time with my family.
Bronwyn Fraser, Co-Director of Donor Engagement
I grew up in South Africa, where I saw firsthand how poverty and limited access to education
affected so many people. Those experiences shaped my perspective and instilled in me a deep
appreciation for opportunity and community support. After moving to the United States 26 years
ago, I have remained passionate about giving back and helping others create better
opportunities for themselves.
When I was given the chance to volunteer with Project Readiness, I immediately embraced the
opportunity. I am passionate about helping others build confidence and take meaningful steps
toward new opportunities. Over the years, I have held numerous volunteer leadership roles,
including serving as President of my daughter's Home & School Association, leading fundraising
initiatives, coordinating volunteers, and building community partnerships. I also worked in donor
relations for a local hospital foundation.
Currently, I dedicate my time to managing my home and family life. In my spare time, I enjoy
staying active by playing paddle tennis, tennis, and pickleball. I’m also a proud parent of four
children, two grandchildren and two four-legged fur babies who are a constant source of joy.
Michelle Siddons, Co-Director of Donor Engagement
I have lived in Mountain Lakes for the past fourteen years with our three daughters, a fluffy Wheaten terrier and my husband of twenty years. I grew up in Morris country, have my undergraduate degree from Colgate University, and my masters in Education from Seton Hall. I own my own college counseling and test prep business, am a member of IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association) as well as NTPA (National Test Prep Association). I play tennis, golf and paddle which helps keeps me sane, connect with old friends, make new ones and enjoy the weather. I have served on the board for Project Readiness for several years.
Mark Hoffman, Treasurer
As a resident of Morris County since 1993, I see the proximity of wealth and poverty, and I’m grateful that I can help bridge the opportunity gap for children as Treasurer of Project Readiness.
After the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, I enjoyed two careers of over two decades each: first in investments and then as a public school History teacher. I’m also a Trustee and Treasurer of the Mountain Lakes Public Library, and I volunteer as a tutor to adults studying for the US Citizenship interview.
Swimming and cycling make me feel like a child (in a good way), so I do both as often as I can. I'm especially proud of my wife and adult children.
Amy Dow, Director of Social Media
Katie Burke, Trustee
I currently serve as Vice President of Fund Development at Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, where I work with donors, community partners, and volunteers to strengthen programs that support children, families, and the community. Before joining the YMCA, I held leadership roles with a national healthcare nonprofit and a school dedicated to serving children with language-based learning disabilities.
Throughout my career, I have been inspired by organizations that remove barriers and create opportunities for children and families, and I am honored to support and serve on the Board of Project Readiness.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, cheering from the sidelines, and exploring history.
Terry Connolly, Trustee
As CEO of nourish.NJ, whose mission is to provide immediate access to healthy food as the first step toward building stable futures, I have seen first hand the lifelong impact of providing underresourced students with the supplies and support they need to succeed in school. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, an adjunct professor for the Rutgers Graduate School of Social Work, a passionate advocate, and a frequent presenter on topics including food justice, housing first programs, trauma-informed care and non-profit administration. In my personal life I can often be found with my nose in a book, taking a yoga class or spending time with my husband and two children.
Cara Dahms, Trustee
I have lived in Morris County since 2011, where my husband and I are currently raising our three children, who currently attend Mountain Lakes public schools.
I graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in Accounting and worked in both public and private accounting in the Financial Services Industry for 10 years in NYC, retiring to grow our family in New Jersey. When not on the sidelines of my kids various youth sports activities, I enjoy group fitness classes, dining out and playing tennis.
It was an honor to serve 2 years as Treasurer for Project Readiness. I previously served as Treasurer for the Mountain Lakes Home and School Association. Transitioning into a Trustee role, I look forward to supporting the growth of Project Readiness and its mission to provide students with school supplies and the support they need for success.
Karen Macleod, Trustee
Mary Menard, Trustee
I grew up in Mountain Lakes, attended UCDavis -graduating with a BA degree in International Relations. I worked in medical sales in California and Colorado before transferring back to NJ. I married my husband, Tom, had 2 kids and started my career in residential real estate 27 years ago. I have always been involved in supporting local charities as a way of giving back to the community to which I am so grateful. I am the
membership chair of the League of Women Voters of Mountain Lakes, a member of Impact 100 and part of the leadership team of The Town Club of Mountain Lakes.
Project Readiness is a cause dear to me because I value education and know it needs to be accessible for all! In my free time, I love to play tennis, paddle, go to Orange
Theory Fitness and walk my dog.
Andrew Schinder, Trustee
Hayley Stein, Trustee
Cara Tellie, Trustee
As a longtime Morris County resident, I am raising my three children here with my husband, Wes. I am an attorney and serve in a leadership role at Wintrust Financial, where I focus on legal, risk, and governance matters. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and cheering on my kids from the sidelines.
Through my involvement with Project Readiness, I have seen how community and business partnerships can help provide students and families with the resources they need. I am proud to serve on the Board of Trustees and support its mission of providing students across New Jersey with the school supplies and support they need to succeed.