Meet Our Team

I am honored to serve as Executive Director for the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program. I am responsible for overall operations of the program including fiscal administration of grants, bilingual social work/patient navigation, community outreach, breast health education, marketing, public relations and fundraising. My role allows me to educate, support, advocate and empower breast cancer patients, professionals, and the community.

With a small but outstanding staff, student interns, and incredible volunteers (most of whom are breast cancer survivors) our program is able to provide confidential and free breast cancer services to thousands of New Yorkers annually.

I am a native Spanish Speaker and New Yorker and earned my BA and MA from George Washington University and my MBA from American University. I live with my husband and two sons on Long Island; our happiest days are spent outdoors.

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker with twenty years of experience. I originally joined the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program in 2004 as a bilingual social worker (English/Spanish). As the Assistant Director, I am responsible for clinical oversight of the entire breast cancer program. I assist in identifying, securing and retaining program grants to sustain all aspects of the program. I have been providing clinical, bilingual counseling and support services to individuals and their families within New York state throughout my career with the breast cancer program. I was involved in the inception of the Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) and Adelphi Breast Cancer Program collaboration, where the bilingual Social Workers provide weekly support services to breast cancer patients directly within the Breast and Oncology clinics at NUMC. My area of clinical expertise has been providing patient navigation, support, and advocacy to medically vulnerable and underserved communities. I provide training and consultations on cultural competence to healthcare professionals as well as to the public, presenting at local and national conferences on providing psychosocial support services to cancer patients. I represent the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program in the media and advocate for patients’ rights.  I have the privilege of participating in the Stony Brook Cancer Center’s Citizen Advisory Council, the Cancer ACCESS Consortium through Northwell, and interface extensively with the medical staff at Nassau University Medical Center to work together and serve Nassau County’s most vulnerable patients. I have advocated on behalf of breast cancer patients on both a national and state level, working with the National Breast Cancer Coalition through the years. 

Prior to working in Oncology, I worked as a bilingual clinician for an Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Service for children and families in the state of Connecticut. I hold a Masters Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University and a Bachelors Degree of Science in Human Development and Family Relations from the University of Connecticut. I reside in Suffolk County, Long Island with my husband and three daughters.

I have been a part-time bilingual social worker at the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program since 2006. Before coming here I worked for many years in child welfare, special education and mental health. I work with underserved women diagnosed with breast cancer. Each patient faces a breast cancer diagnosis with a history of experiences and ways of coping, which reflect his or her culture and temperament. Obstacles that impact treatment include fears and anxieties relating to illness and immigration status, financial needs, transportation needs, child-care demands, employment disruption and limited literacy.

Our program provides support and advocacy services at the Nassau University Medical Center Breast Clinic and Oncology Clinic. We are available to patients beginning at the time of diagnosis and continuing through treatment and survivorship. We are able to provide emotional support in both Spanish and English to patients and their families as well as advocacy services that assist patients in navigating the confusing health care system. For patients who are struggling with financial challenges, we are able to apply for financial assistance from breast cancer organizations in the community.

I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to accompany breast cancer patients through some of their darkest hours. The strength and determination that they demonstrate in the face of serious illness is truly amazing and inspirational. As a social worker, it is tremendously meaningful to hear back from the many survivors who reflect upon their journeys and express gratitude for the guidance and support that they received from our program.

I am the newest Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program member here at Adelphi University to serve as Bilingual Outreach Coordinator.

I’m excited to be here and part of this team. My goals are to offer quality help, information, education, and resources about breast health to all the people in need of our services. I intend to raise awareness and bring more resources to all communities. As a Latina and as an immigrant woman, I understand the barriers minorities face. Because of that, I want to make a difference and help people as best I can.

Now before joining this incredible team, I worked as a Bilingual Parent Counselor at the Child Care Council of Nassau for sixteen years. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Social Communications and Journalism from Externado of Colombia University, located in Bogota, Colombia, my native country.

I live in Nassau County, Long Island with my husband, son, and lovely dog.

I am excited and grateful to be the Volunteer/Hotline Coordinator for the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program! I am relatively new to the social work field. I received my Masters in Social Work from Adelphi in 2018, and was fortunate enough to have interned at the Breast Cancer Program. My wonderful experience interning with this program made me want to return as a staff member!

Prior to joining the Breast Cancer Program, I have been a hospital advocate, and worked as a child counselor and group works coordinator at a family violence and sex abuse agency. I also have experience providing individual counseling for a private practice.

Prior to my social work life, I spent 25 years in the food industry. During that time, I have owned my own business, worked on The Food Network, taught cooking, written food reviews and articles, and worked with world renowned chefs.

In my free time, I love to spend time with my husband, daughter and son, going on walks with my dogs, and finding new places to visit.

I am an experienced multimedia professional with over 12+ years of expertise. I also have professional experience as a producer, videographer, and photographer.

I am an experienced graphic designer with over 20 years of experience. I enjoy the creative aspect, but I’m also skilled in digital marketing, content development, social media management and web design.

I began my career working in marketing for a large corporation. Here I developed skills in packaging design, trade show preparation, production and project management. From there, I transitioned to working in higher education. I worked for many years as the Assistant Director of Graphic Design at a local law school. This position helped me gain experience in not-for-profits and fundraising.

In May of 2013 I was offered the position of Communications/Marketing Coordinator for the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program. Here I have the privilege of working with our amazing volunteers, most of which are breast cancer survivors. I design all of the marketing materials in addition to managing the website, database and social media accounts. I am also very excited to offer an Art Therapy workshop. A licensed social worker and I will be co-facilitating this group. Art therapy is a tool which uses art materials and the creative process to explore emotions, reduce anxiety, increase self-esteem, and resolve other psychological conflicts.

My position at the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program allows me to use my skills to make a difference in people’s lives. Each day I go home and feel good about the work I am doing. We all work here for the same reason and that is to help and support people.

I hold a BFA specializing in Graphic Design from C.W. Post Long Island University. In addition to the fine arts, I have studied Art Therapy. In my free time I enjoy drawing with charcoal and pencil and painting with acrylic and watercolors.

When I found out the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program was searching for an administration assistant, I jumped at the opportunity. For six months I had been volunteering as the front desk receptionist for FEGS, one of the largest and most diversified not-for-profit health and human services organizations in the US. That experience helped me to realized I wanted to find a full-time position within health care.

I started at the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program in September of 2013. I handle the everyday office duties such as answering phones, organizing mailings and maintaining our database, plus pitching in wherever needed. I am honored to be a part of such a caring, strong, resourceful and supportive organization. I look forward to coming to work each day and working with such a wonderful group of women.

I first learned about the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program in 2014 when my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer and I was seeking resources to support her care. Since then, I’ve dedicated my personal and professional life to advocating for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. At Adelphi, I collaborate with physicians, survivors and volunteers to advance the mission of the support program through digital and print media and handle all media requests.

I have worked full time as a proposal management consultant in the healthcare industry since 2018 and have worked with the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program on grant applications since 2023. Prior to consulting full time, I taught college- and high school-level mathematics and computer science for over 14 years. I love helping people and am so grateful for the opportunity to support the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program in its critical work to meet the needs of breast cancer patients and their families. I have a Master of Arts in education and a Bachelor of Science in computer science. I live in Northern California and enjoy birding, cycling, paddle boarding, and participating in wildlife and domestic animal rescue.

Professor, Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University

Joan Beder, DSW is Professor Emeritus at Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University. She has been teaching social work students for over 35 years and is still actively teaching numerous practice courses on the masters and doctoral level. Specialty areas of scholarship include oncology social work, loss and bereavement, and military social work.

On the Advisory Board since 1983

Public Relations Consultant, Adelphi University Breast Cancer Program

I am fortunate to have worked with the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program since it began in 1980. When I look back at the attitudes toward breast cancer back then, I am proud to have been part of the movement to bring breast cancer out of the closet and to help give women a voice. We have been there for thousands of women for over four decades.

I handle all the media requests and work to publicize the important work of the program.

On the Advisory Board since 1983

Breast Cancer Survivor

Adee Hendler is a life long resident of Long Island. She graduated from Beaver College, now Arcadia University, in 1967 with a BA degree in sociology. She earned a MA in education in 1968 at Adelphi University.

Having always been active in non profit endeavors, Adee served as President of North Nassau section of the National Council of Jewish Women, and as President of Child Abuse Prevention Services. She is a breast cancer survivor and currently an advisory board member of the Adelphi Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program. She has served for over twenty-five years as a hotline volunteer for the program.

Adee resides in Manhasset. She and her husband Don have three children and seven grandchildren.

On the Advisory Board since 1996

Plastic Surgeon, Clinical Assistant Professor, Hofstra North Shore LIJ School of Medicine

Ron Israeli, MD is a nationally recognized expert in breast reconstruction and a founding partner of NYBRA Plastic Surgery. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has been in practice since 1997.

Dr. Israeli completed his residencies at the Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Medical School and Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Boston University and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He was appointed Clinical Assistant Professor at the Zucker School of Medicine.

Dr. Israeli has been named by U.S. News & World Report among the top plastic surgeons in the nation and has been on Castle Connolly’s Top Doctor listings for the New York Metro Area for over a decade. He was honored by the American Cancer Society with their Physician of Distinction Award for his leadership in post- mastectomy breast reconstruction in 2007.

As a pioneer, Dr. Israeli was one of the first surgeons on Long Island to regularly perform microvascular free flap breast reconstruction. He has authored multiple articles in peer-reviewed journals and lectured at national conferences.

Dr. Israeli studies oil painting and classical European sculpture techniques. He created a series of life cast sculptures of his mastectomy and breast reconstruction patients which was documented in Restored, a short documentary film featuring the positive psychological impact of this life cast project on one of his patients. His co- authored book, also titled Restored, is set to published in Fall 2021.

On the Advisory Board since 2007

Partner, Ruskin, Moscou, Faltischek, P.C.

Ellen Kessler concentrates her practice in the area of health law. She assists healthcare clients in structuring business relationships and transactions to comply with federal and state laws including self-referral, anti-kickback and professional misconduct statutes. She advises clients on mergers, acquisitions and establishment of professional practices, employment and professional service relationships, establishment of management service organizations and their relationships with health care providers, establishment and transfers of Article 28 and Article 36 facilities, HIPAA compliance, and regulatory and professional licensure issues under state and federal law.

A partner at Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C., she is a member of the Firm’s Health Law Department, bringing special expertise as both an experienced attorney and a registered nurse.

On the Advisory Board since 2006

Breast Surgeon, Chief of Breast Surgery at North Shore-LIJ Health System

Dr. Karen Michele Kostroff, MD is one of New York’s most renowned breast cancer surgeons. Dr. Kostroff is presently Chief of Breast Surgery for the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System and operates at both Long Island Jewish Medical Center and North Shore University Hospital. Educated in the six-year medical honors program at Boston University, she then completed her surgical training at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center which included a concentration on cancer surgery and breast disorders at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Institute followed by additional training in cancer surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital of Harvard Medical School. Dr. Kostroff is one of the nation’s leading breast cancer specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of women at risk for genetic-based breast cancer. She has provided consultations for hundreds of women at risk for hereditary breast cancer.

On the Advisory Board since 1983

Executive Assistant, Masterpiece Printers

Breast Cancer Survivor, Hotline Volunteer

Debbie is a kind, caring and compassionate person. As a 14-year breast cancer survivor, she can bring personal experience and empathy to the Advisory Board. Debbie is aware of the sensitive needs of those diagnosed with breast cancer. She is passionate about bringing awareness and treatment of breast cancer to others.

Presently, Debbie works at Masterpiece Printers as an executive assistant. She is a volunteer at our program answering the hotline, presenting at outreach events, and attends our workshops and forums. Debbie also is a corresponding secretary at her Synagogue.

Debbie for many years worked as a Special Education Teacher servicing the needs of children with disabilities. She was always prepared for the unexpected with this population. She is flexible, organized and always gives full attention to those in need.

Debbie earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Boston University and a Master of Science Degree in Special Education from Adelphi University. She has volunteered for numerous organizations and is always willing to give her time to help others.

On the Advisory Board since 2021

Executive Director, Adelphi University Breast Cancer Program

I am honored to serve as Executive Director for the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program. I am responsible for overall operations of the program including fiscal administration of grants, bilingual social work/patient navigation, community outreach, breast health education, marketing, public relations and fundraising. My role allows me to educate, support, advocate and empower breast cancer patients, professionals, and the community.

With a small but outstanding staff, student interns, and incredible volunteers (most of whom are breast cancer survivors) our program is able to provide confidential and free breast cancer services to thousands of New Yorkers annually.

I am a native Spanish Speaker and New Yorker and earned my BA and MA from George Washington University and my MBA from American University. I live with my husband and two sons on Long Island; our happiest days are spent outdoors.

On the Advisory Board since 2020

MPH Director, Assistant Professor at the College of Nursing and Public Health at Adelphi University

Dr. Martin received her MD from Complutense University Medical School in Madrid, Spain, and specialized in Family Medicine, and Preventive Medicine, and Public Health. She practiced as a family physician in Spain for several years and later worked at the Madrid Department of Health and Ministry of Health for 14 years, where she solidified her commitment to Public Health.  Dr. Martin obtained a Master’s in Public Health from Glasgow University in the United Kingdom and a Master’s in Health Services Administration at  Florida International University, Miami.

In the US, before starting working in academia, she worked for several years in the Miami-Dade County Department of Health. Dr. Martin has been teaching in academia since 2004. She is the director of the MPH Program at Adelphi University, College of Nursing and Public Health.

On the Advisory Board since 2021

Student Financial Services Counselor, Hofstra University

Breast Cancer Survivor

Pam Shapiro has been an active member of the Advisory Board for the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program since 2006. Pam was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 as a young mother and again in 2019. She is often called upon by friends and family asking her to support other women recently diagnosed. Pam finds it rewarding to be able to help others to not feel alone and to give them hope when she shares her story. In 2006 Pam was featured in Newsday’s “Life’s Victories-Breast Cancer Stories” where she shared how important a positive attitude was throughout her treatment.

Pam graduated from Hofstra University in 1985 with a BA in Psychology. Pam currently works at Hofstra University as a Student Financial Services Counselor where she has been assisting students and parents for the past five years. Pam is happily married with two children ages 18 and 22. She grew up in Suffolk County and currently resides in Nassau County where she has been for the past 24 years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at the beach, traveling, exploring Long Island and trying new restaurants.

On the Advisory Board since 2006

Professor of Surgery and Associate Program Director of Plastic Surgery at Northwell Health

Dr. Neil Tanna has outstanding credentials and is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery. He has extensive experience in breast reconstruction procedures and a personal dedication to serving women with breast cancer. He is one of a small number of plastic surgeons who is formally trained in several disciplines, including plastic and reconstructive surgery and microvascular surgery.

Dr. Tanna has an unwavering commitment to his patients throughout every step of breast reconstruction. He is recognized for his attention to detail, the use of advanced surgical techniques, and excellent outcomes. With a focus on ensuring the entire patient experience is positive, every step of the process is managed with individual attention and care. Dr. Tanna is committed to our community as a woman’s healthcare advocate and participating in the journey to helping women feel whole again after breast cancer.

On the Advisory Board since 2021