Our Staff

SSedo@gildasclubwestchester.org

Sarah started at Gilda’s Club Westchester in 2020. She has been in the roles of Oncology Social Work Manager and Program Director before becoming the Executive Director in 2022. Prior to working at Gilda’s Club Westchester, Sarah was the Clinical Supervisor for a community mental health program. Sarah is a Licensed Master Social Worker, who received a Masters of Social Work Degree, with a concentration in Clinical Social Work, from Rutgers University. She also holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Seton Hall University.

DAugust@gildasclubwestchester.org

Deborah is an experienced development and fundraising professional with demonstrated history with annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, stewardship, and cultivation. Her career in fundraising began twenty years ago as the Director of Alumni Relations at Greens Farms Academy in Westport, CT. Prior to her start at Gilda’s Club, Deborah worked at Sacred Heart Greenwich for the past ten years as the Annual Fund Director providing leadership and strategic direction for parent, alumnae and other constituency fundraising efforts. Deborah has a BS from SUNY Albany in Human Biology and a MS from Georgia State University in Sports Administration, Sports Management and Events.

TBlack@gildasclubwestchester.org

Tammy joined Gilda’s Club in 2022 as an Oncology Social Worker; she provides individual counseling, facilities support groups, and completes intake visits. Tammy earned her MSW with a concentration in gerontology from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. Tammy is a seasoned social worker having worked in both in-hospital as well as outpatient medical settings and geriatric care management. She has extensive experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team providing individual, family, and group therapy often focusing on adjustment to illness and loss while advocating for patients. Tammy received a post –Master’s certificate from New York University in Palliative and End of Life Care. 

Vanessa joined Gilda’s Club Westchester in September 2022 as a social work intern. Vanessa is currently pursuing her MSW at Alliance University with a concentration in Clinical Social Work. Vanessa completed her BA and MA in Psychology, and has a certificate in creative arts therapy (music therapy concentration) at The New School. Vanessa enjoys working with diverse populations and is interested in non-pharmacological pain management including mindfulness, expressive arts and mind body breath exercises.  Vanessa enjoys working with children, teens and adults who have been impacted by cancer. She is currently helping with outreaching events and developing bilingual programs at Gilda’s Club. 

intern3@gildasclubwestchester.org

JFreeman@gildasclubwestchester.org

Judy Freeman began working at Gilda’s Club in June of 2002, following a seventeen-year career at Columbia University School of Social Work. Judy is responsible for managing Gilda’s Club Westchester’s calendar of monthly activities, including social and health and wellness programs. Judy also coordinates lectures and workshops facilitated by physicians, authors, health and wellness experts and community-based organizations. Judy maintains relationships with over 200 physicians, nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers and wellness experts who provide their expertise through our lectures and workshops which connect individuals with cancer, and their family members, critical information that assist with decision making and quality of life. Judy graduated from Syracuse University with a BS in Secondary Education.

bghelarducci@gildasclubwestchester.org

Brianna joined Gilda’s Club in January 2022 as a Social Work Intern. Brianna is currently earning her Masters of Social Work with a concentration on mental health from Simmons University School of Social Work.  She also holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Health Studies from The University of Rhode Island.  During her time in undergrad, she was involved in providing Home Based Therapeutic Services to children who have special needs.  Brianna enjoys working with Gilda’s Club members, and is interested in helping individuals impacted by cancer find the supports that they need. Brianna has transitioned from Social Work Intern to Program Assistant. She is happy to help out the organization on a broader scale in this new role.

KHarris@gildasclubwestchester.org

Kristen joined Gilda’s as the Development Coordinator in February of 2020. She works in all areas of the Development Department including fundraising event coordination, social media management, donation processing and community advocacy. Prior to this position, Kristen has past experience in marketing, public relations, nonprofit event planning, packaging design and textile manufacturing. After 5 years working in apparel industry management, she realized her true passion was helping others and she returned to non-profit development at GCW. Kristen graduated from Pace University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Communications and Marketing.

ALandes@gildasclubwestchester.org

Aileen joined Gilda’s as the Special Events Manager in May 2019. She coordinates all fundraising events and other special program events at Gilda’s Club Westchester. Prior to this position, Aileen was responsible for implementing Gnosis, Gilda’s database system which enables us to track members, allows them to sign up for classes online, and enables staff to use ADAPT reporting. Aileen has lead and participated in many successful fundraising events for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. She has also volunteered in the clinic at Pet Rescue in Harrison NY, assisting in the vetting and adoption of hundreds of rescue animals. Aileen graduated from The University of Vermont in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

AMarkowitz@gildasclubwestchester.org

Andrea joined Gilda’s Club in 2018 as an Oncology Social Worker; she facilities support groups, provides individual counseling, and completes intake visits. Andrea earned her MSW with an individualized concentration on health and mental health from the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. Andrea has worked in both in-hospital and outpatient medical settings with experience in oncology, primary care, transplant, and emergency units for both adult and pediatric populations. She has extensive experience working with a diversity of populations in the community mental health setting, providing individual, family, and group therapy. Andrea has received specialty training in CBT, DBT, substance use, trauma, and chronic-disease management.

Intern2@gildasclubwestchester.org

Kristen joined Gilda’s Club in July 2022 as a Social Work intern.  She is completing her Master of Social work degree through Simmons College and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Providence College. After a career in finance, she has circled back to her roots and is thrilled to be starting a career about which she is passionate. Kristen will help facilitate the various programs Gilda’s Club offers for anyone touched by cancer. 

ESteckler@gildasclubwestchester.org

Essie began working at Gilda’s Club Westchester in 2002 and is often the first point of contact for new members Essie coordinates new member meetings and is responsible for overseeing the monthly informational mailing to members and the surrounding community. Essie keeps the Community Bulletin Board updated with current information and travels to hospitals, medical offices and libraries to distribute information on programs and services. Essie manages the volunteer program and the online calendar. Additionally, Essie volunteers at White Plains Hospital. A graduate of Mandl The College of Allied Health, Essie previously owned Modern Hardware and Paint/Essie’s Chocolate.

DVincent@gildasclubwestchester.org

Debbie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who joined the staff at Gilda’s Club Westchester in 2017, after having been Youth Programs Manager and Director of the Newark Clubhouse for Gilda’s Club Northern NJ. Debbie’s expertise includes counseling and facilitating groups for those impacted by cancer, and providing supportive counseling, bereavement counseling and psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families, children, teens, and groups in both mental health outpatient centers and home settings. Debbie is a graduate of Duke University and completed her Masters in Social Work with honors from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service.