Pillar Care | Staff & Board

David Bishop

President & CEO

David joined the agency in 2001 and served as the agency's Vice President of Development and Communications until 2022 where he oversaw all of the agency’s fundraising activities as well as marketing, media outreach, websites and social media, publications and the agency’s volunteer program. He became CEO and President of Pillar Care Continuum in May 2022, and now oversees all aspects of the agency’s operations. Contact me: [email protected]

Linda Pepe

Chief Financial Officer

Linda joined Pillar Care Continuum in June 2022. She is a CPA with significant experience in financial reporting, business analytics, planning and budgeting. She has a proven track record of partnering with operations and technical teams to develop and implement strategies that drive business results. As the CFO, she will direct and oversee the financial activities of the agency, direct the preparation of current financial reports and summaries, and create forecasts predicting future growth.

Tammy Wilson

Senior V.P. of Programs & Operations

Senior VP of Programs & Operations Tammy joined the Pillar Care team in 2017, bringing more than 20 years of program management experience. Most recently, Tammy was the Regional Director of Middlesex and Union Counties at SERV Behavioral Health System. She oversees all agency programs serving adults with disabilities, including the agency’s adult day programs, community residences and community services. Contact me: [email protected]

Susan Antonellis

V.P. of Human Resources

Susan joined Pillar Care in August of 2020 bringing with her a global HR perspective and variety of experiences in human capital management and transformation. She has manage HR services across a broad spectrum of industries and organizations including non-profits, venture capital businesses and Fortune 50 corporations. As Head of Human Resources, she focuses on transforming the experience of the agency’s greatest asset – it’s people, and is responsible for delivering HR services to over 800 employees.

Joseph Schwartz

V.P. for Education

Joe joined Pillar Care in 2017, bringing to us 30 years of experience as an educator and administrator, including serving as Principal with the CTC Academy (formerly Children's Therapy Center) in Fair Lawn and St. Joseph's School for the Blind in Jersey City. In his capacity as Vice President of Education, he serves as Principal of Pillar High School and also oversees the overall operation of both Pillar Elementary School and Pillar High School, ensuring a unified program and continuity of service for our students. Contact me: [email protected]

Corry DeMarco

V.P. of Development & Communications

Corry came to the agency in 2008, having formerly worked as a school teacher. Corry built the volunteer department from scratch, establishing numerous innovative programs to enrich the lives of our program participants. The volunteer program now serves all agency programs and coordinates more than 800 volunteers each year.

Katie Bochenski

V.P. of Information Technology

Katie joined Pillar Care in 2014, bringing almost 20 years of IT experience in both nonprofit and corporate settings. She leads a department that is responsible for delivering infrastructure services, information security systems and compliance, administrative systems and support services for every Pillar Care site and our more than 800 employees.

Carolyn Russo-Azer

Director of Early Intervention

Carolyn has been with the agency for more than 26 years and has worked at every level of the early intervention system. Carolyn oversees the agency’s Early Intervention Program which operates in eight counties throughout New Jersey and serves over 500 infants and toddlers each year.

Mary Pfister

Director of Healthcare Services

In the past, Mary has worked in the schools as a Certified School Nurse and held the previous role of agency Healthcare Coordinator (2005-2011). Mary has a vast array of experience with over 30 years as RN, many of those working with children and adults with I/DD. In her new role, she will be working across the entire agency, providing consultation and training to our Nurses and staff, providing New Employee Orientation, assisting with our COVID protocols, reviewing policies and procedures, reviewing admissions, addressing quality issues, and assisting with complex or challenging medical issues.

Jarret Allende

Director of Quality & Risk Management

Jarret joined Pillar Care in May of 2022 with over 10 years of experience in non-profit health care. Prior to joining Pillar, he held various roles from community health educator to VP of Medical Administration for reproductive and sexual health agencies. He holds a Master’s degree in Health Administration from The University of Phoenix. Jarret oversees all areas of Quality Assurance and Risk Management for the agency.

Velmah Munayi-Smith

Director of Residential Services

Velmah started working for Pillar Care in 2021, coming to us with over 10 years of experience working in disability services. She oversees the operation of all of Pillar Care’s community residences as well as our 24-unit apartment complex and supervises a staff of more than 200.

Peter Mandell

Director of Budgeting and Purchasing

Pete joined Pillar Care Continuum in August 2022. He has an array of experience in budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting, procurement and cost containment. Connecting with key stakeholders to provide transparency, drive accountability and align with organization goals have been important aspects to his successful career in non-profit. Pete will work to improve the budgeting process, expense management and ensure that the agency is getting the best service, value and price for goods and services from all vendors and suppliers.

Teresa Hatch

Director of Facilities

Teresa oversees all maintenance staff throughout the organization and is charged with supporting the agency’s 23 facilities located throughout Northern New Jersey. Prior to becoming Director of Facilities in 2022, Teresa oversaw student intake for Pillar Schools and managed new development projects in the schools for over 6 years.

David Orioki

Principal, Pillar Elementary School

David joined the agency in 2006 working as a science teacher at Pillar High School. Since then, he has served as Curriculum Coordinator for Pillar Schools and Vice Principal of Pillar Elementary. David became Principal of Pillar Elementary School in 2023, overseeing all aspects of the school’s administration.