May 28, 2024, Union County, NJ – Prevention Links is proud to announce that three of our dedicated staff members have been nominated by the Union County Board of County Commissioners for the prestigious Shero Awards. This recognition celebrates their unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within our community.
The Shero Awards, under the theme “Union County Women Who Are Making History,” honor extraordinary women in Union County who embody the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion while driving positive change. The awards highlight the remarkable achievements of women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, and a commitment to fostering a more inclusive society.
“We are incredibly proud of Morgan, Iliana, and Dominque for their dedication and contributions to making Union County a more inclusive and equitable place,” said Michael Santillo, Chief Operating Officer at Prevention Links. “Their recognition as Shero Award nominees underscores the impactful work they do every day.”
Iliana Chevres, MCJ – Community Advocate & Site Director at Elizabethport Community Center of Prevention Links
Iliana Chevres, also nominated by Sergio Granados, has a rich background in criminal justice and special needs advocacy. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Mrs. Chevres moved to the United States to seek better professional opportunities and completed her post-graduate studies in Criminal Justice and Security. Inspired by her son’s autism diagnosis, she founded the Elizabeth Parent Support Group, a nonprofit organization providing integrated free services to children with special needs. Mrs. Chevres’ work extends to serving on the Elizabeth Board of Education, where she advocates for education and sports as tools to deter crime and improve society.
Dominque Garrett, MHRM – Chief People Officer of Prevention Links
Dominque Garrett, nominated by Morgan Thompson, serves as the Chief People Officer at Prevention Links. A resident of Rahway, NJ, Ms. Garrett champions the employee experience at the organization, ensuring staff are well-supported and empowered. She began her career at Prevention Links as a Family Partner and has since played a crucial role in launching new Family Success Centers. Ms. Garrett recently graduated with a Master of Human Resource Management from Rutgers University and continues to mentor and support her community both professionally and personally.
Morgan Thompson, MSW – CEO of Prevention Links
Morgan Thompson, nominated by Union County Commissioner Sergio Granados, is the CEO of Prevention Links, a Union County-based nonprofit focused on substance use prevention and recovery support. Mrs. Thompson has been instrumental in the launch of several innovative solutions to the addiction crisis, including the Raymond J. Lesniak Experience Strength and Hope Recovery High School, the Experience Strength and Hope Recovery Center, and the New Jersey Coalition for Addiction Recovery Support (NJ-CARS). A person in long-term recovery since 2009, Mrs. Thompson brings both personal and professional experience to her role, having navigated the continuum of care and recovery support services since the age of 18. Her leadership has seen Prevention Links nearly double in size over three years, securing local, state, and federal funding to advance their mission.
The organization would like to congratulate all of the awardees on their tremendous accomplishments:
Georgette Brusso, Clark
Danielle Albuquerque, Cranford
Mariver Arcure, Elizabeth
Iliana Chevres, Elizabeth
Laura Ciraco, Elizabeth
Clemencia del Pilar Mateus, Elizabeth
Marline Edmond, Elizabeth
Lauren Delgado, Elizabeth
Dr. Monica Gonzalez, Elizabeth
Bernadette Griswold, Elizabeth
Preeti Jain, Elizabeth
Paloma Lerin Rodrigues, Elizabeth
Marbely Montas, Elizabeth
Patricia Perkins-Auguste, Elizabeth
Emy Quispe, Elizabeth
Michelle Salermo Bustamante, Elizabeth
Marie Verdon, Elizabeth
Micayla Mirabella, Fanwood
Christina Alicea-Rendon, Hillside
Dominque Garrett, Kenilworth
Samantha Dealmeida-Roman, Linden
Regina Rogers, Linden
Renee Sarnicki, Linden
Adriana Carrig, Mountainside
Laura Morana, New Providence
Julienne Cherry, Plainfield
Danielle West-Augustin, Plainfield
Karla A. Alvarez, Rahway
Sidra Colvin, Rahway
Hannah Hergenhan, Rahway
Joanna Miles, Rahway
Danni Newbury, Rahway
Vannie D. Parson, Rahway
Karla Timmons, Rahway
Dr. Cynthia Atkins, Roselle
Pamela Morgan, Roselle
Renaee Smith, Roselle
Morgan Thompson, Roselle
Sister Percylee Hart, Scotch Plains
Suzanne Schneider, Scotch Plains
Clara Harelik, Springfield
Marla Napurano, Springfield
Karen Positan, Springfield
Lisa Ciampa Trobaugh, Summit
Robin Tanner, Summit
Lori Tarke, Summit
Mary Zimmermann, Summit
Erica Bell, Union
Natasha Hemmings, Westfield
Elizabeth Savnik, Westfield
For more information about the 2024 Union County SHERO Award, please contact Jennifer Erdos at the Union County Office on Women: 908-527-4216 or email jerdos@ucnj.org, or visit https://ucnj.org/shero-award.
About Prevention Links
Prevention Links is a nonprofit organization serving communities in New Jersey for over 50 years. We focus on preventing addiction, supporting recovery, and strengthening families through a range of programs and services designed to meet the unique needs of our community.
For media inquiries, please contact contact:
Madeline Desrosiers
Communications & Development Coordinator
Prevention Links
862-250-7919
mdesrosiers@preventionlinks.org