Stephanie Hoopes, Ph.D.

Director

Stephanie Hoopes has overseen the expansion of ALICE from a pilot study of the low-income community in Morris County, New Jersey, to a national effort with ALICE data for all 3,000 U.S. counties. Her research has garnered the attention of local, state, and national media and legislators.

Before joining United Way of Northern New Jersey, Hoopes taught at Rutgers University-Newark and Columbia University, and at the Universities of Sussex and Birmingham in the United Kingdom. Hoopes has a doctoral degree from the London School of Economics, a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College. She received a resolution from the New Jersey Assembly for work on ALICE (Asset, Limited, Income, Constrained, Employed) in 2016.

Drew Abrahamson

Director of Data Analytics

Drew Abrahamson is responsible for managing the database and developing ALICE data visualization tools. His professional background in the information services industry includes roles in technical management, data analysis, and database management. A strong business development professional, he is skilled in geographic information systems, data visualization, and business intelligence.

Ashley Anglin, Ph.D.

Director of Research & Strategic Analysis

Ashley Anglin conducts research, writes reports, and supports the development of new ALICE tools and collaborations. Her aim is to ensure that all reports and tools are accurate, engaging, and accessible, and that they lead to action that helps ALICE households.

Anglin is a community and cultural psychologist with a master’s degree and a doctoral degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She also holds graduate certificates in Public Policy and Executive Philanthropy.

Before joining United Way of Northern New Jersey, Anglin worked in community engagement and health improvement for a large health system and has been involved in community development and community organizing efforts in the U.S and Costa Rica.

Christine Aromando, M.A.

Manager of Marketing and Communications, United For ALICE

Christine Aromando spearheads the planning, creation, and execution of United For ALICE’s promotional initiatives and materials. Her goal is to build awareness of ALICE and to encourage audiences across the country to take action on behalf of ALICE households.

Aromando holds a master’s degree in corporate and public communication from Seton Hall University. There she spent 15 years in the Public Relations and Marketing Department, directing the marketing and communications efforts for a number of the University’s schools and colleges as they related to graduate recruitment, special events, and overall branding.

Aliyah Baruchin, M.S.

Lead Editor

Aliyah Baruchin is the lead editor for the ALICE Reports and United For ALICE’s print and online publications. Since joining the United For ALICE team in 2014, Baruchin has helped develop and expand content for the ALICE Reports for partner states, the United For ALICE website, special subject reports, and the project’s marketing materials.

Before joining United For ALICE, Baruchin was a freelance health and medical journalist for national venues including The New York Times and Scientific American, and a Kaiser Foundation Fellow in Health Media in 2008. Her reporting focused on epilepsy, neurology, and racial disparities in health status, health care, and health outcomes. Baruchin earned her bachelor's degree at Yale University and a master's degree at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Catherine Connelly, D.M.H.

Director of Research Engagement

Catherine Connelly contributes to the research, writing, and development of reports and tools for United For ALICE. With a strong background in community health, education, and advocacy, she facilitates the use of the ALICE data by researchers and community partners to inform innovative solutions.

Before joining United Way of Northern New Jersey, Connelly led a multi-sector partnership of healthcare, public health, and community-based organizations working together on collaborative needs assessments and strategies for building healthier communities. She has a doctorate degree from Drew University in Medical Humanities and a master’s degree in Health Administration from Hofstra University.

Tom Cordasco

Director of Creative Development

Tom Cordasco serves as the creative lead for United Way of Northern New Jersey and its sub-brands. He oversees layout, design, and production of all ALICE marketing materials, including United For ALICE Reports, website, and ALICE@Work assets. Prior to joining United Way of Northern New Jersey, Cordasco designed and produced both print and digital marketing and communication products, including motion graphics and presentation materials, for Hoffman-La Roche. He launched Cordasco Design in 2005 and started working as a freelance designer with United Way of Northern New Jersey in 2015, joining the staff full time in 2020. Cordasco earned his B.F.A. from William Paterson University.

Ellen Dreyer, M.A.

Senior Editor

Ellen Dreyer supervises editing for United For ALICE Reports, templates, and supplemental materials and provides writing and editing support for content on the United For ALICE website. Her goal is to ensure that all materials meet the highest standards for accuracy, clarity, and conciseness, and that they adhere to an equity-centered narrative. Prior to joining the ALICE team, Dreyer worked as a medical editor, as a book editor in the New York publishing industry, and as a writing instructor for the Rutgers University REACH program in underserved communities. A published author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including the young adult novel The Glow Stone, Dreyer earned her Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Writing from the University of Michigan – where she won two Hopwood Awards in Writing – and a Master of Arts in Literature from the University of London.

Jessica Fernandez

Research Team Coordinator

Jessica Fernandez plays a pivotal role in supporting and advancing the work of the United For ALICE Research team. Her extensive background in administration, project management, and marketing enable her to effectively contribute to the team’s research efforts, ensuring their work drives meaningful change. Passionate about advocacy, Fernandez is dedicated to championing causes such as financial stability and raising awareness on domestic violence and mental health issues. Her involvement in community events reflects a deep commitment to making a positive impact and supporting those in need using her voice and love for writing.

Prior to joining United Way of Northern New Jersey, she spent years working in the corporate world. She also is a licensed part-time realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty.

Dana Isaac

Research Assistant

Dana Isaac is a research assistant responsible for data checking, program, and research support. She is passionate about the use of oral history, digital storytelling, and historical research to gain an understanding of marginalized populations. Isaac has a B.A. in Psychology from Concordia University (Montreal, QC). She has previously worked as a research assistant for social nonprofits supporting Canadian Heritage research. Most recently, she worked as an archival resident in Concordia University Library’s Special Collections department.

Victoria Mutuku, M.A.

Research Associate

Victoria Mutuku brings a strong background in research, data collection, and analysis, with experience managing and coordinating research projects. She has expertise in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies and earned her Master of Arts in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics from Rutgers University. Her work spans policy research, social impact assessments, and generating data-driven insights through interactive dashboards and visualizations.

Julie Relyea

Graphic Designer

Julie Relyea is a skilled graphic designer specializing in creating compelling and eye-catching marketing materials. Currently contributing her design expertise to United For ALICE, she continues to merge creativity and strategic communication in every project. Prior to joining United Way of Northern New Jersey, Relyea gained a well-rounded background in social media, print, digital, and brand design through her experience at various creative agencies. She graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey with a B.A. in Communication Arts, concentrating in Visual Communication Design.

Molly Rennie, M.P.A.

Director of Strategic Partnerships

Molly Rennie is the Director of Strategic Partnerships at United For ALICE and is passionate about broadening the ALICE movement. She coordinates new clients and brings new partners into United For ALICE. She has been with United Way of Northern New Jersey for 17 years, holding various positions, including managing the corporate workplace fundraising campaigns.

Prior to joining United Way, Rennie worked at Banker’s Trust in New York City, where she managed numerous departments within the Account Services Division. Rennie earned her bachelor's degree at Kenyon College and master's degree in Public Administration, Governance, and Leadership from Seton Hall University. She is also a graduate of LeadNJ, 2019.