A dedicated and caring group of experts in the field
Sanctuary for Families staff comprise nearly 200 dedicated professionals and support staff, including lawyers, clinicians and policy experts. We speak more than 30 languages and command a diverse array of experience and backgrounds. Above all, we display a deep level of commitment and caring to every client who enters our doors.
HON. JUDY HARRIS KLUGER
Executive Director
HON. JUDY HARRIS KLUGER
Executive Director
Since assuming the role of Executive Director, Judy has secured substantial new sources of private and public funding, growing the agency budget from approximately $15 million to a budget of $20 million today. Under Judy’s leadership, Sanctuary also launched the Pro Bono Project of the Queens Human Trafficking Intervention Court. Prior to joining Sanctuary, Judy served for 25 years as a judge in New York State, most recently as Chief of Policy and Planning for the court system. Judy’s history as a judge instills in her a deep knowledge of and commitment to the issues facing Sanctuary’s clients. In 2013, she received the Award for Excellence in Public Service from the New York State Bar Association and is a prior recipient of Sanctuary’s Abely Award for Leading Women and Children to Safety.
“I am inspired and energized by our committed, talented and hardworking staff. I consider myself fortunate to lead this outstanding organization.”
LINDA LOPEZ
Deputy Director, Legal Center
LINDA LOPEZ
Deputy Director, Legal Center
Linda Lopez started as a staff attorney at Sanctuary’s Legal Center in 1994. In 2006, she was named Deputy Director of the Center. Linda is founder of the Uncontested Divorce Workshop, through which she has trained over 600 students in five New York City law schools to help indigent battered women obtain uncontested divorces. A seasoned practitioner of family and matrimonial law with Spanish fluency, she earned her law degree from the City University of New York Law School, where she participated in the Battered Women’s Clinic.
Jelaine Altino
Deputy Clinical Director of Residential Services
Jelaine Altino
Deputy Clinical Director of Residential Services
Jelaine Altino, LCSW manages Sanctuary’s emergency and transitional shelter programs, and oversees the agency’s hotline operations. As a veteran in the field Ms. Altino has worked in the social service field for over 25 years, and has extensive experience in the development and implementation of large homeless family residences. She holds a master’s degree from New York University and is a licensed clinician.
LISA MUELLER
Director of Development & Communications
LISA MUELLER
Director of Development & Communications
Lisa Mueller has served as Sanctuary’s Director of Development since September 2005, and assumed responsibility for agency communications in 2007. Prior to joining Sanctuary’s staff, Lisa was involved for nearly 10 years as a pro bono attorney and member of Sanctuary’s Legal Advisory Council. She previously worked for the international law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP. Lisa holds a BA from Yale University and a JD from Northwestern University School of Law. She was a Fulbright Scholar in Frankfurt, Germany in 1993.
“Our clients continually move and inspire me, and it is a privilege to help share their courageous stories and inspire others to invest in Sanctuary’s mission.”
GENIE COLBERT
Director of Human Resources
GENIE COLBERT
Director of Human Resources
Genie Colbert joined the Sanctuary staff in 2014 with over 15 years of experience in Human Resources. Her expertise includes compensation, talent management, employee relations training and development, and project and data management. She previously served as a Human Resources Manager at the Natural Resources Defense Council for seven years. Genie holds a MS degree in Labor Relations from Baruch College and a BA degree in Liberal Arts from the College of New Rochelle.
“I am humbled by the passion and dedication I witness in our staff on a daily basis. The staff inspire me to work harder on their behalf, so that they can continue to help those we serve.”
ANGELO J. RIVERA
Director, Economic Empowerment Program
ANGELO J. RIVERA
Director, Economic Empowerment Program
Angelo Rivera has 16 years of experience in the workforce development field, designing innovative, highly successful career development programs for hard-to-employ populations. Before joining Sanctuary in 2010, Angelo was Chief Operating Officer of STRIVE International; Director of a NYC WORKS Initiative at the Ridgewood Bushwick Senior Citizens Council; and Director of Career and Educational Services at Circulo Career Services. He has a BA in Government & Politics from University of Maryland and MA in International Relations from Boston University.
Laura Fernandez
Clinical Director
Laura Fernandez
Clinical Director
Laura Fernandez provides leadership, management and strategic direction for all of Sanctuary’s clinical services citywide. She oversees a team over 40 clinicians, along with case managers and support personnel. Before coming to Sanctuary in 2015, Laura served as Assistant Executive Director of Programs for Edwin Gould Services. Laura is a member of the NY Initiative for Children of Incarcerated Parents and the Council on Family and Child Caring Agencies. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Tufts University and her Masters of Science in Social Work from Columbia University.
SHELLY B. ROSE
Director of Operations & Administration
SHELLY B. ROSE
Director of Operations & Administration
Shelly Rose joined Sanctuary in 2001 with 20 years of experience in non-profit management, program development, operations, and human resources. Shelly was named Director of Operations in July 2008, after her role expanded to encompass agency-wide oversight of information technology, shelter and office facilities, data management, and program evaluation. Previously, she served as Director of Sanctuary’s Sarah Burke House Shelter. Shelly holds an MSW in social work from Yeshiva University and a certificate in management from the Case Western Reserve University.
“Thanks to my background in direct service, I understand the important role that infrastructure plays in ensuring high-quality service delivery and am committed to seeing it through in our results.”
TATYANA KOPYT
Director of Finance
TATYANA KOPYT
Director of Finance
Tatyana Kopyt joined Sanctuary’s staff in 1997, as an Accountant in the Finance Department and Human Resources Manager. In 2004 she was named Controller, and in 2009 she became Director of Finance. She provides direction and oversight of financial planning, accounting, budgeting, reporting and ensures the effectiveness of internal control procedures. Tatyana previously worked as Fiscal Manager at Citizens Advice Bureau. She holds a BS in Accounting from Brooklyn College, a BA in Mathematics from Polytechnic University in Russia, and a Professional Certification in Non-Profit Accounting.
“Sanctuary is my American dream and a stable home for so many. Every immigrant client reminds me of my own journey and the difficulties I overcame. I am so proud to provide them with support.”
ALLISON R. ROSS
Deputy Clinical Director
ALLISON R. ROSS
Deputy Clinical Director
Allison Ross has been a staff member in Sanctuary’s clinical department since 2004. In 2008 she was named Assistant Clinical Director, a role including oversight of Sanctuary’s crisis shelters, outreach initiatives, post-shelter care, and clinical administrative matters. Allison was a leader in expanding Sanctuary’s Mentors Program. She earned her MSW from Columbia University School of Social Work, and a PhD in Social Work from Fordham University. She is an adjunct professor at the Columbia University School of Social Work and New York University School of Social Work.
“It is an honor to work alongside passionate and talented staff who share my commitment to our clients and to each other. They inspire my dedication to this work, day after day, year after year.”
DORCHEN A. LEIDHOLDT
Director, Legal Center
DORCHEN A. LEIDHOLDT
Director, Legal Center
Dorchen Leidholdt has served as Director of Sanctuary’s Legal Center since 1994. Under her leadership, the Center has grown significantly, has greatly strengthened its advocacy efforts, and has spearheaded major state and federal litigation. Dorchen is on the Board of Directors of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW), which she helped found in 1988, and serves as an adjunct professor at the Columbia University School of Law. She holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Virginia, and a JD from the New York University School of Law where she was a Root-Tilden-Snow Scholar.