Class Notes, Fall 2026

Robert De Blasi, MA ’68, serves as the New Jersey State Commander for the National Association of Atomic Veterans.He was involved in the testing of atomic bombs while in the Navy in 1958. DeBlasi was successful in advocating for Governor Mikie Sherrill to sign a proclamation on June 30, 2026, establishing July 16 of each year as Atomic Veterans Day in New Jersey.

Lois Shuart taught elementary students for several years. She later started a cleaning business. She has been married to the love of her life for more than 40 years. Shuart also earned a master of sivinity degree and spent 26 years in ministry, mostly in Las Vegas. Now retired, she is writing children's books and a novel.

Following a career as an art teacher, art therapist, potter and activity professional and consultant in long-term care, June Fisher-Markowitz, pursued her love of watercolor painting and has exhibited in local, state, and national art shows. In 2023, she became an elected member of the New Jersey Watercolor Society. Also in 2023, she was appointed to the Wayne Town Council to fill an unexpired term. Fisher-Markowitz is currently the only woman and only Democrat on the council; her term will end following the November 2026 election.

Chrisanne Cubby worked part time at Sears through college while attending classes. She graduated with a degree in elementary education in a difficult job market and pivoted to a full-time position at Sears, entering their management program. In 1976 she moved to Toms River to run the women's apparel department at the brand-new Sears store in the Ocean County Mall. Two years later she became the merchandise manager for Softlines in York, PA. She later stayed home for five years while she raised her children. “One of my worst nightmares at William Paterson College was my freshman creative writing class that I almost failed,” she says. “Up until then I enjoyed writing but after that experience, I stopped. Happy to say that in 2020 I wrote a novel during COVID which is now available on Amazon and the sequel comes out this month. I'm sure my creative writing professor would find a ton of things wrong with it, but the accomplishment in itself is my joy!”

Dr. Michael Santoro, a member of the WP Alumni Executive Council, is now also a member of the Cotsakos College of Business Dean's Advisory and Advancement Council at William Paterson.

Linda Ferro is celebrating 48 years of continuous service as a certified registered nurse anesthesist (CRNA) and feeling grateful.

John Lonsdorf, CEO emeritus of Somerville-based R&J Strategic Communications, has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Mental Health Association of New Jersey. Lonsdorf is a recognized leader in the public relations and marketing communications fields and a 2019 inductee into the New Jersey Advertising Hall of Fame. He founded R&J in 1986 and has built the agency into one of the region’s leading strategic communications consultancies – now celebrating its milestone 40^th anniversary. Lonsdorf has authored numerous articles on brand building and the role of public relations and the importance of integrated marketing. He has been a speaker and presenter at national conferences and symposia. He has previously served on the boards of Integrity House, the New Jersey Advertising Club, Ammon Foundation, and the American Diabetes Foundation.

Debra Mazza, MEd ’12, was blessed with two sons, Adam and Jonathan; Adam died in a motor vehicle accident in 2006. Jonathan and his wife just brought her first grandchild into the world, Mac Lee Mazza, born on June 16, 2025. Mazza currently works at University Hospital in Newark, NJ where she has been a counselor on the palliative care team for 13 years, primarily working with the trauma surgery team serving trauma victims and their families. She is also a counselor in the Center for Trauma Survivorship at University Hospital with a focus on the wellbeing of caregivers. Mazza has received two awards while working at University Hospital: the Eric Munoz Trauma Center Award of Excellence for Clinical Contributions in 2023 and the Alan Petersen Humanitarian Award in 2015. Mazza is the author of a 2023 article in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) entitled “Your Son is a Very Sick Boy: What One Says Matters,” which is based on her observations during her career in palliative care and her own personal tragedy. A licensed professional counselor and a certified grief counselor, she operates a private practice in Pompton Plains, NJ.

After graduating from William Paterson, Lisa Paradise worked for the FBI and did undercover surveillance out of the Newark office. After that, she moved to Pennsylvania and earned a bachelor of science degree in elementary education with teacher certification and taught second grade for 23 years. While teaching she pursued her master’s degree in education along with 60 additional credits. During that time, she got married and had two children, one of whom lives in Chicago and works for JP Morgan and the other who lives in Pennsylvania and is a high school history teacher. After teaching for 23 years and getting divorced, she retired and moved down to the Jersey shore, where she works part-time as a PreK-3 aide as well as at Island Beach State Park.

N. Scott Robinson, PhD, is tenured professor of music and chair of the music department at San Diego Mesa College where he is also coordinator of applied music. He is also orchestra manager and assistant principal percussionist with the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus, principal percussionist for the San Diego Recording Orchestra, timpanist/principal percussionist for New City Sinfonia, and percussionist/drummer for a number of other San Diego-based orchestras, wind ensembles, percussion ensembles, and big bands.

Michael Espinosa is celebrating the film festival award-winning theatrical release of a movie, Hello Beautiful (2025), which he produced. The film opened nationwide on September 25, 2026 through AMG/Freestyle Releasing. Starring Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica, Lucifer), Hello Beautiful follows a model whose picture-perfect life is upended by a breast cancer diagnosis, forcing her to confront questions of identity, love, and survival. A raw and inspiring portrait of resilience, the film reminds audiences that true beauty is often forged in life's darkest moments.

Jimmy Matlosz, a filmmaker and screenwriter, recently served as cinematographer, producer, and co-editor for the documentary Shared Waters, which premiered on September 15, 2026. At present, he is filming a documentary with his fiancé regarding coal mining pollution and its effect on international waters. He is also seeking investors for a feature film he has written titled Burden of the Wolf.

Jorelle Green is celebrating 30 years with the Newark Board of Education—five as an elementary teacher and the last 25 years as a high school counselor. She is also in her eighth year as a New Jersey licensed real estate agent, currently with Keller Williams, Elite, serving the entire state of New Jersey. She is also a proud 32-year life member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. where she serves as the international director of Zeta legacy members. “I enjoyed my years at Willy P in the ‘90s! Thank you for getting me where I am today!”

Brenda Browne says she is truly beaming with pride! “My daughter, Brelyn, is not only a legacy student of William Paterson University, she has also followed my proud tradition of becoming a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated on the campus of William Paterson. She joined the Pi Iota Chapter during the spring semester of 2026 at my dear alma mater. She follows the legacy of sisterhood and service set by our founders as well as the Pi Iota Charter Members in 1990. Brelyn has just finished her first year as a two-time WP Dean's List student. We are excited for all the greatness she has accomplished and that is yet to come!” Browne was a member of WP’s first winter graduating class in January 1996.

Lissa Morillo married her partner of 20 years in 2024.

Nieama Booker was the recipient of the President's Cabinet Award for 2025 sales performance at Verizon, an honor given to the top one percent of the department. The reception was held at the world-famous Opera House in Paris, France. This year marked Booker’s fourth time winning the award as a sales leader.

Jenny Marcenaro says she owes William Paterson much of her professional growth and success. “My undergraduate degree in business set the foundation and gave me the skills to have a successful career in higher education. I went on to earn my MBA and my doctoral degree in educational leadership. Today, my mission is to provide college access and to support the onboarding and success of new college students, who like me, wanted an opportunity to succeed—something I was very fortunate I got at WP.” Marcenaro has worked in many industries but settled and grew in the higher education sector. Most recently, she was promoted to associate vice president of enrollment management at County College of Morris and has been recognized by ROI-NJ as an “Influencer—People of Color.” She also has been featured as a Hispanic Stars Rising publication contributing author, and serves as a board member for the Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation. “My goal is to keep growing and finding ways to move college students forward successfully and equitably,” she says.

Devin Frederickson has been teaching elementary vocal and instrumental music for the past 20 years in the same district. Recently, he was awarded a grant of several instruments through the Guitar Center Music Foundation which will support participation in the instrumental music program. “Access to instruments is not always a guarantee for every child so I am thrilled to have won this grant to include everyone possible in making music,” he says.

Nina Reams graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. “Like many people, my path was not completely linear. Life happened…kids, bills, responsibilities, and all the things that can put plans on pause for a while. Over time, I found where my passion truly was and, in 2021, made the decision to go back to school and pursue my master’s degree in clinical social work (MSW) at Sacred Heart University,” she says. Reams earned her MSW in 2024 and is now a New Jersey licensed social worker (LSW) working as a primary therapist with adolescents in residential substance use and mental health treatment, while also seeing clients in private practice. She is currently working toward her LCSW. “Nearly 20 years after graduating from William Paterson, I am grateful for the foundation my psychology degree gave me and for the reminder that there is no expiration date on finding your path, changing direction, or going back to pursue the work that feels meaningful,” she adds.

De Onna Greenwood earned a bachelor degree in English writing from William Paterson before going on to earn a master of science degree in gerontology, with a concentration in management of aging services, from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Her career has spanned higher education, public service, healthcare administration, and community-based services, with experience in program development, operations, staff training, compliance, and leadership. Throughout her professional journey, Greenwood has remained especially passionate about aging, dementia education, caregiver support, and improving the quality of life for older adults. She is a trained Dementia Dialogues instructor and has worked in leadership roles supporting older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and the professionals who serve them. Greenwood is currently writing a guide for caregivers of people living with dementia. The project combines professional knowledge with personal experiences and stories to help caregivers better understand the person behind the diagnosis and approach dementia care with greater compassion, connection, and confidence.

Erica Cashaw, an author and educator, launched Maxson Press in 2025 to publish works spanning education, faith, grief, personal growth, and children’s literature. Her books include Finding the Light Within, Conversations with My Father, and My Grief Journal. Her William Paterson connection has continued beyond graduation. She participated in the 2024 New Jersey Small Business Development Center LEADS program, worked with NJSBDC director Melissa Rosario on the business plan for Maxson Press, and returned to mentor the 2025 cohort. In October 2026, she is presenting at the National Alternative Education Association conference for the third consecutive year, bringing her work as an educator and author into the same room.

Paola Valencia-Cadena just moved back to United States from a 10-year “eat, love, pray” situation. “ I was moved to find myself after graduating from a master’s degree program,” she says. “I now have two daughters, a husband, and lots of ancestral wisdom. Excited to be back in the States.”

Following the release of her latest studio album, Cockeyed Optimist, Kaitlyn Koch, who performs and records as Kaitlyn Fay, became a voting member of the Recording Academy.

Sara Johnson is an education leader and current Build, Excel, Sustain (BES) Fellow, partnered with Arizona Leads to design and launch a proposed community-informed public charter high school in South Phoenix, Arizona. After more than a decade in education as a teacher and school leader, Johnson is now bringing her experience in academic leadership, student success, and community engagement to school founding. Her work focuses on creating a rigorous, student-driven, and community-centered high school that integrates civic learning, leadership development, and meaningful opportunities for young people to shape their communities and futures. Johnson earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature, secondary education, and anthropology from William Paterson and later earned her MEd and EdD in educational leadership and innovation from Arizona State University.

Carly Crisanti has been named Cape May County Teacher of the Year. The honor is given through the New Jersey Department of Education’s Governor’s Educator of the Year Recognition Program. Crisanti earned her bachelor’s degree in art and secondary education at William Paterson, where she also completed the Honors College Humanities Track.

Brian Kerr, MPP ’26, recently earned his master’s in public policy from William Paterson University after earning his bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in sociology in 2015. He currently serves in the Armed Forces with the Army National Guard. “I have been serving actively since 2019. I am married with children and although sometimes it was hard to balance my family, service to my country, and complete my graduate degree, I was able to make it work due to my discipline learned through my service and with the resources provided by my Pioneer family,” he says. Now, he is looking ahead to completing a PhD in political science. “All of this was made possible with help from my professors at William Paterson, support from my family, and the educational benefits provided through my service,” he continues.

Janet Atkinson began her career as a professional illustrator, creating concept-driven imagery for book covers and editorial publications before transitioning to fine art. Working primarily in oil, her paintings are known for balancing subtle storytelling with expressive, painterly technique. Her work has been recognized by Communication Arts, the Society of Illustrators, the Hispanic Creative Awards, and Print Design Annual. Her work was recently on view in a solo art exhibition at the Scherman Hoffman Nature Center, In the Presence of Birds. Find out more about her work at janetatkinsonstudio.com!

Louis Picone, MA, just released his latest book, Ulysses’s Odyssey: Ulysses S. Grant’s World Tour at the Dawn of American Empire (Savas Beatie, 2026). “In May 1877, Ulysses S. Grant, newly departed from two terms in the White House, embarked on an extraordinary three-year journey that defined a pivotal moment in the Gilded Age. Driven by a lifelong passion for travel and unburdened by a fixed itinerary, Grant set out to explore the world, his wanderlust sustained by modest means,” Picone says about the book. “I am proud to include William Paterson University in my author bio as my experience as a WP graduate student and adjunct professor helped me tremendously in my research and writing.”

Carly LaChance is currently a fourth year medical student at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and will graduate in May 2027. She is pursuing residency training in diagnostic and interventional radiology. “During medical school, I have been actively involved in clinical research, contributing to multiple research projects, case reports, and presentations. Most recently, my systematic review on breast cancer-related lymphedema received first place for Best Literature Review at the St. John’s Riverside Hospital Annual Research Day and was accepted for presentation at the AMA Research Symposium,” she says. “I am incredibly grateful for the foundation I received as a biology major at William Paterson University and am excited to continue the next chapter of my career in medicine.”

Jessica Petry is currently pursuing her physical therapy degree at Rutgers University. “I am having a blast! Thank you so much to all my professors and my classmates for the encouragement!” she says.

Brandon Binsol graduated from the WP Online bachelor’s in nursing program in 2021 while working as a cardiac telemetry nurse. After earning his degree, he joined the adult ICU and worked in two separate hospitals in surgical and medical ICU. Currently, he has “retired” from nursing and is pursuing a doctor of medicine degree at the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines.

Christina Funcasta has been working for a media company producing high school sports. During the summer of 2026, she interned for the Sussex County Miners Professional Baseball team as a broadcasting and social media Intern. “I received tons of hands-on live experience utilizing some of the broadcast skills I have and social media skills in a professional sports environment,” she says. “I am still currently working towards getting my dream career in sports. But I feel like this is a huge step in the right direction.”

Roanne Isip has been promoted to firm manager at KRS CPAs (KRSCPAs.com). In her new role, she will oversee the firm’s administrative functions, lead the administrative support team, and continue to manage human resources. Isip joined KRS CPAs in September 2020 as an administrative assistant.

Dellwanna Miller graduated from Ramapo College in 2026 with a master’s degree in social work and will be taking the exam to become a licensed social worker.

Kylie Sciarra has continued her education by pursuing a master’s degree in music therapy at Montclair State University. “Although graduate school has definitely been challenging at times, I’m so grateful to be continuing my education in a field that I’m truly passionate about. I’m excited to continue growing throughout the rest of the program and eventually become a board-certified music therapist!” she says.

Andres Cladera, EdD, was promoted to senior director of development and planned giving at William Paterson in July 2026.

Nicole Parente just graduated for the second time from William Paterson with a degree in music education, having previously earned a degree in communication. “I am very proud of the success that I have accomplished in my life.” she says. “As someone who struggles with learning and came back to school to chase my dream of being a music teacher at 40, it is very special to hold two bachelor’s degrees. My advice: It is never late to receive your education. Continue to believe in yourself, never let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve something, and most important be true yourself. You got this because: You are strong. You are brave. You work hard.”