Key Managerial Staff

Thanks to NAC’s exclusive focus, its staff has developed an unparalleled level of experience and expertise in serving the needs of medically fragile children. NAC operates in a world where struggles with severe illness and disability are compounded by poverty or other barriers to success. NAC is led by a dedicated and caring team of professionals who have the special knowledge and expertise to ensure that our mission is fulfilled and that lives are changed.

Arlene Goldsmith, LCSW, PhD
Executive Director

Patricia Bryant-Reid, LCSW
Associate Executive Director,
Clinical & Program Services

John Encandela, PhD
Associate Executive Director,
Research, Evaluation &
Quality Assurance

Adrienne Lawler, LCSW
Associate Executive Director,
Management & Operations

Leonard Saul
Chief Financial Officer

Cindy Cavalli
Executive Assistant to Dr. Goldsmith/ Benefit Coordinator

Martha Morgan, LCSW-R
Director of Foster Care & Adoption

Carla Riccobono, LSW
Assistant Director of
Foster Care & Adoption

Marykutty Thalachira, LMSW
Director of Homefinding

Carol Hirsch, LCSW
Director of Post Legal
Adoption Network

Carolyn Synol, MPA
Development Director

Gajtana Simonovski, MIA
Director of Volunteers &
Community Relations

Mark Woltman, MSW
Director of Quality Assurance

Gail Auchterlonie
Director of Human Resources

Marilyn Green
Director of Office Services

Ed Caquias
Director of Information Systems

Michael Celentano, MA
Director of Recreation, Auxiliary Services & B2H Waiver
Service Providers

Kristine Claphan, MSW
Director of B2H
Healthcare Integrators

Carola Haberly, LCSW
Director of Preventive Services

Stephanie McGill, LCSW
Director of Partners In Parenting

Eric Sweeting, MA
Director of Educational Services

Michael Vergara, MD
Medical Director

Marcia Thomas, RN, MSN
Director of Nursing &
Clinic Administration

Wendy Geringer, PhD
Comprehensive Healthcare
Center Director

Harvey Mar, PhD
Director of Psychological Services

Inna N. Kreyman, LCSW-R
Mental Health Clinic Supervisor

Lincoln Hess, MD
Psychiatrist

Khalid Khan, MD
Director of Mental Health Services

Laura Parsons, PsyD
Early Childhood
Developmental Psychologist

Linda Peck, MA, ATR, LCAT
Director, Henry Geldzahler
Creative Arts Program

“I feel so lucky to be practicing at NAC because I believe we do the best work in the field of child welfare in the City of New York. Many of our Social Workers could be doing almost anything professionally and they are at NAC 'on purpose' and that is reflected in the work.”

Carla Riccobono, LMSW
Assistant Director, Foster Care and Adoption Program

Learn about careers at NAC »





Top Rated

Among ratings for safety, permanency and well-being, NAC is the second highest ranking foster care agency in New York City and the highest among agencies serving medically fragile children.

Learn more »





Volunteers are Key

Volunteers are a valued part of NAC's team. They provide meaningful support to staff and NAC children, such as providing one-on-one mentoring, or guiding kids through pet-assisted therapy.

Learn more about our volunteer programs »



Adoption Excellence

NAC's post adoption program, PLAN, received national accolades for its outstanding adoption outcomes, including no adoption dissolutions.

Learn more »