While many of us are content to deal adequately with the concerns of everyday life, there are many young people in our midst who possess extraordinary natural talent, a community-driven entrepreneurial spirit and a remarkable yearning to excel — often in the face of adversity.
It is for this reason that Atlantic City Weekly and the Greater Atlantic City Jaycees have teamed up for the past 11 years to honor the Atlantic City area’s Top 40 Under 40 — a group of 40 individuals under the age of 40, nominated online by Atlantic City Weekly readers and narrowed down by a six-person selection committee.
The selection process is often painstaking, due to the massive number of young leaders brought to our attention year to year. But once again we are excited to present the honorees for 2015 inside this annual issue.
Our community is a richer one to live in thanks to them:
Dawn Belamarich
As vice president of family and community services for Family Service Association (FSA), Dawn Belamarich oversees a number of community programs focused on strengthening individuals and families. Belamarich `possesses two master’s degrees: one in criminology and another in mental health counseling. She is a licensed associate counselor and licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor. Aside from her work with FSA, Belamarich provides in-home counseling to local youth in need and has worked as an adjunct professor with Strayer University. Belamarich also chairs Join Together Atlantic County, which is dedicated to preventing substance abuse in youth. Belamarich is very active in her local community, sitting on the board of Chelsea Neighborhood Association in Atlantic City and engaging in LEAD ACT, a year-long leadership workshop for those interested in assuming leadership roles within A.C. Belamarich ran for the A.C. school board in 2014 and hopes to continue making a lasting contribution within her community.
Michael Bray
Michael Bray is the founder and director of operations at Passion Vines Wine Spirit Company in Somers Point and Egg Harbor Township. Over time, Passion Vines has developed into an award-winning liquor store, specializing in the world’s greatest wines, spirits and beer. Passion Vines has been recognized as one of New Jersey’s most philanthropic companies by New Jersey Monthly, and has won the “Best of the Press” Gold Award for Best Liquor Store and Silver for “Bucket List” in 2014. Bray serves on numerous business, government, non-profit and community boards. He participates in the Somers Point Business Association (president), Somers Point Economic Development Advisory Commission (chairman), Rotary Club of Somers Point, Shore Health Enterprises, Inc. (Board of Directors) and John R. Elliott HERO Society. Bray has been named the 2015 Somers Point Foundation for Education Community Honoree and he resides in Somers Point with his wife Kimberly and two beautiful children, Dylan and Joclyn.
Erin Brown
Erin Brown received her B.S. of Psychology with an English minor in three years from James Madison University. Between 2001 and 2006 Brown taught 8th to 12th Grade English and was nominated for teacher of the year. In 2006 Brown received her Master’s of Divinity from Virginia Union University and became assistant principal of Salem Church Middle School of Chesterfield County, Va. She later received her Master’s of Educational Administration from Virginia State University in 2008. In 2008, Brown was selected to participate in an Ed.D cohort in Educational Leaderhip at Virginia Commonwealth University. After finishing one semester, Brown met her husband and moved to New Jersey to establish a new life and career. In 2009, Brown became principal of Pleasantech Academy Charter School until 2012 when she gave birth to her son. She returned to her career in education becoming the director of Atlantic City Day Nursery where she currently oversees 85 infants, toddlers and preschoolers of Atlantic City. Along with a supportive board, Brown has facilitated new music programs, gardening projects and Stockton Vocabulary research at ACDN, one of Atlantic city’s oldest institutions. Today, Brown enjoys the love of her two children, her husband Anton and the satisfaction of positively impacting Atlantic City’s youngest citizens.
Paul Brown
Paul Brown is an Atlantic City-area native, graduating from Egg Harbor Township High School in 2001. He attended Atlantic Cape Community College where he majored in Business Administration. In the summer of 2014, Brown was appointed head of sales, marketing and public relations for Good Time Tricycle Productions, a local lifestyle and event planning company that is responsible for the Atlantic City Beer Music Festival, Atlantic City Seafood Festival, Atlantic City Tattoo Expo and more. Brown is also the founder and driving force behind Spotlight Social Media, a one-man marketing entity formed in 2009 that’s assisted A.C.-centric names such as Providence Nightclub, Golden Nugget, BoneYard Bar Grill, Rock Shop and, most recently, the new Claridge Hotel. In addition, he’s the founder of 1787 Collective, a music booking and promotions company started in 2011 that brings original acts from all over the world to A.C. for intimate concerts at venues such as BoneYard and Stockton University’s Dante Hall Theater.
SFC LeVar Curry
SFC LeVar “Big Sarge” Curry is a 20-year Army service veteran who plans to continue his career for many years. He has been a recruiter for 12 years and was the Top New Jersey Army National Guard recruiter for 2013. While recruiting in South Jersey, he has helped more than 250 young men and women start their military careers. Since serving in the N.J. Army National Guard, SFC Curry has helped more than 150 young men and women go to college full-time, while serving their country part time. SFC Curry leads his soldiers in community service projects by feeding the homeless at Sister Jean’s Kitchen, organizing food for donation at the Egg Harbor Township Food Bank and by collecting clothes to donate to the Atlantic City rescue mission. Big Sarge has taught students the value of health and fitness in Atlantic County for more than 12 years. He has participated in Zumbathon events to raise money for the American Children’s Liver Foundation and Atlantic County Special Service’s School. Big Sarge started a CDA scholarship fund in honor of his mother to support Early Childhood Education students at Atlantic Cape Community College. He is a volunteer who teaches fitness for S.H.E. Inspire, which mentors young girls in Pleasantville, as well as for the Gilda’s Club of South Jersey which supports families struck by cancer. SFC Curry credits his success to the love and support of his family, his beautiful wife Kelly and their three children Damon, Halle and Levi.
John D’Alessandro, Jr.
For 16 years John D’Alessandro has provided wealth advisory solutions for individuals and institutions, while also serving as branch manager of the Northfield Morgan Stanley office for the past nine years. Prior to this, he fulfilled management roles in Philadelphia and Voorhees. A graduate of St. Augustine Prep, D’Alessandro obtained his B.S. in Finance from Siena College, and his M.S. in Finance from Drexel University. D’Alessandro most recently completed his post-graduate studies at the Securities Industry Institute. D’Alessandro is a member of the N.J. Bankers Association, the Atlantic City MBCA and is a coach and board member of the Linwood Baseball Association. He currently resides in Linwood with his wife Christine and his children Olivia and Joseph.
Andrew Feriozzi
Andrew is a Project Manager with L. Feriozzi Concrete Company. Following his graduation from Drexel University, the family company successfully bid and were named general contractor for the CRDA Wave Parking garage – a $29.5 million project. Andrew managed and oversaw company employees and numerous contractors bringing the project to a successful close. Andrew’s work for the family company truly started when he was a small boy. Some of his major projects include Trump Taj Mahal tower, Borgata Casino project and Caesars parking garage. Charity work is also important to Andrew. He and the company are committed to helping the community. Andrew is a member of the MBCA, 825 Operating Engineers Union and Our Lady of Sorrows. L. Feriozzi engages in all forms of commercial projects, including the construction of casinos, hotels, hospitals, parking garages, roadways and bridges. Andrew and his three younger brothers are the fourth generation of an exemplary family owned and operated business.
Ashley Frankel
Ashley Frankel is co-founder of Change Clothes Activewear, as well as a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. She proudly joined the ranks of the N.J. Association of Realtors’ Circle of Excellence award for high sales volume for the last two years. Frankel’s long-time dream to create a yoga-inspired clothing line launched this past November. The mission of Change Clothes is to deliver high-quality workout gear that inspires healthy living and promotes giving back through each sale to communities near and far. Since the launch of Change Clothes, along with blossoming community partnerships, they have had successful campaigns for charity such as Bright Light Yoga Project, Movember USA Foundation, Shirley Mae Fund and more. Frankel is currently in a 200-hour yoga teacher certification program at Grace and Glory Yoga. Through her passion for yoga, community and the charitable platform of Change Clothes, she is committed to empowering individuals to create change in their lives while standing in support for something bigger.
Greg Fuller
As vice president of commercial lending at Cape Bank, Greg Fuller manages a complex commercial loan portfolio and also handles new commercial loan requests for customers throughout southern New Jersey. Prior to joining Cape Bank, Fuller worked as an assistant vice president, portfolio manager at Sun National Bank. Fuller’s other experience includes finance positions with the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, Borgata Hotel Casino Spa and Tropicana Casino and Resort. Beyond his professional career, Fuller is active in his community and is currently an executive board member for the Metropolitan Business and Citizens Association (MBCA) in Atlantic City. Fuller also volunteers and participates in beach clean-up projects with Clean Ocean Action and The Surfrider Foundation. Additionally, he has a passion for mentoring and has taught business studies courses in financial accounting at Atlantic Cape Community College. Fuller received his M.B.A., magna cum laude, from the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and a B.A. in economics from Rutgers University. He resides in Brigantine with his wife Bonny and daughter Ella.
Leanne R. Gray
Leanne R. Gray, a certified financial planner, specializing in retirement, investment and estate planning, is a partner with The Eisele Gilbert Gray Wealth Management Group at UBS Financial Services in Northfield. Gray takes great pride in her work and feels very lucky to be part of some of the most exciting moments of her client’s lives, as she guides them into realizing their financial goals and dreams. Gray grew up in the area and is very dedicated to her community. She has coordinated many local fundraising events and has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the Somers Point Foundation for Education and the Historic Preservation Commission. She is currently a member of the Shore Medical Center Auxiliary, Shore Mothers Club and the Mainland Regional Board of Education. Gray is a graduate of Villanova University. She and her husband Bob reside in Linwood with their two young daughters.
Thomas Gribbin
Tom Gribbin serves as Deputy Mayor and Councilman for the town of Hammonton. At age 29 in 2009, he was one of the youngest people ever elected to Town Council. In this capacity, Gribbin has attracted several new businesses to Hammonton and was directly involved in the campaign to open Stockton College’s first-ever satellite campus there. He also created the town’s Tourism and Development Committee. Gribbin is a staunch advocate of Main Street Hammonton, the Hammonton Art District and for the revitalization of Uptown Hammonton. Additionally, Gribbin is a coach for the Hammonton Youth Soccer Association, serves on the board of directors for the Hammonton Swim Club and is an active parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Parish. Gribbin balances his community involvement with is full-time career as an attorney in Philadelphia and as a devoted husband to his wife Sarah,and doting father to his daughters Grace and Brynn.
Rachel Handler
Rachel Handler of Linwood is a motivational speaker, voice teacher, actor, singer and dancer whose favorite roles include Sylvie in “The Odd Couple,” Polly in “The Boy Friend,” Laurey in “Oklahoma!,” Eliza in “My Fair Lady” and Snow White. Handler’s breakout role in the feature film “Smothered” has lead to more film and TV work. As an actor with a disability, Handler works hard to advocate for inclusion in the arts. Twenty percent of the U.S. population lives with a disability, but less than two percent of the roles on TV feature characters with one. Her solo show “Inspiration Whore” has been praised for its exploration of the way today’s society views disability.
David Hayes, Jr.
David Hayes, Jr. of Ocean City is an art teacher at St. Joseph’s Regional School in Somers Point and the Ocean City Arts Center. He is also a professional dancer and Billy Idol impersonator, who performs at Boogie Nights at Tropicana Casino and Resort. Hayes holds a BFA degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art and has extensive experience teaching all ages. He has a special interest in helping the mentally disabled, facilitating art programs at residential homes in Washington, D.C., and Chicago. He also led art therapy programs with children and adults in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. As a volunteer for AmeriCorps in Baltimore, Hayes taught social justice to urban youth, coordinated city mural projects and managed community gardens for those in need. He volunteers with Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity and St. Damien’s Catholic Church in Ocean City.
Brendan Jerome
Brendan Jerome is a partner and co-founder of 11th Floor Creative Group, a creative marketing agency in Atlantic City. Since 2006, 11th Floor Creative Group has provided brand-centric marketing, graphic design, video production, event design and web design services to a diverse group of clients. Jerome has produced video content for clients ranging from healthcare to entertainment to numerous non-profits including AtlantiCare, Atlantic City Alliance, Caesars Atlantic City and The HERO Campaign. Jerome supports several local charitable organizations including the Metropolitan Business and Citizens Association, Schultz-Hill Foundation and Holy Spirit High School’s Spirit of Music program. Born and raised in Absecon, he graduated from Holy Spirit High School and earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, with a concentration in documentary film. Jerome now resides in Galloway with his wife Amanda and two boys Joshua and Liam.
Jessica Kowal
Jessica Kowal is the director of development and special projects at Stockton University, where she is responsible for building and implementing the principal and major gifts program. Since arriving at Stockton University in 2009, Kowal assisted with the completion of the University’s first-ever, record-breaking comprehensive fundraising campaign, which finished 25 percent beyond its goal at $25.3 million. Last spring, Kowal launched the inaugural Pappas Visiting Scholar Series which hosted retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O’Connor. Kowal also works closely with the University’s Foundation, assisting with the strategic planning process and implementation. Jessica received her B.A. from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and is currently working on her M.A. in Instructional Technology at Stockton University. When not working, she can be found spending time with her husband Danny and their two daughters, Sophia and Arianna. Her best advice came from her mother, “You can be anything you want to be if you just work hard.”
Matthew Levinson
The youngest person ever appointed to the Casino Control Commission, Matt is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency that licenses Atlantic City’s casinos and their key employees. He is also on the board of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and is a key player in the efforts to rebuild Atlantic City. A Villanova University graduate, Matt was born and raised in Atlantic County and has spent most of his professional career in Atlantic City working for casinos and as CFO for SOSH Architects. He is on the Atlantic County Partnership for Regional Development board as well as Main Street Atlantic City revitalization effort, and served as a member of Linwood City Council. Other organizations he has been involved with include AtlantiCare Young Professional Association, Atlantic City MBCA, Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, Tara Miller Melanoma Foundation, Leaders Alliance of Shore Memorial Hospital. He lives in Linwood with his wife and two children.
Nhi Luu
Nhi Luu is a kindergarten teacher at Sovereign Avenue School in Atlantic City. She was recognized by her peers and awarded the honor of Teacher of the Year in just her second year of teaching. Believing that “a child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark,” Luu established and has been the advisor of Sovereign Avenue School’s Asian Club for 11 years, the objective of which is to enrich, enlighten and educate students and the community on the customs and traditions that are unique to Asian culture. Luu graduated Summa Cum Laude from The Richard Stockton College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. A refugee from Vietnam, her parents instilled in her at a very young age to strive for the best and work hard in every opportunity that came to her both academically and socially. Her achievements are possible through the support of her beloved husband Tien and three beautiful children Nathan, Dylan and Vienna.
Mia Marsini
Inspired by her father, a local jeweler for over 30 years, Mia started MBrace Jewelry in 2013. She carries on the tradition of making customized meaningful jewelry, empowering people to embrace who they are and become the best version of themselves. A portion of every sale gives back the Embody Love Movement, which encourages young girls and women to embrace their inner beauty and empowers them to make a difference. Mia sells her jewelry at local events as well as online, in yoga studios, and in local retail stores. She is completing her 200-hour teacher training at Grace and Glory Yoga in April and just completed Level One training with Master teacher Baron Baptiste. She plans to teach yoga so that she can empower others to believe they have purpose and can make a difference in themselves and in their community. Mia graduated from Drexel University in 2012. She also takes on an imperative role in both of her family’s local businesses, Marsini Detailed Professional Cleaning and Marsini Jewelers, where she is the Director of Marketing and Operations.
Ed McAviney
Catering is the ideal profession for a true foodie such as Ed McAviney. Currently the banquet manager for Resorts Hotel and Casino, McAviney began in the banquet department in 2010 and has worked hard over the years to help solidify Resorts as one of the premier catering destinations in the city. While away from his desk, McAviney loves to travel to new cities seeking out the arts and unique culinary delights they have to offer. A notable event for McAviney in 2014 was his engagement to the beautiful Jamie Hoagland. Their wedding will be in New Orleans on Halloween 2015, which is also an exciting year professionally as Resorts is preparing to open a state-of-the-art conference center in June.
Jameka Moore
Jameka L. Moore was born and raised in Atlantic City and attended Delaware State University where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Psychology. Moore began working with AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in 2012 where she is presently employed as a case manager/behavioral screener – social services. She is responsible for screening patients along with helping them keep up on their essential needs of survival such as health insurance, shelter and doctor appointments. One of Moore’s greatest accomplishments is serving as a charter mentor and treasurer for Atlantic City Youth Exposure, a mentoring and enrichment program. The program received the 2014 “Perseverance Award” from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. Moore is currently a 2015 fellow with Lead Atlantic City Tomorrow leadership program and serves as a committee member for The Community Think Tank and as the secretary for an upcoming mentoring group for young ladies called “For My Sister.”
Roxanne Passarella
Roxanne Passarella is in-house counsel and chief operating officer of FantaSea Resorts Development Corporation, the largest privately owned and operated, non-gaming resort property in Atlantic County. Passarella has successfully steered her organization calmly and confidently through difficult economic times, protecting and creating many needed jobs for families. Passarella graduated from Stockton College, then went on to graduate from Widener University School of Law. Passarella is passionate about Pass It On, a non-profit whose mission is to help families living in motels along the Whitehorse Pike find and move into permanent homes. She lives by the motto on a unique bracelet she wears, to “do something kind for someone else every day,” a virtue she attributes to her long time mentor, Bruce Kaye. Passarella lives with her partner of many years, David, and their three young children, Emersyn, Dante and Rocco.
Tara Pyfrin
Tara Pyfrin grew up in the Ducktown area of Atlantic City. She is a literacy coordinator-reading specialist at Pineland Learning Center. Pyfrin is an adjunct English professor at Atlantic Cape Community College and a writer for South Jersey MOM Magazine. She graduated with honors at Rowan University and has a Master Degree in Educational Leadership and a Master Degree in Reading Education. Currently, Pyfrin is a Doctorate student researching Literacy Tiered-Learning in a Special Education setting. Pyfrin has served on the board of the Hammonton Mothers’ Club as Service Coordinator for the past six years and is also an active member of the Hammonton community, raising money for local parks and recreational facilities, as well as coaching soccer and baseball. Pyfrin resides in Hammonton with her husband Steven, two boys, Connor and Andrew, and her 16 year old dachshund Pawley.
Andre Richburg
Originally from Passaic County, Andre Richburg made the transition down to the “other state” two years ago when he landed the position of director of admissions and college recruitment at Atlantic Cape Community College. After only five months at the college, he was promoted to his current position, dean of enrollment management and college relations. Richburg’s career in enrollment management and admissions has spanned more than a decade, during which time he worked at Caldwell College, Monmouth University, Brookdale Community College and Centenary College. Richburg also proudly serves on the executive board of the New Jersey Association for College Admissions Counseling (NJACAC). He is currently serving in the role of president-elect for this organization that advocates for college access. When he is not donning a suit, Richburg is sporting sneakers, as he is an avid runner who has participated in 12 half marathons, a full marathon and countless 5K races.
Mariela Rivera
Mariela Rivera is a registered nurse working with the U.S. Surgeon General’s United States Public Health Service. Rivera grew up in Brigantine and graduated from Brigantine North Middle School and Holy Spirit High School. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Most recently, Rivera was accepted and enrolled into the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Capella University. Rivera is assigned to the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration Health Service Corps, which provides medical services to the worldwide immigration population, and has been deployed multiple times to support IHSC’s mission. In September, she was deployed to New Mexico assisting in the humanitarian border crisis. Rivera is also an outstanding runner, often placing in the Top 3 during competitive events. She was 3rd Place overall female in the Surgeon General’s Annual 5K, in Raleigh, N.C. in June 2014. For two years in a row, she placed 1st overall in Brigantine’s Run for the Animals. She has also been selected as one of the two medics for Police Unity Tour 2015 and will be providing medical care to all New Jersey police officers as they bike ride to the nation’s capital on behalf of fallen officers in May 2015.
Tara Anne Rothberg
Tara Anne Rothberg is the general manager of The Virginia Hotel in Cape May. Hired in May 2012 as restaurant manager, Rothberg was promoted to general manager of the hotel in 2014. Rothberg grew up in the hospitality field and has been able to transfer her skills in hospitality, marketing and communications to her current position. As general manager, she is responsible for daily hotel operations, cost saving measures, forecasts, revenue reports and budgeting. Rothberg earned an M.S. in strategic communications at Ithaca College and a B.S. in American History from the University of Pennsylvania. She is active in her community as member of the Washington Street Mall Merchants Committee, a volunteer at Manna and serves as a representative for Cape Resorts Group in the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May. Between a busy and fulfilling career, familial obligations and charitable endeavors, Rothberg also likes to collect etiquette books, go to spin class and spend time with her husband.
Richard Russell, Jr.
Richard Russell, Jr. is an assistant professor of English and the English department coordinator at Atlantic Cape Community College, where he teaches composition, literature and creative writing classes. In 2011, he helped to develop the accelerated learning program, which has greatly improved the success rates for developmental students. Russell advises the college’s award-winning literary magazine “Rewrites,” volunteers for the scholarship committee, organizes an annual writing colloquium and serves as a judge for the Tri-County Spelling Bee. He has presented his work at national conferences on education and has hosted workshops on zine-making for the Teen Arts Academy. He received a Faculty Pioneer Award, Teaching Excellence Award and Extra-Mile Award for his work. In addition, Russell is a member of the Great Bay Gallery of poets in Somers Point and the South Jersey Poets Collective.
Nicholas Russo III
Nicholas Russo III grew up in Atlantic City and learned the importance of family and his Italian heritage at an early age. He graduated from Holy Spirit High School where he participated in football and crew, then went on to graduate from the University of Delaware, earning his Bachelors in political science. He furthered his education and earned a Masters in Education from Georgian Court in 2006. Russo worked for the Atlantic City school system as a teacher before becoming a guidance counselor at Atlantic City High School in 2004 where he still currently works. Russo has also given back to the community through his work with multiple service organizations. He is the president of the Greater Atlantic City Chapter of UNICO, which provides scholarships to local high school students of Italian descent.He is married to his beautiful wife of two years Cheryl Wisniewski and lives in Mays Landing.
Stephen P. Santilli
Stephen Santilli is a lifelong Atlantic County resident who currently lives in Northfield. He has a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degree from the Richard Stockton College of NJ and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Wilmington College. Santilli began his career in Hammonton Public Schools, his home community, as a paraprofessional and later a teacher. In 2007, Santilli accepted a position as a vice principal at the William Davies Middle School. Four years later, Santilli became one of only three principals, or as he prefers to be called, Lead Learners, that the Davies Middle School has had in 25 years. Santilli still leads in this capacity today and continues to give back to his community. Santilli’s endeavors and accomplishments include 2007 Volunteer of the Year from the Hammonton Drug Alliance, Hamilton Township Education Foundation president, founder and co-organizer of Edcamp South Jersey and ParentCamp South Jersey and recipient of the 2014 Bammy Award for Middle School Principal, a national recognition from the Academy of Education Arts and Sciences.
Rachel Schoenstein
Rachel Schoenstein of Egg Harbor City, is the owner and creator of Fitness Mogul Group Exercise Pole Dancing Studio as well as ACpoleparties.com. Schoenstein was a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Berkeley College in Manhattan majoring in marketing then later receiving her teacher’s certificate in Health and Physical Education. At the age of 17, Schoenstein began her hospitality career as an assistant server at the Renault Winery Resort, quickly working her way up to restaurant manager by the age of 19. After five years and a Marketing degree, she felt her purpose in life was to teach children and adults how to lead active and healthy lifestyles. To pay her way through college, she worked different five jobs. Shortly after graduation, she followed her dreams and opened her own private fitness studio in Hammonton, which now employs 11 people and allows her to touch the lives of others on a daily basis through new and innovative workouts, free fitness workshops, speaking engagements in school systems and local businesses, health awareness fundraisers and much more. Schoenstein has been featured multiple times in the Wellness section of The Press of Atlantic City with her exercise tips. Against all odds, she brought a new empowering workout to Atlantic County, Fitness Pole Dancing, which shortly flourished into ACpoleparties.com in Hammonton which hosts up to 30 private pole and chair dancing parties a month. A second location closer to Atlantic City is predicted to be open for business in April 2015.
Kathryn Schroeder Coulibaly
Kathryn Schroeder Coulibaly is the associate director of public relations for the New Jersey Education Association. In 2014, she won an Emmy Award while serving as acting executive producer on Classroom Close-up, NJ, a television program co-produced by NJTV and NJEA that highlights great things happening in New Jersey’s public schools. Coulibaly holds a bachelor’s degree in Literature and a master’s degree in Public Communication from American University in Washington, D.C. From 1997 to 1999, she served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Coulibaly volunteers her time to educate children about other cultures and people as part of the Peace Corps’ Worldwise Schools Initiative. She is a published writer whose writing and photography has appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Glimpse magazine and various trade publications. Coulibaly is a native of Port Republic and a graduate of Absegami High School. She and her son William live in Mullica Township.
Jennifer Smith
Jennifer Smith has been a marketing specialist and community leader since 2000. Smith, who graduated from Montclair University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, started her professional career as a promotions coordinator for five South Jersey radio stations. Fifteen years later, she now holds the title of integrated sales manager at Townsquare Media Atlantic City. For the last 15 years, Smith has been an integral part of the Cat Country 107.3 St. Jude Radiothon that has raised more than $1.8 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Smith has spearheaded community radio promotions such as “Valentine’s For the Troops,” “Coats for Kids,” “Toys for Tots” and, just this past Thanksgiving, she led her group of five radio stations in a turkey dinner giveaway to 800 needy families in South Jersey during the “Feed A Family” campaign.Smith resides in Brigantine with her husband Chuck and two daughters, Lyla and Lahna.
Laurie Smith
Laurie Smith is the community initiatives coordinator for Atlantic Prevention Resources. She is in her 17th year with the agency and is the coordinator of Join Together Atlantic County, a substance abuse prevention coalition. She also facilitates many prevention programs throughout the county working with both youths and adults. Smith is a member of the Atlantic County Juvenile Officers Association, the Children’s Interagency Coordinating Council and sits on the community liaison boards for the Family Success Centers in both Egg Harbor Township and Galloway Township. Smith is also an advocacy leader for the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of New Jersey and has received Volunteer of the Year Awards from the Egg Harbor Township Municipal Alliance in 2002, 2007 and 2010, the Atlantic County Alliance in 2011 and was the recipient of the first ever W. Cary Edwards State Volunteer of the Year award given by the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.
Arley Sochocky
After earning a BFA in Interior Design from Syracuse University, Arley Sochocky returned to South Jersey and joined SOSH Architects’ interior design team. Sochocky was recently promoted to interior design studio manager. In this position, she combines her passion for design with effective project management skills to deliver the highest quality design services to clients ranging from international resort casinos to local educational facilities. Sochocky is also an integral part of SOSH’s internship and mentoring programming — providing guidance and support to aspiring young designers. When she is not honing her design skills, Sochocky enjoys training to become a certified yoga instructor through Grace Glory. She has used her training as a platform to give back to her community. Not only does she support many local non‐profit organizations, but she has also extended her services worldwide — most recently traveling to Africa to be of service to the youth of their impoverished communities through Africa Yoga Project.
Adam Sternberger
Adam Sternberger is the co-owner of White Horse Wine and Spirits. He was raised in Ocean City and attended Rutgers University on a soccer scholarship. After graduating with a degree in Marketing, Sternberger journeyed back to his hometown to work with his father in the family business. In 2013, White Horse Wine and Spirits expanded to include a gourmet market and kitchen, an educational classroom and an open store layout while adding donation-based wine tastings that benefit local charities. As the driving force behind the store’s transformation, Sternberger has given new meaning to the concept of a “traditional liquor store.” He aims to engage and educate the community through great food and drinks. As creator of WhiteHorseWine.com, Sternberger has also built an online marketplace that ships to 34 states nationwide. In September 2014, Adam married his longtime girlfriend and business partner, Elizabeth. The couple resides in Ocean City with their dog, Lola.
Amanda Thomas
At age 22, Amanda, an Ocean City resident, has created her own marketing company to continue what she enjoys most — helping others achieve success and reach their goals. She combines her love for marketing, advertising and design to assist clients in currently five states and growing. Her goal is to bring affordable marketing services to business both small and large. Many remember Amanda from her years as a reporter with Ocean City Patch and the Ocean City Sentinel. In 2011, Amanda founded the Betsy Young Memorial Fund, an organization that provides scholarships for local students with musical interest in memory of teacher Betsy Young. An Ocean City High School, Amanda is proud to be recognized as an active member of the local community.
Paul Tonacci
Paul Tonacci is managing partner of Atlantic City Bottle Company and The Iron Room, where he serves as the restaurant’s sommelier. He also is an American Wine Judge through the American Wine Society, a Certified Specialist of wine through The Society of Wine Educators and a wine writer for The Press of Atlantic City. He aggressively promotes New Jersey’s wineries in both his liquor store and restaurant. In Atlantic City, he’s being trained as a “fellow” in the LEADACT program, a collaboration between Stockton University and CRDA to develop the future leadership in the city. Lastly, Tonacci focuses much of his efforts to develop a wine community in Atlantic City, bringing together people that work in the business, are enthusiasts or collectors and local winemakers. He believes the future of Atlantic City is not only determined by the casinos, but also reflective of the health of local, small businesses.
Licelot Valerio
Licelot Valerio lives in Mays Landing with her husband Hector and daughter Lilianna. Born in Dominican Republic and raised in Atlantic City, she graduated from Atlantic City High School and went on to study at Atlantic Cape Community College, all while working to help her family and pay for her schooling. Having a passion for science from a young age and knowing that she wanted to be in a career where she could help others, she earned a B.S. in Biology at Stockton University and then a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Neumann University. Currently employed as a physical therapist at Tender Touch Rehab Services, Valerio enjoys having the opportunity to assist clients improve their mobility and quality of life. She also cherishes volunteering at church as a Sunday school teacher. Valerio hopes to be an example to others in the community, proving that dedication is all you need to succeed.
Ryane Watkins
Ryane Watkins, a native of Massachusetts, has lived in South Jersey for nearly seven years. A hospitality graduate from Johnson Wales University, she is currently a senior sales manager at the Stockton Seaview Resort, operated by Dolce Hotels Resorts. Watkins has found success in her role by consistently achieving sales goals to become one of the top sellers for Dolce. Additionally, Watkins is one of the youngest board members of the Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, having also served three years as the president of the A.C. Jaycees. She has volunteered her time at the local food bank, A.C. Marathon, Hurricane Sandy Relief efforts and has served as the volunteer coordinator for the Atlantic City Airshow for the past five years, working with approximately 200 volunteers. Having served as a judge and a member of the planning committee for the Top 40 Under 40 for four years, Watkins is truly humbled to accept this honor.
Christie Wiggins
Christie, a graduate of The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and a long -time resident of Atlantic County, began her banking career with Boardwalk Bank, an organization that merged with Cape Bank in 2008. She worked her way up, having started as a teller back in 2002 and holding various positions throughout the organizations before being promoted to her current positions as Vice President of Marketing in 2012. Not only is Christie the force behind the marketing initiatives at Cape Bank, she also supports many local charities and serves on many community fundraising committees including Gilda’s Club South Jersey’s Movers Shakers Difference Makers, and Masterpiece Advertising’s HOPE. Christie and her husband Bill are the parents of Kaitlyn, age 6, and Will, age 3.
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