Our Staff
Program Director
Kelsey Devery, LCSW
Ms. Kelsey is the Program Director, and newest addition to the YES Program team. Ms. Kelsey graduated from American University in Washington, DC with a BA in Psychology and minor in Public Health. She then went on to earn a Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University in 2016.
Ms. Kelsey always knew from a young age that she wanted to work with children or adolescents, providing much-needed support as they navigate the challenges of life. During her graduate career, Ms. Kelsey had the opportunity to work as an MSW Intern in the SBYSP at Henry Snyder High School in Jersey City, NJ. This experience confirmed her love for working with young people, particularly high school students, and being able to provide mental health and emotional support in school while also assisting with academic success, identity development, building healthy relationships, and pursuing future goals.
Ms. Kelsey is passionate about working with adolescents and helping them overcome life’s challenges to become the best version of themselves. She recognizes that young people are in a unique, formative stage of their lives in which they are exploring their identities and establishing their individual perspective about how they relate to the world. Ms. Kelsey believes that all individuals are capable of change, development, and resilience regardless of the adversity, trauma, or stressors they may have faced in their lives. Ms. Kelsey is excited to begin working with the students of Jefferson Arts Academy and looks forward to being part of the amazing growth they will achieve with the support of the YES Program.
Clinician
Kristine Galan, MSW
Ms. Kristine started her education at Middlesex Community College and received an Associates degree in Psychology. She then went on to pursue her Bachelors in Families and Child Studies with a minor in Social Work from Montclair State University. She recognized the positive impact social workers can have on all types of populations. She decided to continue her education and earned a Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University in May 2020. Ms. Kristine was like many adolescents who struggled to find her purpose and come up with a plan. With the help of college counselors and support from teachers along the way she was able to navigate one of the many big decisions a young adult will make.
During her graduate career, Ms. Kristine began working with adolescents and had the opportunity to work as an Intern for the School-Based Youth Services Program at Plainfield Highschool, NJ. During her internship she found her passion for working with adolescents that were struggling with academic success, building healthy relationships, mental health challenges, and finding positive ways to cope. Ms. Kristine discovered that when students were provided with a space/someone to discuss difficult thoughts or emotions, and learned positive ways to manage these emotions, they could handle anything that may come their way.
Ms. Kristine is aware that the impact of having a support system during high school can have positive outcomes and help students achieve their goals. Ms. Kristine is dedicated to providing students with a nonjudgmental, safe space for students to speak openly on challenges they are facing. Ms. Kristine looks forward to continuing to help students grow academically and emotionally at the YES Program.
Youth Development Specialist
Marlene Cruz, LAC
Ms. Marlene is a proud alumni of Elizabeth High School! After graduating, Ms. Marlene attended the College of Saint Elizabeth in Morristown, NJ for two years where she earned her BA in Psychology and later graduated with an MA in Counseling from Kean University. When Ms. Marlene first graduated from Elizabeth High School she wasn’t sure what career she wanted to pursue, and it wasn’t until working at Trinitas Regional Medical Center on the Adult Outpatient Psychiatric Unit that she became interested in working in the helping profession of mental health. While completing her undergraduate and graduate degrees, Ms. Marlene began to work with youth and adolescents as a Behavioral Assistant, helping youth improve emotion regulation using various strategies.
Ms. Marlene joined the YES program in 2017 and says, “I love working at the YES Program because it allows me to play a role in improving the lives of students.” As Youth Development Specialist, Ms. Marlene collaborates with the YES Program team to try to meet the needs of all students in a variety of ways: individually, facilitating groups, hosting college or career events, bringing in speakers, offering employment search and readiness support, and assisting with community service opportunities. Ms. Marlene believes that given the right support and a student’s willingness to grow, all students can exceed their own limitations and expectations.
Social Work Assistant
Ralph Lovelace
Mr. Ralph studied Psychology at Montclair State University, and is interested in continuing his education further towards a Masters degree in Social Work. While he was at Montclair, he discovered his passion for helping people overcome their life difficulties and providing support to those in need. He loves being able to help individuals see their potential, better themselves, and grow as people. This is the kind of attitude he wants to incorporate into his time here with the students of TJAA. He is very excited to use what he learned to create and maintain a safe community in which we can all grow healthily, together.