At NJEDDA our mission is to advance the independence and to enrich the quality of life of individuals with disabilities by providing opportunities to challenge themselves to learn and grow emotionally and functionally in educational, therapeutic and vocational environments within an atmosphere of acceptance.
Program Leadership
Rachel Herrington, M. Ed.
Executive Director
Dolores W. Miles, B.S.
Business Manager
Denise Pena
Assistant Business Manager
Marianne Idenden, M.A.
Principal, Elementary School
Denise Cleary
Principal, High School
Mary Fischer, M.A.
Supervisor of Instruction
Martha Roman-Torres
Supervisor of Adult Services
Michelle Evans
Supervisor of Therapy Services
Established in 1947, The North Jersey Elks Developmental Disabilities Agency (NJEDDA) is a private non-profit organization operated by a volunteer Board of Trustees comprised of representatives from local Elks Lodges (Paterson, Fair Lawn, Pompton Lakes, Clifton, Passaic Valley, and Wayne) and other concerned citizens.
Board Officers
Guy Schweizer, Chairman
Diane Ackerman, First Vice Chairman
Anthony J. DeNova, Second Vice Chairman
Ernest P. Canali, Secretary
Anthony Fiorello, Treasurer
Board Members
John V. Galletta
Frank Tiernan
Ronald Subrizi
Nicholas Trentacoste
Richard Tabachuk
Marc-Allyn Gloriande
Gary Margiotta
Mary Anne O’Brien
Lisa Szegedi
John M. Szczomak, Financial Consultant
For nearly 150 years, Elks Lodges across the country have been striving to address unmet needs, and supporting their communities though programs that help children grow up healthy and safe, including those that offer services, medical care, research, education, and therapies. Today, there are more than 850,000 member and more than 2,000 Elk Lodges nationwide.
The New Jersey Elks have a long history of service to the community. Through their philanthropic work, they support our agency along with Elk’s Camp Moore, providing camp scholarships for children. We are proud to have the men and women of the Elks supporting our staff to help our students reach their fullest potential.