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
Marianne Idenden, M.A.
Principal, Elementary School
Mary Fischer, M.A.
Supervisor of Instruction High School
Amy Hammond, M.A.
Principal, High School
Martha Roman-Torres
Supervisor of Adult 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.
NJEDDA’s Board July 2023 – Not pictured – Lisa Szegedi, John M. Szczomak
Board Officers
Nicholas Trentacoste, Chairman
Ronald Subrizi, First Vice Chairman
Ernest P. Canali, Secretary
Anthony Fiorello, Treasurer
Board Members
John V. Galletta
Richard Tabachuk
Marc-Allyn Gloriande
Gary Margiotta
Mary Anne O’Brien
Lisa Szegedi
Frank Tiernan
Guy Schweizer
Keith Oakley
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.