Leadership
Rich Ambrosino
Executive Director
Rich Ambrosino brings a unique skill set and more than 25 years of communications, fundraising, advocacy and government affairs experience to Shore House.
Rich joined Shore House after serving as Managing Partner of 1868 Public Affairs, a Trenton-based government affairs consultancy, for 21 years. Prior to that he served as Governor Christine Todd Whitman’s Senior Deputy Director of Communications. He also serves as a Commissioner of Elections in Camden County, a post to which he was first appointed by former Governor Jon Corzine in 2006.
A graduate of Temple University with a degree in Journalism, Rich and his wife Mindy reside in Cherry Hill with their sons, Cory and Luke.
Bailey Taft
Program Director
Bailey Taft grew up in Fair Haven, New Jersey and has two younger siblings – Carter and Reilly. She received her bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Long Island University in Brookville, New York in 2017. In college, she interned with the Make a Wish Foundation of Metro and Western New York and the New York Islanders. She returned home to New Jersey and started volunteering for Shore House’s events and shortly became staff at Shore House in 2018. When Bailey is not at Shore House, she enjoys serving as the Delta Zeta state alumnae chair for New Jersey and the public relations alumnae advisor for the Pi Upsilon chapter of Delta Zeta at Long Island University. She also enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and taking walks with her mom and dog, Sawyer!
Board of Trustees
Peder Hagberg
President
Peder Hagberg is President of Shore House and is a Founding Board Member of the organization. Peder lives in Rumson, NJ with his wife Erika and three boys William (12), James (11), and Layton (7) and is an active participant in a number of Monmouth County based non-profit and professional organizations.
Peder currently serves on the Board of Directors of Monmouth Arts, whose mission is to connect art and community, and is a Founding Board Member of the Navesink and Shrewsbury River Fishing Club, a non-profit promoting sportsmanship, and conservation in the local angling community. Peder was formerly on the Board of Directors of Literacy Volunteers and served on the Corporate Advisory Board of Family & Children’s Service.
Peder has been in the publishing business for 20+ years and is the Co-Editor and Publisher of The Shareholder Service OPTIMIZER newsletter and magazine. Peder also serves as Inspector of Election at Shareholder Meetings for the CT Hagberg, LLC inspector team, which attends over 400 public company meetings annually.
From 2001-2015, Peder was Owner and Publisher of Currents Magazine, an award-winning lifestyle publication and full-service marketing agency based in Central New Jersey. In 2010, Currents Magazine received the Spinnaker Award for Community Service and Peder was the recipient of the prestigious NJBiz “40 Under 40” Award in 2008. He served as Chairman of EMACC (Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce) from 2008-2010 and was a Board Member for five years.
Peder graduated from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, VA.
Catharine Smith
Vice President
Cathy has been involved with Shore House since it’s inception, first as a member of the steering committee and upon the formation of the Board of Directors in 2010, then serving on the Executive Committee as Secretary. Cathy has a long history of volunteering starting as an auxiliary member of the Northern Westchester Hospital Center in Mt. Kisco, NY. She also volunteered as an educational assistant at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. Upon moving to Monmouth County in 2003, Cathy became a member of the Twin Lights Historical Society and presently serves as vice president. She received a BA in art history and has had a career in the field of interior design. Cathy presently lives in Sea Bright with her husband, Stephen and with him are the proud parents of three children and nine grandchildren.
Alexander Scott Baret
Treasurer
Scott Baret is a vice chairman of Deloitte LLP and the leader of Deloitte’s U.S. banking & capital markets practice, which provides a broad spectrum of services to each of the banks and capital market firms listed on the Fortune 500.
Baret leads the overall strategic direction of the sector as well as its go-to-market strategies and resources. Banking and capital markets represents the largest sector by both revenue and headcount at Deloitte, with more than 6,500 client-focused professionals. He was named to this role in June 2017.
Scott has more than 28 years of experience working with Deloitte’s largest U.S. and international banking and capital markets clients, including Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, Barclay’s, Credit Suisse, Credit Agricole, Morgan Stanley, Discover and AIG. Most recently, Scott has led a number of global projects related to the current financial environment in the areas of conduct risk, business operations, regulation, risk management and governance.
Before his current role, Scott formerly led Deloitte Risk and Financial Advisory’s U.S. banking and capital practice, as well as its global financial services industry practice covering all major sectors including insurance, investment management, banking & capital markets and real estate.
A frequent commentator, Baret has contributed to Deloitte’s reports on board governance, structured products and a series on the new financial marketplace following the financial crisis. He has also contributed to whitepapers from the Group of Thirty as well as the Institute of International Finance, covering such topics as conduct risk, risk culture, risk management and governance.
Scott is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of New York, and a member of the AICPA, the Risk Management Association, and the Professional Risk Manager’s International Association.
Baret earned a bachelor’s degree from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania and an MBA from Columbia Business School.
He is married and lives in New Jersey with his wife Maryann and their two boys, Maxwell and Alex.
Rowena Crawford-Phillips
Secretary
Rowena (‘Ro’) joined the board of Shore House in February 2018 to leverage her legal background and nonprofit experience in support of Shore House‘s mission. After completing a Masters in Non-Profit Management, Ro worked as Legal and Business Affairs Officer at Seeds of Peace, an internationally recognized conflict transformation organization. In July 2015, she helped found and became Chair of the Grants Committee at Impact 100 Jersey Coast, a grant-making collaborative which brings women together to award high-impact grants to local nonprofits. Ro hails from London, where she worked as an attorney before deciding to move to the U.S. and into the nonprofit world. She now lives in Navesink with her husband and two boys (Theo and Hugo).
Become a Member of the Shore House Board of Trustees
Shore House is seeking individuals who are passionate about mental health advocacy, are committed to our mission, and have expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Mental Health or Healthcare: Professionals with experience in mental health services, psychiatry, or healthcare administration are highly encouraged to apply.
- Finance and Fundraising: Experience in financial oversight or fundraising will help ensure our programs are sustainable and impactful.
- Community Engagement and Advocacy: Passion for engaging with diverse communities and advocating for change.
- Legal and Compliance: Expertise in non-profit governance, legal compliance, and organizational policy-making.
Interested individuals should submit a CV or resume to: Rich@ShoreClubhouse.org
Board Members
Maria Caputo
Board Member
Maria Caputo is serving at Monmouth Medical Center as the Director of Community & Government Relations. Through this role she leads outreach efforts on behalf of MMC to all municipalities in Monmouth County, as well as state legislators, county commissioners, boards of education and other community organizations.
Maria brings more than 20 years of government, campaign and political fundraising experience to her role at MMC. She has worked as an event coordinator and fundraising campaign consultant for non-profit organizations. Her experience includes serving as fundraising consultant for those seeking election to national, state and local office, and employment with the New Jersey governor’s office. Her fundraising experience includes a tenure as program manager of annual giving for the Central Park Conservancy in New York City.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She resides in Rumson with her sons Zachary & Jonah and has served as a mentor for Big Brothers / Big Sisters and has volunteered coordinating underwriting for the Boys & Girls Club of Monmouth County. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce and represents MMC on the Monmouth Ocean Development Council, Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce and the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Rahool Patel, Esq.
Board Member
Rahool Patel was elected to the Shore House board of trustees in May 2022. He is an attorney at Porzio Bromberg & Newman, a regional firm known for its commitment to non-profit and community organizations. Mr. Patel’s legal practice focuses on labor and employment law along with commercial and cannabis litigation.
He received his Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, in Political Science and Psychology from Rutgers University – New Brunswick in 2009 where he was a Presidential Scholar. Mr. Patel received his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2012. During law school, he interned for the Honorable Stuart J. Rabner, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Upon graduation, Mr. Patel clerked for the Honorable Travis L. Francis, the Assignment Judge of the Middlesex Vicinage of the Superior Court of New Jersey.
He is a lifelong New Jersey resident who currently lives in Edison, New Jersey. In his free time, Mr. Patel enjoys traveling internationally, taking domestic road trips, reading, cooking, hiking, photography, and binge-watching television shows on Netflix and Hulu.
Since 2021, Mr. Patel has been a member of the board of the Axelrod Performing Arts Center, one of New Jersey’s preeminent professional theaters and multidisciplinary art organizations. In 2019, he was appointed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey to a four-year term on the District VIII Ethics Committee, which is part of the state’s attorney disciplinary system. Finally, Mr. Patel is an attorney mentor for NJ LEEP, which provides law-related educational opportunities to first-generation and low-income students in the greater Newark area.
Katherine Tommaso, LCSW
Board Member
Katherine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Drug and Alcohol counselor who has worked in the field of psychology for close to fifteen years. Currently, she provides private psychotherapy to several facilities across New Jersey.
Katherine holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work from Monmouth University. She has clinical experience working with diverse populations. She believes that every human being has the potential to thrive despite whatever challenges they may face in life. In her career, Katherine has become a voice and advocate for many vulnerable populations. She has also assisted many through her specialty in “WRAP” training (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) and helps people maneuver through life’s difficulties using a Wellness and Strength based model.
As a true “Jersey Girl,” in her free time she enjoys going to the beach, relaxing in a boat on the Navesink River, spending time with her family, and working with pet therapy dogs.
Siobhan Gallagher
Board Member
Siobhan Gallagher is a mom, wife, fitness instructor at POE and Rumble Boxing, and founder of Monarch Wellness, LLC. She is a learner, reader, podcast enthusiast, music lover and health nut.
She graduated from Fordham University in 2001 and started a career in public relations and event planning working at Behrman Communications, Manning, Selvage & Lee, and CarryOn Communications. Notable clients included Trish McEvoy, Deborah Lippman, Procter & Gamble, Heineken, Philips Norelco, Samsonite, and Daily Candy.
Siobhan took a hiatus to raise her three children and in 2017 was certified as a spin instructor and started teaching at Clementine Cycling and AB Fitness. In 2019 she was certified in personal training and group fitness and started instructing at POE in Fair Haven. In 2022 she added boxing to her fitness resume and became a trainer at Rumble Boxing in Shrewsbury.
Fitness launched her path to overall health and wellness and she established Monarch Wellness in 2020 where she creates and manages individual and corporate wellness programs and leads wellness retreats.
Siobhan’s wellness path expanded into the area of mental health when her brother, Brian, tragically died in May of 2023. Brian silently suffered from mental health issues and addiction. Siobhan knows that her journey is to help raise awareness for mental health and its stigma, and to link arms with liked-minded individuals and organizations, like Shore House.
Dane Cuskley
Board Member
Dane Cuskley is a graduate of Rutgers University and works at OceanFirst Bank in financial services and community-focused banking. He is a lifelong New Jersey resident and currently resides in Red Bank, New Jersey. Dane joined the Shore House Board of Directors out of a strong belief in supporting adults living with mental illness and in the power of community-based recovery.
Dane believes in the Clubhouse model, which emphasizes dignity, belonging, and purpose through meaningful work and social connection. His commitment to the mission is informed by personal experience and a desire to help ensure long-term stability and thoughtful stewardship for the organization. He is proud to support a community that empowers individuals to actively participate in their own recovery.
Nestor Roldan
Board Member
Nestor is a commercial banking professional with OceanFirst Bank and a dedicated advocate for community-driven support systems. Nestor earned his Associate’s degree from Brookdale Community College, his Bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University and his Master’s degree from Monmouth University. With a career grounded in relationship banking, Nestor brings a thoughtful, people-first perspective to the Shore House Board of Directors. His work in commercial banking has given him a deep appreciation for the role that stability, opportunity, and connection play in helping individuals thrive…values that align closely with the Clubhouse model. Nestor is committed to strengthening Shore House’s mission of supporting adults living with mental illness through meaningful work, community, and belonging. He is proud to contribute his professional experience and passion for service to an organization making a tangible impact across Monmouth County.
Staff Members
Brendan Fennell
Employment & Clerical Unit Coordinator
Brendan comes from a diverse background in electric, plumbing, home repairs, and customer service. He then went back to school to follow his passion for mental health. He graduated from Rutgers, Summa Cum Laude with an Honors Degree in Psychological Research, and maintained a position on the Dean’s List throughout all 4 years of school, as well as being the recipient of many awards including Henry Rutgers Scholar Award, EOF Distinguished Scholar Award, and the Charles Kaden Memorial Prize for excellence in the field of psychology by a non-traditional student. Brendan was also inducted into the Matthew Leydt Society, an honor awarded to the top 1% of a respective graduating class. Upon graduating Brendan accepted a position at CPC Behavioral Health where he was a pioneer in the Health Navigator position for CCBHC programs. Brendan then went on to be instrumental in the development and implementation of an integrated systems of care program which was a collaboration between a regional behavioral health center, major health insurance provider, and prominent hospital group in the region. Both the CCBHC and ISC programs continue to thrive. Brendan transitioned to Shore House to have the opportunity to build stronger bonds and have a more personal and meaningful relationship with members of the community in which he is committed to serving.
Jackie Cisternino
Culinary & Wellness Unit Coordinator
Jackie joined Shore House as a Unit Coordinator in January 2026. With several years of experience in mental health and mental health advocacy, she most recently worked as a Generalist at Clubhouse Inspiration in Oxford, Michigan. At Clubhouse Inspiration, she supported both the culinary and business units, facilitated events, and designed the Clubhouse’s monthly newsletter.
She was also able to attend a week-long development training where she became well-versed in the Clubhouse Model. Her advocacy work includes yearly participation in the state of Michigan’s “Walk-a-Mile” rally at the state capital, speaking engagements through NAMI Metro Detroit and participation at anti-stigma fundraising events in the Detroit area. She also was the recipient of Clubhouse Inspiration’s auspice agency’s 2025 “Make a Difference” award.
Originally from Monmouth County, Jackie is thrilled to be back home working for New Jersey’s first and only accredited Clubhouse. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from James Madison University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Monmouth University.