Madina is an ESL (English as a Second Language) Instructor for the JFS Refugee Integration & Support Effort (RISE) program. Madina helps our non-native English speaking clients to improve their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
Why JFS?
“I believe in the importance of community-based support and helping people successfully navigate life transitions. JFS’s mission and values align closely with my background and my desire to support individuals and families in a meaningful, practical way.”
What are your hobbies?
“I enjoy singing and music. I studied vocal performance during my school and university years and continue to sing as a creative outlet.”
Faiza is a Case Manager for the JFS Refugee Integration & Support Effort (RISE) program. Faiza holds a Bachelor degree in Public Policy and Women & Gender Studies from the University of Delaware.
During her time at the University of Delaware, Faiza served as a Sexual Health and Relationship Educator (SHARE) and a Support of Survivors (SOS) advocate, roles focused on promoting healthy relationship skills, consent education, and trauma-informed support. Faiza facilitated workshops, engaged peers in conversations about sexual wellness and interpersonal respect, and provided compassionate, confidential support to individuals impacted by sexual misconduct. Through this work, she helped foster a safer, more informed, and more supportive campus community.
Why JFS?
“I genuinely enjoy helping people in need and supporting them as they work to stabilize their lives. Being able to offer guidance, compassion, and practical support during challenging times is meaningful to me.”
What are your hobbies?
“Reading and swimming.”
Liliia is a Case Manager for the JFS Refugee Integration & Support Effort (RISE) program. Liliia graduated from the University of Turku University with a degree in Applied Sciences/Business Administration.
Prior to becoming a Case Manager at JFS, Liliia worked as a Sales Representative at Hertrich Nissan of Newark. Her time there strengthened her communication skills, taught her how to support people through big decisions, and helped her develop a client-centered approach that she now brings into her work at JFS.
Outside of her professional role, Liliia is a dedicated volunteer with UNWLA. She organizes community gatherings, fundraisers, and charity runs to support humanitarian initiatives for Ukraine—work that is deeply meaningful to her.
Why JFS?
“I wanted to be part of an organization that truly transforms people’s lives. JFS’s mission of supporting individuals and families through challenging transitions aligns deeply with my values. As someone who has gone through my own adjustment to life in the U.S., I understand how important it is to have someone who listens, guides, and genuinely cares. Working at JFS allows me to combine my personal experience with my passion for helping others feel supported, safe, and empowered as they build a new chapter in their lives.”
What are your hobbies?
“My favorite ways to spend my free time are reading books and discussing them with friends in my book club. I also love being outdoors, especially hiking and rock climbing. Organizing community events and supporting local initiatives for Ukraine is another meaningful part of my life.”
What is one fun fact about you?
“I once climbed a mountain with kids in tow, all the way to Everest Base Camp.”
Sonia is a Program Manager for the JFS Refugee Integration & Support Effort (RISE) program. Sonia graduated from Delaware State University with degrees in French and Political Science.
Sonia brings 19 years of case management experience to JFS, providing information dissemination and referral, intake and screening, needs assessment, and consensus development of family service plans.
Sonia has been married for 11 years and is a proud mother of five children – two sons and three daughters. Supporting her children’s growth and success is one of her proudest and greatest joys.
Why JFS?
“Originally from Haiti, I earned my degree from Delaware State University. As an immigrant myself, I love helping those that are in need and at JFS it makes me feel at home by working to help shape those that are in need, especially immigrants and refugees. I am very compassionate in my work and understand cultural differences. My personal journey has shaped my deep compassion for the people I serve and a commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change.”
What is one fun fact about you?
“I love working with languages. I am fluent in French and Haitian Creole, and have experience translating official documents.”
Megan is a Family Consultant in New Castle County for the JFS Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF) program. If a family is at-risk or in crisis, our Family Consultants work with them to identify support systems and develop action plans to reach their goals with confidence.
Megan graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a B.S in Biobehavioral Health, and will be starting a Master’s of Pubic Health in Community Health from West Chester University in January 2026. She is one of five siblings, with three younger sisters and one older brother.
Why JFS?
“I was excited by the mission and goals of JFS! I am passionate about working with under-resourced communities and helping bring equality to the world. I hope to learn and grow during my time at JFS.”
What are your hobbies?
“I love to bake and cook in my free time as a way to destress and be creative. Cupcakes are my specialty, but I love to bake anything, especially bread!”
What is one fun fact about you?
“I lived in Japan during my middle and high school years. I loved the freedom of living there, the beautiful sights, and the food of course! I miss living there everyday.”
Nan is a bilingual therapist in English and Spanish, with training in Mindfulness-based Meditation, Attachment-Based Family Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Unified Protocol for Children and Adolescents, EMDR, and Family-Based Therapy. Using her skills, she treats trauma-related symptoms caused by abuse, domestic violence, family distress, grief, and eating disorders. She also enjoys teaching about self-care and parenting skills.
Nan is a Nationally Certified Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health. She graduated from Wilmington University in 2011 with her Master of Science in Community Counseling. In 2011, she completed an internship at Community Hospital of Chester in Pennsylvania. There she treated adults with chronic psychiatric disorders. Outside of the therapy office, Nan participates in Christian retreats to minister to those suffering from post-abortion distress.
Nyesha has extensive experience in working with children and families, as her passion is aligned with community resources expansion and development. Nyesha attended Morgan State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and later received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. Nyesha is currently pursuing her License to become a LPCMH.
Nyesha comes with over 10 years of experience in the therapeutic field. Nyesha’s love for counseling developed from her interest in the preservation of self through Mindfulness, Positive Self-Talk and Verbal Affirmations. Much of her theoretical approach comes from CBT and MBCT.
Nik is an ESL instructor and Ukrainian Case Manager at JFS Delaware, where he supports Ukrainian refugees and migrants in developing practical skills for everyday life. Originally from Ukraine, he holds a degree in International Economics from an EU university and is TEFL/TESOL certified. Before joining JFS, Nikitas ran multi-state operations for Chocolate Moonshine Co. at stores and events across the U.S., and later worked in corporate sales. His teaching blends personal experience, business acumen, and a deep commitment to helping others integrate, grow, and thrive.
His hobbies include go-karting, paddle (a racket sport, a variant of tennis), and car tuning. One fun fact about Nik is that he has lived in four countries, been to 23, but somehow still manages to burn eggs if he looks away for 30 seconds.
“I used to be a client, back in 2022,” says Nik. “JFS gave me a chance to do meaningful work—serving refugees and immigrants like myself—while building a real career path in ESL that allows me to help others. I’m not just teaching English; I’m helping people land, adapt, and belong.”
Sharon is a Care Navigator in Sussex County for our Gilbert J. Sloan Care Navigation program. Sharon has a Master of Education and spent 40 years working as an Activity Therapist with populations of all ages.
Her hobbies include gardening, being in nature, yard sales, and helping others. Sharon is a proud mother and her daughter recently completed a Master’s degree in Social Work. She has a supportive husband who makes her laugh, and her mother just turned 101 years old and is very active in her VA post to promote women in the military.
One fun fact about her is that she danced for Princess Grace of Monaco at age 13.
Teana is a Billing and Credentialing Specialist for JFS Delaware. Teana attended Shippensburg University. In her free time, she loves to travel and spend quality time with her daughter and two sons. One fun fact about her is that she got married in Jamaica in 2023, and it was the most beautiful experience ever.