Karen “Renna” Van Oot is a dynamic and versatile professional with over 30 years of experience in the development, growth and leadership of government, non for profit and business organizations. She has expertise in nonprofit management with emphasis on strategic planning and organizational restructuring and is knowledgeable in a breadth of nonprofit related issues. She brings a talent for building and maintaining strong business and community relationships.
Renna graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Psychology, and went on to Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research for both a Master of Social Service and a Master of Law and Social Policy. Later in her career, she attended Widener Law School (now Delaware Law School) and obtained her Juris Doctor. Renna has served on numerous boards, and currently is on the board of YWCA Delaware.
Renna is passionate about serving the community through nonprofit mission-based work. She also enjoys traveling, music, and learning about other cultures. Renna grew up and worked predominantly in northern Delaware and the metropolitan Philadelphia region, and now resides in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Janet is the Executive Director of Cancer Care Connection, an affiliate of JFS Delaware. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of oncology experience. Prior to joining Cancer Care Connection, Janet attended Bryn Mawr’s Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. She attended graduate school as part of her transition from a corporate career at Fortune 100 companies; her experience during the early years of her career provided background in finance, sales, administration and customer service – all of which serves her well in her current position. Janet joined Cancer Care Connection in 2000 and was involved every step of the way in bringing the newly formed organization to life.
Janet is passionate about inspiring and motivating others to achieve their best possible outcome, particularly as it relates to their health and wellbeing. Her work is informed through her study of mind body medicine, behavior change models and neuroscience. She has presented at national conferences, provided self-care trainings for health care professionals and corporate and nonprofit employees, and individually coached many colleagues in her role as Executive Director.
Janet loves working and playing! In her spare time, she enjoys training and performing in ballroom dancing, working with a personal trainer, traveling (especially to France), cooking healthy and sometimes decadent meals, reading fiction and nonfiction, watching addictive series on Netflix and Amazon Prime, having FUN and especially spending time with her family and friends.
Cancer Care Connection is an affiliate of JFS Delaware.
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Lisa Brooks is the Chief Financial Officer for JFS Delaware. She is responsible for financial reporting and presentation, budget preparation, grant monitoring, and recurring accounting responsibilities.
Lisa has over 25 years of experience in accounting and finance, most of which is in the financial services industry. She has a BS in Accounting and an MBA both from the University of Delaware. She’s also a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, and Certified in Financial Management.
In her free time, Lisa enjoys dabbling in the hair care industry and staying on top of the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and Star Wars projects with her son.
Jill Taylor is the Chief Operations Officer for JFS Delaware, overseeing the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the Agency. Jill works closely with JFS’ leadership to design operations strategies and implement company policies and procedures; she is also responsible for all areas of agency administration including human resources management, payroll and bookkeeping, company benefits, and workflow management.
Jill is a graduate from the University of Delaware with a bachelor’s degree in human resources. Prior to joining JFS in 2017, Jill spent a good portion of her career in the public sector working with Accounting firms as the Firm Administrator.
In her free time, Jill enjoys playing as much golf as she can and spending time with her husband, two children and two stepchildren.
Sophie Marie Namugenyi is the Chief Program Officer for JFS Delaware, in charge of therapeutic clinical services and case management programs; Sophie works closely with JFS’ leadership to develop strategies for the staff and the programs/services provided to meet the evolving needs of the community. Sophie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and is passionate about cognitive and behavioral therapy impacts on families/individuals who have experienced trauma, are going through transitions, or managing crisis & emergency situations.
Sophie earned her Masters of Social Work from the University of Maryland with an undergraduate degree in Community Health from the University of Florida. She has spent over 12 years in the nonprofit sector—6 of which have been spent with JFS—and is currently enrolled in a doctoral program focusing on leadership in social administration. A passionate and organized leader, Sophie also serves as the Chair of JFS’ Diversity & Inclusion Committee, fostering a culture of ethical awareness and dedication to continuous improvement among the staff.
Sophie is a mother of 4 black boys (2 step-sons and 2 biological sons). She is originally from Uganda, East Africa, grew up in Gainesville, Florida, and is now a proud Delawarean.