MEET THE TEAM
The Faces of Our Organization
MELISSA ABEL
Executive Director
Melissa has been with the Center since 2001. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree from University at Buffalo in Health and Human Services where she majored in Geriatrics. Melissa serves on the Live Well Erie Committee, Amherst Central Park Task Force, Amherst Community Diversity Commission, Northwest Amherst Community Center Advisory Board, Amherst Generations Foundation (Ex-Officio), and is the Resource Person for the Center's Advisory Board. She enjoys travelling, reading, gardening and volunteering.
JODI KWARTA, MSW
Director of Volunteer Services
Jodi has been with the Center since 2008. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Communication and holds a Masters of Social Work Degree from the University at Buffalo (UB). Jodi is also an adjunct instructor in the field of social work at UB. She enjoys antiquing, decorating and spending time with her dogs and cat.
TAMMY JACOBS
Program Coordinator
Tammy has been with the Center since 2000. The first sixteen years of that she was the Volunteer Coordinator for Amherst Meals on Wheels. Tammy received a Bachelor or Arts Degree in Human Services from the University at Buffalo. She enjoys reading a good mystery, spending time with her family and visiting new places.
KAREN LISIECKI, LMSW, CDP
Project Coordinator Senior Outreach
Karen has been with the Center for over 12 years. Prior to that she was a Case Manager for Erie County Senior Services. She has her master's-level license to practice as a nonclinical social worker. Karen also holds a Certified Dementia Practitioner certification. Shen enjoys taking care of her rescue dogs and gardening.
CHRISTINA YENSAN
Public Relations Coordinator
Christina has been with the Center since 2018. Prior to coming to the Center she worked for the Canisius College Center for Professional Development. She has a Master's Degree in Adult Education and a a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from SUNY Brockport. She enjoys spending time in the Adirondacks, boating, watching a good thriller and reading.
CINDY WEISS
Class Coordinator
Cindy has been with the Center for close to five years. Not only does she coordinate all of the classes offered at the Center, she is a Pickleball Instructor. Prior to this she worked for Amherst Meals on Wheels for ten years. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Parks and Recreational Management from Medaille University. Cindy enjoys playing Pickleball and has competed successfully in numerous tournaments. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
VIJAYA TOMAR, MSW
Social Caseworker
Vijaya has been with the Center for over seven years. She has a Master’s Degree in Psychology and a Master of Social Work Degree from University at Buffalo. She also is certified in Case Management from Boston University. Outside of work she likes to participate in social and cultural activities. She practices yoga and meditation daily. She enjoys nature and loves to walk, ride her bike and explore the wonderful nature in the Western New York area with her family and friends.
JOHN JONES
Social Caseworker
John is the Center’s most recent hire, beginning in July 2022. Prior to his position here, he has worked in care coordination, crisis services, suicide prevention and as a child care specialist. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Sciences from University at Buffalo where his class concentration was in Community Mental Health. John is an avid outdoorsman. He enjoys hiking, backpacking, kayaking, fishing and hunting. Most of all-he also relishes his time with his grandchildren.
JENNIFER LAZARZ
Program Leader
Jennifer has worked at the Center for over 21 years! She is famous for her Cooking with Jen program and Pizza and Game Night. Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, especially her two daughters. She is active in her daughters’ school and cheer programs at Williamsville Junior Football and Core Cheer.
PAMELA MACADLO
Case Manager, Senior Outreach
Pamela has been with the Center for over eight years now. Prior to joining the Center, she worked for almost a decade in the Community Development Office for the Town of Amherst. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community and Human Services and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Outside of work, Pamela enjoys spending time with her family and rescue dog Annie.
BARBARA WHITE
Recreational Leader, Volunteer Department
Barbara has worked at the Center for 13 years. She is also a volunteer at the North Bailey Fire Company Auxiliary. Before she joined us at the Center, she was employed in the early childhood development field. Barbara has an educational background in Art, Secretarial Studies and Childhood Development. She enjoys being with her family-especially her four grandchildren.
GREG POTTER
Program Leader
Greg has just began his career at the Center. Prior to joining the Center, he worked at the Town of Amherst Youth and Recreation Department for 15 years (where he is still active) and also taught at Smallwood Elementary School. Greg graduated from the University of Buffalo where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English. He enjoys sports, music, and anything outside.
ANGELO LORENZO
Program Leader
Angelo joined us in September 22. Prior to that, he worked at the Town of Amherst Youth and Recreation Department where he is still active. Angelo has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Canisius College. He is also a NASM Certified Trainer and USPTA Tennis Certified. When he's not at the Center or at one of the several Town locations, he enjoys classic movies, playing sports and spending time with his family.