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Privacy policy

This is Website is owned by New Jersey Children’s Alliance.

PRIVACY POLICY:
At njcainc.org (the “Website” or the “Site”) we, the New Jersey Children’s Alliance (“we,” “us,” “our” or “NJCA”) take your privacy very seriously. This privacy policy (“Privacy Policy”) explains how we intend to use any information you provide to us through the Website. By using and/or accessing the Website, you acknowledge your consent to our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to the collection, use and sharing of your information as set forth in this Privacy Policy you are not authorized to access and/or use this site. We reserve the right, at our discretion, to change, modify, add, or remove portions from this Privacy Policy at any time. However, if at any time in the future we plan to use personally identifiable information in a way that materially differs from this Privacy Policy, including sharing such information with more third parties, we will post such changes here and provide you the opportunity to opt out of such differing uses. Your continued use of the Website following the posting of any changes to this Privacy Policy means you accept such changes.

Disclosure of the information requested on this Website is voluntary, although declining to provide information may prevent users from accessing certain areas of the Website or sharing content via email.

NON-PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION:
For management of the Website, certain non-personally identifiable information (“Non-Personally Identifiable Data”) is collected by us, through the standard operation of our Web servers and through use of “cookies” (described more fully below), for statistical purposes, including, without limitation, for market research activities. This Website uses software programs to create aggregated, anonymous statistics, which are used for such purposes as assessing what information is of most and least interest to the Website visitors, determining optimal technical design specifications, and identifying system performance or problem areas so that we can work on improving such areas of the Website. We also use Non-Personally Identifiable Data collected by us to improve and enhance our users’ experience on the Website. For example, we may share Non-Personally Identifiable Data with unaffiliated third parties, such as business partners, manufacturers, distributors and retailers, in an aggregate, anonymous form, which means that the shared information will not contain nor be linked to any user’s personally identifiable information.

For Website security purposes and to ensure that this Website remains available to all users, this Website employs software programs to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change user information, or otherwise cause damage.

When you visit a page on the Website, the internet browser on your computer may download and save a small file from the Website (commonly called a “cookie”). We employ what are known as “multi-session cookies,” for the purpose of generating aggregated statistics about how the Website is used, and to optimize website functionality and user experience. Users can choose not to accept the use of these cookies by changing the settings on their local computer’s web browser. Most browsers are initially set up to accept cookies. If you prefer, you can set your browser to refuse cookies.

The USA.gov website, http://www.usa.gov/optout_instructions.shtml, provides general instructions on how to opt out of cookies and other commonly used Web measurement and customization technologies. Opting out of cookies still permits users to access comparable information and services; however, you may not be able to take full advantage of the Website if you do so. Additionally, it may take longer to navigate or interact with the website if a user is required to fill out certain information repeatedly.

PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION:
Participation in the Website features is totally voluntary. You are under no obligation to provide any information and/or personal data to njcainc.org. However, in order to utilize some of the services or features, you may be asked to provide certain personally identifiable information (“PII”) about yourself. PII can include, without limitation, your name, address, email address, phone number and Tax ID. Your PII will never be publicly viewable on the Website.

In addition, for registered users of the Website, we may store information from your account and your activity on the Website in order to customize or personalize your experience on the Website. Previously stored information will only be used to customize your experience when you use the Website after logging into your account, and the information will not be available to other users.

We do not share any PII you submit through the Website with any third party other than our agents and contractors, unless it is necessary to respond to your inquiry, or to comply with applicable law. Agents and contractors who have access to PII are required to protect this information in a manner that is consistent with this Privacy Policy by not using the information for any purpose other than to carry out the services they are performing for the New Jersey Children’s Alliance. We will never sell your PII to any third party not affiliated with us without your prior written consent.

SECURITY:
The security of your PII is very important to us. When we collect your PII, we use reasonable efforts to protect it from unauthorized access. However, due to the inherent open nature of the Internet, we cannot guarantee that your PII will be completely free from unauthorized access by third parties such as hackers, and your use of the Website demonstrates your assumption of this risk.

We expressly disclaim any liability, and you expressly release us and the New Jersey Children’s Alliance from any claim relating to access through shared networks or workstations.

YOUR DISCLOSURES ON THIRD PARTY SITES:
You should be aware that PII or any other information which you voluntarily include and transmit online to third party websites (including but not limited to blogs and social media sites) may be viewed and used by others without any restrictions. We are unable to control such uses of your PII or other information, and by using such services you assume the risk that the PII or any other information provided by you may be viewed and used by third parties for any purposes. Therefore, you are cautioned not to offer any information of a personal or of a sensitive nature.

PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN:
This Website is not intended for, and we have no intention of collecting PII from anyone who is not at least 18 years old. If a child who is not at least 18 years old has provided us with PII, that child’s parent or legal guardian should contact us at New Jersey Children’s Alliance, if the parent or legal guardian would like the information submitted by the child deleted from our database that contains information submitted by users of the Website. If we are so contacted or if we otherwise become aware that personally identifiable information from a child who is not at least 18 years old has been collected without such child’s parent or guardian’s consent, we will use all reasonable efforts to delete such information from our database.

UNSUBSCRIBE:
If you no longer wish to be contacted by us, you may unsubscribe by following the instructions contained at the bottom of any email communication you receive from us or clicking the following link www.njcainc.org/unsubscribe. Please note that there might be a brief delay between when you submit your request to unsubscribe and when it is processed and reflected in our systems; accordingly, you might continue to receive communications from us for a limited time after you send your unsubscribe request.

THIRD PARTY LINKS:
This Website may contain links to third party websites. Generally, this Website will only link to other related sites, or to social media profiles maintained by the New Jersey Children’s Alliance on various social networking sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of those websites. We encourage you to be aware when you access any such third party links and to read the privacy policies of each website that you access. This Privacy Policy only applies to information collected by us from this Website.

WEBSITE TERMS OF SERVICE:
Use of this Website is governed by, and subject to, the Terms of Service contained at www.njcainc.org/terms-of-use. This Privacy Policy is incorporated into such terms. Your use, or access, of the Website constitutes your agreement to be bound by these provisions. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS OF SERVICE YOU MAY NOT ACCESS OR OTHERWISE USE THE WEBSITE.

CONTACT US:
If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy and/or the practices described herein, please email us at NewJerseyCA@Verizon.net or write us at New Jersey Children’s Alliance, 185 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102.

GOVERNING LAW:
This Privacy Policy and our legal obligations hereunder are subject to the laws of the United States of America regardless of the location of any user. You hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of and venue in the federal courts located in the Commonwealth of New Jersey, United States of America in all disputes arising out of or relating to the Website.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
This Privacy Policy was last updated on April 1, 2016.

Valeria Vila, Ph.D.

PSB Program Data Specialist

Valeria is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and communicating about data related to the PSB program.
A trained social scientist, Valeria received her PhD in Social Psychology from Rutgers University, and she is passionate about using data to drive positive change. During her free time, Valeria likes to watch sports, read, cuddle with her dogs, and spend time with her partner and family.

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Jack’s Story

Jack was eight years old when he was sexually abused by his aunt for a year. His mother reached out to Ginnie’s House, the Sussex County Child Advocacy Center, in search of support for Jack, and it was found that the family as a whole needed services all around as each member was individually impacted by the sexual abuse and disclosure.

Ginnie’s House was not only able to provide Jack with therapeutic services, but Jack’s sister was able to process her feelings with a therapist as well. Jack’s parents received family advocacy services, where they were educated on the impact of trauma and how they can best continue to support Jack during this time. With a lot of strength and resilience, Jack completed TF-CBT (trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy) with his clinician and confidently read his trauma narrative, thus taking ownership over his own story.  

As services were ending Jack’s mother asked how he felt and he told her, “I’m really ok now! I know what happened was her mistake, and that it wasn’t my fault.” Jack’s parents have learned how to remain patient and work with Jack throughout his therapeutic treatment and they “graduated” services being able to support Jack’s healing now and in the future.

Rhea’s Story

“At first I was extremely terrified because I was in the car with my abuser when he had found out that we were being summoned to Union County CAC. But at that point, unbeknownst to me, I was ready to share something because I was tired of the façade. Sofia, the detective in my case, felt like an auntie I had not met yet and I was able to speak to her about something that I hadn’t said aloud ever.

It was a long time between when I disclosed the abuse and when my abuser was convicted in a trial and sentenced. The team members checked in with me and when I was fully ready to speak, they were able to help me find my voice in the sea of cacophony that surrounded my trial process.           

After the conviction, I was going through a rollercoaster of feelings: for the first time, I was going to free of something that had become a part of my identity for so long. I don’t remember much of what I said on the witness stand but I know that I spoke from the depths of my heart without reason and rationale, just strict emotions. I remember telling my mom that I was raped for five years, proved it for four years, and I wanted to live and, in all honesty, that is what I wanted most. I wanted to be a teenager. I wanted to understand life and not feel my life in relation to pain and sorrow. I was and still am committing to becoming my best self despite what I have gone through. That trial was my rebirth and my catalyst for change.

I want to tell my multidisciplinary team ‘Thank you!’ I don’t know where I would be if you all weren’t in my life. I remember taking that leap of faith that I would write my story in my classroom journal and in my mind, that was my release—nothing more, nothing less. You all showed me the true power in words and actions; I became an educator because of what you guys showed me through the four years. I am committed to changing lives from what you all did for me!”

Brenda’s Story

“I remember walking to Deirdre’s House, the Child Advocacy Center, and it was what I imagine is like what your grandma’s house feels like. There’s books, and it’s cozy, and it’s comfortable, and for sure safe.”

In the moment I disclosed my abuse, I felt like I had a rope to climb out of the deep well of water. Once I started sharing my story, I realized it was very empowering to take control – knowing that the story is mine to tell. It’s my warrior story.

Having my family far away most of the time, and not really telling the specifics of my story to them because I didn’t grow up being close to them, led me to lean on the prosecutor team and investigators for support. I see them now maybe once every couple of years, but they are near and dear to me and I feel like they are my family, and they made me feel like I was their family. Usually I would drive from Delaware to NJ for the proceedings and my family couldn’t be there, but the team was there for me. The investigator and one of the interns was there for me during the verdict, holding my hand. They helped me keep my head up; they were my grounding force. Every time I came in, it was like reuniting with friends. They asked me how I was, how school was, how my daughter was. They treated me like a friend – person-to-person – there was no elephant in the room. Whether it’s a family member, a friend, or a professional in the field, the best thing they can do for a survivor is help them feel like a person again. I didn’t need the hugs or the sympathy, I just needed a reason to smile, and they did that for me.

Everybody tells you it’s not your fault, and of course that’s true, but beyond that, it’s not even personal. There are sick and evil people out there, and they don’t do things to you because you’re you, they do things because they’re them. Even though I learned that people can do extreme harm, I came across this family of truly beautiful people who go out of their way to protect those like me.”

Sara Miao, M.B.A.
Program Coordinator, Finding Words/Child First
Sara has been coordinating the logistics of the Finding Words/Child First forensic interviewing protocol training program in NJ since 2022. Prior to joining NJCA, Sara worked for over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry.
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Claire Henderson

Director of Finance & Operations

Claire graduated with a B.S. in Finance from Lehigh University. Prior to joining NJCA, she worked as an AVP in the Equity Prop Trading department at Deustche Bank. During the 13 years she was away from the working world to raise her three children, she has volunteered at numerous charity organizations. During her free time she likes to travel, read, and spend many days at her kids’ sporting and theatre events.
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Victoria Rutigliano

Finance and Operations Associate

Victoria assists in tracking and documenting NJCA’s grants and other financial operations. She holds a B.S.W. from Monmouth University, and has previously worked in the child welfare field in Denver, CO, as well as served in the role of Training and Outreach Coordinator with NJCA. 
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Maria Isabella Pontoriero (MIP), M.S.W, L.S.W.

PSB Program Manager

Maria Isabella Pontoriero (“MIP”) is a licensed social worker and forensic interviewer. MIP is Founder and Consultant for Enhanced Choice Training & Consulting LLC, which provides specialized training and case consultation to individuals and agencies who serve victims of crime and exploitation. She also provides training and peer review feedback as a contract Consultant for Modell Consulting Group LLC and faculty member for RADAR Child Forensic Interview Models. MIP previously served as Lead Social Worker for the New Orleans Children’s Advocacy Center & Audrey Hepburn CARE Center at Children’s Hospital New Orleans. There, she supervised the forensic interviewing staff and led a child trafficking survivor services and proactive recovery planning team called BRAVE (Building Resilience for All Victims of Exploitation). In addition, MIP develops and delivers in-service and New Recruits child abuse curricula for the New Orleans Police Department Training Academy. In her spare time, MIP loves to bake, read, and celebrate Mardi Gras!
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Joanna (Joey) Lucas

Communications & Outreach Manager

Joey graduated from Rider University in 2018 with a degree in Elementary Education & Psychology. Joey spent over five years developing and implementing special education curriculums in K-12 public schools before deciding to pursue her passion for community outreach and development outside of the classroom. She has always enjoyed volunteering and working with nonprofit organizations to support children and families in need, and is thrilled to have the opportunity to do so in her role at NJCA! In her free time, Joey enjoys reading, travelling, and hosting dinner parties for her friends and family.

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Olga Aramini, M.S.W., M.B.A., L.S.W.
Director of Communications and Outreach
Olga joined NJCA in 2018, and currently serves as Director of Communications, focusing on raising awareness and support for Child Advocacy Centers and NJCA, as well as educating communities about child abuse prevention, recognition and reporting. She holds an MSW from Rutgers University along with a Certificate in Interpersonal Violence and Trauma, as well as an MBA with a concentration in Organizational Development from George Washington University. She is also a mental health clinician, providing treatment to children and families through the Children’s System of Care. Outside of work, Olga enjoys spending time with her husband, three sons and floppy-eared hound dog, as well as art, photography, travel, and audiobooks.
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