Serving Northern New Jersey Since 2014

Bonnie O'Brien, President & CEO

Bonnie is a tireless, passionate advocate for people who have been incarcerated and need help and guidance with reentering their communities.  She has been involved in re-entry since volunteering at the Bergen County Jail, teaching job readiness skills in the 1990s. She was the President and owner of Placement Professionals and two Norrell Staffing offices. She served three years as President of the New Jersey Staffing Association. For more than 20 years, Bonnie has been an instructor for the Society of Human Resources.  She founded Transition Professionals in 2014 as a 501(c)3 not for not-for-profit organization and has built a robust, client-driven organization of volunteers and college interns. Currently, she is a member of the Association of Re-Entry Professionals, Criminal Justice Specialists, and the New Jersey Advocacy Network. Bonnie has a BS in Business and a Paralegal Certification from Fairleigh Dickinson University, as well as numerous Human Resource industry certifications. In 2017, Bonnie was the recipient of the $50,000 Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award for “her passion to improve the lives of individuals transitioning from incarceration back into society”. In 2019, Bonnie was awarded the Celia Weisman Award from the Bergen County Human Services Advisor. 

Elvia Asencio, LMSW, Executive Director

Elvia is an NYU Master's Program graduate and a NJ licensed social worker. Helping others brings joy to her life, and advocating for the most vulnerable, invisible, and voiceless communities is her calling. Elvia is passionate about community service and advocacy. She has experience working with diverse populations, including older adults, minorities, formerly incarcerated individuals, and homeless individuals. Using a client-centered approach, she strives to offer clients the opportunity to explore their complex and unique stories in a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment while focusing on attainable goals. 

Tiffany Laterra, LMSW, HOPE Program, Case Manager

Tiffany is a graduate of the Ramapo College Advanced Standing Master's in Social Work Program, passionate about serving the underserved in urban and suburban communities.  Her commitment to serve and advocate for people who have been impacted by the criminal justice and carceral system, as well as those experiencing homelessness, is fueled by her belief in each person's deep value and unique story. She cares about mobilizing and encouraging individuals and communities using person-centered, evidence-based, and holistic approaches, and hopes to empower those she meets to thrive and walk in dignity.   

Emily Shinn, Core Program, Case Manager

Emily graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a master’s degree in forensic psychology. At FDU, she learned the importance of addressing individuals’ mental health concerns, especially within the forensic population. She recognizes the stigma that those who have been previously incarcerated face and is dedicated to creating an accepting and supportive environment for our clients. As a case manager, she is devoted to helping clients find their strengths, overcome challenges, and move toward a bright future. 

Danielle Satola, JOBS Program, Career Training Facilitator

Danielle earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Forensics from Montclair State University, driven by a strong interest in the connection between mental health and the criminal justice system. Danielle has worked with both adults and youth in community-based settings and is passionate about advocating for second chances and reducing barriers to opportunity. She brings a trauma-informed, client-centered approach to every interaction and believes that with the right support, structure, and respect, anyone can rebuild and move forward. She’s dedicated to meeting people where they are and creating real opportunities for growth and stability. Now serving as the Team Lead and Job Training Facilitator for the JOBS Program, Danielle helps connect justice-impacted individuals to specialized employment training, job placement, and long-term support.  

Letia Dash, LEAD program, Case Manager

Letia Dash is a United States Navy veteran and graduated from Rutgers University's School of Social Work. In her role as a case manager with NJ L.E.A.D., she assists individuals who have been released from a New Jersey state prison within the past seven years. Letia provides community-based reentry services, focusing on equipping formerly incarcerated individuals with the tools they need for success and goal attainment. Her dedication lies in empowering clients to achieve their goals and embark on a new, positive path for their future 

Shirley Vargas, JOBS Program, Case Manager

Tiana Hooks, LEAD Program, Case Manager