CHIP CORE Steering Committee
Committee Officers
Stephanie Drag, MA, LAC, CPS
President
Children's Aid & Family Sevices
Since joining the Children’s Aid and Family Services team nine years ago, Stephanie has become a valuable asset of the Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources and currently serves as the Associate Vice President of Prevention. Stephanie has been a member of the CHIP since 2014 through participation in the Mental Health and Substance Use Task Force and has been the president of the CHIP board since January 2023.
Stephanie excels in prevention-focused program planning, implementation, and research. With innovation and determination, she has advanced access to prevention initiatives across all life stages. Her collaborative research on prevention messaging was featured in the American Journal of Health Promotion.
Susan McVeigh, MPH
Vice President
Hackensack Health Department
Susan McVeigh has served as the Health Officer for the City of Hackensack since 2016, bringing over 25 years of public health experience.
Overseeing a department of 14 staff members, Susan leads Public Health Nursing, Environmental Health, and Vital Statistics divisions.
Dedicated to health equity, Susan addresses local health disparities through accessible healthcare services, preventive education, and community partnerships. She chairs the Hackensack Stigma-Free Committee, and actively participates in local and professional health initiatives.
James Fedorko, MPH
Treasurer
Mid-Bergen Regional Health Commission
James Fedorko has been the Health Officer for Mid-Bergen Regional Health Commission since 2021 servicing 17 towns throughout Bergen County. Previously he served as the Director of Health Services/Health Officer for the Englewood Health Department. From 2004 to 2013, he worked with the Passaic County Department of Health and retired from the U.S. Army Reserves in 2017 as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Medical Service Corps.
Elisabeth Lucas
Secretary
Valley Health System
Elisabeth “Liz” has worked for Valley Hospital since 2000 and has been a member of the management team since 2004.
Following the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, Liz took on the role of overseeing Valley’s Community Benefit, focusing on promoting health and addressing the needs of underserved populations. She co-initiated the Community Benefit Constituency Group for the New Jersey Hospital Association and has served on numerous committees, including the Geriatric Health Alliance, Northern New Jersey Senior Care Network, and the Bergen County Advisory Council Education and Outreach Committee.
Partnership Coordinator
Lisa Pinto, MPH, CHES
Bergen County Department of Health Services
Lisa Pinto brings over a decade of experience in health and wellness and five years as a public health professional. Currently, she serves as the Community Health Improvement Partnership Coordinator and has worked as a Health Educator for Bergen County Department of Health Services since 2020. She is also a Certified Health Education Specialist with the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.
Lisa's career goal is to contribute to creating healthier and more equitable communities using her expertise in program development, health education, and community outreach. She is committed to improving community health through evidence-based strategies by fostering collaborative partnerships to address the unique challenges and barriers that exist within the communities of Bergen County.
Committee Members
Dr. James C. Mendler
MD
Holy Name Medical Center
Dr. Mendler, a lifetime resident of Bergen County, is a board-certified sports medicine physician with over 25 years of clinical experience and a strong interest in promoting health and wellness through positive lifestyle choices for his patients and the community.
Dr. Mendler currently serves as the Medical Director of Sports Medicine for Holy Name, and as the Chair of the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee for the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association.
Dr. Rachel Petts Santer
PhD
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Dr. Rachel A. Petts Santer is an Assistant Professor in the School of Psychology and Counseling at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU). She conducts research to improve access to behavioral health services for children and families in primary care.
A clinical psychologist by training, Dr. Petts Santer teaches and supervises students in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at FDU.
Lauren Savage
MPH, MSW
Englewood Health
Lauren Savage has over 20 years of experience in the health and wellness field and currently serves as the Director of Population Health at Englewood Health. As the director, she focuses on outreach to at risk communities to enhance wellness, prevent disease, and reduce the burden of mental health and substance use. In addition, Lauren played a pivotal role in the development and opening of the Englewood Health Shirvan Family Live Well Center.
Lauren has served 6 years as a trustee at Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative (BVMI).
Ann Marie Stoebling
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
Ann Marie joined Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in March 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic where her work with the Community Health Department and the Bergen County Department of Health ignited her passion for providing care during challenging times.
In August 2020, she transitioned to the role of Supervisor in the Community Health Department and later became Director of Community Health and Business Outreach in April 2023.
Ann Marie began contributing to the CHIP steering committee in 2022, supporting social media efforts.
Luisa Rivas
Hackensack Meridian Health
Pascack Valley Medical Center
Luisa Rivas is the Community Health Outreach and Volunteer Services Coordinator at Pascack Valley Medical Center in Westwood, NJ. She has a strong background in Public Health with a focus on Health Systems Policy and Administration. Her prior experience as a Community Health Worker at Hackensack University Medical Center has allowed her to contribute to and sustain health equity in the Westwood community. She is passionate about promoting healthy living and understanding common issues to better serve the community. Her dedication and commitment will continue to allow her to bridge gaps in healthcare to create a well-equipped community to achieve sustainable health.
Hilda Ventimiglia
MSN, RN
Holy Name Medical Center
Hilda Ventimiglia, MSN, RN, brings over 20 years of experience to her role as Director of Community Health at Holy Name Medical Center, where she provides nursing leadership, health education and screenings, leveraging her fluency in English, Spanish, and Italian to serve diverse communities. Recognized for her leadership, she is a member of the American Nurses Association, the Community Health Improvement Partnership of Bergen County, and other professional organizations. In 2024, Hilda was an award recipient of the New Jersey State Nurses Association at its prestigious Divas and Dons Gala for her outstanding career accomplishments.
Florey Cruz-Cerpa
Hackensack Meridian Health
With over 25 years in public health and community outreach, Florey Cruz-Cerpa is the Northern Regional Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at Hackensack Meridian Health. She leads the outreach strategy for Northern hospitals, including Hackensack University Medical Center, Palisades Medical Center, and supports Pascack Valley and Mountainside Medical Centers.
Florey’s career spans roles in Planned Parenthood, HIV/AIDS support, and healthcare community benefits.
Currently, Florey focuses on advancing the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) by building strategic partnerships to address social determinants of health and promote health equity. She oversees a team of nurses, health educators, and support staff.
To become involved or for more information, contact the CHIP at:
Partnership Liaison
Bergen County Department of Health Services
1 Bergen County Plaza, 4th Floor
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone: 201-634-2608
