Staff Mentoring Program (SMP)
The Rutgers Health Staff Mentoring Program (SMP) was launched in January 2021 as a pilot program. The goals of the program are to promote a culture of mentorship, professional development, and collaboration among staff members.
This year-long program has two pathways for engagement: traditional mentoring and peer-to-peer mentoring. The traditional mentoring pathway pairs early to mid-career professionals with higher-level staff mentors. The peer-to-peer mentoring pathway pairs professionals together. Both pathways foster professional development and career growth while building networks across Rutgers Health.
Mentor and mentee pairs are required to meet at least once per month during the duration of the program. The program also includes monthly development sessions on goal setting, difficult conversations, negotiation skills, and more.
Interested staff members should complete the application by November 10, 2023.
Our program partners for the SMP program are the Rutgers Office of Organizational Leadership and the Rutgers Faculty Diversity Collaborative.
Program Directors
he program directors are staff who support the Staff Mentoring Program and participants by developing the program topics, reviewing program applications, matching pairs, checking in with mentoring partners throughout the year, and providing input and suggestions for improving the program.
Felicia LeSure, MSOD, Director, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Tynisha Coleman, ACC, MCRP, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Inclusion and Development, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Monthly Activities (2024)
- Wednesday, Jan 10th, 11:30am-1pm | Program Orientation with Felicia LeSure
- Wednesday, Jan 24th, 11:30am-1pm | Being an Effective Mentor and Mentee with Tynisha Coleman
- Thursday, Feb 1st, 11:30am-2pm | Q&A Session with Program Co-Directors (optional session)
- Wednesday, Feb 21st, 11:30am-1pm |Strengths Based Development and Debrief of Strengths Assessment with Dr. Richard Dool
- Wednesday, Mar 13th, 11:30am-1pm | Goal Setting with Dr. Sangeeta Lamba and Tynisha Coleman
- Thursday, Apr 18th, 4:30pm-6:30pm | Networking and Refreshments in Newark (in person)
- Wednesday, Apr 24th, 11:30am-1pm | UHR Resources at Rutgers University
- Thursday, May 2nd, 12pm-1pm | LinkedIn and Your Personal Brand (optional session)
- Wednesday, May 22nd, 11:30am-1pm | Difficult Conversations with Dr. Brent Ruben and Dr. Christine Goldthwaite
- Wednesday, Jun 12th, 12pm-2pm | Luncheon in New Brunswick (in person)
- Wednesday, Jul 10th, 11:30am-1pm | Negotiation Skills
- Wednesday, Sept 25th, 12pm-1pm | Peer Support Session on Communication with Dr. Christine Goldthwaite (optional session)
- Wednesday, Nov 6th, 12pm-1pm | Peer Support Session on Self-Care and Wellness (optional session)
2024 SMP Participants
Alexis Fulks, Rutgers Health Faculty Affairs
Allison Marcucci, Rutgers Health
Amy Smith, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Amy Warsh, Rutgers Health
Andrea Daitz, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Angelica Aceti, School of Health Professions
Angelina Lowder, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Asia Silvera, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Brittney Coleman, University Behavioral Health Care
Casandra Burrows, Rutgers Health /RITMS
Chetan Dasana, Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine
Christine Alcobendas, University Behavioral Health Care
Cindy Merlino, School of Health Professions
Cynthia Sandoval, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Debra Pittman, New Jersey Medical School
Deneen Blow, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Diane Nieves, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Helen Paulucci, University Behavioral Health Care
Helga Badillo, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Joao Teixeira, University Behavioral Health Care / Outpatient
Joseph Fresco, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Juusaee Rosa, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Karen Robbins, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Karen Shapiro, School of Health Professions
Kyle Warren, School of Nursing and RBHS Student Affairs
Laura Pachella, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Laura Sclafani, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy
Mallory Scott, Rutger Health Clinical Affairs – Rutgers Immunization Group for Students
Marc Masciocchi, Rutger Health Office of Clinical Affairs – VC of Graduate Medical Education
Marsha Gordon, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Matthew Pettit, Public Health Research Institute
Michele Fisher, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Michelle Jansen, Rutgers Center for Advanced Biotechnology & Medicine
Michelle Jimenez, Institute for Nicotine and Tobacco
Mila Dunbar, Rutgers Health / RITMS
Monica Queiroz Ferreira de Magalhaes, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Omayra Mercado, New Jersey Medical School
Quadir Bruce, Institute for Health Care Policy & Aging Research
Rachel Pavoni, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Ravi Maharajh, University Behavioral Health Care
Rebecca Cocito, New Jersey Medical School
Reena Antony, Rutgers Global Health Institute
Renee Kurz, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Thaddaeus Diggs, Rutgers Health Chancellor’s Office
Tiffany Niven, Rutgers Cancer Institute
Tina West, School of Public Health
Tissany Chatman, Rutgers Health Office of Clinical & Health Affairs
Toni Allen, New Jersey Medical School
Toya Williams, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Tynisha Coleman, Rutgers Health