Staff

Meet the Professionals Behind MarbleJam Center for Arts & Enrichment

All staff are trained in the Nurtured Heart Approach Method

President & Director: Anna Villa-Bager, BS, CPC, CNE, CDE

Anna Bager holds a BS in Dance with an emphasis on Psychology from the State University of New York at Brockport. Anna’s experience in the entertainment industry spans over twenty years in all aspects of entertainment including corporate show production: from initial concept to completion; music and book development, costuming, casting, and choreography.

In the large corporate arena, Anna co-developed and produced national and regional industrial shows for many companies including Johnson & Johnson, Cooper Vision, and Becton Dickinson. She served as a spokesperson and performer with Adidas USA for International Super Shows worldwide. Her portfolio includes an extensive theatrical performance career.

As an original cast member of Jerome Robbins Broadway, Anna performed and assisted Mr. Robbins in the reconstruction of dance pieces from notation and old film archives.  Other performance credits include Broadway, International and National Tours, Regional and Children’s Theatre, film and television. 

Anna manages the operations of the organization and is responsible for program development and fundraising.  She is career planning certified and offers students a genuine and realistic perspective regarding career choices and mastering life skills necessary for success. 

Vice President of Development & Operations  : Robin DiPrimo, CDE, CNE, PMP

Robin DiPrimo joins the executive team bringing 21 years of project-based experience in telecommunications management and finance.  Her corporate roles include managing projects, programs, and succeeding in some of the most challenging markets throughout the West and Northeast regions of the industry to companies include Sprint, T-Mobile Verizon, T-Mobile, Cricket, SBA and Bechtel. A business graduate in 2001, she become certified in non-profit executive management and recently graduated from LIIT in PMP and CAPM.  As a young girl, Robin volunteered as a teaching assistant in the disability classroom and as a young woman in her 20’s she helped care for foster children and an elderly woman.  In 2016, Robin provided financial consulting services to MarbleJam Kids and fell in love with the mission, the staff, and the clients. She is honored to be an advisory board member and is now thrilled to be part of a team that changes the lives of families of children with special needs. Robin is a Bergen County resident, married, and has raised three children of her own.       

Music Therapist: Tania Kendrick, MA, MEd, MT-BC, LCAT

Tania Kendrick is a nationally credentialed Board Certified Music Therapist and an NYS Licensed Creative Arts Therapist. She received her Master’s in Music Therapy from New York University.

Tania has completed training in Neurological Music Therapy which is an evidence-based treatment model that uses standardized, research-based techniques to treat the brain using music and rhythm. Tania has also been trained in trauma modalities such as Child Parent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy from the Ackerman Institute, and Vocal Psychotherapy. Tania has clinical experience working with individuals with a range of special needs, and children and families who have experienced trauma and are affected by systems such as foster care, housing and legal systems.

Tania is currently training in Guided Imagery in Music which is a psychodynamic and multimodal (music and art) therapy that supports individuals exploring and further developing their relationship to music as a resource to explore their inner world.

Tania also has a Master’s in Education from Bank Street College of Education and a Master’s in Child Development from Sarah Lawrence College. Prior to becoming a Music Therapist, Tania was a preschool special education teacher in Manhattan and Brooklyn for 15 years.

Director of Digital Arts/ Teaching Artist & Educator: Raul Barcelona, MA, Ph.D.

Devoted educator and versatile, award-winning filmmaker, editor and digital artist with a background in Digital Filmmaking, Motion Graphics, and Visual Effects. Recognized for bringing a wealth of historical and technical knowledge to the classroom and for
contributing a wide range of technical skills and an efficient storytelling vision to every production.

Fluent in Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, Avid, After Effects, Photoshop, Flash, Maya, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Sketchbook, Encore, DVD Studio Pro, HTML, and CSS. Ph.D. in Creative Practice Transart Institute, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK (Expected 2018) Master's, in Digital Imaging and Design, New York University.

Program Supervisor/Special Educator: Jamarr Neyland, MS

Jamarr Neyland (Jay) has worked in social services for several years. As an Ohio native, he graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Art, with a concentration in Painting. He graduated in 2019 with a Master’s of Science in Education with a focus on childhood Learning and Behavior Disability.

Jay previously worked as a Site Coordinator for Eastside High School in Paterson, NJ providing educational support, tutoring, and fun activities. He has also worked as a support services professional for five years with students with behavioral disorders and Autism. He had worked as a certified middle school Special Education teacher in Bronx, NY, and is happy to be sharing his knowledge, support, and talent with MarbleJam Center students as a program supervisor and art teacher! Jay is also a certified PEERS Instructor and provides a dynamic teaching approach that is engaging and fun!

Teaching Artist & Educator: Teresa DeFabrizio, MFA

Artist, educator, and creator, Teresa DeFabrizio, is happy to share her enthusiasm and creativity with Marble Jam! Ms. DeFabrizio is a working artist, art educator, art history professor, and illustrator. Her instruction provides in-depth exploration of character design and skill-building in all genres of art.

Artists learn history of this artistic style, its cultural significances, including the styles of Manga and sequential storytelling. Ms. DeFabrizio holds her MFA From William Paterson University, is an NJ State Certified Art Teacher, and a Professor of Art at Bergen and Passaic Community Colleges. She also was part of the original group that started up MANGA NEXT and is a fan favorite for 13 years with the Bergen Teen Arts Festival where Manga 101 is packed. Join us for fun, creativity, and discovery!

Art Therapist: Sofya Kashirskaya, MA, ATR-BC, LCAT

Sofya received her Master’s in Art Therapy from New York University. She is board certified licensed Creative Arts Therapist with tremendous experience working with culturally, socially and age diverse populations and issues, ranging from truancy and trauma to mental health diagnoses, substance abuse and developmental disabilities. Sofya is strongly committed to the philosophy of following the lead of the client, using and focusing on the unique strength of each individual to promote developmental growth, non –verbal expression, and sensory regulation using arts and play.    

Music Therapist & Teaching Artist: Cedric Dimapilis, BA-MT

Music therapist, educator, and composer, Multi-Instrumentalist Cedric Dimapilis shares his creativity and excitement with Marble Jam! He received his Bachelor's in Music Therapy from Shenandoah Conservatory. Cedric has clinical experience working with individuals with a range of special needs from children and adults. As a music therapist and composer, Cedric has co-composed a toured production called 'A Will to Survive'. 'A Will to Survive' traveled to Washington D.C. during the fall of 2017 to perform at the renowned John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

As an educator, Cedric has taught a variety of instruments through individual music lessons, bands, middle school and high school guitar.

Cedric has an adventurous and active lifestyle. On September 2020, Cedric participated in a 31 hours and 15 minute ultra marathon to run as many miles as he could. Cedric completed 46.36 miles and plans to run the race again in the near future. He is also an avid music listener and enjoys collecting vinyl. Besides music and running, Cedric enjoys traveling and spending time with his family and friends.

Direct Support Professional/Drama Instructor Julianna Clark, M.A., R.B.T.

ulianna is a passionate advocate for arts education. With her research and experience, she is actively working to make the arts more inclusive and accessible for all populations. She is lucky enough to have experience working with children and adults of all ages and abilities. She worked for REED Autism Services where she earned her hours for her R.B.T (Registered Behavior Technician) certification. In 2022, she was invited to a life-changing workshop by the Drama League in N.Y. for Sensory Integration in the Performing Arts.  Julianna has begun her work for her RDT (Registered Drama Therapist) certification for early childhood and neurodiverse populations. She loves volunteering to share her love of theater with local organizations. She earned her A.A. in Musical Theater and B.A in Theater in Education. She recently earned her M.A in Theater Studies with a focus on Accessibility and her GradCert in Theater for Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Change from Montclair State University. Julianna is so excited to be a part of the team at MarbleJam Kids! 

Fitness Instructor & Nutrionist: Maria Trice Jenkins, BA-CPT

Maria Trice Jenkins is an Actor, Journalist and Master Personal Trainer based in NY and NJ. The Mother of three, Maria is the Founder of Any Port in a Storm, a non-profit foundation dedicated to Autism Awareness.

As an Actor, Maria has appeared in feature films, commercials and was cast in the role of a News Anchor in her off Broadway debut in Liz Magic Laser's "Bystander"opening to sold out audiences throughout its run. As a journalist, she was an On Air Reporter for WWOR-TV business news program “In the Black” and continues to do freelance projects.

Her work as a Master Fitness Professional has spanned generations and continues to inspire, motivate, and help clients and their families achieve their goals.  Maria's coaching style brings excitement to youth and adults who become motivated to learn about healthy living through great nutrition and keeping up a fitness program that is manageable and fun! Maria holds a BA in Sociology from Wesleyan University.

Teaching Artist & DramaJam Director: Willie Wilson

Willie Wilson - Musician/Composer/Actor/Director/Writer  
Willie Wilson has been active in the entertainment field all of his life. He is an accomplished singer, songwriter, teacher, and plays multiple instruments.  As a composer and actor, his credits include appearances on Broadway, television, commercials and film.  Willie has produced over 100 school musicals through TAG, his theatrical production company. Willie has been employed with MTV, VH1 and Nickelodeon in New York City and is the lead singer of his band ‘The Willies’ a seasoned group of musicians that play locally and beyond.  Willie is also the director of ‘DramaJam Theatrical Troupe’ the first Bergen County special needs performance group at MarbleJam.

Yoga Instructor: Cristy Sycip, RYT

Crisy Sycip has been providing yoga instruction with therapeutic approaches at MarbleJam for the past 2 years. She specializes in circus yoga utilizing props to make a connection as well as touch yoga, an approach used to help a child follow movement with direct contact for better communication between the instructor, peers, and therapist.

She has a background in all forms of dance and is Reiki Master Practitioner (the practice of healing the body, mind, and spirit). She continues her teacher training for “Family CircusYoga” and “Anusara” this springtime. A few of her newfound creative expressions are in handcrafted jewelry, mixed martial arts and Belly dancing. She also provides community workshops to therapists and volunteers of all ages. She deeply honors all her teachers: Chaya Spencer, Dorothea Grant, Vishali Varga, Hillary Freeman, and Thomas Clifford.

Direct Support Professional/Digit Arts Instructor Enzo Tolay

Enzo is a self-professed jack-of-all-trades. A first-generation immigrant of Peru and Chinese descent, Enzo has involved himself in many different fields and industries after graduating from NYU Tisch School of Arts in film. He has also gained plenty of life and work experience through filmmaking, compassionate care specialist, human resources and is a licensed EMT.  As a Human Resources specialist, he worked closely with staff at Angels Care in Hackensack, including teaching classes for Home Health Aide trainees and managing clients' meetings. He is acutely aware of patient care sensitivities and enjoys working with the special need's population. Enzo has used his editing, visual and lighting experience from NYU to teach new and up-and-coming streamers on twitch and use his own channel as a hub. He is excited to use this “melting pot” of creativity and insightfulness here at MarbleJam Center. 

Support Staff: Nancy Valentino, RBT

Nancy has 25 years’ experience working in social services and support services for children in crisis and with special needs including autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and medical fragilities.

As a case manager and trainer, Nancy has worked with various state agencies and most notably Spectrum for Living, providing travel training to adults with disabilities as well as compliance oversight for facilities and operations. She has managed caseloads of up to 50 individuals and supervised program coordination on all fronts.

Nancy currently works with the Bergenfield School System as a classroom support staffer. She is certified and trained in 3 tier crisis intervention management and ABA in school teaching approaches. Nancy graduated with honors from Middlesex Community College with an associate’s degree in science.

Billing & Services Manager Agaila Peterson, M.S., Notary

Agaila Peterson is a former refugee, women's rights advocate, and former journalist. Agaila holds a B. A. from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a M.S. from American University, Washington DC in Healthcare Management and handles service coordination and billing. She is also a Public Notary.  With her advocacy, case management and healthcare administrative experience she brings passion and commitment to serving others and is thrilled to be a part of the organization's management team. Agaila looks forward to making an impact with her multilingual communication skills among our multicultural families. She is fluent in Spanish, Arabic, and English.  

Administrative Assistant / Direct Support Professional Kadeisha Montique

Kadeisha graduated from Hackensack High School and moved to Georgia to receive her Esthetician license.  She moved back to NJ to pursue a career in child care services and is passionate about the special needs community.  She comes from a large family of seven one of whom is autistic.  Her time at MarbleJam allows for more experiences in the classroom and behind the scenes and hopes to continue her education so that she may become a teacher.  

Consulting Professionals:

Behavioral Consultant: Diane Berger, MA, BCBA

Diane Berger is a board certified behavior analyst and a certified special educator in both New Jersey and New York. She received her graduate degree in Behavior Disorders – Applied Behavior Analysis from Teachers College, Columbia University. After beginning her career, in 2001, teaching at a private New York preschool serving children with autism and other developmental disorders, Diane worked as an ABA Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT) at a major New York not-for-profit organization for persons with disabilities. Diane has served as president and on the executive board of Special Parents of Teaneck (SPOT), a local influential parent support group, as well as co-president of Teaneck Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG). An adjunct lecturer in special education research in the graduate program at Queens College, Diane has also guest lectured at Columbia University and presented at the QC Regional Autism Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders Annual Conference (NY). She has conducted workshops for parents and professionals both locally and internationally. Among her professional affiliations are the Association for Behavior Analysis International, the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts, the New Jersey Association for Behavior Analysis, the Council for Exceptional Children and the Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities.

Supervision

Diane Berger, BCBA