Get to Know the Karing Associates ...
Karen L. Aguanno, Founder
Support Coordinator Supervisor and Consultant
(908) 505-8445 (feel free to call or text)
Karing Associates was created to provide the highest-quality person-centered services, as Karen has done for over 30 years in the intellectual and developmental disability services industry, throughout New Jersey.
Karen's experience spans supporting individuals as a direct support professional, through management in residential services, quality management, clinical, and staff development roles, and senior leadership at DDD-funded provider agencies.
Karen has a Bachelor's degree in Special Education and a Master of Arts and Post-Masters in Psychological Counseling.
Most recently, Karen has had the pleasure to serve as a Support Coordinator, using her extensive experience to make a difference in people's lives, every day.
As the Founder of Karing Associates, Karen brings her unique inside knowledge of provider agencies with a person-directed focus, where services are always delivered with respect and caring. Karen knows the resources available around the state and has the contacts to connect you to services you choose.
Karen is married to Vinny, who has an administrative role at Karing. They live in Bucks County, PA. Karen enjoys spending time with their dog, Daisy, reading historical fiction, loves all types of music, and long walks on the beach (and if you know Karen, you know there must be humor somewhere in this bio).
Kristen Jiosi
Senior Support Coordinator
(908) 505-8445 (feel free to call or text)
Kristen has been working with adults with intellectual and development disabilities for 10+ years as a DSP and Assistant Director of a day program. Kristen has her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Care Administration and Master’s Degree in Special Education. She is also a certified Life Coach. She began her own business teaching yoga, art, cooking and Pilates to individuals with special needs.
Kristen lives in Bergen County and her hobbies include doing yoga, going to the beach and spending time with her golden retriever, Bailey.
Aria Karimi
Support Coordinator
(908) 505-8445 (feel free to call or text)
Aria holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Health and has over 10+years of experience working with individuals in many different community settings. Aria empowers his clients through challenging moments and has made a difference in people's lives in the North Jersey area. Aria lives in Jersey City and his hobbies include running, road tripping, photography, and home improvement.
Aria's area of expertise are adults presenting with Anxiety Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Dementia.
Tierrah Coleman
Support Coordinator
(908) 505-8445 (feel free to call or text)
Tierrah has been working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over 6 years. Tierrah has her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and has experience working as a Direct Support Professional, Residential Manager, and Support Coordinator. Tierrah also has field experience working with individuals with mental health diagnoses, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety.
Kelly Wiessner
Support Coordinator
(908) 505-8445 (feel free to call or text)
Kelly has been working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 2017, as both a Support Coordinator and administrator with a day program provider. Prior to this she spent thirteen years supporting special needs students in mainstream elementary school classrooms in various school districts in Bergen County. Her work is always inspired and informed by her experience navigating the system on behalf of her own son, James. They enjoy walking, cooking, dancing and train travel, and live in Morris County.
Dana D'Alessandro
Support Coordinator
(908) 505-8445 (feel free to call or text)
Dana holds a bachelor’s degree in writing and an associate’s degree in communications. She has over 15 years of experience working with individuals in diverse community and clinical settings, including correctional facilities, substance use treatment programs, and schools. She is a certified teacher in the state of New Jersey, a certified Life Coach, and the founder of Ease Grace Flow Wellness, where she offers yoga, meditation, and life skills coaching to individuals of all ages and abilities. Dana empowers her clients through life transitions and challenges with a holistic, person-centered approach. Dana lives in Monmouth County with her husband and daughter. Her hobbies include travel, music, and spending time outdoors.
Dana’s areas of expertise include Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, trauma-informed support, communication skills, life skills development, and mindfulness-based practices.
Sara Malkowski
Support Coordinator
(908) 505-8445 (feel free to call or text)
Sara holds Bachelor’s degrees in American Sign Language, Deaf Studies and Interpretation, as well as a Master’s degree in Linguistics. She has over 20 years experience working as a sign language interpreter with the last 10 years working with Deaf individuals who have additional disabilities. Over the last two years, Sara has been working with adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Bergen County.
Sara lives in Bergen County and has a plethora of hobbies that include volunteering at her local American Legion, road tripping and on quiet days, reading and baking.