Our Key Staff

Susan Samaroo

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Susan Samaroo is the Executive Director of The Maurer Foundation. She came to the Foundation in 2013 as an accomplished leader in nonprofit operations, strategic planning, and financial management. Through her leadership, the Foundation has enjoyed financial stability and sustainability, as well as long-term growth. Susan leads a team of professionals dedicated to saving lives through breast health education. During her tenure, Susan has championed program expansion, ensuring tremendous growth in the number of individuals reached. Susan’s energy, passion, and advocacy has fostered relationships in the community and schools, ensuring a commitment to dynamic, quality programming that is accessible to all demographics.

Susan is an active member in the community. She serves on the Board of Directors for Eastern Motor Racing Association and the Advisory Board of the Oceanside School District. She is also a former board member for Sperry Federal Credit Union and the Francis J. Logan Foundation. She graduated from New York University in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, has two sons, and resides in Oceanside, NY with her husband. In her spare time, she enjoys jet skiing, bike riding, and jogging on the beach.

Katie Vernal

EVENT MANAGER

Lauren Fisch-Henry

SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING SPECIALIST

Lauren holds a Master’s Degree in Women’s History from Sarah Lawrence College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a concentration in Women’s Studies from Marist College. For the past 7 years she has worked with The Maurer Foundation teaching, high school, college, corporate, and full-day nursing breast health programs. She was instrumental in the planning and writing of The Maurer Foundation’s Web-Based Training Course. She also creates and manages all the Foundation’s social media content, ensuring the latest and most vital breast health information reaches followers. Lauren brings her passion for women’s social justice to the Maurer team. In her free time Lauren enjoys baking, collecting children’s books, and spending time with her family.

Jessica Ortiz

COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR & EDUCATOR

Jessica is a graduate of Queens College with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. She is a first-generation immigrant enthusiastic about uplifting others through teaching. She has 6+ of experience teaching Enrichment program & US Navy curriculum at different CYP’S (Child Youth Programs). Serving as a Community Outreach Coordinator allows her to serve, teach and give back to the community. Jessica enjoys time with her kids and husband, working out and doing obstacle course races.

Magali Romero-Tang

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION SPECIALIST

Magali Romero Tang’s key role entails expanding our mission’s reach into the Queens area. As a Queens-native, she is passionate about empowering her community with the information and skills to take charge of their own lives. Magali is a CUNY Hunter graduate in Anthropology and received her Master of Public Health in Global Health from New York University. She has over 15 years of experience in the areas of training, development, project management and capacity building for learners and organizations in the topic areas of Maternal and Infant Health, Sexual Health, Breastfeeding, Breast Health, Youth Leadership Development, Communication Skills, and Cultural Responsiveness.  When she is not teaching or making new partnerships, Magali can be found spending time with her loved ones, cycling, or getting lost in a good book.

Eileen Pillitteri

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Eileen has over 20 years experience in nonprofit management. She graduated from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. The mission to save lives through education is what drew her to the Foundation. Eileen designs and implements training programs for medical providers as well as the general public. She created the web-based breast health course and redesigned our educational programs for distance learning. She is a Cultural Competency and Health Literacy Master Trainer and is certified by MammaCare as a Breast Self-Exam Instructor. In her free time, Eileen enjoys Spin classes, reading and spending time outdoors with her family.

Katie Vernal

EVENT MANAGER

Katie is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she attended Duquesne University. She came to NYC to train at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. After more than a decade of managing upscale Manhattan restaurants, Katie combined that experience with her love for the entertainment industry and began focusing on event planning. Katie has planned and organized numerous weddings, corporate events, and other special celebrations throughout Long Island and Manhattan. In her free time, Katie enjoys walking, cooking, and cheering on her favorite Pittsburgh sports teams.