OUR VISION
We support and guide each individual as they pursue their personal aspirations. We strive to spark conversations where each person can choose the direction or path that makes sense for their vision. We strive to discover each person's gifts as a way that they may contribute to their community.
Mission Statement
We provide support for individuals seeking to enhance their opportunities in the community through paid and organic resources. We guide each person as they explore choices that fulfill their goals and ambitions.
Philosophy
We believe in YOU, your voice and your passion to succeed. We want your voice to be heard and we will work with you to achieve each goal and the steps needed to get there.
What we do
- We provide resources in your community that cater to your interests
- We help you and your family develop ideas and goals for the present and future planning
- Our experienced and knowledgeable staff help guide you in the path of self direction
- We provide you with the tools necessary to create a full life.
- Our staff is trained in person centered planning, which allows you to direct your life, goals and dreams as you envision
- Our support coordinators are. trained and certified in writing the New Jersey Individual Support Plan (NJISP) and Person Centered Planning Tool (PCPT)
Together we have more than 25 years experience planning and helping people achieve their goals and dreams. We believe in you, your voice and your passion to succeed.
Our relationship building begins within our team and we expand this togetherness with the individuals we support.
Counties in NJ where we support individuals registered with DDD
Union, Essex, Middlesex, Monmouth, Hudson, Bergen & Passaic
Who are the Women of Aspiring Journeys
Karen Izaguirre
Karen Izaguirre
Karen Izaguirre
Founder and Support Coordination Supervisor
Karen was led to this field by pursuing her passion for helping people and making a difference in their lives. This passion stems from growing up with limited opportunities and feeling like she did not fit in or have a voice. She began working in Support Coordination in 2011 and instantly realiz
Founder and Support Coordination Supervisor
Karen was led to this field by pursuing her passion for helping people and making a difference in their lives. This passion stems from growing up with limited opportunities and feeling like she did not fit in or have a voice. She began working in Support Coordination in 2011 and instantly realized that this field was where she belonged. It has allowed her to devote time supporting each person as they create and achieve their goals and live creative, fulfilling lives using their voice and gifts. Karen obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Rutgers University – New Brunswick in 2005. One of her favorite quotes is “Live the best possible life you can and never let your dreams die. Hold on to them and they will hold on to you.” In her leisure time, Karen enjoys partaking in volunteerism for various causes such as the Suicide Prevention Walk, feeding the homeless and dedicating time to local shelters during the holidays. She also enjoys reading and traveling with her children.
Annmarie Conticchio-Bizub
Karen Izaguirre
Karen Izaguirre
Founder and Operations Manager
Annmarie is a passionate, creative and outgoing person who came into Support Coordination because she saw the struggle many families have daily for their loved ones, trying to find things that would give each person's life meaning. Having an extensive background in the Arts and sciences, moving into this fiel
Founder and Operations Manager
Annmarie is a passionate, creative and outgoing person who came into Support Coordination because she saw the struggle many families have daily for their loved ones, trying to find things that would give each person's life meaning. Having an extensive background in the Arts and sciences, moving into this field was the next logical step for Annmarie. She has a brother with Down Syndrome and watching him grow into an amazing man was all the motivation she needed to further help other people have the amazing opportunities her brother does. After many years of volunteer work and working at a day program for a short stint, Annmarie has found herself in Support Coordination for almost 15 years. When not working you can find her gardening, cooking or out walking with her husband, son and 2 dogs in her community. Annmarie also has a strong passion for volunteering and is always looking for an opportunity to help people and make a difference.
OUR TEAM
Karen Izaguirre
OUR TEAM
The Aspiring Journeys team is comprised of talented women who have extensive experience in human services and go above and beyond daily for each person they support and their team members. Each Support Coordinator is fully trained in resources in their respective county. They are also experienced writers and certified in the ISP and PCPT
The Aspiring Journeys team is comprised of talented women who have extensive experience in human services and go above and beyond daily for each person they support and their team members. Each Support Coordinator is fully trained in resources in their respective county. They are also experienced writers and certified in the ISP and PCPT documents as well as all the mandated DHS trainings including Danielles Law and Kominos Law. Each Coordinator loves what they do and are passionate about helping people succeed to live their best life.
Site Content
Marissa martinez
Ana Arosemena-Davis
Ana Arosemena-Davis
Marissa has been a Support Coordination Supervisor with Aspiring Journeys since their formation in 2016. She has Master's Degrees in Education and Spanish Translation from Rutgers University. Prior to working for Aspiring Journeys, she spent 13 years teaching elementary and middle school Spanish, as well as teaching English as a Second Language. She loves being part of the caring, compassionate, hard-working team we have here at Aspiring Journeys. When she's not working, Marissa enjoys hiking, taking road trips, and going to the beach with her husband and two daughters. She also enjoys cooking, crocheting, and gardening.
Ana Arosemena-Davis
Ana Arosemena-Davis
Ana Arosemena-Davis
Ana (Arosemena) Davis has been working with Aspiring Journeys since 2016. She is dedicated, understanding, and caring. Ana has a passion for helping others, assisting families to navigate different services and planning for their future. She enjoys going for walks and spending time with her family.
Carissa Rowan
Ana Arosemena-Davis
Carissa Rowan
Carissa attended the College of Saint Elizabeth. In 2008 she received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology then in 2010 went on to earn her Master's Degree in School Counseling.
She previously worked at ECLC PRIDE (2010-2016) and left to start her family, but loved working with the special needs population. She began working at Aspiring Journeys Support Coordination in 2017, which allowed her to do what she loves and be with her family.
She is a wife and Mother of 2 girls. She enjoys warm weather, exercising, good food and good company.
Rose schulman
Catherine Gaston
Carissa Rowan
Rose has a bachelors degree in Family & Child Studies and a Masters degree in Teaching Students with Disabilities. Rose became a Support Coordinator in the summer of 2018, she is caring and loves helping the people she supports. In addition to being a Support Coordinator, she is also a special education teacher. Rose loves traveling and exploring new places. In her spare time she enjoys learning about health/nutrition and being as healthy as she can.
Gina Kosinski
Catherine Gaston
Catherine Gaston
Gina has a bachelors degree in Humanities, minoring in Clinical Social Work. She has been a Support Coordinator for five years, and also works with individuals who are in the deaf-blind community. She was also a Job Coach for people with special needs previously. Gina is conversational in ASL. When she is not busy chasing after her two daughters, she enjoys hanging out on her small farm, doing DIY projects with her husband, and running the PTA at her daughter's school. .
Catherine Gaston
Catherine Gaston
Catherine Gaston
Catherine has a bachelors in fine arts from SUNY Purchase College. She has previous experience as a teachers aide, residential youth advocate, support coach, behavioral technician and ABA therapist. She’s been with Aspiring Journeys as a Support Coordinator since 2019. She is compassionate, attentive and has personal passion for various mediums of art.
Alexis Stapleton
Jaclyn Stracensky
Jaclyn Stracensky
Alexis has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Kean University. She has previous experience as a Direct Support Professional, Group Home Program Manager and Electronic Health Record Specialist. She became a Support Coordinator in the summer of 2021. She is a soon to be wife with a toddler son and baby girl. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family, volunteer, craft and shop. Alexis loves what she does and is dedicated to helping individuals improve their quality of life.
Jaclyn Stracensky
Jaclyn Stracensky
Jaclyn Stracensky
Jackie has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a dual certification in School Counseling. She worked as a school counselor while also working for Aspiring Journeys before taking a leave to start her journey into motherhood. Jackie is so excited to be a part of the AJ team again, while having the flexibility to be home with her baby girl. When she is not supporting clients or chasing her baby girl around, she loves going on walks with her dog, curling up with a good book and a cup of tea, cooking, or snuggling on the couch with her family.
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Courtesy of the ARC of NJ