Meet Our Team
Meet our team! Here at the SSJ Neighborhood Center, we have a team that works like a family. We work together on a day-to-day basis and you can read up on each of us here.
Director
Sister Bonnie McMenamin, SSJ
Sister Bonnie McMenamin is a Sister of Saint Joseph of Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA. She has served as the director of the SSJ Neighborhood Center since its beginning days in 2017. She is grateful for the privilege of ministering with Neighbors, Sisters, and SSJ Associates in Mission at the Neighborhood Center and for the opportunity to “foster a sense of community, uniting neighbor to neighbor and neighborhood to neighborhood, in the Cramer Hill section of Camden and beyond by providing opportunities for connection, enrichment, and empowerment.”
Coordinator of Academic Programs
Sister Clarisa Vazquez, SSJ
Sister Clarisa Vázquez is a Sister of Saint Joseph. She ministered in Camden for 19 years. For ten wonderful years, she served as a Family Support Coordinator for Catholic Partnership Schools offering basic skills, ESL classes, translations, and support to families. Nine happy years were spent at St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral Parish as a pastoral minister. Previous ministerial experiences include Pastoral Ministry in Gettysburg with the migrant community, and teaching in the archdiocese of Philadelphia and in the diocese of Trenton in Asbury Park, NJ. Whenever possible, she connects families to the Neighborhood Center for assistance.
Food Pantry Coordinator
Sister Mary Berryman, SSJ
Sister Mary Berryman has been a Sister of Saint Joseph for 58 years. She taught in Philadelphia, Suburbs, and South Jersey for 48 years. When she retired from teaching she became a volunteer at the SSJ Neighborhood Center. Sister Mary is currently organizing the Food Pantry Distribution Day.
Administrative Assistant
Sara Navarro
Sara Navarro was born in Honduras and grew up in Philadelphia. She is a graduate of Little Flower Catholic High School in Philly and obtained a BA in Religious Studies from St. Elizabeth University in Morristown, NJ. Since August 2, 2021. She has demonstrated her passion for serving others with love and compassion. Sara’s warm, welcoming presence is a gift to all who encounter her. She has already embodied the mission of the Neighborhood Center and “fosters a sense of community, by uniting neighbor to neighbor.”
Coordinator of Non-Academic Offerings/
General Staff Support
Juan Ortiz
Juan was born and grew up in Colombia. He is a graduate of Chestnut Hill College and obtained a degree in Human Services Leadership & Policy Studies. In his free time, Juan enjoys soccer and the outdoors.
Juan began his role in August as Coordinator of Non-Academic Offerings/General Support Staff where he fosters connections between students, staff, and the community.
Receptionist/Technical & Social Media Support
Karla Estrada
Karla was born in Guatemala and grew up in Pennsauken, NJ. She has an associate’s degree in Fine Arts and is looking to continue her education in computer science.
Karla began her role as the Neighborhood Center’s Receptionist in August and is a great addition to our team! Karla’s sympathetic and kindhearted disposition offers a welcoming and safe environment to our Neighbors.
Coordinator of Center Spaces
Ana Rodriguez
Ana grew up in the Dominican Republic and now lives in Camden, NJ.
Ana began in August in the Office/Center cleaning service, she has been extremely helpful to all of us. In addition to her organizational skills, Ana has brought us much laughter with her joy-filled and positive personality. Ana also enjoys music and nature. Her greatest joy is her children’s happiness. We are so grateful for Ana’s presence among us.