Meet the Staff

Marie Cascarano, EdD, MCHES
Assistant Director, Health Promotion
cascaranom@montclair.edu
973-655-7397

Dr. Marie Cascarano received her undergraduate degree from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. There she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and art. She went on to receive a master’s degree and doctoral degree from Columbia University – Teachers College in Health Education.

Marie has worked for several non-profit organizations including the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence of Hudson County, Planned Parenthood of Greater Northern New Jersey and Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey.

With over 20 years of experience in group facilitation and program development, Marie oversees a comprehensive, award-winning education and prevention program that addresses various health issues including alcohol and other drugs, safer sex, sexuality, body image, stress and sleep. Awards include The U.S. Department of Education’s Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Models on College Campuses (2006), The Bacchus Network Outstanding Program for Body Acceptance Week (2014), and The Bacchus Network Outstanding Program for Safer Spring Break (2015).

When Marie is not fighting stigma and preventing college health disasters, she is chauffeuring her daughter to various sports and activities, attending spin classes, and practicing self-care through art.

John Han
Health Promotion Specialist
hanj@montclair.edu

John graduated with a bachelors in Public Health from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Shortly after graduating, he worked at the Englewood Health Department as a Health Educator for 3 years. There he understood the importance of outreach and health education as he went out and initiated various programs and health workshops for the youth and adults throughout Englewood.

After working at the health department, John went back to school and received his Master’s in Public Administration from Kean University. While studying, John worked at the Human Resources Department at Kean University for over 3 years.

John is passionate about outreach, serving the community, and being a positive influence to those around him. He hopes to make small and positive differences in people’s lives anywhere he is. In his free time, John enjoys friendly competition with his friends and family through board games, golf, and tennis.

Stefanie LoBue
Health Promotion Graduate Coordinator

Stefanie LoBue is a Master of Public Health student with a concentration in Community Health Education. She received her undergraduate degree in Health Promotion and Wellness Management from Rowan University in 2018. She has worked for different nonprofits including The Food Trust of Philadelphia and Top Box Foods of Chicago. She hopes to continue work in health promotion upon graduating and advocate for mental health and wellness. When Stefanie is not working, she is spending time with family and friends, listening to podcasts, and planning her next travel experience.

Val Mejia
Health Promotion Graduate Coordinator

Valentina Mejia is in her second year of the Master’s of Public Health program at MSU with a concentration in Community Health Education She received her undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies. Valentina was a peer advocate for The Office of Health Promotion for two years where she developed her passion for sexual health, mental health, and overall human well being. Now she continues to work at the Office of Health Promotion as a graduate coordinator! She has various years of experience working in healthcare and plans to use her knowledge in biology to help her research ways to enforce sexual health/education especially in marginalized communities. In her free time, Valentina loves reading new fiction, buying vinyls, hiking, journaling and making playlists!

Maddy Yodice
Health Promotion Graduate Coordinator

Maddy Yodice is beginning her first year in MSU’s Master’s of Social Work program. She received her bachelor’s degree in Child Advocacy and Policy with a minor in psychology at MSU. During her time at MSU, Maddy was a Peer Mentor for the Mentor Collective and president of her sorority, which helped her develop a passion for working within campus life in the university setting. Maddy has extensive experience working within the education field, specifically working with special needs students. Maddy enjoys traveling to new places, reading books, and working out!

Kevin O’Neil

Kevin O’Neil is a Senior exercise science major who hopes to attend physical therapy school postgraduate. He currently works as a physical therapy aide for Professional Physical Therapy. In his free time, Kevin loves to stay active whether that means going to the gym, playing sports, or being outdoors. He hopes he can make a positive contribution to the student body by sharing his knowledge of exercise science to promote positive physical well being. Kevin is extremely excited for this experience as a student leader and looks forward to making a difference in the campus community.

Emily Perri

Emily Perri is a Junior majoring in Family Science and Human Development. After graduating, she hopes to attend law school and work toward advocacy for children and seniors. Since working at a local nursing home, Emily has taken an interest in mental health at all ages. She is excited to get more involved in the Office of Health Promotion’s initiatives and programs on campus. In her free time, Emily loves making crafts, watching movies, and getting coffee with friends!

Zhi-Yi Hsu

Zhi-Yi Hsu is a current Sophomore majoring in Nutrition and Food Science with a concentration in Food Science. She is currently aiming to transfer to the Dietetics concentration as she found she has a passion for nutritional health and therapy. Zhi-Yi had volunteered for a semester as a Peer Health Advocate and realized the importance of education and participation within the community. She is currently gaining experience within the healthcare field through volunteering and employment. When not on campus, Zhi-Yi likes to spend time with two of her best friends: her dogs! They like to sleep, eat, walk, and watch Asian dramas together.