Susanne joined the York Street Project in her newest role on July 20, 2009, but she is no stranger to its programs. With a one year hiatus, serving as the Homeless Planning Coordinator for Hudson County, Sue spent 10 years prior with The Project. She served as the Caseworker/Advocate for St. Joseph’s Home from 2000 to 2008 and as the Assistant to the Director of The Nurturing Place from 1998-2000. Her prior experience includes work in a public relations firm and writing for weekly newspapers.
Susanne holds a Masters in Administrative Science degree from Fairleigh Dickinson in Teaneck, New Jersey and a BA degree with a major in English and a concentration in Political Science from St. Michael’s College in Vermont. Upon graduation, she volunteered as an English teacher in Costa Rica, working as part of the founding team to develop curriculum and implement their national program to teach basic English to Red Cross workers and volunteers.
Currently, she is member of the Hudson County Human Services Advisory Council, Hudson County Alliance to End Homelessness, the Hudson County Affordable Housing Coalition, the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey, and the Antipoverty Network of New Jersey. Within these groups, she serves on a variety of Executive Boards and sub-committees advocating for the poor.
Christine Kane Perez, Director of Development
Christine joined York Street Project in 2020. She has an extensive background in fund raising, strategic planning and development, project management and leadership. Christine is a nonprofit leader and educator. She is a “jack of all trades” having served in a variety of roles such as Director of Development, VP of Special Projects, Director of IT, Chief Program Officer, and elementary teacher. She has worked in arenas such as substance abuse, affordable housing, food insecurity, and vocational education. She is dedicated to serving the economically challenged and believes in the power of education. When not on the job, checking her email, or texting she can be found shuttling her two teenage daughters, walking her dog, or watching PBS and HGTV.
Gloria Nelson, MSW, Director of Housing & Supportive Services
Gloria joined the York Street Project in March of 2012 as the Director of St. Joseph’s Home. She was the third individual – and first lay person – to hold this position since the program opened. As of 2017, Gloria now oversees all on-site and off-site housing programs of York Street Project, which are St. Joseph’s Home, St. Mary’s Residence, and York Street Project’s Rapid Rehousing Program. She brings over sixteen years experience working with the poor and marginalized, and previously served as the Director of Support Services within the New York City Department of Juvenile Justice. Gloria holds a Masters in Social Work from New York University and a Bachelors in Criminal Justice from Seton Hall University. She is an active member of the Hudson County Alliance to End Homelessness.
Victoria Hayes, Director of Education
Victoria Hayes is no stranger to the York Street Project. In 2013, Ms. Hayes joined Kenmare High School and served as an English Teacher for 2 years. After the retirement of Sister Barbara, Founding Member of the York Street Project and former Director for the Nurturing Place, Ms. Hayes took over as the Program Director for the Nurturing Place. In 2017, Ms. Hayes began her role as the Director of Education for both Kenmare High School and The Nurturing Place.
Ms. Hayes more than 30 years experience as a teacher and principal. Ms. Hayes earned her B.A. in Education from Jersey City State College (NJCU) and her M.A. in Administration and Supervision from Saint Peter’s University. She has earned certifications as both a teacher and principal.
