Senior Leadership Team

Lisa Bruno joined Mercer Street Friends in May 2021, after a successful 17-year IT Project Management career with NJM Insurance Group. With a strong background in Information Technology, project management, and budgeting, Lisa now happily uses her skillset on community-driven work that results in social change.  She initially developed a […]

Maureen Alvidrez is Managing Director of Sobel Bixel: Consulting for Nonprofits. Maureen is Lead Grant Writer & Strategist for Mercer Street Friends.

Vicki Bixel is CEO of Sobel Bixel: Consulting for Nonprofits and has partnered with Mercer Street Friends since 2017, overseeing Development and Communications. https://www.sobelbixel.com/

Xiumei Chen, Director of Finance, manages accounting, financial reporting, and financial analysis. She joined Mercer Street Friends in February 2023. Xiumei has rich experience in virtually all aspects of finance and accounting management, including financial reporting, budgeting, financial modeling and analysis, internal controls, cash management, internal and external reporting, government

Bernadette Trapp joined the Mercer Street Friends team in July of 2021. Bernadette oversees the Community School partnerships in Trenton, ensuring staff works collaboratively with the principals to connect schools, students’ families, and community within the greater Trenton area. The connections can be for physical and mental health, basic life

Lisa Banks has been with Mercer Street Friends since 2006. For the children and parents, alike, Lisa ensures that the Preschool is a safe, caring, and comfortable environment. She is responsible for staffing the Preschool with qualified, certified staff, placing children in classrooms and complying with Trenton Board of Education

Karen Hoppock, MSW, LCSW is a Master’s Degree awarded social worker with a concentration in group work and is certified in implementation of the Bavolek Family Nurturing curriculum in individual, family and group settings.  She is certified in Pennsylvania and New Jersey as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker; the highest