Our Mission
It is the mission of Safe+Sound Somerset to empower survivors of domestic abuse and engage the community to end the cycle of violence.
A private non-profit established in 1978, S+SS is the designated lead agency and only organization in Somerset County providing comprehensive services to survivors of domestic abuse and their families. Our trauma-informed, evidence-based programs are designed to provide safety, hope and healing to survivors and their families as they build independent lives, free from violence and abuse.
Our Team
Safe+Sound Somerset is proud of its highly dedicated and qualified team of diverse professionals and volunteers. Whether an advocate in our emergency shelter, a counselor, an administrative staff member or an advocate that provides support to clients in court, each of us share a commitment to empowering survivors and engaging the community to end abuse.
Board of Trustees
Sheila Breeding, President
Allstate NJ, Senior Manager Stakeholder Relations (Retired)
Susan Sturges Spagnola, Esq., Secretary
JP Morgan Chase, Deputy Assistant Secretary (Retired)
James Berg, CPA, Treasurer
WithumSmith+Brown, PC, Partner
Michelle Bauman
Sandoz, Global Head
Cassandra Bellfield
AON Consulting, Vice President
Denise Coyle, Esq.
Former Assemblywoman
Trudy Doyle
Superintendent of Schools, Somerset County Executive (Retired)
Annette Geller
Allstate NJ, Human Resource Manager
Paul Grzella
Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board, Director
Susan Hutton
IEEE, Sales Director
Deborah E. Preston, PhD
Raritan Valley Community College,Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Sonia Rodrigues-Marto, MA, LPC
Rutgers University, Director, School & Community Programs
Center for Interpersonal Wellness, LLC, Co-Owner & Psychotherapist
Terry Thompson, Esq.
Friends of the Shelter, President
A Note From the Executive Director
Michele E. Boronkas, Executive Director, Ex Officio
Michele comes to us with an extensive background in leadership positions in New Jersey and in Somerset County in particular. She most recently was the Executive Director for the Workforce Training Center at Raritan Valley Community College, where she worked to launch the new Workforce Training Center. As Executive Director for the New Jersey State Employment and Training Commission, she worked to create innovative and progressive workforce training policies and investment strategies to benefit individuals and employers in the State. Furthermore, her experience with the American Cancer Society, Somerset County United Way and Women’s Health and Counseling Center solidified her successful record in program development, fundraising and organizational development successes.