Meet Us
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— OUR STAFF —
We are simply blessed with the BEST!
Jean Decker
Executive Director, President- Jean is the founder and driving force behind Peace By Piece NJ, Inc., pouring her heart and soul into every step of the organization’s journey. A passionate advocate for healthy living, she finds joy in long walks in nature, nourishing her body with clean foods, and inspiring others to embrace wellness in their everyday lives. When she’s not working to make a positive impact, Jean can often be found spending quality time with her family and dog, Miles. One of Jean’s lifelong dreams is to explore the country by motorhome.
Danielle Stickle (Decker)
Chief Operating Officer, Vice President- Danielle works alongside her mother, Jean, helping lead the business with creativity and heart. She manages all of the organization’s social media platforms, bringing its message to life through thoughtful and engaging content. Danielle finds joy in nature and loves exploring new places. Photography is her greatest passion, and she enjoys capturing the wonder of life through her camera lens. Above all, Danielle cherishes time spent with her husband, baby girl, family, and beloved fur babies. She approaches life with a joyful spirit, always seeking beauty and gratitude in even the simplest moments.
Miles Thor
Mascot, Therapy Dog- Miles is pure love in dog form! A total mush, he adores being around people and happily soaks up all the affection he can get. Jean and Danielle traveled all the way to Wisconsin to bring him home—earning him his perfectly fitting name. This sweet pup has and will be journeying many more miles alongside our group, spreading joy every step of the way!
Keith Westpy
Volunteer Chief Financial Officer, Jean’s brother- Keith played an instrumental role in helping Jean bring the PBPNJ 501(c)(3) vision to life, offering his knowledge, guidance, and unwavering support during the organization’s early stages. Even after the launch, Keith continued to generously volunteer his time, providing vital support in accounting, compliance, and various business-related needs to help ensure the organization’s stability and success. When he’s not supporting PBPNJ, Keith focuses on his career and is happily enjoying life alongside his wife, Joan, in North Carolina.
Monica Reyes
Administrative Assistant- Monica brings her expertise in business and finance to PBPNJ, where she plays a vital role supporting administrative and Human Resources operations. She is happily married to her supportive partner and is the proud, loving mom of two energetic boys and a sweet, precious baby boy. Her kindness, commitment, and caring nature are evident in everything she does; whether at home with her family or in her contributions to the organization.
Jordan Pace
Supported Employment Specialist, Direct Support Professional- Jordan graduated from Saint Joseph’s University in May of 2023. Jordan received a bachelors in Autism Behavioral Studies and a minor in psychology. Her older sister who is a member of the program is her inspiration for getting involved in this field. In her free time Jordan loves to read, spend time with her family/friends and travel!
Dominique Thiessen
Direct Support Professional- Dominique is attending Taylor University for her Bachelors in Elementary Education with a concentration in Language Arts. She is excited to be a part of the Peace By Piece team, as helping others is a part of who she is. In her free time she enjoys reading, outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends.
Cynthia “Cindy” Yuskaitis
Direct Support Professional- Cindy is a wife for 36 years, a mama for 34 years, a nana to 2 grand babies, and now a working woman! She stayed home to raise and homeschool her 4 children up to college entrance. Cindy’s oldest brother in law has special needs and he has lived with her and her husband intermittently. She stared working as a DSP with him a few years ago after he had cochlear implant surgery. Cindy likes to crotchet, read books aloud to anyone- young or old, camp with her husband in their pop up camper, color with crayons, and most of all, she likes to laugh. With Peace By Piece by her side, she can share herself and her time with a whole community of wonderful and amazing people.
Natalie Ludwig
Staff Supervisor, Direct Support Professional- Natalie is a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and dog lover with a deep passion for making a difference in the lives of those served by Peace by Piece. With a strong commitment to her work, she finds fulfillment in supporting and uplifting others. When she’s not working, Natalie enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking scenic trails, fishing, and creating delicious meals in the kitchen. Her dedication to both her family and her profession reflects her compassionate and caring nature.
Madeline “Maddy” Ludwig
Direct Support Professional- Maddy holds an Associates Degree in Psychology from Sussex County Community College. She is passionate about helping others and finds joy in spending quality time with friends and family. Maddy is a lover of animals and the outdoors. She enjoys connecting with nature and making meaningful connections with the people around her.
Jane Valkema
Direct Support Professional- Jane graduated from Dordt University in December of 2022, with a Bachelors degree focusing in Psychology. Her passion for working with people with disabilities stems from her love for her younger brother who has autism. Jane grew up in Sussex County, attending local Christian schools and enjoys being able to support adults with disabilities in the community she grew up in. In her free time Jane enjoys watching movies and traveling.
Pamela “Pam” Rodda
Direct Support Professional- Pam always gravitated to children & adults with intellectual disabilities. She is so happy that she started working with them almost 3 years ago! Pam feels completely blessed finding joy and fulfillment since recently joining the Peace By Piece family. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her adult boy/girl twins, and her adorable 5 year old granddaughter who calls her, Nana. Pam also enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, Jim and traveling with him.
Eric Bosch
Direct Support Professional- Eric is currently pursuing pre-med/dental studies with the goal of becoming an anesthesiologist, inspired by his stepfather, a cardiothoracic surgeon. He also has a strong interest in architecture and enjoys exploring creative design in his free time. Outside of academics, Eric loves working out, spending time down the shore, and being out with friends.
Karl Ludwig
Direct Support Professional- Karl graduated from Rowan University with a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice. After working 25 years in the law enforcement field, he now loves helping others and working with his Peace By Piece Family. In his free time, he enjoys reading, working out, cooking, traveling, watching sports and spending time with the grandkids.
Jennifer Bluhm
Direct Support Professional- Jennifer is family-oriented and is happily embracing her new role as an aunt to her nephew. She has been a DSP for over 15 years and still genuinely loves the work she does. A lover of animals and the outdoors, Jennifer enjoys spending time in nature whenever she can. In her spare time, she likes being with her family, friends, and her cats.
Colleen Cole
Direct Support Professional- Colleen graduated from Wilkes University with her Psychology and Elementary Ed degree over two decades ago and enjoyed being a public school teacher very much, but she found her part-time work as a tutor to her specially abled adult students to be the most rewarding. Colleen is a mom to her middle school daughter, Cora, two bonus daughters and their most loveable hound, Cooper. She loves to travel and spend time outside in nature with the family, especially when on rollerskates! She is so excited to now be with Peace by Piece and looks forward to our daily adventures together!
Daele Phlegar
Family Support Professional- Daele has over 25+ years experience assisting families navigate the state service systems for children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. She is a parent of a 24 year old daughter with autism and has gained personal and professional experience on how to apply, utilize and transition between DCF (Perform Care) and DDD services, steps of guardianship, special needs trusts and the importance of SSI eligibility. Although Daele currently works full time in quality assurance for DDD licensed homes, it is her desire to continue sharing the knowledge of service acquisition and supporting families on this journey. She is a longterm resident of Stillwater NJ with her husband and two grown children. In her free time she enjoys crafting, gardening and ringing hand bells.
