WHO WE ARE
The members of the Elder Mediation Center of New Jersey have a breadth of knowledge and experience regarding issues facing the elderly and those living with disabilities. They also have the requisite sensitivity and patience to work with these individuals and families to achieve an optimal resolution of conflict.
Nina E. Weiss
Nina E. Weiss received her law degree from Fordham University School of Law, New York, New York and is a graduate of Binghamton University. She is the former Associate Counsel to the New Jersey Office of the Public Guardian for Elderly Adults and a former Legal Specialist with the Office of the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. Nina is a professional mediator and is on the roster of court approved mediators administered by the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts. Nina previously served as a member of the Advisory Committee on Supportive Housing through the Real Life Choices Program of the Division of Developmental Disabilities. To learn more about the Real Life Choices Program, you may go to www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddd. Nina also serves as the Chairperson of the Mercer County Bar Association Chancery Bench Bar Committee (please visit www.mercerbar.com), is a member of the Guardianship Association of New Jersey (please visit www.ganji.org) and is a founding member of the Elder Mediation Center. Nina resides with her family in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
Anthony J. Serra
Anthony J. Serra received his law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law, Newark, New Jersey, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and is a graduate of Drew University. He is the former General Counsel to the New Jersey Office of the Public Guardian for Elderly Adults and is a Registered Guardian under the auspices of the National Guardianship Association. Tony is a professional mediator and is on the roster of court approved mediators administered by the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts. Tony received specialized Adult Guardianship/Family Caregiver mediation training though the Center for Social Gerontology in Ann Arbor, Michigan. To learn more about the Center, you may visit www.tcsg.org. Tony is a co-founder and the President of Volunteer Guardianship One on One, Inc., a non-profit organization devoted to recruiting, training and supporting volunteer guardians. For more information, you may go to www.VolunteerGuardianship.org. Tony is also a member of the Guardianship Association of New Jersey and is founding member of the Elder Mediation Center, Tony resides with his family in Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
Donald D. Vanarelli
Donald D. Vanarelli, an attorney since 1983, is admitted in NJ and NY. A graduate of Rutger's Law School, Don practices in the areas of elder law, disability planning, family law, and mediation. Don worked for the Social Security Administration on Social Security, SSI, Medicare and Medicaid claims. Don served as Law Clerk to Hon. Herbert S. Alterman, J.S.C. He is a graduate of the NJ Bar Association’s mediation training programs for probate, general equity and civil cases, and family law cases. Don received advanced training in family and elder mediation. He is accredited as a professional mediator. Don is also board-certified as an elder law attorney. Don was selected as a NJ Super Lawyer in 2007 and 2008 in elder law and estate planning. Don is certified as a registered guardian and works as a professional fiduciary. For more information, visit Don's website at www.dvanarelli.com.
Marcie Cooper
Marcie Cooper, MSW, LCSW, C-ASWCM, is a professional geriatric care manager and educator with more than 30 years experience providing specialized services to the geriatric community. In private practice, Ms. Cooper provides assessment and care planning for vulnerable and frail adults and consulting services to eldercare service providers. Ms. Cooper is an instructor at Rutgers University in the gerontology certification program. She has been guest lecturer to organizations including the International Conference on Care Management, National Conference on Aging, Assisted Living Facility Association and the National Association of Social Workers. She is an Expert Commentator for Boston University’s Institute for Geriatric Social Work. The New Jersey General Assembly recently appointed Ms. Cooper to the New Jersey Elderly Person Suicide Prevention Advisory Council. She is proud to be an ongoing invitee to the United Nations Committee on Ageing. Ms. Cooper is currently President of the NJ chapter of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, is on the Board of Directors of the Society on Aging of New Jersey and a member of the Forum of NJ Healthcare Professionals for the Alzheimer’s Association. Ms. Cooper is the recipient of the Innovative Program of the Year from the American Association of Services for the Aging. She has won other national awards including the Distinguished Achievement Award for Best Newly Developed Service from the Society on Aging. Ms. Cooper has contributed to numerous professional publications including Eldercare Network News, Inside GCM, New Jersey Focus, Advanced: Post Acute Care, Assisted Living Today and The Society on Aging of New Jersey Quarterly. She received her Masters degree in social work from Yeshiva University and holds a B.A. in music therapy from Montclair State University.
The Elder Mediation Center of New Jersey
P.O. Box 8017
Princeton, NJ 08543
Phone: 908-232-7755
Toll Free 888-609-6565