D. ERICA PHILLIPS
Erica is the founder of Lennon’s House. In her 30+ years of experience, she has been fortunate to volunteer at camps for people with special needs, as well as work in special education programs. She was trained in doing crisis intervention and ABA under Dr. Ole Ivar Lovaas’ technique. After doing this work in the Morris school district, she decided to branch out and work with other professionals in developing a more person centered approach in a natural setting. Similarly, she ran some of the first non-profit special needs recreation programs in Sussex County and worked on videos in the public school system on how to work with special needs students. Erica has won multiple “Have a Heart” awards in Sussex County. She served on the Child Placement Review Board in Newton from 2009 to 2012. She also trained at the Morris Police Academy for the Jersey Battered Women’s Service (now known as JBWS) to recognize when someone is dealing with abuse.
RONDA
THOMA
Ronda loves working with people. She worked as a nail technician for many years before becoming a private duty nurse’s aide. She then worked in a group home with developmentally disabled adults as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), where she worked her way up to Assistant Manager and then Manager. In 2021, she decided to leave management responsibilities to work one on one with clients, something truly rewarding and the reason she loves what she does.
CHRISTOPHER BREWSTER PHILLIPS
Chris is the Chief Executive Officer at Lennon’s House. He is also a Spanish teacher, professional scuba diver, professional ski patroller, professional emergency medical technician, professional drum circle facilitator and special needs yoga instructor. Chris is committed to this project.
BRANDON
SCHMIDT
Brandon is a professional action sports athlete who rides BMX bikes and snowboards. He has performed with Nitro Circus at top venues in
over 40 countries. He has starred in action sports movies and TV and is also a professional video editor specializing in action sports videos. Brandon’s mission in the special needs world is to work towards empowerment and movement in winter sports, especially for Special Olympics in New Jersey.
Bridget Mitarotonda
My name is Bridget, and I’ve been a proud member of Lennon’s House since October 2025. I’m a mother of three wonderful children and have always had a passion for making a difference in people’s lives. Before joining Lennon’s House, I worked as an Activity Director at a senior living community for five years, where I discovered just how much I enjoy creating engaging experiences for others. I’m very involved in my community and love finding ways to help wherever I can. Being part of Lennon’s House has truly been a joy, I genuinely love each of our clients and feel honored to be a part of their lives. Whether it’s planning activities, decorating, leading cooking classes, or simply bringing people together, I find great purpose in helping enhance the lives of those around me.
THERESA
SANFELICE
Since adolescence, Theresa has worked in a child care
setting where she eventually became a lead teacher
and supervisor. She has
also worked in numerous
retail stores in customer service and cashiering roles.
Theresa is currently
self-employed in the community and provides individual support as a
direct support professional through New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). She also fulfills a part time role for Lennon’s House where she provides some of her quality control and
customer service expertise.
KIM
POTEMPA NIEDOSIK
Kim is the webmaster for Lennon’s House and she is also the founder and director of Pamela’s Place, an organization with the same ideals as Lennon’s House. Her daughter Pamela is the inspiration behind Pamela’s Place. She is very involved with community theater as an actress, singer and costume designer/props person. She is always trying to find ways to help others and for Pamela’s Place to help the special needs community.
Larry Goodman
Montclair State University
Certified in Health and Physical Education. Minoring in Adaptive Physical Education. 27 yrs of experience as a teacher.
Teaching 10 years an ABA Physical Education class.
13 years as a wrestling coach at Paramus HS and 3 Yrs of High School Cross Country coaching.
Helped coach middle school Special Olympics
Basketball, soccer and track. At Westbrook Middle School Paramus NJ. Father of two young adult children.
Kim Tackett
I got my start approximately 38 years ago working for the Arc of Morris in the McARP program. During this time I also became a coach for Special Olympics Area 3, Morris, Sussex & Warren Counties. I now have my own local training Program—”On The Go” and I am the Head Delegate/Assistant Director for Area 3 Special Olympics.
Some of the more interesting things I have done are:
Director of Hotel Respite for UCP Assistant Director at the McARP program Manager of group homes for ScArc, Special Homes of NJ (Avidd), Catholic Charities (DPD) to name a few.
I have worked with small and large groups. I have taken my friends on Cruises, Florida vacation, dinner clubs, social clubs, arts & crafts, cooking class, trips to NY, Mass & Penn, You name it we have probably done it.
I am sharing all my years experience with Lennon’s House so we can continue to expand and create a wonderful person centered program.
Jade
Marquez
Jade Marquez, they/them, is a friendly, sweet, and patient staff member of Lennon’s House and a Special Olympics volunteer. They have been a part of Lennon’s life since his adolescence. Jade’s charismatic personality allows them to connect with anyone, making them a great people person. In addition to their work at Lennon’s house, where they care for several individuals, Jade is also a full-time artist. They have been involved in the tattoo industry for over 10 years. They serve as Lennon’s snowboarding and bocce coaches for the Special Olympics and are truly a friend to Lennon and the Golden Rulers at Lennon’s house.
Kelly O'Toole
Kelly O’Toole
Kim Tackett
I got my start approximately 38 years ago working for the Arc of Morris in the McARP program. During this time I also became a coach for Special Olympics Area 3, Morris, Sussex & Warren Counties. I now have my own local training Program—”On The Go” and I am the Head Delegate/Assistant Director for Area 3 Special Olympics.
Some of the more interesting things I have done are:
Director of Hotel Respite for UCP Assistant Director at the McARP program Manager of group homes for ScArc, Special Homes of NJ (Avidd), Catholic Charities (DPD) to name a few.
I have worked with small and large groups. I have taken my friends on Cruises, Florida vacation, dinner clubs, social clubs, arts & crafts, cooking class, trips to NY, Mass & Penn, You name it we have probably done it.
I am sharing all my years experience with Lennon’s House so we can continue to expand and create a wonderful person centered program.
Jade
Marquez
Jade Marquez, they/them, is a friendly, sweet, and patient staff member of Lennon’s House and a Special Olympics volunteer. They have been a part of Lennon’s life since his adolescence. Jade’s charismatic personality allows them to connect with anyone, making them a great people person. In addition to their work at Lennon’s house, where they care for several individuals, Jade is also a full-time artist. They have been involved in the tattoo industry for over 10 years. They serve as Lennon’s snowboarding and bocce coaches for the Special Olympics and are truly a friend to Lennon and the Golden Rulers at Lennon’s house.
® Lennon’s House 2024 – All Rights Reserved
® Lennon’s House 2024 – All Rights Reserved
