Meet Our Team
Karin Romans, Executive Director
Karin joined Friends of NYC Nurse-Family Partnership in April 2020, shortly after the birth of her son, Liam. In her role, Karin leads Friends’ and works with the board to ensure we achieve our mission. Karin has worked in the nonprofit sector for 20 years and has experience with fundraising, capacity building, and strategic planning. Karin received a BA in Public Relations and an MA in Communications from Hofstra University. Raised by a social worker and a teacher, she realized while working in public relations after college, she wanted to use her skills to address causes close to her heart. As a mom and coming from a family of nurses, Friends’ mission is a perfect match. She deeply appreciates the opportunity to support new mothers and give back in NYC, a city she called home until recently. Karin, her husband Bill, and Liam live in Litchfield County, CT, where they love hiking, biking, and being outside.
Need to get in touch? Contact Karin at karin@friendsofnycnfp.org
Hayette Lopez, Program Coordinator
Friends’ mission and values hits home for this New York native. Being an NFP Graduate, Hayette understands first hand what it means to be in the Nurse-Family Program. Using her knowledge of the program, along with internal and external resources she strives to aid first-time moms to become self-sufficient and find a sense of community. She believes it is crucial and beneficial to both the mom and child. Hayette graduated with her B.A in Forensic Psychology and Criminology and went back for her Master’s in Public Administration specializing in Investigation and Oversight. She plans to further her skills in the non-profit sector.
Contact Hayette: Hayette@friendsofnycnfp.org
Chelsea Chateauvert, Development & Marketing Manager
Chelsea started as Development Manager for Friends of NYC NFP in August 2021 as a consultant and joined the staff in March of 2023. She comes to Friends with more than 12 years of experience working in Development and Donor Relations.
Chelsea has worked in many different areas within the non-profit sector including education, health care, drug abuse, and racial equality. In her role with friends, Chelsea manages all aspects of Development including Donor Relations and Communications. She supports the grant writing and events teams as well as provides critical operations support.
Chelsea graduated from CUNY Baruch College ‘08 with a BS in Public Affairs. She is a published author, an avid baker, and mother to two toddlers. She is a native New Yorker and lives in Westchester, NY.
Contact Chelsea: Chelsea@friendsofnycnfp.org
Colleen Marcoux, Grants Coordinator
Colleen started with Friends in 2022 as an intern and has become an invaluable member of the Friends staff. In addition to her work with friends, Colleen is the Research Project Coordinator at a New York-based nonprofit for people with HIV and other chronic conditions. Colleen graduated from St. John’s University with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics with specializations in Social Justice Theory and Social Entrepreneurship. She has conducted research on global health and sexual health.
Colleen is passionate about justice-based public policy and the intersection of health, education, identity, and technology.
Contact Colleen: Colleen@friendsofnycnfp.org
Mikayla Murphy-Brown, Program Associate
Mikayla is a devoted mom of two and a passionate advocate for empowering mothers. Combined with a degree in Psychology from Queensborough and experience as a postpartum doula, she deeply understands the challenges of motherhood. To create a more supportive community for moms, Mikayla created a social media page providing laughs while nurturing a safe space for connection and growth. As an NFP graduate, joining Friends has given her another opportunity to help moms navigate through their journey of motherhood. Mikayla comes from Queens and is thrilled to be helping impact mothers throughout each borough.
Contact Mikayla: Mikayla@friendsofnycnfp.org
Jalyn Cason, Program & Development Assistant
Jalyn joined Friends of NYC NFP in February of 2024. She graduated from CUNY Lehman College in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, concentrating in Human Resources and Finance. In addition, Jalyn worked as an intern within the nonprofit, healthcare, and education sectors, specifically helping to guide disadvantaged students toward academic success. Her passion is aligned with Friends’s mission of assisting first-time mothers in pursuing their heart’s desires.
Contact Jalyn: Jalyn@friendsofnycnfp.org