Our Staff

SSedo@cscnyct.org

Sarah started at Cancer Support Community Greater NY & CT in September 2020 as the Oncology Social Work Manager, after which she became the Program Director, where she oversaw the program department including all clinical work, healthy lifestyle, educational, and social programs. Sarah also facilitated groups and provided counseling services. Sarah is now the Executive Director, working closely with the Board of Directors and overseeing the organization’s operations.

Prior to working at CSCNYCT, Sarah was the Clinical Supervisor for a community mental health program, where she gained management experience and clinical practice facilitating groups and providing counseling and case management services. Previously, Sarah worked with adolescents providing in-home therapeutic and behavioral services. Sarah received a Masters of Social Work Degree, with a concentration in Clinical Social Work, from Rutgers University. She also holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Seton Hall University.

TBlack@cscnyct.org

Tammy joined Gilda’s Club in 2022 as an Oncology Social Worker; she provides individual counseling, facilities support groups, and completes intake visits. Tammy earned her MSW with a concentration in gerontology from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. Tammy is a seasoned social worker having worked in both in-hospital as well as outpatient medical settings and geriatric care management. She has extensive experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team providing individual, family, and group therapy often focusing on adjustment to illness and loss while advocating for patients. Tammy received a post –Master’s certificate from New York University in Palliative and End of Life Care.

mdesimone@cscnyct.org

Melissa joined CSCNYCT as the Development and Marketing Manager in September 2025, bringing a strong background in public health and nonprofit communications. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public health from Roger Williams University and has contributed to several health-focused organizations including Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) and Make-A-Wish. Her work is driven by a passion for community health and a strategic approach to digital marketing and fundraising, helping to amplify CSCNYCT’s mission and grow its impact.

JFreeman@cscnyct.org

Judy Freeman began working at Gilda’s Club in June of 2002, following a seventeen-year career at Columbia University School of Social Work. Judy is responsible for managing Gilda’s Club Westchester’s calendar of monthly activities, including social and health and wellness programs. Judy also coordinates lectures and workshops facilitated by physicians, authors, health and wellness experts and community-based organizations. Judy maintains relationships with over 200 physicians, nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers and wellness experts who provide their expertise through our lectures and workshops which connect individuals with cancer, and their family members, critical information that assist with decision making and quality of life. Judy graduated from Syracuse University with a BS in Secondary Education.

AMarkowitz@cscnyct.org 

Andrea joined Gilda’s Club Westchester in 2018 as an Oncology Social Worker before becoming the Program Director in 2023.  Andrea earned her MSW with an individualized concentration on health and mental health from the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. Andrea has worked in both in-hospital and outpatient medical settings with experience in oncology, primary care, transplant, and emergency units for both adult and pediatric populations. She has extensive experience working with a diversity of populations in the community mental health setting, providing individual, family, and group therapy. Andrea has received specialty training in CBT, DBT, substance use, trauma, chronic-disease management, and bereavement support.

cmiranda@cscnyct.org

Cindy started CSCNYCT in September 2023 and is responsible for various tasks including special events, processing donations and helping with the daily operation of the Clubhouse. A seasoned event and operations professional, Cindy spent 16 years at the United States Tennis Association (USTA) working on all aspects of event management and business operations. She graduated from Bryant University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

lmachuca@cscnyct.org

Linda Machuca began her role as Bilingual Community Navigator at Cancer Support Community Greater NY & CT at Gilda’s Club in February 2025. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and a Master’s in Global Affairs with a focus on Diplomacy and International Relations. With a background that includes serving as Consul General of Ecuador in New York and founding the Network of Latino Migrant Women, Linda brings a wealth of experience in community relations, advocacy, and outreach. Her empathetic, human-centered approach to communication and connection strengthens her ability to support our members through their cancer journey. Linda is proud to serve our diverse community and is available to provide services in both English and Spanish.