MCOHA is here to help. Meet the team!
Lina Monsalve
Client Advocacy and Outreach Manager
Lina Monsalve currently holds the position of Client Advocacy and Outreach Manager for MCOHA. In this position, she oversees a wide range of services including programs for senior citizens. She provides case management, advocacy information and referrals to individuals and families with special needs in need of social services as well as TANF and post-TANF clients. Lina networks and coordinates activities and conferences with community organizations and special programs to assist clients with other agencies, and provides translation and interpretation services and advocacy for clients.Lina holds a degree from Antonio Narino University, Colombia, in International Business and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Fairleigh Dickenson University, 2007.
(973) 366-4770 Ext.113
Hispanic Woman's Resource Center
(973) 366-4770 Ext.119
Maria A. Rojas Botero
Director of the Hispanic Women's Resource Center
Maria Rojas Botero is currently serving as the Program Director for the Hispanic Women’s Resource Center, under the Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs (MCOHA).​
She has a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language from Universidad del Quindío, Colombia (2011) and validated in the US by World Education International (2018). DADC training in a partnership with County College of Morris and Rutgers University (2019). Maria has been in the non-profit field for 6 years where she has gained experience in Social Work, Social Justice and Advocacy. Her past experiences include working as a Residential Support Staff, Program Associate and Women’s program Case Manager at Homeless Solutions Inc. In her desired to promote selfcare among the women she serves, Maria became a certified 200 hours Yoga Teacher in December 2022 by Abhaya Yoga Studio in Brooklyn NY. Working for the community has become her passion, especially serving the population of Hispanic Women by helping them achieve their goals and personal wellness.
Maria Colon, BA/BSW
Hispanic Women's Resource Center Assistant Director/ Case Manager
(973) 366-4770 Ext.117
Rebecca Luciano
Hispanic Women's Resource Center
Case Manager
(973) 366-4770 Ext.122
Center for Citizenship and Legal Immigration
lady.ruiz@mcoha.org
(973) 366-4770 Ext.109
Lady S. Ruiz, Esq.
Full-Time Attorney
Lady S. Ruiz is the Full Time Staff Attorney at the Center for Citizenship and Legal Immigration and represents clients in special immigrant juvenile status (SIJS), removal defense, asylum, and other matters. Lady was previously a research fellow at the Universitat de Lleida in Spain where she focused on conducting research on Human Trafficking throughout Spain. She also taught at Universitat de Lleida's Law School (Falcutat de Dret, Economia i Turisme - Universitat de Lleida) where she focused on gender-based violence and International Criminal Law. Lady is a graduate of Montclair State University and Seton Hall Law School, where she worked at the Immigrants' Rights/International Human Rights Clinic. After Law School, Lady clerked in Family Court in Essex County, New Jersey where she managed the Children in Court docket. Lady is admitted to practice law in New Jersey and New York. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and a good show on Netflix.
Lisette Turner, MSW, LCSW
Intern Supervisor / Legal Assistant
(973) 366-4770 Ext. 105
LIHEAP Weatherization Program
(973) 366-4770 Ext.123
Rosa Soto
Weatherization and Home Energy Programs Manager
Rosa Soto is the longest-tenured staff person at MCOHA, having joined the organization in 1987. During her nearly 40 years of dedicated service, Rosa has worked in just about every department and is knowledgeable regarding all aspects of agency operations. From 2004 to 2005, Rosa served as MCOHA’s interim Executive Director. Currently, she holds the position of Manager of the Weatherization and Home Energy Departments which have regularly been recognized in the State of New Jersey for their high degree of professionalism and achievement.Rosa is a graduate of Dover High School, is a licensed certified social worker in the State of New Jersey and a United Way Certified Mentor. Most recently, in 2012/2013, Rosa attended Fairleigh Dickenson University and earned the Certificate in Executive Nonprofit Leadership.
Francis Gaydosh
Weatherization Quality Control Inspector
(973) 366-4770 Ext.126
Justice for All Program
(973) 366-4770 Ext.103
Crystal Paniagua
Director of Justice For All
Crystal Paniagua is serving as the Assistant Program Director for Justice for All under Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs (MCOHA). With a strong academic background and a passion for social justice. Crystal earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from William Paterson University.
Driven by her desire to effect meaningful change at a systemic level, Crystal is currently pursuing her license and master’s in social work at Rutgers University, with an anticipated graduation date in May 2024. As part of her graduate studies, she has also obtained a specialty certificate in the Latino(a) Initiative for Service Training and Assessment (LISTA), further enhancing her ability to serve the Hispanic community effectively.
Crystal has demonstrated a commitment to advocating for marginalized communities and promoting inclusivity. In her role at MCOHA, she focuses on following the organization's mission of empowering and advocating for the Hispanic and low- medium income population.
