2026–2027 Board of Trustees
Leadership Guided by Compassion, Service, and Community Impact
Shayla Harris
President
Shayla Harris is an associate attorney specializing in antitrust and consumer protection litigation. Her dedication to advocacy, justice, and compassionate leadership reflects Caring Contact’s commitment to supporting individuals with dignity and care.
“Connection can save lives. I’m honored to help lead an organization that provides compassion, support, and hope to people during difficult moments.” — Shayla Harris
“Connection can save lives. I’m honored to help lead an organization that provides compassion, support, and hope to people during difficult moments.” — Shayla Harris
Rekha Sali
Vice President
Rekha Sali is a seasoned executive and Managing Director at one of the world’s leading financial institutions, where she leads large-scale technology transformation initiatives. Driven by a deep commitment to community service and mental health advocacy, she brings both strategic vision and heartfelt leadership to Caring Contact.
“Caring Contact creates a space where people feel heard, supported, and less alone. That mission deeply resonates with me.” — Rekha Sali
“Caring Contact creates a space where people feel heard, supported, and less alone. That mission deeply resonates with me.” — Rekha Sali
Amisha Shah
Secretary
An oncology clinical research professional and Caring Contact volunteer listener, Amisha Shah is dedicated to empathy-driven support, advocacy, and human connection.
“Sometimes the most meaningful gift we can offer is our willingness to listen with compassion and without judgment.” — Amisha Shah
“Sometimes the most meaningful gift we can offer is our willingness to listen with compassion and without judgment.” — Amisha Shah
Lee Zuber
Treasurer
With more than 20 years of leadership experience in financial services, Lee Zuber, Managing Partner at CREATIVE Financial Group, brings operational expertise and a deep commitment to strengthening Caring Contact’s impact throughout the region.
"Every person deserves compassion, understanding, and the reassurance that they do not have to face difficult moments alone.” — Lee Zuber
"Every person deserves compassion, understanding, and the reassurance that they do not have to face difficult moments alone.” — Lee Zuber
Liz Cassin
Liz Cassin is a Senior Director at LSG, an impact agency that partners with clients to grow, evolve, and protect their brands and reputations. She also has more than seven years of nonprofit experience running advocacy campaigns on critical national issues, along with prior service in the U.S. Senate. Her career has been centered on creating meaningful impact in communities across the country. Serving on the Caring Contact board reflects her continued commitment to making a difference and supporting organizations that strengthen connection and well-being.
Dr. Robert Frey
Dr. Robert Frey is an educator with over 20 years of experience supporting student growth and development. He serves as a digital literacy teacher, building technology coordinator, and leader in after-school and summer programs, creating safe and engaging environments for children. Robert is committed to mentorship and community well-being, and through Caring Contact, he aims to promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure individuals have access to compassionate support when they need it most.
Marcus Millet
Marcus Millet is a semi-retired patent attorney with a diverse professional background spanning engineering and law. With over 38 years in patent law following an early career in engineering, he brings analytical thinking and problem-solving expertise to the board. Marcus has a passion for innovation and mechanics, and he values thoughtful approaches to complex challenges, both professionally and in service to the community. Marc has provided compassionate listening support on the 988 Lifeline for many years.
Mayukh Mukherjee
Mayukh Mukherjee is an entrepreneur working to expand access to mental healthcare through clinical services and technology. He operates outpatient mental health clinics in New Jersey and is the founder of Carelinq, a platform designed to support clients between therapy sessions. As a volunteer with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Mayukh brings a deep commitment to empathy and service. As a board member, he is focused on helping Caring Contact grow sustainably while preserving its core mission of compassionate listening.
Bisrat Mekbeb
Bisrat Mekbeb is a Director, HR Business Partner at Ariel Investments, where he serves as a trusted advisor and coach to senior leaders. He is passionate about building collaborative workplace relationships and fostering strong organizational culture. At Caring Contact, Bisrat is an advocate for mental health awareness in both community and professional settings, helping to expand conversations and support systems around well-being. A volunteer Listener with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Bis brings empathy and compassion to those in crisis.
Grant Purtell
Grant Purtell is a Managing Director with over 30 years of experience leading finance teams at global investment banks, most recently overseeing a large controller’s group across the Americas. He brings deep leadership and operational expertise to Caring Contact and is passionate about raising awareness of the organization’s mission to ensure that everyone has someone to listen.
Emily Qualben
Emily Qualben is an educator with Newark Public Schools, where she has taught since 2018. Her involvement with Caring Contact reflects her dedication to supporting the well-being of her students and community. Emily is committed to helping strengthen the organization so it can continue reaching and supporting individuals in need
DeAnn Snook
De Snook is a mental health advocate with a professional background in marketing and advertising, including leadership roles in the fashion industry such as Marketing and Advertising Director at Escada USA. At Caring Contact, De leverages marketing expertise to support organizational growth, outreach, and visibility in service of expanding its impact.
Dominique Bechade Trott
Dominique Bechade Trott is a clinical social worker specializing in trauma-informed psychotherapy. She is trained in EMDR and somatic modalities, including trauma-informed yoga, and is dedicated to helping individuals heal from trauma. Dominique has extensive experience in community service, including work with the International Rescue Committee, YWCA Union County, and the Westfield Mental Health Council. She is passionate about reducing stigma around mental health and supporting volunteer listeners with tools for resilience and stress management.