Dr. McKernan started working at Gaudenzia in 2019 and is responsible for overseeing all program operations of Gaudenzia as well as compliance and quality improvement.
Prior to joining Gaudenzia, she was Chief Operating Officer at a nationwide human services agency, where she spent 23 years providing services to disadvantaged individuals, including the homeless population, people with developmental disabilities, veterans dealing with substance use disorders or mental illness, and individuals transitioning from the criminal justice system to community life.
Dr. McKernan has worked as a social worker since 1990. She was president of the New Jersey Reentry Coalition where she served in leadership positions for over 15 years. In 2014, she was appointed to the New Jersey Board of Social Work Examiners.
Dr. McKernan received her B.A. from Trenton State College. In addition, she earned her Master of Social Work and Doctor of Social Work from Rutgers University.