Meet The Staff

Jenni Clark, M.Ed.
Founder & CEO
jclark@starthrowergroup.com

Jenni graduated from Cedar Crest College with a BA in English, then later earned her NJ Teacher Certification K-12 for English. In 2010 she completed a Master of Arts in Education for Adult Education and Training from the University of Phoenix and worked both in public schools and providing private instruction for struggling students and young adults. After working at Hunterdon Central Regional High School in the Workplace Readiness program, Jenni decided there needs to be more for students who have special needs as they transition from high school to adult life and careers, so she founded StarThrower Group in 2018. The group currently provides services for over 40 families in Hunterdon, Somerset, Warren, and Mercer counties. The mission is to help build inclusive communities, inspire careers, and make connections that help establish a successful and happy adult life for young adults with special needs. 

Toine Hutchinson
Interim Executive Director
thutchinson@starthrowergroup.com

I am a proud mom of two—a son and a daughter, and have called New Jersey home for over 26 years. With a strong passion for service, the most fulfilling part of my profession is making a meaningful impact in the lives of my clients, stakeholders, and community. I thrive on creating thoughtful, effective solutions and bringing positive charge wherever I can.

Mikie Cotignola
Operations Director
mcotignola@starthrowergroup.com

After serving with the US Army in Iraq, Mikie earned his teaching certification from the University of Wyoming. He taught in Alaska, Taiwan, and Wyoming. Mikie was here in NJ when we opened in 2018. He returned to Wyoming to teach middle-school English, but then we called him back to StarThrower Group in June 2019.

Mikie runs workshops and courses that develop critical thinking and social skills, using multiple platforms including video games and Tabletop Role-Playing Games. Now he develops our online presence and helps members learn through creative production of online videos, podcasts, broadcasts, and the development of promotional materials such as voice-overs, ads, media marketing, and video production. 

Click to email  Alex
DSP

"Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get." -- Forrest Gump 

Raised as a NJ native, Alex has graduated with an Associates Degree in Digital Media/Film Studies from Raritan Valley Community College in 2019. He also graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Arts/Digital Filmmaking from Ramapo College of New Jersey in 2021. He has been involved with a few film projects working both in front and behind the camera. Among his talents, Alex is artistically creative, visually skillful, and enjoys working in collaborative and team building environments..   

He joined the StarThrower Group team in April of 2025, where he helps run workshops and courses to help members develop critical thinking, social skills,  and visual skills. From exploring career and job prospects, teaching acting and improv workshops, one on one sessions, and working with them in groups to help members learn new communication and social skills. Using his creative mindset and guidance to help members utilize those skills for their potential careers or personal interests outside of the STG community.       

Like many of the STG staff and members, Alex is a longtime Disney fan. And has a lifelong obsession about movies, where in his spare time he enjoys taking movie trips to see new first run and classic films on the big screen. Outside of work,  Alex loves spending his time with his dog Rey, traveling to new places, reading books, hiking, listening to Disney and film music, and trying new things. 

Dominique Armato
Receptionist

darmato@starthrowergroup.com

Dominique graduated from Hunterdon Central High School and has worked several jobs in the community. Dominique has experience in retail, customer service, and child care.

When she was a member of StarThrower Group, Dominique learned numerous life skills and was always seeking out ways to be helpful around the program. Dominique quickly found ways to help the staff and her fellow members, and became a Peer Mentor and then the Mayor of StarThrower Group.

Dominique eventually graduated from the StarThrower Group program, finding both competitive integrated work and an apartment. Eventually she decided she was ready for a career change, and in 2024 Dominique returned to StarThrower Group -- this time as a member of the staff.

Leo Melancon

Direct Support Professional
lmelancon@starthrowergroup.com

A Hunterdon County native, Leo has a great deal of experience in visual arts and storytelling. He attended Cabrini University (now part of Villanova University) between 2018 and 2022, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication. Leo is skilled behind the camera, loves working with teams, and values contributing to projects that matter.

Leo came to StarThrower Group in June of 2024, starting a workshop for members to learn about photography, working with them in groups and one-on-one to help them learn skills for a potential career or even just a fun hobby. Leo is neurodivergent, and reflecting on his experiences as someone who has needed support in the past has helped him support our members today.

When Leo is not working, he can be found riding his horse, Coop; filming steam trains for YouTube; spending time with his kitten, Izzy; or making music.

Lisa Truppa
Direct Support Professional
Click here to email Lisa

Lisa is a bag of donuts.

Raymonde Michael
DSP

click here to email Ray

Raymonde Michael is a versatile and multilingual professional with a strong background in administration, customer service, and creative arts. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in French Art, which enriches her work with a unique cultural and artistic perspective. In addition to her experience in office management and retail operations, Raymonde is also a food export specialist with deep knowledge of food preparation, safety, and distribution. Her passion for culinary arts extends into developing accessible food education curriculums, particularly for individuals with special needs.

Raymonde is also a skilled designer who creates custom crafts using the Cricut machine, blending creativity and precision to produce personalized artwork, educational tools, and decor. Her eye for detail and love for hands-on projects make her work both functional and inspiring. You can check out her online shop by following this link: R.M.P. Shop

Fluent in English, Arabic, and French, Raymonde is known for her reliability, organization, and people-first mindset. Whether managing a busy front desk, crafting meaningful art, or designing inclusive food programs, she brings care, enthusiasm, and professionalism to everything she does.

Click to email: Rosemary
DSP - Library

With over two decades of experience in nonprofit and cultural institutions, Rosemary brings a deep commitment to meaningful service and community engagement. Her background in managing teams, coordinating public programs, and supporting inclusive environments has strengthened her belief in the power of care, respect, and human connection. She approaches her work at StarThrower Group with empathy and a dedication to creating spaces where individuals feel valued and empowered. Her passion for lifelong learning and inclusive support drives her to make a positive impact with every interaction.

Scott

Direct Support Professional
Click here to email Scott

Amy Pinder
Speech
circlesofcommunication@gmail.com

Amy Pinder, MA, CCC-SLP is the owner and founder of Circles of Communication. Amy is a New Jersey State licensed and ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist with over ten years of experience working with individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental differences. Amy graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges where she received her BA in Sociology in addition to New York State Teaching Certification in Elementary and Special Education, and from Kean University where she received her MA in Speech Language Pathology. She works with our members at StarThrower Group providing Individual and Small Group speech therapy, and leading our weekly Chat Club. 

Arden Hawes, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech
info@starthrowergroup.com

Arden Hawes, MS, CCC-SLP is a partner at Circles of Communication. With over 7 years of experience assessing and treating individuals across the lifespan in a variety of clinical settings, she has found her niche working with individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental differences. Shortly after joining Circles of Communication in March of 2021,  Arden began working with members on communication and friendship skills here at StarThrower Group, providing individual and small group speech therapy and leading our weekly Chat Club. 

Arden has cultivated a compassionate, client-led therapeutic style that is neurodiversity-affirming and incorporates elements of mindfulness, play, movement, art, animal care, gardening, and ample time outside. She places strong emphasis on the individual needs of each of her clients to address skills that are both functional and bridge unique educational, personal, and professional goals. 

Arden is a New Jersey and Pennsylvania licensed and ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist. She graduated with a BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a minor in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh, then continued her education at La Salle University in Philadelphia where she earned her MS in Speech-Language Pathology.

Dr. Christina McHenry
Occupational Therapy
cmchenry2017@gmail.com

Christina McHenry, OTD, OTR/L has been practicing since 2014, working with the elderly, 0-3 year olds in Early Intervention, and currently (since 2020) with young adults with different intellectual, neurological, and developmental disabilities.  Dr. McHenry attended a 6-year program at Calvin College in Michigan and Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, graduating with a clinical doctorate in Occupational Therapy.  Dr. McHenry is NBCOT-certified and licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  One of Dr. McHenry's greatest loves is helping her clients find their niche, achieve their goals, and flourish with meaningful and purposeful activities.  Having a hearing loss oneself, Dr. McHenry overflows with a compassionate understanding of the struggles of overcoming and navigating different life obstacles.  Dr. McHenry enjoys working with the young adults and staff at Starthrowers, a welcoming and supportive environment with a communal passion to live life to the fullest!