“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” -Francis of Assisi
Our team
Patricia Hughes
Patricia Hughes is the Director at Circle of Strength, where she leads with dedication, empathy, and an impact-driven approach. A graduate of Rutgers University with honors and currently pursuing her MBA, Patricia combines academic excellence with real-world leadership experience.
Known for her exceptional multitasking abilities and personable nature, she thrives in dynamic environments and is committed to following through on every goal — a “walk the walk” leader. Beyond her professional role, Patricia is deeply involved in her community, passionate about helping others, and actively supports initiatives that strengthen families and foster connection.
As a proud mother of four energetic children involved in sports and diverse hobbies, Patricia brings the same energy and commitment to her personal life as she does to her career. She enjoys staying active, spending time with her family, and cherishing the everyday moments of watching her kids grow and learn.
Jeremy Brown
Jeremy Brown is a result-driven professional known for his sharp logic, grounded realism, and honest communication style. With a talent for blending practicality with creativity, Jeremy excels in problem solving, strategic thinking, and getting things done. His approach is both no-nonsense and collaborative, valuing transparency, efficiency, and integrity in every project he tackles. Whether he is managing teams, building systems, or driving initiative forward, Jeremy brings a combination of wit, clarity, and execution. His work reflects a deep commitment to doing things the right way, with purpose and precision.
Corinne Rivera
Hi there! I’m an Assistant Director at Circle of Strength, where I get to combine my passion for helping others with my background in psychology. Originally from the heart of Tennessee, I bring a bit of southern charm and a whole lot of heart to everything I do. When I’m not supporting individuals and families, you can find me hanging out with my four beloved animals—they definitely keep life interesting
(and a little hairy)!
ANGELINA RIVERA
Angelina is a positive, hardworking person who brings good energy and a creative touch to whatever she’s doing. She’s reliable, focused, and not afraid to go the extra mile to help out or get things done right. She enjoys thinking outside the box and coming up with simple, creative solutions to everyday problems. When she’s not working, you can usually find her outdoors—walking, hiking, or just enjoying the fresh air with her dog by her side. She’s happiest when she’s helping others and staying active—and her pup definitely keeps her on her toes!
Jessica Martin
With a passion for crafting memorable experiences and a keen eye for detail, Jessica brings enthusiasm and precision to every event. She earned her Bachelor’s in Communications and Public Relations from Monmouth University and a Master’s in Event Management and Hospitality from New York University, building a strong foundation in strategic communication and event execution. Since beginning her career in 2021 as an Assistant Wedding Coordinator, Jessica has refined her expertise in client relations, vendor management, and creative design. As the Event Coordinator at Circle of Strength, she continues to elevate each event with warm professionalism and a commitment to excellence.
Perla Rodriguez
Perla is a Family Advocate Specialist who brings compassion, professionalism, and dedication to every family she supports. She continues to expand her knowledge of Direct Support services to help families navigate the system and empower individuals to reach their goals. Perla is known for her positive attitude, kindness and willingness to help others. She approaches every interaction with care and understanding, always striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active through tennis, yoga and gym workouts, and spending quality time with her loved ones.
Alyssa Simmons
Alyssa is the perfect blend of creative vision and operational precision. With a diverse background in creative roles, she brings a unique perspective to every challenge, consistently tapping into a wide range of skills to bring ideas to life. Driven by a passion for innovation and meaningful impact, Alyssa found her purpose in the service industry, where she can develop new ways to support others, amplify underrepresented voices, and uplift the communities around her. Her work is rooted in empathy, intention, and a deep commitment to making a difference.
Ashley Simmons
Ashley Simmons is the Marketing & Event Specialist at Circle of Strength. Her passion for connecting with others through social media and marketing stems from her own personal experience. She enjoys creating engaging content and using her creativity to build meaningful connections, promote events, and share the mission of Circle of Strength. During her downtime, Ashley enjoys writing, reading, listening to music, and looking at the world in her own unique way—always finding inspiration in the details others might overlook.
WHO WE ARE AT CIRCLE OF STRENGTH
Our Vision
OUR HISTORY
OUR HISTORY
At Circle of Strength, our vision is to create a community where everyone has access to resources and the support to thrive. We believe that by working together we can build a better future.
OUR HISTORY
OUR HISTORY
OUR HISTORY
The beginning of 2016, Circle of Strength has been dedicated to helping individuals and families in need. We have grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of our community.
our impact
OUR HISTORY
our impact
We are proud of the positive impact we have had on the lives of our clients. Through our programs and services, we have helped countless people overcome adversity and achieve their goals.
Circle of Strength
Join us for our Unity Ball December 13, 2025
Please note that tickets will not be sold at the door. The deadline to purchase tickets is Wednesday, December 10th at 12:00 PM.