Learn more about the local leaders who guide the Foundation’s mission, fundraising, advocacy, and community partnerships.
The Highlander Education Foundation is led by community members who bring experience in education, nonprofit leadership, healthcare, finance, fundraising, advocacy, and local service. Together, they work to expand educational opportunities and help protect important programs.
Marisa is a mother of two, a wife, an avid runner, and an advocate for her community. She grew up in Jefferson Township, graduated from Kean University in 2010 with a B.A. in Biology, and completed her doctorate at UMDNJ in 2012. She is a certified lymphedema therapist and is board certified in oncology.
She has experience speaking at Medical Grand Rounds and Tumor Boards, participating in community outreach events, and working on a prospective research study across multiple hospital sites.
Marisa married her high school sweetheart, Matt, in 2015 after moving to West Milford to start a family. She has since come to know and love the town for its natural beauty and the residents who demonstrate what true community means. Once her daughter started elementary school, she became increasingly aware of the financial hardships facing the district and local community.
One motto Marisa lives by is “be the change you wish to see.” She believes meaningful change requires action and hopes to bring positive change to the community through the Highlander Education Foundation.
Lisa is raising two children in West Milford with her husband of seventeen years, Bob, who is a lifelong resident of West Milford. Her children attend West Milford High School and Macopin Middle School and are graduates of Marshall Hill and Apshawa, respectively.
As the first in her family to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, Lisa knows firsthand how important education is to creating a positive life trajectory.
Lisa’s career in nonprofit management and fundraising has provided opportunities for success in both private and public higher education and within large, complex health systems. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from William Paterson University, a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Columbia University, and a Project Management Certificate from Rutgers Business School.
She is dedicated to volunteering her skills to create meaningful opportunities for the students of West Milford.
Victoria Hunt is a West Milford resident and proud mom of a daughter attending Upper Greenwood Lake Elementary School. As both a parent and a member of the community, she understands the important role strong public schools play in helping students succeed.
Before joining the West Milford Recreation Department, Victoria spent seven years working in special education, where she developed a deep commitment to helping every student reach their full potential. In her current role, she helps create recreation programs and community events that bring families together and provide opportunities for residents of all ages to learn, grow, and connect.
Beyond her professional role, Victoria volunteers as a youth softball and cheer coach, serves on several local nonprofit boards, and is an active member of the Upper Greenwood Lake Elementary School PTA. She is honored to join the Highlander Education Foundation Board of Directors and looks forward to supporting initiatives that enrich educational opportunities and strengthen the West Milford community.
Amanda Anderson has proudly called West Milford home since 2012 and is deeply committed to supporting students and teachers throughout the community. She is the mother of two children in the district and has been actively involved in the school community through her volunteer work with the Paradise Knoll PTA, where she served as Recording Secretary for the past three years.
Amanda currently works for the West Milford Board of Education as a Clerical Secretary and brings a strong background in organization, communication, and operations to her role with the Highlander Education Foundation. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services from Ramapo College and her MBA from Montclair State University.
Amanda is passionate about strengthening educational opportunities for all students and believes in the power of community collaboration to support innovative programs, student enrichment, and the long-term success of West Milford schools. As Secretary of the Highlander Education Foundation, she looks forward to helping advance the organization’s mission and making a positive impact throughout the district.
Connect with the Highlander Education Foundation to volunteer, sponsor an initiative, attend an event, or ask how you can help West Milford students.