Diane Riportella

Diane resides in Egg Harbor Township and was raised in South Bronx, New York. She led fundraisers, participated in marathons for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and prepared food for rescue workers in the midst of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Five months after marrying husband Paul in 2007, she was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as ALS.

Riportella still makes a difference. She organizes events; counsels and assists people with ALS (PALS) in getting help for tasks so many of us take for granted. She leads an exercise class for Galloway Township Senior Services from her wheelchair.

Riportella started Regalos De Mi Corazon, LLC (Gifts from My Heart), before being diagnosed. It raises awareness for ALS and, “provides love, joy and laughter to PALS, senior citizens and their families and friends.”

She recently testified before the state Assembly about the need for medicinal marijuana.

She participated via wheelchair in the New Jersey Marathon’s half marathon the past two years to raise awareness for ALS. “I hope we find a cure soon,” said Riportella. “Until then I’ll try to make life easier for those facing this horrific, fatal disease.”

Photo by Donna Andrews Photography

Lucinda “Cindy” Hairston, RN, BSN

Cindy was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. She was recruited to Howard University on a Track and Field scholarship, however spent her time wisely, focusing also on education.

Upon moving to New Jersey she worked as a Rehab Case Manager and eventually ascended to the position of Assistant Director of Nursing for a subacute facility. Out of genuine love and respect for the elderly, she works as a healthcare advocate and liaison for seniors, navigating through insurance benefits, EOB’s and accompanying for appointments. She also works occasionally with her husband, Dr. Bruce Hairston, located in Galloway.

Cindy resides in Cape May County with her husband and 2 children, Bruce, Jr and Bryan. She is a fulltime homeschooling Mom, dedicated to excellence in education. She maintains a broad social network for her children, realizing the importance of strong social skills, a good spiritual foundation and athleticism in the development of well rounded and secure adults.

Cindy is a Deaconess, Medical Team Leader and sings on the Praise and Worship Team at Taylor Tabernacle Church in Philadelphia. It is through her faith that she finds peace, strength and joy in every day life.

Photo by Donna Andrews Photography

Dr. Alisun Klingert, D.C.

Alisun was born and raised in the Atlantic County area. She attended Pilgrim academy and graduated high school from Egg Harbor Township High School. After attending Atlantic County Community College for her pre-requisites she attended and graduated from Life Chiropractic College in Atlanta Georgia. She and her husband Stephen Richards reside in Egg Harbor Township. She and her husband have a strong love for family. Both coming from big families they enjoy spending time with loved ones.

She was influenced by her parent’s interest in a healthy lifestyle. She herself being born at home, and having the opportunity to have received chiropractic adjustments from her dad, has a passion to help people be healthier. After graduating from chiropractic school she worked in her dad’s office for 4 years before branching out on her own. Alisun has been a speaker for women’s groups who are interested in a healthy lifestyle. She is a member of the local chapter of Holistic Moms.

Her compassion for people goes beyond her office. She is an active member of Shore Fellowship Church in EHT, where she serves in a variety of capacities. Alisun loves to read and learn more about life, family, relationships and health.

Photo by Donna Andrews Photography

Dr. Nancy C. Higgins, MD

Dr. Higgins has been practicing medicine for the past 15 years in our local area. She specializes in Pulmonology, Critical Care and Sleep Disorders. She is originally from the North Jersey area and attended John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland where she obtained a degree in public health. She then attended UMDNJ where she obtained her medical degree. Dr. Higgins completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. Her fellowship in Pulmonology, Critical Care and Sleep Training were done at the prestigious Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Higgins remained at Temple as an Associate Professor of Medicine for two years before joining Atlantic Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates in the Absecon area. Dr. Higgins is board certified in four specialty areas: Internal Medicine, Pulmonology, Critical Care and Sleep Disorders. She is a member of The American Thoracic Society, The American College of Chest Physicians and The American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Currently, she is also the Medical Director at the new state of the art, luxurious Atlantic Sleep Health Diagnostic Associates Sleep Center in Galloway, NJ.

On a personal note, Dr. Higgins considers herself a soccer mom and enjoys vacationing at the beach, amusement parks and spending time with her daughter Shannon.

Dr. Higgins strives to deliver very high quality medical and sleep care to all her patients in South Jersey.

Photo by Donna Andrews Photography

Carol Bongiovanni

Interestingly enough, Carol was born in Atlantic City, but raised in Philadelphia. Right out of high school, Carol hit the ground running and went to cosmetology school and hasn’t looked back since. Carol had an instant passion for the business that has fueled her forty plus year career.

Eventually Carol made her way back to the Atlantic City area. She has been employed by the Bellezza Salons of Atlantic City for over eleven years. She has a large, loyal client base that has been following her ever since she blew back into town. Some clients travel many miles to see her. When you sit in Carol’s chair you are the center of attention. Her haircuts and styles are precise, her haircolor is beautiful. After all these years her excitement about what she does has never diminished. Carol is always ready to learn a new technique and always willing to share it with someone else.

Carol currently resides in Ventnor. She has a son and two daughters and of course grandchildren. Carol enjoys walks on the boardwalk and a good book any day of the week. A quick getaway to Florida to visit family and friends is never out of the question.

Photo by Donna Andrews Photography

Jeanne M. Eisele, CFM

Jeanne is Vice President and Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch. She is a Certified Financial Manager with more than 37 years of industry experience and has enjoyed 30 of those years with Merrill Lynch. She is the co-host of the weekly radio show “It’s Your Money”, broadcasting every

Saturday at 8:00am on WOND (1400AM) and WMID (1340AM) and heard at 10:00AM on WCMC (1230AM).

Jeanne is a member of the Chaine des Rotisseurs and the Epicurean Society of South Jersey. She is a recipient of the Press Club of Atlantic City Award, The Sons of Italy Achievement Award and the Greater Atlantic City Jaycees Distinguished Service Award, all in recognition of her charitable service and dedication to the community.

Jeanne enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband Tom and their daughter Jessica on their “gentleman’s farm” in Galloway, NJ.

Photo by Donna Andrews Photography

Kathy Zonin

Kathy was born and raised in Toms River, NJ. She has been a nurse for 24 years and the majority of her career has been spent in home care. Kathy received her Associates degree in Nursing from Ocean County College and her Bachelors Degree from Thomas Edison State College. She currently is the Director of Nursing for Holy Redeemer Home Care in Egg Harbor Twp. Kathy is passionate about patient safety, particularly falls prevention. She also enjoys being creative when it comes to education of staff and management.

She currently resides in Toms River, with her husband Joseph. She has two children, Joseph Jr., 23, and Kelly, 21.

Her personal interests include martial arts, exercising, music and hiking in the Pine Barrens.

She also enjoys writing poetry and has had some of her poetry published.

Photo by Donna Andrews Photography

Dr. Dorette J. Noorhasan, M.D.

Dr. Noorhasan joined South Jersey Fertility Center in 2009 after completing her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at New Jersey Medical School – University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (NJMS - UMDNJ). Dr. Noorhasan attended the University of the Virgin Islands in her hometown of the United States Virgin Islands where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in Biology. She subsequently further her education at Boston

University School of Medicine, residency at University of Texas, Houston, and fellowship at NJMS – UMDNJ. She has a unique combination of warmth and friendliness along with a strong educational foundation. Dr. Noorhasan has participated in many volunteer programs, and spent several months doing medical missions in Guatemala and Mexico. She is conversant in Spanish. Her hobbies include fitness, dancing, running, theater, reading, and travelling. Dr. Noorhasan is a single female who enjoys living in beautiful South Jersey and hopes to make this her home.

South Jersey Fertility Center has offices in Burlington, Gloucester, and Atlantic Counties. Visit at http://www.sjfert.com/ or call 856-596-2233.

Photo by Donna Andrews Photography