We offer an interdisciplinary team approach to Palliative Medicine. The team at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center includes physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, and interfaith chaplains, all working together to facilitate the needs of our hospitalized patients with serious illnesses.

Our Team Includes:


Aleshia SelbyAleshia Selby, MSW, LSW, ACHP-SW

Aleshia Selby, MSW, LSW, ACHP-SW began her career at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in 1993 as a Licensed Social Worker in the Center for Geriatric Health. She managed the Center’s community development initiatives, where she provided award winning service, and was later promoted to Practice Manager. She went on to practice hospice social work at Cooperman Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center (SBHPCC). There she became the first person to receive the Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Social Work (ACHP-SW) certification in the SBHPCC. She returned to Newark Beth Israel in 2015 to join the Palliative Medicine team.

Aleshia has co-authored articles, facilitated support groups and presented seminars related to social services, health care and end-of-life. She attended Rutgers, College of Arts & Sciences in Newark, NJ earning a B.S.W in Social Work / Health Care and a B.A. in African American Studies. Aleshia earned a postgraduate degree from Rutgers University, School of Social Work in New Brunswick, NJ, finishing the advanced standing program in a year. She was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey.

Cathleen KeatingCathleen Keating, MSW, LSW

Cathleen Keating, MSW, LSW joined Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in September of 2016.

Prior to joining Newark Beth Israel Cathleen worked with the homeless at Elizabeth YMCA Housing & Social Services as a Social Work Intern, addressing life skills, employment assistance and mental health concerns. She went on to work with Sage Eldercare within the Spend-A-Day program where she specialized in guiding and supporting the families and loved ones of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. As a social worker in the Palliative Medicine program at Newark Beth Israel she supports patients and their families by offering supportive counseling and a listening ear as they have difficult end of life discussions and decisions. Cathleen guides families through the grief recovery process and is a companion to the bereaved.

Cathleen completed her undergraduate degree at Fairfield University where she studied Sociology & Anthropology. She went on to obtain her Master’s degree in Social Work, with a concentration in Health and Aging from Rutgers University.

Jill JacksonJill Jackson, RN, BSN, MA, ACHPN

Jill Jackson, RN, BSN, MA, ACHPN began her nursing career as an oncology nurse and went on to maintain a robust outpatient clinic specifically geared towards caring for those with HIV infection. It was during this time that Jill recognized her passion for those experiencing the challenges of progressive illness and reaching the end of life. She transitioned into Hospice Medicine and devoted herself to helping those with terminal illnesses experience a comfortable and dignified death.

She joined Newark Beth Israel in 2003 and pioneered the opening of the Hospice In-Patient Unit at Newark Beth Israel where her compassionate care helped to improve the quality of life for terminally ill patients and their families. During this time she expanded her education to provide care to any patient experiencing the burdens of chronic and progressive illness.

After a brief hiatus wherein she provided in-home palliative care to her patients in central and southern New Jersey as well as Palliative Care to patients residing in long term care facilities. She returned to Newark Beth Israel in 2016 to become part of the new Palliative Medicine team with Dr. LaRosa, Aleshia Selby, LSW, ACHP-SW, and Cathleen Keating, MSW, LSW.

Jill received her registered nursing degree from Elizabeth General Medical Center School of Nursing, where she also received the Lily Bierstein Memorial Award for Nursing Excellence. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree from Kean University and a Master of Arts in Nursing and Nurse Practitioner degree with expertise in Palliative Medicine from New York University. She holds a Pain Management Nursing Certification and is an Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN).

Mrs. Jackson is a member of the New Jersey Palliative Care Advanced Practice Nurses Consortium and the HPNA.