Meet the Harvest Farm to Community Center Team
Anthony Capece, Director
Anthony.Capece@rwjbh.org
Anthony Capece is the Director of HARVEST Food Hub, where he is helping lead the development of its site and programming within Newark’s historic Hahne & Co building. With over 15 years of experience in food systems, nonprofit leadership, and community development, Anthony has dedicated his career to helping build more sustainable local food economies. Before joining RWJBarnabas Health, he served as Associate Director at Elijah’s Promise in New Brunswick, NJ where he grew from an AmeriCorps Service member into a leader overseeing workforce training, youth and school-based programming, social enterprises, and urban agriculture initiatives. His vision helped the organization earn national recognition, including selection as one of 26 organizations for the Kresge Foundation’s Fresh, Local, and Equitable initiative as well as several USDA awards. Anthony has also worked with food-based community organizations, small businesses, and farms across the country with strategic planning and obtaining grant funding, giving him insight into how different regions and stakeholders approach and leverage food systems to build stronger communities.
Anthony holds a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning with a focus on Sustainability and Food Systems Planning from Rutgers University, a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and a Permaculture Design Certification. His work at Harvest sits at the intersection of community health, food entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment - connecting food entrepreneurs with the resources, training, and institutional markets they need to build thriving businesses that nourish Newark. He believes in the power of food to promote sustainability and bring people together.
Felisia Tandiono, Culinary Manager
felisia.tandiono@rwjbh.org
Felisia Tandiono’s food memories trace back to her grandparents' cottage snack business — flour-dusted rooms, burlap sacks of spice, and the rhythms of a working kitchen. Growing up where street food vendors, rice paddies, and city high-rises were part of everyday life, she developed an early appreciation for food as a connector across culture and community.
After obtaining a professional culinary training at the City University of New York 13 years ago, she has since moved through a range of roles — from working the line at a local seafood restaurant and dining services, to contributing on a meal-delivery startup's development team, test kitchens, cooking programming for a botanical garden, chef at an older adult facility, and running a moveable pop-up food operation. With recent training in community health work, she is now embarking on community health care, bringing that same intentional lens to Harvest’s work in addressing food insecurity and promoting wellbeing.
She believes one of food and hospitality's greatest strengths is its accessibility — that anyone, from any background and at any stage of life, can find a meaningful path in it. To that, she searches for ways to meet the needs of the community and local entrepreneurs in the intersection of culinary and health care. She is energized by the variety of food cultures in Newark and beyond, and sees food as a lifelong vehicle for learning, wellbeing, and human connection.
Christopher Keys, Logistics Manager
christopher.keys@rwjbh.org
Christopher Keys serves as Logistics Manager for Harvest, bringing over 20 years of experience in strategic communications, logistics and community engagement. He is dedicated to advancing access and strengthening communities across Newark. With a foundation in hospitality, community engagement and team building, Christopher takes a results-driven approach to operational leadership and service delivery. In his current role, he leads logistics strategy and execution, ensuring efficient resource distribution and impactful program delivery.
Prior to joining RWJBarnabas Health, he served as Director of External Affairs at Unified Vailsburg Services Organization (UVSO). During the 2025 SNAP Benefits Crisis, he was appointed West Ward Food Hub Coordinator by Mayor Ras J. Baraka, leading large-scale food distribution efforts that stabilized access for hundreds of residents while strengthening long-term food security systems through strategic partnerships and coordination.
Christopher is known for his ability to connect people, resources and systems. He has played a key role in elevating Newark’s West Ward and Downtown by bridging public, private and nonprofit sectors to expand opportunity and engagement. He began his career in hospitality, where he proudly served as Restaurant General Manager at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), and later as General Manager and Event & Catering Manager for Marcus B&P, working alongside renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he also helped lead Newark’s emergency food response in partnership with World Central Kitchen, supporting essential workers and residents through consistent meal distribution during a critical time.
Nikki Cocuzza, Community Outreach Specialist
nikki.cocuzza@rwjbh.org
Nikki Cocuzza dedicated herself to earning her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science in just three years, so she could start making a meaningful impact in New Jersey communities as soon as possible. During her time at MSU, she served as President of the Food Recovery Network, where she focused on bridging the gap between food waste and insecurity amongst college students. This experience had sparked Nikki's passion and desire for community service and public health through food systems and resource accessibility beyond just college students but as a whole community.
With over three years of experience, Nikki had served as a MEAL Intern at the Community Foodbank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) where she supported surveying individuals receiving medically tailored meals, justice-impacted individuals and community members to strengthen programming and decision-making.
This path ultimately led Nikki to RWJBarnabas Health, where she now works directly with community organizations, residents and colleagues to work together on improving food access, advancing sustainable agriculture, and strengthening local economic development. “Nothing beats being out in the community serving those in-need with the right resources and support! People just need to be seen and heard, which is why I am in the position I am in today”- Nikki
Currently, Nikki is pursuing an MBA to further strengthen her ability to support community-centered initiatives and sustainable food systems advancing the mission of Harvest.
Sofia Cartagena, Community Outreach Specialist
sofia.cartagena@rwjbh.org
Sofia Cartagena cares deeply about building healthier, more connected communities. She holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Public Health, and brings experience in community outreach, nutrition education and nonprofit programming. Her work is grounded in collaboration and care, with a strong commitment to empowering individuals and promoting advocacy alongside communities.
With experience working in a variety of community settings and with bilingual skills in English and Spanish, Sofia is able to connect with people from a wide range of backgrounds. Her time studying abroad in Spain further shaped her global perspective and deepened her understanding of how culture and language influence health and wellbeing.
Sofia is especially passionate about community-driven solutions that address food insecurity and support long-term health. She values creating welcoming spaces, building strong relationships, and helping connect people to the resources they need to thrive!
Jenifer Stein, Manager, Nutrition Programs
jenifer.stein@rwjbh.org
Jen Stein, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Certified Diabetes Educator, is dedicated to making healthy eating simple and sustainable for communities. With over 16 years of experience in public health, Jen specializes in developing nutrition programs that address real-world challenges—from grocery shopping on a budget to managing chronic conditions like diabetes. Her goal is to empower individuals and families with tools they can use in their own kitchens every day. Whether she’s leading a community cooking class or hosting a wellness seminar, Jen’s passionate about helping her neighbors live their healthiest lives, one meal at a time.
Jen has a master’s degree in nutrition from Saint Elizabeth University and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Pennsylvania State University. She is always open to connecting with fellow healthcare professionals, patient advocates, nonprofit leaders, and industry partners who are committed to advancing health equity through innovation, education, and meaningful collaboration.