Social Work

Sharlynn Flores, LCSW
East Brunswick, Monroe, Robbinsville
732-724-2614

Neshama Marcus, LCSW, OSW-C
Breast Center, Bridgewater, Somerset
732-853-1038

Larriesa Smith, LCSW
East Brunswick
732-724-9559

Sharon Zarate, LCSW
Edison, Jersey City, Rutherford
732-724-3025

Oncology Social Workers help patients, families, and caregivers cope with cancer and its many challenges by providing concrete and supportive services.

We provide information, referrals, and assistance with coordination for:

• Assistance Navigating Government Benefits & Entitlements
• Caregiver Support
• Crisis Intervention
• Employment and Disability:
  • • Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI)
    • Social Security Disability 
• Family Leave & Paid Caregiving:
  • • Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) 
    • Family Leave Insurance (FLI) 
    • Personal Preference Program (PPP) 
    • Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC)
• Fertility & Family Planning (Harvesting/Storing)
• Financial Advocacy 
• Fitness, Nutrition & Wellness Programs 
• Food Pantries, Home Delivered Meals & Soup Kitchens
• Health Insurance Enrollment
  • • Medicaid
    • Medicare
    • To better understand your government health insurance options or to schedule a meeting with your Social Worker to assist with enrollment
• Housing/Utilities
• Mental Health Counseling (individual and family)
• Non-Medical Home Care
• Stress Management
• Support Groups (Patient, Family Caregiver, Bereavement, Survivorship) 
• Technology Support
• Transportation Coordination

Astera Social Work staff facilitate monthly Compass programs to help patient and families better navigate the cancer journey. Click here for a list of upcoming Compass programs here.

For more information about Social Work services, please contact Neshama Marcus, LCSW, Director of Social Work, at 732-853-1038 or social.work@asterahealthcare.org.