Our Staff
Meaghan Patterson, SSJ, M.Ed., LSW
Executive Director
Sr. Meaghan V. Patterson is a Sister of St. Joseph of Philadelphia with a background in teaching and administration in Philadelphia and a surrounding suburb. She taught both younger and older elementary students before entering administration where she worked with various stakeholders of the school, participated in development and fundraising opportunities, and coordinated community partnerships. Sr. Meaghan has recently interned with a small non-profit in Chester County, PA where she worked with women who have or were about to experience homelessness. Her educational background includes a degree in English from Chestnut Hill College, a Master’s degree in Multicultural Education from Eastern University, and a Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University.
Ann Marie Jones
Residential Coordinator
Former resident and graduate of Dawn’s Place brings a unique perspective from the wisdom she has gained through her journey of transformation from victim to healer. Ann Marie initiated and developed a Twelve Step sexual exploitation recovery group. Because of her life experience, Ann Marie has expertise that professional training cannot replicate. She can assist the residents in articulating their goals for recovery and healing and support them in advocating for themselves to obtain effective services.
Joanna Fulginiti
Grant Writer
A graduate of Temple University, Joanna has over 10 years of experience as a fundraiser and advocate for survivors of Commercial Sexual Exploitation. She previously worked for nonprofits that support the arts, senior communities, and at-risk youth. As a grant writer, she is passionate about sharing the inspiring stories of courage of the women living at Dawn’s Place. She is also an artist and has directed two community art advocacy projects to promote awareness of the injustice of sex trafficking – The Ragdoll Project, which traveled across the US and to China, and The Face of Dawn’s Place, which promoted the work of Dawn’s Place in the Philadelphia region. Outside of the office, Joanna pursues her interests in art and healing and spends much time in nature, hiking, camping, and building community.