Staff & Board Members

A cancer survivor herself, Monica experienced first-hand the pain involved with having a child that has cancer. Her daughter, Ashley Lauren, was diagnosed with Wilms' Tumor at the age of three. Having lived through the unexpected hardships of pediatric cancer, Monica realized how important the need for support is during this difficult time. Her driving passion is to reach other families that are coping with the same difficulties and provide them with hope and help.

Monica is married and has two children, Eric and Ashley Lauren. Monica has a B.A. in Nonprofit Management (Focus-Pediatric Cancer) from Stockton University - graduating Summa Cum Laude/Program Distinction. She served as a former Alumni Representative on the Ocean County College Board of Trustees. Monica is also the Director/Choreographer of The Ashley Lauren Foundation Theatre Ensemble.

Carolyn Walker is the current secretary for the Board of Trustees and has been involved with The Ashley Lauren Foundation since its inception in 2005. Carolyn is a life-long resident of New Jersey, having been raised in Cranford and now calls Brick home. Carolyn graduated from Ocean County College, where she met Monica Vermeulen through their involvement with Phi Theta Kappa. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Business Administration from Georgian Court University while also a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society and the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society. She is also a Certified Trust Financial Advisor and a graduate of Cannon Trust School. Carolyn has been employed by Wells Fargo Bank for over 24 years and, in 2018, was named the Volunteer of the Year for the New Jersey Chapter of the Wells Fargo Volunteer at Work Program. Carolyn is blessed to have two daughters and four grandchildren, all of whom have volunteered with The Ashley Lauren Foundation. 

Thomas A. Arnone is currently serving his fifth, three-year term on the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners. In 2023, he was elected by his colleagues to serve as Director of the Board. He also served as Director in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 and deputy director in 2012 and 2013. Director Arnone oversees the County’s Department of Public Works and Engineering and serves as the liaison to Public Information, Tourism, Economic Development, the Office of Shared Services, the Department of Transportation, Brookdale Community College, the Prosecutors Office, the Environmental Council, the Improvement Authority, and the Shade Tree Commission.

Active in statewide organizations, Director Arnone currently represents the County on the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. He is a board member of the Salvation Army New Jersey Division and organized the inaugural Pound the Pavement for Purple in 2014 to support pancreatic cancer research. He also serves as the Vice Chairman of the Monmouth Ocean Foundation for Children. Additionally, Director Arnone served as the 2010 president of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors and has been an active member of the New Jersey League of Municipalities.

Director Arnone is currently employed by the PRC Group located in Red Bank, where he serves as the Vice President of Business Development and Homeowners Association. 

Director Arnone and his wife reside in Neptune City. They have one daughter.