Experience matters.

Partnering with Monarch gives you access to knowledgeable professionals who have 99+ years of combined experience facilitating HR services across a variety of industries.

We make it our business to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to policy and regulation changes that can affect your workplace. And every member of our team is committed to delivering a quality experience – working closely with you to formulate strategic HR programs that will enhance your ability to achieve your mission, vision, and business objectives.

Experience matters.

Partnering with Monarch gives you access to knowledgeable professionals who have 99+ years of combined experience facilitating HR services across a variety of industries.

Experience matters.

Partnering with Monarch gives you access to knowledgeable professionals who have 99+ years of combined experience facilitating HR services across a variety of industries.

Our Team

KIMBERLY KAFAFIAN

Founder and CEO

Kimberly Kafafian is the visionary Founder and CEO of Monarch, overseeing and directing the HR Consulting practices. With a distinguished career spanning over twenty years in corporate HR at renowned companies such as Footaction, WebMD, AOL, and USA TODAY Network, Kimberly leveraged her extensive people management expertise to establish Monarch in 2017.

Residing in Northern New Jersey, Kimberly balances her professional and personal life with grace and enthusiasm. She shares her busy home with her husband, two active sons—a wrestler and a baseball player—and two beloved Boston Terriers, Willow and Lavender. An avid gardener, hiker, and yoga enthusiast, Kimberly also has a penchant for loud music and considers coffee an essential part of her day. Known for her discerning palate, she embraces the title of a “food snob.”

Beginning her career as a Social Worker, Kimberly brings empathy and insight to her work at Monarch. She is dedicated to helping clients navigate their professional and personal journeys with confidence and success.

DAN DARABARIS

COO and President of HR Operations

Dan Darabaris is a vital member of our leadership team, specializing in HR Compliance, Payroll, and Benefits. Renowned for his uncanny ability to recall endless compliance facts, Dan, a seasoned benefits broker, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. Prior to joining Monarch, Dan worked in HR and Administration at NJ Reentry Corporation, a mid-sized nonprofit dedicated to removing employment barriers for individuals previously incarcerated or court-involved. His career includes a Human Resource Leadership position at a global dental manufacturing company and various HR, Benefits, and Payroll roles at ADP.

Dan resides in Northern New Jersey with his wife, children, and four dogs, Goose, Maverick, Kenickie, and Cadence. His favorite place is on the beach and near the ocean, where he finds peace and relaxation. In his free time, Dan enjoys playing the bass guitar, using music to unwind and express creativity.

ELYSSA BRAY

LEAD CONSULTANT

Elyssa Bray has had several years of experience working in Human Resources with a variety of companies including Mutual of America, Moving Interactive and Sky Zone. During this time, she developed a strong generalist background, and while she enjoys all aspects of HR, she has a focus on full cycle recruiting, performance management and employee relations. She truly enjoys matching the right talent to the right role, building long lasting relationships and helping businesses grow and succeed.

Elyssa was born and raised in Northern NJ and now resides there with her husband, two children and two extremely active and fun loving Aussiedoodles, Frankie and Gracie. Her favorite activities include watching her children play basketball and dance, vacationing in warm weather, playing tennis, and cycling on her Peloton.

VIBHA MISTRY

Learning & Development Specialist

Vibha Mistry has over 10 years of experience working with management consulting clients such as KPMG LLC, Quest Diagnostics, AstraZeneca, Medco Health Solutions, CNBC/NBC Network, and ADP. During her time, she has developed a strong background in Learning and Development, Curriculum Development, Instructional Design, Sales and Marketing Effectiveness, Business Analysis, Project Management, Operations Managements, Corporate Communications, and Change Management. She has worked directly with senior leadership to effectively align teams with their overall organizational change management efforts.

Vibha was born in India and raised in Northern Jersey. She is the youngest in her family and the mother of 2 grade school children. She has a deep passion for Makeup Artistry in her spare time. In addition, she is a travel, music, food and wine enthusiast who absolutely loves attending festivals and listening to live music.

DANA SICARI

PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT

Having previously spent 5+ years as an HR Outsourcing Consultant, Monarch Consulting was excited to welcome Dana to the team. Dana has worked with a variety of small to mid-sized companies providing guidance and support for all their HR needs. She has robust knowledge in several areas, including compliance with employment laws, policies and procedures, onboarding, performance management and guidance on all employee relations issues. Prior to becoming a consultant, Dana held HR Generalist roles at Ralph Lauren and Coty Inc. where she supported both domestic and international teams in areas including talent acquisition, recruiting, succession planning, employee development, staff performance and managing all employee relations issues.

Dana lives in New York State with her family — she loves being outdoors, taking hikes and road-trips are a favorite. When she has a few minutes to herself she likes to read, exercise, and have a cup of vanilla chai tea!

JAY RIOS

Senior Consultant

Jay Rios had her start in Human Resources as an Assistant, filling in for a generalist out on leave. What started as a temp role piqued her interest, and she has now been an HR Generalist for several years within the healthcare industry. She truly loves the generalist function and enjoys the daily complexity and challenges the role presents.

Jay was born and raised in NJ, where she resides with her two dogs, Salem and Maeve. She is an animal and nature lover who enjoys caring for her creepy crawly pets in her free time, hiking, creating art, and cooking!

JENNIFER ECKHARDT

Principal Consultant

Jennifer Eckhardt has over 20 years of experience in Corporate Human Resources, having held leadership positions at renowned companies such as Stryker Corporation, Biomet Inc. (now Zimmer Biomet), and Medco Health Solutions. She has spearheaded the creation and implementation of comprehensive talent development strategies, including designing and facilitating leadership development curricula, performance management, succession planning, and engagement and retention programs.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and multiple Human Resource and assessment certifications. She proudly completed her comprehensive coaching certificate program through iPEC. She lives in Northern New Jersey with her fiancé, son, daughter, two cats—Lucie and Ziggy—and a Maltipoo named Bailey. Jennifer enthusiastically balances her professional and personal life. In her free time, she can often be found in her kitchen passionately baking and covered in flour.

CHRISTINA DEOLIVEIRA

Principal Consultant

Christina is a multilingual fractional CHRO and change management expert dedicated to helping businesses achieve competitive advantages by optimizing people strategies. With a successful corporate executive and entrepreneur background, she brings strategic vision and hands-on expertise to enhance organizational culture and drive growth.

Christina holds an MBA in Global Entrepreneurship, is an ICF-certified professional Coach, an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, DiSC Certified, and a SHRM College Adjunct Professor.

With strong ties to her Portuguese roots, Christina proudly embraces her identity as a born and raised Jersey Girl. Christina’s passion is driven by her faith, family, and fun.

MELISSA ANTONELLI

Office Manager

Melissa Antonelli brings a unique blend of marketing expertise and a passion for community service to our team. After spending years working in both marketing and advertising at top New York agencies, Melissa dedicated her time to managing and coordinating countless school fundraisers and events. This experience refined Melissa’s exceptional communication and organizational skills, strategic mindset and project management.

Melissa lives in Northern New Jersey with her husband, three children and fun-loving mini Australian labradoodle. In her spare time, she enjoys playing tennis, spending time at the beach and cozying up with a great book.

SAMANTHA WHITE

Recruiter & Lead Consultant

Samantha White started her recruiting career as a campus recruiter for the Boston Consulting Group. She has since recruited within education, pharmaceutical, life science, and technology. Throughout her experiences with each company, she has honed her expertise for what employers are looking for, as well as the right fit for the candidate. She is passionate about recruiting and enjoys pairing the right job with the right candidate.

Samantha was born and raised in Northern NJ, is the oldest of 5 kids and she’s the only girl! She left NJ to attend college in Virginia and has since returned to raise her family here. Samantha now lives in Sussex County, NJ with her husband, two kids and two energetic felines: Calvin and Hobbes. In the few minutes that she gets as spare time, she enjoys playing tennis, binge-watching on Netflix, and crafting with her Cricut.

The right level of HR engagement is YOUR choice to make.

From on-demand to year-long support, Monarch helps manage your people, reduce your administrative workload, and free up time so you can focus on business success.

Call or email us to arrange a complementary consult.

Experience matters.

Experience matters.

Experience matters.

Our Team

The right level of HR engagement is YOUR choice to make.

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