Metuchen Friends and Neighbors (MFAN) was started by local families, professionals, and neighbors of young adults with developmental disabilities.We share a common vision: to create a supportive community for all abilities.Located in Metuchen, New Jersey, our group works to secure positive, safe, and nurturing support systems for adults with special needs so they can live life to the fullest, while building friendships, independence, and a sense of belonging. MFAN connects families, service providers, and community members to create a stronger, more inclusive neighborhood.

© Metuchen Friends and Neighbors, a 501(c)(3) organization. All rights reserved.

Barbara Crafton

President

The Rev. Barbara Crafton is a retired Episcopal priest. She currently serves on the clergy staff of St. Luke's Episcopal Church on Oak Avenue in Metuchen. Her career has included leadership of several churches in Manhattan, where she had extensive interaction with the homeless and other people in need. She is the author of many books. She teaches and leads retreats and conferences throughout the United States. She has lived in Metuchen for more than forty years.

Karen Stubaus, Ph.D.

Vice President & Mother

Karen Stubaus is a seasoned academic leader with over 40 years of experience in higher education administration. She most recently served as Rutgers University’s Vice President for Academic Affairs in New Brunswick, specializing in academic labor relations, faculty advancement, women’s leadership development, and addressing Title IX issues. Karen has taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels and continues her work as an Affiliated Researcher at the National Center for the Study of Collective Bargaining in Higher Education and the Professions at Hunter College.Outside of her professional career, Karen and her husband Stephen Goldfarb have dedicated nearly 40 years to raising their three children—eldest daughter Sarah and twins Adam and Rachel. Their family is deeply committed to community engagement and advocacy, particularly in supporting Rachel, who has faced intellectual and developmental challenges since birth.

Melinda Bosworth

Treasurer & Mother

Melinda has dedicated over 35 years to her career as a bank regulator with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), earning accreditations as a National Bank Examiner and Federal Thrift Regulator. She has held positions as a Field Examiner/Community Bank Portfolio Manager, Team Leader, and Assistant Deputy Comptroller.Outside of work, Melinda enjoys spending time with her family, reading, exercising at the Metuchen YMCA, and walking her dog, Charlie. Melinda has been married to her husband, Steve, since 1995 and they have two adult children. Their son has special needs and graduated from Metuchen High School.

Meredith Reatz

Executive Director & Proud Sibling

Meredith Reatz is the Executive Director of Metuchen Friends and Neighbors and advocates for the I/DD and rare disease communities. Recognizing critical infrastructure needs, she is committed to promoting neuro-inclusive residential options and community integration in New Jersey. She is inspired by her younger brother, who is the guiding light throughout her work.

Grace Shackney

Trustee & Metuchen Community Leader

Grace retired as Aide to the Chairman of The Citizens Campaign, a statewide non-profit organization that promotes participation in all levels of government. Previously she was Director of Artistic Administration at the McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, NJ.  Grace was assistant to the Broadway producer Richard Frankel at Richard Frankel Productions in New York City.   She also served as Producing Associate for the Twilight Performing Arts Festival on the campus of the Bucks County Community College in Bucks County, PA.  In the late 1960’s, she was a founding member of Theatre Six, a professional theater company in Metuchen, NJ.  In addition to her theater work, Grace served on the boards of several local chapters of the League of Women Voters in Rockland County, NY, Bucks County, PA, and in Metuchen, NJ.  She was a founding member of the Metuchen Downtown Alliance.  Grace is past chair of the Metuchen Arts Council and currently serves as a member of that Council.  Grace received her B.A. degree in Theater Administration from Rutgers University.

Marty Indik

Attorney, Advisor, & Father

Marty Indik is a practicing trial attorney with over 40 years of experience. He is a Metuchen resident of 25 years with his wife, Geralyn, and their son who has special needs.

Sue Schwefringhaus

Trustee & Mother

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Susan has resided in New Jersey since 1986. She’s a retired educator, spending most of her career working for the Elizabeth Board of Education. She’s been married to her husband Mark for 38 years and has two beautiful children, Scott and Kathleen.Kathleen is a developmentally disabled adult who resides at home. She’s a very sweet girl with a lot of spunk and has taught her family patience and acceptance of others. She inspires those around her to be better people and has influenced Susan’s commitment to inclusivity and understanding.Susan’s family has been attending Saint Luke’s Metuchen for more than 35 years. Both of her children were baptized at Saint Luke’s, and following retirement she has become more engaged in the church’s activities and mission. Susan thoroughly enjoys being involved in the many community outreach programs the church participates in and looks forward to serving the community for years to come.

Geralyn Indik

Secretary & Mother

Geralyn received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Pace University in Manhattan and has more than 20 years of experience in accounting and finance. She began her career in public accounting at the international public accounting firm Grant Thorton and moved onto investment banking for Dean Witter and Bear Sterns in the Controller's group. She continued her career at PSEG working in planning and budgeting.  She raised her children in the Metuchen Public School system and has lived in Metuchen for 25 years. Her son has special needs and is a beloved musician in town. Geralyn's hobbies are cooking and photography.

About

Metuchen Friends and Neighbors (MFAN) was started by local families, professionals, and neighbors of young adults with developmental disabilities.We share a common vision: to create a supportive community for all abilities.Located in Metuchen, New Jersey, our group works to secure positive, safe, and nurturing support systems for adults with special needs so they can live life to the fullest, while building friendships, independence, and a sense of belonging. MFAN connects families, service providers, and community members to create a stronger, more inclusive neighborhood.