Roberta Gjonaj
Registered Nurse
Office of School Health
Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Roberta Gjonaj grew up in a family that believes that a community is only as strong as the people who call it home. Today, it is that passion that drives her commitment to children issues, community outreach and her home, the Bronx.
Roberta moved to the Bronx in 1992 to pursue her studies in nursing – earning a bachelor’s degree in the Science of Nursing and Health Education from the College of Mount Saint Vincent. As a registered nurse of 20 years, she has had the opportunity to work with children across a wide range of settings with posts in New York City’s Departments of Health and Education. This experience has giving her an opportunity to work with schoolchildren in both private and publics schools, including, St. Anthony, St. Mary Star of the Sea, St. Frances de Chantal and now, PS 175 on City Island.
Roberta is proud that she has chosen a career that gives back and builds healthy bridges between home, school and the community. Throughout the years, she has proudly been part of so many health programs and initiatives that have identified public health concerns, evaluated current service and resources and advocated for improved care for at risk patients and communities such as, Learning Leader NYC, Healthy Options & Physical Activities which focuses on teaching healthy eating and exercise, and the Open Airways program which seeks to empower children with tools on controlling their asthma. She has also served as Board Member for Visions/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
But still her greatest achievement is her wonderful and supportive family, her sons Nicholas and Joseph, and her husband, NYC Councilman Mark Gjonaj, who have generated the strength in her and encouraged her to work hard and give back to the community she calls home.