About Mosquito Shield of East Central New Jersey

Misha is the official greeter of Mosquito Shield of East Central NJ, always thrilled to welcome anyone who walks through the door. She joined the team two seasons ago, though her exact age is a mystery—her distinguished gray hairs tell a story all their own.

Rescued and cared for by the ASPCA of Newark, Misha found her forever home with Karina, Joe, and the team. What some might have overlooked, they treasure beyond words—one man’s trash became their greatest treasure.

Misha takes her role in team morale very seriously, offering emotional support in the form of snuggles, tail wags, and enthusiastic guest announcements. Her hobbies include long naps, belly rubs, and shredding the squeaky out of toys. She also has a signature scent—corn chips—and can often be heard softly snoring in the background of office meetings.

Misha may not handle the pest control, but she definitely keeps the team in check with her unwavering loyalty and boundless love.

I’m Karina Roman, a proud first-generation American-Peruvian, entrepreneur, and devoted wife and mother. Growing up in Linden, NJ, I learned the values of hard work, accountability, and respect from my parents, who migrated to the U.S. in search of a better life. These values have shaped me into the person I am today—driven, community-focused, and always eager to give back.

With over 20 years of experience in marketing and 12 years in the pest control industry, I’ve dedicated my career to helping families and businesses create safe, comfortable spaces. Alongside my husband, Joe, I own and operate Mosquito Shield of East Central NJ, where we provide science-backed, proactive pest control solutions to protect our community from mosquitoes and ticks.

Joe and I met at Linden High School, and together, we’ve built a life centered around family, integrity, and service. We are proud parents to three amazing kids—Liam (12) and twins Joseph and Lana (10)—who keep us inspired every day. We also have a sweet pit bull mix named Misha, who completes our family.

Beyond business, I am someone who finds more joy in giving than receiving. Whether it’s through my work, my family, or my community, I believe in making a positive impact and helping others whenever I can.

Every challenge I’ve faced has strengthened my belief that hard work, resilience, and kindness are the keys to success. My goal is not just to grow a business but to build relationships, support my community, and leave a lasting legacy of service and dedication.

Joseph Roman is a serial entrepreneur who grew up in Union County, NJ. Passionate about business and community, he works alongside his wife, Karina, running Mosquito Shield of East Central NJ, where they provide families and businesses with proactive, science-backed pest control solutions. With a strong entrepreneurial mindset, Joseph is always seeking new opportunities to grow and innovate.

Outside of work, Joseph is a family man who enjoys spending quality time with loved ones. He has a keen interest in saltwater fish and finds relaxation in caring for his aquarium. He also loves traveling across the U.S., experiencing new places and cultures along the way.

A die-hard sports fan, Joseph proudly supports the New York Giants and the New York Mets—even through the tough seasons! He’s also known for his bad dad jokes, always ready with a one-liner to make people groan (or laugh). Though he loves to sing, he’ll be the first to admit that his singing voice leaves much to be desired—but that doesn’t stop him! He also admits he’s a terrible speller, but luckily, there’s spell check (and Karina) to keep him in line.

With a strong work ethic, a great sense of humor, and a passion for business, Joseph is dedicated to making an impact in his industry and community while enjoying life with his family.

Keisha Alvarado is the Branch Manager at Mosquito Shield of East Central NJ, where she ensures smooth operations and fosters a strong team spirit. Detail-oriented and highly organized, she keeps things running efficiently while creating a positive work environment.

Originally from California, Keisha moved to the East Coast in 2016. Before her current role, she worked as a psych tech in a California prison, gaining valuable experience in high-pressure situations.

Keisha has a variety of passions—she loves watching trash TV, enjoys romance books, and is a devoted fan of true crime podcasts. She’s also into ghost hunting and takes pride in keeping her shoes spotless. A former high school basketball player, Keisha is competitive, quick-thinking, and great at solving riddles.

When it comes to food, she keeps it simple—tacos and chicken nuggets are all she needs. She’s a huge fan of Taylor Swift and Zeudi DiPalma and listens to the Hamilton soundtrack every Friday. Despite her outgoing nature, she hates taking pictures.

At work, Keisha’s meticulous organization and strong leadership make her an essential part of the team. She works alongside her wife, Dee, and they’ve been happily married for six years, building a life together in Garwood, NJ.

Deann “Dee” Alvarado is the Customer Service Manager at Mosquito Shield of East Central NJ, bringing her dedication and passion for helping customers every day. She grew up in Union County, NJ, and has lived all over the state, giving her a deep connection to the communities she serves.

Family is a big part of Dee’s life—she has a twin sister, Dana, and a younger sister, Christina. She has been happily married to Keisha for six years and is a proud cat mom. She cherishes time spent with her nieces and nephews, making lasting memories with them whenever possible.

Beyond her role in customer service, Dee is highly artistic and has a passion for darkroom developing, capturing moments through photography in a timeless way. She enjoys heavy metal music and escapes into fantasy bookswhenever she can.

With her warm personality, creativity, and customer-first mindset, Dee is an essential part of the Mosquito Shield team, ensuring every client feels valued and taken care of.

Patrick Downey is the Lead Pest Control Tech Manager at Mosquito Shield of East Central NJ, known for his meticulous attention to detail and strong work ethic. Born and raised in Union County, NJ, Patrick developed a passion for problem-solving and precision, making him an essential part of the team.

Family is important to Patrick—he has a close relationship with his parents and two sisters and makes time to visit his grandfather in Florida as often as he can. When he’s not working, he loves traveling to tropical places and spending time at the Jersey Shore.

An avid fisherman, Patrick enjoys all kinds of fishing and is passionate about soccer, with Chelsea FC as his favorite team. A former baseball and basketball player at Scotch Plains High School, he has always been active and competitive.

Known for being meticulously neat, Patrick has a bit of OCD when it comes to cleanliness. He’s also a car enthusiast, constantly upgrading his red Dodge Ram. He enjoys country music, indulging in a good sub sandwich, and is often described as shy and reserved—though those who know him best might also consider him a bit of eye candy.

With his expertise in pest control, dedication to quality service, and keen eye for detail, Patrick plays a vital role in keeping Mosquito Shield clients satisfied.