Remembering Yvonne “Pooch” Tropp Epstein: A Life of Advocacy, Compassion, and Connection
Greater Mental Health of New York is saddened to share the passing of Yvonne “Pooch” Tropp Epstein—a cherished Board Member, dedicated volunteer, and a powerful force for good in the lives of so many children and families in our community.
A lifelong resident of Mamaroneck, Yvonne graduated from Brown University with a degree in Economics and earned her MBA from NYU. After the loss of her first husband Alan Tropp and retirement from a high‑powered career in finance, Yvonne returned to a passion she first explored as a newlywed: volunteering with young people. In 2001, she began her journey as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), working one‑on‑one with children and teenagers in foster care who had entered the child welfare system due to abuse or neglect.
With fierce devotion to each young person’s well‑being, Yvonne built deep, trusting relationships and advocated tirelessly in Family Court for their physical and behavioral health, educational support, and stability. Working with each child for an average of two to four years, Yvonne was often the only consistent adult presence during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
Her impact stretched far beyond the youth she served. Yvonne’s work touched families, DSS staff, Family Court judges, Greater Mental Health employees, and our Board, as well as her extensive circle of friends and family, many of whom became supporters of the program through her passion and encouragement. Only one year after she began as a CASA, Yvonne joined our Board of Directors, where she served for nearly two decades, helping guide and strengthen the organization with her insight, integrity, and unwavering commitment.
In later years, Yvonne’s leadership was further shaped by profound personal losses. She became a passionate advocate for suicide prevention, intervention, and post‑vention – always asking how she could help others feel less alone in their pain. Even after the loss of her second husband Alan Epstein in 2020, Yvonne remained a source of warmth, generosity, and positivity for all who knew her.
Yvonne’s legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched and through the Yvonne Tropp CASA Fund, which directly supports the training and professional supervision of advocates who continue her work. With her zest for life, deep community connections, and boundless compassion, Yvonne reminded us what it truly means to show up for others.
