PRESENTER BIOS
Dr. Stacey Campo has worked within community schools since 2003 as a social worker, organizer, director of youth leadership, community school director and deputy director for Children’s Aid in New York City. She has her master’s degree from Columbia University in Social Work and her doctorate in Urban Education from The Graduate Center. Her dissertation focused on the leadership partnership between community school directors and principals in the community school model. She is particularly interested in the intersection between education and social work, school climate and youth leadership. Currently, Stacey is the Senior Research Advisor with the National Center for Community Schools and consults with M. Fletcher and Associates.
As the Vice President of Collective Impact, Abe Fernández directs the National Center for Community Schools (NCCS) and oversees the place-based collective impact initiatives at Children’s Aid, one of the oldest and largest social service agencies in New York City. He leverages over twenty-five years of experience in education, youth development, and in the social impact sector.
Before rejoining NCCS in 2019, he was a senior advisor to South Bronx Rising Together, a cradle-to-career collective impact initiative and StriveTogether partnership of which he was a founding co-director. He also led the Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative – a statewide effort to plan and implement strategies to mitigate poverty – for the borough of the Bronx. Prior to leading these place-based collective impact efforts, Abe served at NCCS for seven years, during which he provided on- and off-site training, coaching, and consultation to community school initiatives across the country and beyond.
Prior to joining Children’s Aid, he ran a multi-service community center and led the youth services department of an East Harlem-based settlement house. He started his career as a teacher of middle school mathematics and the director of the Summerbridge program.
Hortensia Hernandez (she/her), is a Client Engagement Associate at the Children’s Aid National Center for Community Schools based out of Idaho. Serving in various roles throughout her community school journey, Hortensia, as community school coordinator, helped start Caldwell School District’s very first community school in 2017. She then proceeded to lead her district’s community school expansion in 2021 as the district’s community school director. Hortensia also leveraged the community school strategy to effectively address chronic absence rates in her school. She built partnerships with local and national experts to rethink how attendance was addressed in her school community. Coming from rural Idaho, Hortensia brings her systems expertise and practice based experiences to help school communities across the nation implement their own community school strategy, achieve their goals, and build capacity. Hortensia has her Bachelor of Arts from The College of Idaho.
Rochester native Wade Norwood is CEO of Common Ground Health and has held community leadership positions for more than three decades. In management at Common Ground Health since 2006, Norwood has been central to the nonprofit’s strategic planning process, pushing the organization to become a more effective change agent for all Finger Lakes region residents.
His leadership roles at the state and local levels include co-chairing the New York State Health Department’s workgroup on health care workforce and co-chairing the region’s Systems Integration initiative with Congressman Joseph Morelle. As a member of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Commission, Norwood helps to guide funding for economic-development, job-development and anti-poverty efforts across the region. Since 2009, Norwood has served as an at-large member of the New York State Board of Regents, which is responsible for general supervision of all educational activities in the state. He is also a board member of the national Network for Regional Healthcare Improvement (NRHI).
A leader in Rochester’s faith community, he is president and senior pastor at the Holy Jerusalem Spiritual Church. Norwood is a graduate of the University of Rochester, where he received his bachelor’s degree in political science. He and his wife, Lisa Hardy Norwood, reside in Rochester’s 19th Ward neighborhood. They have two adult children.
Ruth B. Turner is known as a champion of children and families in Rochester, NY which she calls home. As an educator, she has committed herself to the principles of Restorative Practices, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Under her administrative leadership with Rochester City School District (RCSD), she worked to support the most vulnerable students and was an advocate for all students and families. She has led the revision of the student code of conduct. She also led the district in adopting Restorative Practice initiatives in terms of student discipline as was a key leader of anti-racism work for the district.
For over 15 years she served the Rochester City School District as a social worker, Director, Executive director for student support service, and as the Chief for student support and social emotional learning. She is currently the Deputy Superintendent at the Rochester City School District. Before joining RCSD she led foster care and adoption unit for the Urban League of Rochester. She also spent several years as a trainer for Center for the Development of Human Services where she focused of child welfare services.
As a DEI and racial equity consultant and educator, Ruth has over 15 years’ experience partnering with government agencies, organizations, educational institutions, faith- based initiatives and communities seeking to advance their mission and focus by promoting DEI values for the benefit and development of their workforce and communities served, while helping them to enhance their practices and decision- making processes.
Ruth’s commitment to the intersection of social work, social welfare, and education began very early in life rooted in her experience immigrating to the US as a political refugee from Eritrea. It was the kindness and diligence of a social worker who aided her successful transition during one of the most challenging periods in her life. Through the support and advocacy of individuals like this social work, Ruth graduated from the RCSD, and attended college as a 1st generation college student. She has never forgotten the power of support in mitigating the affects of adverse events in childhood, that can aid in helping individual to reach their fullest potential.
Ruth B. Turner served on the New York State Board of Regent from 2020-2023.
She graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester receiving a B.S. in Social Work and a MSW from University of Buffalo, she also holds a MS. Ed from SUNY Brockport. She is a licensed Clinical Social Worker who has served the profession for over 24 years
Mrs. Turner is married to Dr. William R. Turner Jr., Assistant Professor of African and African American Studies at SUNY Brockport. Together they have three children, John, Lydia, and Ava.
PRESENTER BIOS
This is an alphabetical listing of all of the lead presenters participating in School’s Out, Make it Count! 2024
Omonike Akinyemi
Omonike Akinyemi is a passionate filmmaker, choreographer, and dance educator. After performing with the Ballet Hispanico of New York Apprentice Dance Company, she formed Alaafia Dance of Yale University and Image Quilt Dance Theater.
Omonike holds an MFA in Film Production from the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. She has produced, written and directed numerous award winning films and theatrical productions including the stageplay, “How to Stay Sane in Paris” (2007), films Nelly’s Bodega (2000), and Fatima (2006), and “Opening Doors” (2013).
A two-time Fellow of the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), Omonike was honored in 2004 with a Fellowship for Screenwriting and again in 2007 with a Fellowship in Filmmaking. While based in France from 1999-2003, Omonike Began to develop her method of educating youth through the arts as an “Assistant d’Anglais” at Lycee Edgar Quinet.
As a line producer on the Dance for Film on Location at MSU team, Omonike created an environment to allow the dance choreographers to approach their work through non-traditional narrative development, a process involving scripting through dance, video editing of rehearsal footage to facilitate the on-set film choreography, recruiting all other creative collaborators, and facilitating engagement between the choreographers, the greater Montclair, New Jersey community, and the university.
Recently honored by the New York State Dance Educators Association, Omonike received the 2023 Outstanding Dance Education Researcher award. As a choreographer and dance educator, Omonike utilizes Ballet, African, Modern, and Flamenco dance techniques, to help break barriers between youth and education.
Lily Corrigan, M.S.
Lily is a project lead on the 21C Statewide Evaluation Team. She and the team at Measurement Inc. are excited to convene with Evaluator Network colleagues from across the state. The team will facilitate discussions, listen to issues evaluators are grappling with, and invite participants to share their constructive ideas and strategies.
Jonathan Coyle, M.S.
Jonathan Coyle is a youth development professional from Rochester, NY. He is currently the Director of Youth Services in the Community Services Division of the YMCA of Greater Rochester. Having grown up in youth programs himself, he obtained a Bachelors in Community Youth Development from Nazareth College, followed by a Masters in Business Organization and Management.
Jen Curry
Jen Curry, Ed.D. founded Change Impact in 2017 to help social impact organizations achieve results and advance equity. Since then, Change Impact has trained nearly 40,000 professionals, raised over $197 million in grants for nonprofits and schools, and designed program and equity strategies for more than 120 partners. Change Impact’s projects include partnering with the City of New York to launch 75 new community schools and launching Change Up Learning to support anytime, anywhere professional development for educators and youth workers.
Prior to starting Change Impact, Jen was the inaugural NYC Director of Samaschool, an innovative job training program focused on incorporating freelancing education into traditional workforce programs. Jen previously served as COO of ExpandED Schools, an intermediary that supports schools and community organizations to design and operate after-school programs. She is currently an adjunct professor of Youth Studies at CUNY’s School for Professional Studies. Jen has served as a featured author and speaker on equity in youth work for the National Afterschool Association and Afterschool Matters journal.
Jen grew up in Queens, is a product of NYC public schools, and first-generation college graduate, also earning a masters in nonprofit management and doctorate in education leadership from New York University. She was named a 2018 Rising Latino Star by the NYS Hispanic Coalition. In 2021, she was named one of the Next 1,000 up-and-coming entrepreneurs by Forbes Magazine, and in 2023 was awarded NYU’s Distinguished Young Alumni Award.
Dann Deckman-Hadden
Dann is a 44 year old married male (will be 45 at the end of February and have been together with my husband since October 2002 and married August 2011) and I have been with the YMCA since July of 2004. I have held several positions throughout my years at the YMCA and my current position is School-Age Child Care Program Director. Working with children and their families and instilling our core values of Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility in their lives in my passion.
Bunmi Esho
Bunmi Esho was raised in the United States and Nigeria, and, as a child, she experienced the powerful role community engagement plays in support of families navigating an unfamiliar education system. She has over 20 years of experience in the education, corporate and nonprofit sectors with a focus on STEM. As a consultant, she leads community engagement initiatives in digital equity with the Endless OS Foundation and serves as family engagement advisor for the STEM Next Opportunity Fund. Bunmi believes in the critical intersection between community, education, and STEM, and in addition to her work, she volunteers with RightOn! Education and co-chairs the Steering Committee for the National Academy of Engineering’s IDEEA which leads the EngineerGirl and Engineering Pathways projects. She has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and a master’s in education. She loves road trips and has traveled cross-country through the US and abroad.
Taylor Esperti
Taylor is currently the Childcare Director for the Capital District YMCA. She oversees childcare and camp programming for the Rensselaer and Greene counties. Taylor has an extensive background in outdoor education and with her knowledge has implemented a variety of effective teambuilding exercises for staff across the Capital Region. She currently resides in Albany, NY.
Jennifer Fosegan
Jennifer has spent the past twenty-three years consulting with educators across New York State ensuring they have the supportive tools and guidance necessary to navigate the complexities of educational change, ultimately fostering environments where students thrive. Over the years, Jennifer has become a revered advisor to school leaders as they navigate their role as visionary change agents for their districts. Jennifer’s holistic approach in supporting her school partners encompasses both strategic guidance and practical support, resulting in transformative outcomes for students, educators and school communities alike.
Walter Rendon is a Visionary Program Officer eager to make a difference developing and implementing successful programs enhancing underserved education and development. He is a practiced leader and problem-solver with nearly 20 years’ experience with the ability to execute vision and strategy through the development of highly functional teams. Walter currently is Chief Programs Officer at The STEM Alliance, working tirelessly to offer STEM Education and STEM Equity Education to underserved children throughout Westchester County. Walter possesses a strong commitment to leading by example and strives for continuous improvement toward organizational goals. Walter is an experienced educator and leader in non-profit management and program development, community collaboration and contract compliance. He is on the Board of Trustees at Neighborhood Charter School of Harlem and the Bronx and is a Founding Board Member at School in the Square in Washington Heights. His unique blend of work experiences brings together a passion for non-profit change in the education and non-profit spheres as well as offer a wealth of knowledge and practicum for business success.
As Chief Programs Officer, Walter tirelessly creates opportunities for the organization through business development, creating organizational culture and elevating the mission of ensuring everyone has the opportunities to succeed though engaging, educating and empowering those around him.
Liz has taught technology and engineering education for over a decade in all types of schools around the world; focusing on helping students learn how to solve problems and understand the human-made world. Since the beginning of her career, Liz has taught STEM project-based learning and design thinking. Now, through her company, WhyMaker, she is on a mission to help teachers teach students in meaningful and authentic ways. As President of the NYS Technology & Engineering Educators Association, she brought together thousands of STEM teachers and motivated them to work together and grow STEM education in NYS. Liz has helped schools and communities design Makerspaces and teach Maker Education. Liz believes that through transdisciplinary, design thinking and project-based learning students fall in love with the process of solving problems and this will help them be successful in whatever they do in their future.
Dallas has been with the YMCA since 2004 in the camp, aquatics, & child care fields. Lives in the Capital region with her family. Enjoys swimming and traveling!
Stephen is a STEAM, social-emotional, and game-based learning educator who has established over 100 makerspaces in schools nationwide (STEAM: science, tech, engineering, arts, math). He is a father, former NYC public school teacher and dean, and veteran. Stephen has led K-12 teacher training programs in coding and engineering design as a principal co-investigator of the National Science Foundation Maker Partnership and cohort trainer for NYC DOE’s “CS4all”. Stephen is a founding board member of the Urban Assembly Maker Academy, a founder of the Carnegie Learning Center, a founding teacher and dean of Bronx Collegiate, a public high school based in Outward Bound experiential learning, and a founding board member of the volunteer network, UlsterCorps. Stephen enjoys board game design, historical fiction writing, disc golf, hiking, biking, and creativity of all kinds, especially if it’s with his son Ben and his partner Michele. Learn more about Stephen’s work in student-centered, project-based SEL and STEAM learning with MakerState and Student Union at www.maker-state.com.
Joe Horan is the Executive Director of the Building Men Program in Syracuse, New York. He founded Building Men in 2006 to help boys become men of significance, integrity, and who values and builds relationships. The Building Men Program has expanded over the past 17 years into 23 schools in the Syracuse City School District from elementary schools to high schools. Joe Horan holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from SUNY Cortland and has over 30 years of experience as an educator and coach in the Syracuse City School District. Joe is an author, speaker, and provider of Professional Development throughout Central New York. Joe lives in Syracuse with his wife MaryPat and has three children.
Polly Jones
While I have lived all over the US (North Carolina, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Texas, and Utah), Canton, Ohio is where I call home! It is very convenient for me that the National Inventors Hall of Fame headquarters happens to be less than 10 minutes away!
I came to work here at NIHF in February of 2022 after 30 years in education. I taught elementary (mostly sixth grade) and was also a librarian. I never imagined working in the business world, but this new endeavor is a perfect fit!
The main reason I can say this is because I so thoroughly believe in NIHF’s mission. Having been a teacher, I know the importance of 21st Century Skills and the Science/Engineering Design Process. Our mission to promote creativity along with our hands-on, engaging programming addresses these vital skills. I love that students can attend Camp Invention for one week and come away with increased confidence, life skills, creativity, and problem solving. It is easy to promote our STEM products when you are as passionate about them as I am!
Lorraine Lubicich
Lorraine Lubicich has been a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist since 1992 and is currently teaching TR at St. Joseph’s University on Long Island. Having worked in adolescent psych settings and a community youth agency – she created Youth First Training in 2023 which is a training consulting agency. Youth First Training’s purpose is to train after school workers on group management, activity leading and utilizing TR techniques to improve the lives of the children and youth being served.
Kathleen McGarry
Presenters are supervisors and the program manager of afterschool programming at NYS Office of Children and Families Services with over 20 years of combined experience in afterschool programming and contracting.
Kyle McHugh
Project Assistant, NYSED – Office of Student Support Services
Gianna Morris
Gianna Morris is a Dedicated Program Director, Educational Leader and Community Engagement Specialist. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from East Stroudsburg University, boasting over ten years of extensive experience in educational leadership and community engagement.
As the Afterschool Program Director at KIPP AMP Middle School in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Gianna excels in leading and empowering teams. She has demonstrated adeptness in recruiting, training, and supervising staff, orchestrating impactful family and community engagement events, and ensuring rigorous adherence to compliance regulations set by relevant authorities like DOH and DYCD. Her collaborative approach in managing budgets in tandem with the Finance Department showcases her proficiency in financial oversight and strategic resource allocation.
During her tenure as the Interim Beacon Director at Marina Beacon Community School, Gianna oversaw a diverse range of programs, encompassing afterschool initiatives, health and wellness programs, family outreach, and academic support. She skillfully managed financial systems, grant budgets, and development strategies, consistently surpassing predefined targets.
Her expertise extends to strategic educational planning, evident from her leadership as the Site Director of Power Scholars Academy. Here, she directed a summer program aimed at addressing academic gaps and nurturing scholars’ confidence, resulting in remarkable improvements in both academic performance and personal growth.
With a background in higher education roles such as Graduate Admission Counselor at Alliant International University and Admission Counselor at East Stroudsburg University, Gianna possesses a wealth of experience in counseling prospective students, conducting orientations, and forging strategic partnerships to elevate recruitment strategies.
Gianna’s commitment to community involvement and leadership is evident in Her initiatives, including co-creating youth advocacy groups, facilitating workshops, and presenting at national conferences. She has played pivotal roles in fraternity and sorority organizations, fostering a culture of leadership and responsibility. She offers a comprehensive skill set tailored to drive educational excellence and community empowerment.
Keyanna Murrill
Keyanna is an entrepreneur, artist, and creative specialist. She co-founded and has been growing World Explorers Group, a creative collective of family focused companies located in Downtown Brooklyn and Greenville SC, with her business partner, Kisha Edwards-Gandsy, since 2007.
Keyanna has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater from New York University Tisch School of the Arts and is a member of SAG/AFTRA. As a creative specialist, she has used her talents to create enrichment classes to educate children, train childcare professionals in use of creative teaching methods, and develop curriculum for her businesses and other organizations. Keyanna has been acting professionally since 1999 and spends her time working with organizations as well as individuals to help educate and enrich the lives of children around the world. Keyanna looks forward to the next adventure and is always exploring.
Yvette Outing
Yvette Outing has been working for the Capital District for 27 years. She has worked as a Site Director for 15 years at Giffen Elementary supervising over 50 staff and 250 students. During her time at the YMCA, she has had the opportunity to wear several hats doing different jobs in the childcare field. She has helped mentor several staff and help them become site supervisor and site directors. For the last 12 years, she has been out in the field training, overseeing seven after-school programs, summer programs and working with different partnerships to be part of the afterschool program in the community.
Theo Phillips
Theo Phillips, a seasoned professional trainer and consultant, brings over 17 years of experience from his tenure at the Police Athletic League (PAL). In various roles, including Program Director and Multi-Site Supervisor, he recognized the significance of staff development. Serving as Co-Chair of the PAL Training & Development Committee, he played a key role in implementing training initiatives, including city-wide and site-specific programs. Transitioning to the Youth Development Institute (YDI), Theo collaborated with city agencies like DOE, ACS, Dept. of Probation, and DYCD, focusing on Positive Youth Development practices. As a technical assistance provider for DYCD, he engaged with diverse programs such as COMPASS, SONYC, Cornerstone, Beacon, and Workforce, offering stand-alone trainings, coaching, and interventions to enhance program quality. Now an independent consultant, Theo continues his partnership with DYCD while extending his expertise to organizations like United Community Schools, Phipps Neighborhoods, St. Nicks Alliance, and more. He contributes to ExpandED Schools’ Career Internship Network, supporting youth marginalized from cultural institutions. Periodically, he conducts training in Montgomery County, Maryland, on Positive Youth Development. Additionally, Theo is a frequent presenter at conferences like PASE at Pace and School’s Out, Make it Count, showcasing his commitment to advancing youth development practices.
Ajayi Pickering-Haynes
Ajayi Pickering-Haynes is a St. Thomian personal development writer and author, national public health creative, consultant, and speaker, and emerging health equity and youth development thought leader proudly from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Named by his father, ‘Ajayi’ means messenger of God, which significantly has defined his path and purpose to use his voice to serve others through writing, advancing public health, and public speaking. Mr. Pickering-Haynes’ credits his West Indian upbringing to three life adages and truths that centers, grounds, and guides both his personal and professional work.
1. Live with Meaning.
2. Teach, Coach, & Mentor – Spend at Least Half Your Time Developing Others.
3. Create Impact and Connection through your work.
Ajayi proudly sits as a Senior Program Associate at the National Network of Public Health Institutes in the Bridging Sectors to Create Heath portfolio and is currently completing a Master’s of Public Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. As a champion of health equity, he is currently participating in the Morehouse School of Medicine Satcher Health Leadership Institute’s first HIV Health Equity Leadership Development fellowship to examine the health equity implications of health systems, policy, and data gaps for people living with HIV. As a consultant, Ajayi meaningfully operationalizes equity into public health and out of school time through the Public Health, Writing, and Innovation Lab, a problem-solving consulting sole proprietorship. Following in his mother’s footsteps and passion for education, Mr. Pickering-Haynes previously served as the first Program Director of a 21st Century Community Learning Center under the Virgin Islands Department of Education. In February 2023, he was selected as a Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders Honoree by the National Afterschool Association for his engagement in elevating the after school field in the Virgin Islands and across the nation. In addition to his national recognition in public health and out of school time, Ajayi has also had a promising career as a writer. In March 2024, Ajayi became a first time author, releasing a dual self-help/career development e-book titled, Displaced to Realigned: The Proven Skills Pitch Strategy to Land the Right Role with Intention.
Nikki Ravaliere
Nikki Ravaliere is an experienced nonprofit leader, consultant, and youth development enthusiast. Driven by personal experience, she takes pride in providing access, experience, and resources. As owner of Visionary Impact Consulting, her goals include empowering and transforming youth-serving organizations through their employee and leadership development services. She prides herself on equipping youth development professionals with resources and tools to effectively lead, support their communities, and make a lasting impact! Outside of work, Nikki loves traveling – 12 countries and counting. She is an avid lover of music and dance!
Sara Rickan
Sara currently serves as the Network’s Credential Director. In this position, Sara provides support and communications for four main groups: host agencies, distance learning (DL) and virtual (live) courses, credential candidates, endorsers, and advisors. Prior to working with the Network, Sara has spent over 15 years in the field of education teaching and serving youth in a variety of different capacities and training educators at Child Care Resource Network in Western New York. She has been a preschool and school age teacher, an afterschool programs coordinator/staff member, and sports clinic staff for various summer camps and clinics in Western New York. She obtained her New York State and Technical Assistance Professional Credential through NYSAEYC in both Early Childhood and School-Age. Sara has worked with afterschool programs across WNY as a SAC Credential Instructor, Advisor, and Endorser. She has also offered several professional development training opportunities to afterschool programs in topics such as supervision, STEM, SAC regulations, and open-ended art. Sara completed her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Childhood Education (B-6) at Buffalo State College and completed her Master of Science in Special Education at Capella University.
Arlene Rider
Dr. Arlene Rider is a retired, still teaching, college professor with SUNY Empire. Arlene has been involved with NYS Network for Youth Success school age credential for over 20 years, as an instructor, advisor, endorser, and member of the statewide work group. She co-authored the textbook for the credential titled School’s Out: Challenges & Solutions for School-Age Programs. Arlene has been a member of NYS NYS since 2002, and earned the NYS T-TAP credential, Level III, in 2012, and the NYS T-TAP Coaching Credential in 2023. In addition, Arlene presents regularly at local and state conferences. Arlene lives with her husband in Wappingers Falls, has 4 children, and 10 grandchildren.
JoAnna Rozier-Johnson
JoAnna Rozier-Johnson is proud to tell every child and adult she encounters that she was born, raised, educated and is employed in the city of Buffalo, NY. A woman of passion, purpose and poise, JoAnna Rozier-Johnson is a leader with a contagious enthusiasm for enjoying learning experiences. She is the current Community Impact Program Director of Education for the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County leading programming and coalitions to affect systems change in education systems. As the former Vice President of the Youth Services Department for the Community Action Organization of Western New York, Inc. JoAnna was the leader and creative planner responsible for training the Youth Services’ team of 70+ members to create and implement interactive and enriching programming for the 600 students they serve in grades K-12 in their multiple out-of-school time programs. JoAnna is also the founder of JoRo Organizing which specializes in professional development, positive youth development, program consulting, administrative system creation and file consolidating. Annually, she leads training sessions for small and large groups as a local, regional, statewide and national trainer/facilitator.
A community activist, JoAnna is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and the former Advocacy and Buffalo Partners Committees’ Co-Chair of the After School Network of WNY. A passionate mentor, JoAnna is also the Director of the Crusaders Marching Unit of Buffalo.
Nancy Scales-Coddington
Nancy Scales-Coddington is deeply committed to fostering partnerships and engagement opportunities, focusing on raising awareness about STEM initiatives that promote inclusivity for traditionally marginalized groups. With over twenty-three years of experience, she has dedicated herself to advocating for STEM education in museums, classrooms, and public media. As an acclaimed producer and science communicator, Nancy has earned recognition for her work and has shared her expertise through teaching and lecturing at universities and organizations worldwide. Her contributions include being a science advisor and national STEM trainer for prominent museum exhibits and PBS series, including Climate Change, PBS KIDS STEAM, SciGirls, Hero Elementary, and Skillsville. Actively involved in the Science Teachers Association of New York State for over a decade, Nancy has held various leadership positions within the organization. Based in the Finger Lakes region of New York, you can find Nancy out hiking with her dog, paddling, and skiing.
Pavita Singh
Pavita Singh’s mission is to spread light, love, learning, and laughter. She is the Executive Director of Girls Health Ed and the award-winning international bestselling author of two poetry books. A graduate of Yale University and New York University, she is now pursuing her doctorate in health and behavior studies at Teachers College, Columbia University. Pavita lives in New York City.
Daniel Speciale
Playworks is the leading organization providing safe, healthy, and inclusive play nationwide. Daniel Speciale joined Playworks in 2018, helping to launch programming in Western New York. For the past five years Daniel has facilitated workshops and consultative services for school districts and out of school time organizations in Rochester, Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and everywhere in between. Daniel holds NYS teaching certificates in two content areas and, prior to joining Playworks, worked for ten years as a teacher, tutor, coach, and recreation leader.
Katherine Spinney
After 20+ years of experience serving youth, Katherine has combined her background in education, social work and coaching to support professionals in direct service. Through a powerful combination of training and coaching, Katherine supports and positively impacts children, youth, and families through the professionals who serve them. Katherine has Master’s degrees in social work and teaching from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Virginia, respectively. She is an ICF-certified coach and has been chosen as a top 15 coach and a top 5 executive coach in Baltimore. She holds a certification as a Woman Owned Small Business through the SBA and a Woman Business Enterprise through Baltimore City. She is a certified AYD facilitator and PQA external assessor. Katherine is also a keynote speaker and has led sessions at after school conferences at the national, state, and local levels.
Carla Stough Huffman
Carla Stough Huffman has been working with youth in Rochester, NY, for nearly 33 years, doing everything from program design/delivery and staff development to grant writing and assessment. Armed with a BA in Developmental Psychology from Bard College and an insatiable quest for knowledge, her crazy-quilt career path has led her to serve as a trainer, coach, role model, certified external observer in SELPQA and previous Associate Director for the Greater Rochester Afterschool & Summer Alliance. Known as a community connector, creative thinker and problem-solver, she believes all adults should understand and act from a positive youth development stance.
Billy Stringfield
Billy Stringfield is an EZReports Account Manager who helps users create and manage their grant-funded programs through their EZReports software. Billy has been working for all State DOE clients of EZReports providing them onsite and webinar training on the software. After completing active duty in the US Navy, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business with a concentration in Project Management. Billy has worked in the Customer Support Industry for over 15 years. Before joining the EZReports team, he managed daily operations for a new startup company and trained clients on their products and services.
Kim Viade
Kim Viade is the founder and CEO of L.I.V.E. People Everyday Inc., Kim Viade spearheads the delivery of client-centric services and transformative leadership coaching. Through active collaboration with clients and stakeholders, she adeptly identifies growth opportunities within corporations, providing strategic guidance on program models and facilitating impactful professional development workshops. Kim Viade also serves as the NYS Credential Advisor & Endorser, extending her expertise to mentor individuals on NYC Department of Health regulations and licensing.
Kim Viade has three decades of experience in the field of non-profit and education. In her prior role as the Director of Youth Services, Kim Viade led a dedicated team overseeing a diverse portfolio, including DYCD Beacon & Cornerstone Programs, Boys & Girls Clubs, Special Needs Programs, Comprehensive Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program, Fee for Service Programs and more. Her strategic approach included maintaining great relationships with funders, schools, and community boards, contributing significantly to the success of various youth-focused initiatives and playing a crucial role in strategic planning for key initiatives. Kim found her passion of working with students with special needs while working for the NYC Department of Education. She is currently an advocate and assists families with understanding and navigating through the special education process. Kim’s mission is to lead with purpose, inspire with action, value every person and empower for change, is evident in the work she does with her clients.
Kenrick Wagner
Kenrick Wagner, founder and CEO of Project Gametime LLC has over 20 years of professional experience as an educator, performer, author, and producer. He has dedicated his life’s work to provide top quality youth programming to communities in need. Kenrick Wagner believes that one of the greatest challenges educators face today in youth development is building an inclusive culture for young people that allows them to express themselves through popular culture and music. Kenrick has presented his material to hundreds of educators across the nation such as National After School Association and New Jersey School-Age Child Care Coalition. He is also a professor and Director of Contemporary Music at the University of South Florida. His goal is to provide training and development to professionals who serve students in camps, schools, and corporations.
Brittany Welborn
Brittany Welborn is a seasoned professional in the field of education and STEM strategy, currently serving as the Director of Strategy at STEMfinity. With over seven years of dedicated experience in education, she has made significant contributions to the advancement of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, particularly focusing on increasing female engagement in these crucial fields.
Born and raised in Texas, Brittany embarked on her academic journey at the University of Texas-San Antonio, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Armed with a passion for education and a commitment to fostering STEM literacy, she began her career as a classroom educator, shortly moving roles to the STEM Instructional Technologist for the Houston Independent School District, the largest school district in the state of Texas.
During her tenure with the Houston Independent School District, Brittany played a pivotal role in shaping STEM education initiatives. Her dedication to empowering students in the realm of science and technology was evident as she spearheaded various district-wide programs, including the celebrated National STEM Day and STEM Summer Camp. The STEM Summer Camp, consisting of nineteen diverse sections across the district, provided students with immersive experiences and hands-on learning opportunities, fostering a love for STEM disciplines. She also outfitted 167 elementary schools with STEM makerspace equipment.
In her current role as the Director of Strategy at STEMfinity, Brittany continues to be a driving force in the intersection of education and technology, utilizing her strategic acumen to pave the way for innovative STEM initiatives. Her unwavering commitment to fostering a passion for STEM subjects, especially among female students, makes her a trailblazer and a role model in the field of education and beyond.
Tinnycua Williams
Tinnycua Williams believes in the power of strength based programming for children and families through empowerment. Her Super Power is her ability to connect with others through stories and shared experiences. Her passion is working with youth development professionals to realize their uniqueness to empower them to facilitate self-expression among the children they serve. Tinnycua currently serves as the Professional Development Quality Assurance Manager at New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute. In this capacity she sits on the leadership team at New York Works for Children supporting trainers and training organizations with the effective utilization of the Aspire Registry. Previously, Williams served in leadership roles for various community based organizations including Homes for the Homeless and Harlem Children’s Zone. Tinnycua is a New York State School Age Care Credentialed Professional, Endorser and Advisor as well as a Training and Technical Assistance Professional (TTAP) School Age Professional Development Specialist. A member of the inaugural class of the National Afterschool Matters Fellowship, Tinnycua earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Colgate University and is currently a Master’s Degree candidate in the Early Childhood Education (0-8) program at City College of the City University of New York.
Jenny Young
Jenny Young is the CEO and Founder of Brooklyn Robot Foundry. Jenny grew up with a love of tinkering and building and went on to get a degree in Mechanical Engineering. She then worked in various areas of systems management before segueing into education technology. While in tech-ed, Jenny witnessed an overwhelming need for more open-ended, hands-on learning for elementary school students. In 2011, Jenny launched Brooklyn Robot Foundry at the New York City Maker Faire. The company’s unique approach, combining kid-friendly projects with room for experimentation and creative design, captivated children and their caregivers. Jenny has spent the last 13 years growing the company and ultimately franchising it, now with locations in New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
