Team Stories

Cornerstone Community Center Team Members: Coming Full Circle

May 15, 2025 | Leave a reply

Three team members share their journeys from participant to staff—and sometimes both.

Anjolaife (AJ) Ahmed, Group Leader, Hammel Houses Cornerstone Community Center

Group photo of AJ and Cornerstone Community Center participants in costume for Halloween.

AJ, far left in the back row, and his partner Iyanla Walcott (also a group leader; in the center with green hair) with their group.

My journey with The Child Center of NY began in 2018 at the Hammel Houses Cornerstone Community Center. At that time, I joined Team Crate, a co-locator basketball team, and was first introduced to the center. The community center quickly became a second home for me, offering not only a safe space, but also an incredible facility where I could practice with my teams. This environment helped me excel in my high school basketball career and continues to support me as I pursue my college basketball career.

In 2021, I had the privilege of meeting Ms. Amanda Etienne, The Child Center’s Senior Vice President of Youth Development, at a local Carvel. I was inquiring about job opportunities when Ms. Etienne graciously took my information and referred me back to Ms. Krystle, who was the director of the program I attended with Team Crate. Coincidentally, Ms. Krystle had been instrumental in my initial introduction to the center. Despite it being the middle of the summer, I was quickly placed in a position at the center, and Ms. Krystle has supported me throughout my journey ever since.

Throughout my time working at The Child Center of NY, Ms. Krystle has worked with me to ensure that I could maintain my employment while balancing my collegiate studies, basketball schedule, and changing commitments. This flexibility has been invaluable, and I deeply appreciate the support.

This job has taught me not only the importance of professionalism and responsibility, but also crucial life lessons. Working with kids and teens has inspired me to continue my journey in youth development, as it has shown me the positive impact I can have on the lives of young people. I am truly grateful for the opportunities provided to me by The Child Center of NY and for the ongoing support I receive from the Hammel Houses Cornerstone community.

Dionte Davis, Group Leader, Hammel Houses Cornerstone Community Center

Dionte is sitting next to a fifth-grade participant. Dionte is laughing and the participant is smiling.

Dionte and Prince, now a seventh grader, en route to Splish Splash. The team takes fifth-grade participants on this trip every year to celebrate their graduation from the afterschool program.

My experience with The Child Center of NY Hammel Houses Cornerstone Community Center began when I was a young teen. I became an active participant at the center, particularly enjoying the open gym sessions in the evenings. I would attend almost every day. Over the years, I have had the privilege of getting to know the staff very well. I often talk about how short and young I was when I first met them, and now, as I look back, it’s clear how much the Cornerstone community has shaped my life.

Through my pre-teen and teenage years, I remained an active part of the community center, even through renovation and relocation stages. While attending open gym and playing basketball, I began to inquire about job opportunities at the center. Ms. Krystle, who had known me since I was a young boy, quickly agreed to offer me a position. Over the course of our interactions, she saw my potential and expressed confidence that I would be a great group leader, and that belief has stuck with me.

Working at the center has taught me invaluable lessons about working with kids, understanding their unique needs, and recognizing how each child learns differently. It has been a truly fun and rewarding experience, and every day I learn something new. My passion for working with kids has only grown, and I hope to continue contributing to the community. In fact, one day I hope to be in the same position as Ms. Krystle, leading and mentoring the next generation of young people.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have been given by The Child Center of NY, and I look forward to continuing this journey in making a positive impact on the lives of the children I work with.

Micha Simon, Office Manager, Oceanside Cornerstone Community Center

Prior to my employment with TCCNY, I was a client of the organization. My daughter participated in the afterschool and summer camp programs, and my sons were in the evening programs for the middle and high school kids. As for myself, I participated in the adult programs, including running the Saturday bingo activity and helping out at center events in whatever capacity I was needed. Though I am now an employee and my daughter is now in middle school, we are all still participants in the center.

Being a client family and from the neighborhood helps with my job in a positive way since I’m a familiar face to the staff, parents, and kids, and they are all familiar to me. My children have benefited tremendously from the programs they have participated in, developing strong friendships and social skills. I also have benefited from the program in the sense that I have made friends, enhanced my social and emotional skills, and found an outlet to volunteer and give back to my community.

The Oceanside Cornerstone Community Center means a great deal to my family. Growing up in the Caribbean, we have this saying, “It takes a village.” Now it means I get to be a part of somebody’s village as an Oceanside Cornerstone team member and community member. We are all there for each other.

Jewish American Heritage Month: Two Legacies

May 2, 2025 | Leave a reply

By Renée Riebling, Senior Communications Specialist

Two small children sit on a window sill with their smiling father next to them.

The blog author (center) with her brother and father in an undated photo. Note: Do not try this at home!

May is Jewish American Heritage Month, and for most Americans, that means Ashkenazi Jewish: bagels and lox, Fiddler on the Roof, immigrants from Poland, Russia, and Germany at the turn of the 20th century.

For most of my life, that’s what it meant for me, too. When I was a child, my family lived in the Brighton Beach section of Brooklyn, where most of our apartment complex’s residents—including my mother—were descendants of Jews from Eastern Europe or had immigrated from the region themselves. We really did eat bagels (though some renegades opted for bialys) with cream cheese and lox on Sunday mornings. We saw Fiddler on the Roof when a production came around, and we saw our ancestors in the characters and storylines. My most treasured childhood memories are of Passover seders, which always were raucous affairs at my aunt and uncle’s house in New Jersey with spirited singing in celebration of the ancient Israelites’ exodus from slavery in Egypt to freedom.

But there were pockets of my life that were a different kind of Jewish. Instead of bagels and lox, this kind of Jewish involved amba and bamia, foreign languages, and trips to a store on Atlantic Avenue that smelled of exotic spices and felt like home. That’s because my father is, as I’ve come to understand, Mizrahi. But in those days before the internet, I didn’t have a name for it. I just knew my father was born in Iraq, which made us different. I knew my father’s family had lived there since the Babylonian Exile more than two thousand years ago until 1950, when they were forced to flee. My father was nine years old at the time. They had to leave in secret and in disguise, and his older brother was held for ransom by former friends who had promised to help him escape safely. Despite this, they miraculously all made it to Iran—which was friendly (or, friendlier) to Jews at the time—and from there, boarded a flight to Israel, where my father lived until he left for Canada in 1964 and then to the United States.

Unlike the fathers of my friends, my father spoke two other languages (Arabic and Hebrew)—languages he intentionally did not pass on to my brother and me so we would be more “American.” I wrote letters to Savta, my grandmother in Israel, on flimsy blue airmail paper that folded into its own envelope (this fascinated me). She always wrote back in beautifully handwritten, flowery English, as she had been an English teacher. My father’s older brother sent photos of his children—my cousins, whom I had never met but looked more like me than anyone else in my life—and I couldn’t stop staring at them.

Although my parents’ decision to raise us to speak only English was a missed opportunity (hindsight is indeed 20/20), the intricacies of language and immigration had a profound impact on me. I was forced to think deeply about language because my father peppered me with questions about it.

When I was in kindergarten, my class had to memorize the first verse of “My Country ’Tis of Thee.” I sang it proudly for my father, pleased with myself that I knew all the words. When I finished, I thought he was going to gush about my expert singing and memory. Instead, he asked, “What is ‘thee’?”

“What?” I said back.

“What is ‘thee’?” he repeated. “You said my country ‘’tis of thee.’ So, what is ‘thee’? What is the country of?”

I was 5 and didn’t know the answer. I had never thought about the meaning of the lyrics. The question haunted me. What exactly was this “thee” our country was made of? And why was I singing something I didn’t understand?

He often asked questions like this, and it set me on a lifelong quest to understand language, to appreciate the importance of finding the most precise word, and to always subconsciously work to understand connotation and nuance.

(Fun fact: I now understand that “thee” in “My Country ’Tis of Thee” is the country, and it’s a lesson in the importance of grammar! If you look at how the song is written—“My country, ’tis of thee, [s]weet land of liberty, [o]f thee I sing”—the commas make clear that the songwriter is addressing his country, and “thee” is the “sweet land of liberty,” a phrase used to describe “my country.” Fascinating!)

I recently read somewhere that children of immigrants, as well as those who immigrated when they were children, are more likely to become writers. In my own family, I discovered that the pull to understand language was a shared pursuit. In addition to my grandmother being an English teacher, my great-uncle wrote what is considered the first definitive Arabic-Hebrew dictionary.

I also learned from my father the importance and irreplaceability of both nonprofit organizations (a nonprofit was responsible for his being able to escape Iraq) and social workers—both core parts of The Child Center. One of my father’s most vivid childhood memories is of the day at school when he was wearing short pants in cold weather and a social worker took notice. She knew it was because his family could not afford long pants, and she got a pair for him. Even seventy-five years later, he vividly recalls the social worker’s warmth and sincerity—how he felt an instant sense of trust in her, and how she became an essential pillar of support in his life. I am often reminded of this story when I write about The Child Center of NY’s School-Based Mental Health initiatives and the clients who find support in the therapists embedded in their schools. I guess it is no surprise I ended up being not just a writer, but a writer for a nonprofit dedicated to mental health!

But above all, perhaps my father’s greatest gift to me is an appreciation of people’s different perspectives and life experiences and all they bring to the table.

At one of my former workplaces, a new intern aroused suspicion because he seemed impossibly nice and upbeat. It must be fake, some people thought. “You got it!” he’d say when you asked him to do something. When the task was completed, he’d inquire, “Was everything done correctly?” When you thanked him, he’d reply, “Glad to help!”

It turned out he had grown up in Detroit with a single mother who worked extremely hard to make ends meet. He’d been mistaken for “someone who did something” more times than he could count. But here he was, he’d said, a student at an Ivy League college with an internship working for a premier nonprofit. He couldn’t believe how lucky he was and resolved never to take one thing for granted. He reminded me of my dad. Though their origins were very different, this young man was a hardworking, intelligent, and caring human trying to make it in a different kind of world than the one he’d grown up in, and everyone who knew him was richer for the experience.

As we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month this year, it’s with the knowledge that now is a difficult time to be Jewish. In 2024, Jews were the target of 54 percent of all recorded NYC hate crime incidents. Sadly, this reflects a national and even worldwide trend of increasing antisemitism. But like all people who have cultural histories of persecution and hate, I know that the antidote is joy. As my ancestors have for generations, we find joy in our traditions and resilience.

These days, our Passover seders take place either in my home or at the home of a cousin—whose parents, my aunt and uncle, hosted them when I was growing up. We sing the same songs and recite the same passages we sang and recited when I was young, and that Jews have been singing and reciting for thousands of years. My Israeli cousins are no longer the faces of strangers in faded photographs. I’ve gotten to know them, and they are some of the kindest, most genuine, and most resilient people I have known. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we participated in a Zoom seder with them. They had some different melodies to the same songs that my Ashkenazi family sang, and I felt immense pride in being part of both these legacies.

I love that The Child Center takes heritage months seriously and uses them to celebrate the fact that our diversity is one of our greatest blessings.

Aliyah Seecheran: From Student to Staff

April 4, 2025 | Leave a reply

Meet the program director of COMPASS at P.S. 273

Aliyah stands beside Karisma, a former participant, holding a t-shirt celebrating the 10th anniversary of COMPASS at P.S. 273.

Aliyah with 11-year-old Karisma, a former participant who stays in touch

As a child, Aliyah attended The Child Center’s COMPASS afterschool program at P.S. 56 in Richmond Hill, Queens. She now serves as program director at our COMPASS afterschool program at P.S. 273, also in Richmond Hill. Her shared experience with participants and their families helps her excel in her role.

“I remember the impact my group leaders had on me,” Aliyah said. “I was the quiet child. It was difficult for me to make friends. My group leaders made sure I felt included and got me involved in extracurricular activities—like fashion club—that I never would have done on my own, but which allowed me to connect with other students and be myself. I came to love afterschool because of how inviting it was. It became a comfortable place to be. If it weren’t for afterschool, I would’ve been home with my grandmother every day instead of coming out of my shell and socializing, and finding my strengths.”

Aliyah remembers the impact the Child Center team had on her brother and parents, too. “We adopted my brother from Guyana when he was 6,” Aliyah explains. “He didn’t know anything about school. It was difficult for him to adjust, and he would deflect by having difficult behaviors. My parents didn’t know what to do. But they trusted the Child Center team. My mom would confide in the group leaders, and the support they offered was a huge help to my parents. They were a sounding board for my mom. They heard my mother when she expressed anxiety about my brother’s ability to read. So they sat down with my brother with books and helped him with reading. They helped him adjust to school and life here with so much care and attention, and I’m sure that’s why he remembers them all these years later. He still lives in the neighborhood and sees his former group leaders out in the community. It’s a great feeling.”

Today, Aliyah strives to be that kind of support for the families enrolled in the program she oversees, and she supports the group leaders on her team to do the same.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aliyah realized how important the bonds of trust her team had built with families truly were. When school went remote, the team made phone calls to check on families. Many had lost jobs because they worked in the service industry or because they had to stay home with their children, who were too young to be left alone. Some were facing food insecurity. Others were concerned about their children’s behavior because the isolation had caused them to have no social life, act out, or be on a screen all day. Just as the afterschool team had been a sounding board for Aliyah’s parents, Aliyah and her team listened to families’ concerns, connected them with resources, and assured them the team was there for them. “Sometimes the relationships we have with these parents are based on them having someone they know that cares,” Aliyah explains. “They feel comfortable with us.”

Although there can be a lot of resistance to mental health services, for example, Aliyah and her team were credible messengers, and when they referred families to mental health services, “they were super thankful,” Aliyah says. “Sometimes the resources from a doctor didn’t work out because of the cost, and I was able to refer them to The Child Center’s family wellness centers. I could connect them with Benefits Access for assistance with food. It makes a huge difference.”

That’s why Aliyah says what she likes best about her job “is not just loving on the kids and having this great relationship with them; it’s the impact on the whole family. It’s nice to hear when a parent who wasn’t doing well four years ago is doing well now: They’re no longer living in a shelter and are living in a home, they have a job. … It’s like that with my own family, too. My parents were immigrants who struggled and saved their money, so I grew up with a sense of them working all the time. My dad just retired this year. He worked so hard for my siblings and me. Seeing him work for more than 30 years and now wake up when he wants and enjoy a slower and more enjoyable pace of life is really something.”

Another great part about her job is working with the very people who changed her life when she was a child. “Manisha [Singh, senior program director] was my group leader, and I was her student. Fast forward to 2019, and she was the one who interviewed me for the position of group leader. I said, ‘I don’t know if you remember me,’ and she was like, ‘Of course I remember you!’”

Things moved quickly from there. After brief stints as office manager and program coordinator, Aliyah assumed the position of program director in 2022.

“I remember every single one of my group leaders’ names—even my mom remembers!” Aliyah says. “Jennifer Alvarado, Nick [Ferreira, senior vice president of youth development], and Manisha were all staff when I was a student. It’s pretty neat that all these years later, they’re my colleagues. P.S. 273 is a 10-minute walk from my home. This is literally my community.”

Aliyah never forgets the impact her group leaders had on her, and it inspires how she interacts with children, families, and her team. “As someone who was in afterschool myself and now being a program director, I look back to what it was like being a child in afterschool. I want to ensure that the participants get from this program what I got out of it and more. I make sure my team knows our mission and goals as a program. They know they’re not here just to watch kids, but also to make sure they feel safe and heard and discover who they can really be. It’s an important job. I remember all my group leaders, and these kids will too. I take it very seriously. And I love it.”

Team Spotlight: Diane Valente, Director of Clinical Best Practice

March 20, 2025 | Leave a reply

As the Director of Clinical Best Practice at The Child Center, Diane Valente, LCSW-R, supports our clinicians in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care to children, adolescents, and families. She works closely with our clinical teams to provide training, enhance professional development, and implement best practices that align with our mission of empowering the communities we serve. By fostering a strong clinical foundation, we ensure that our clinicians have the skills, knowledge, and support needed to make meaningful, lasting impacts in the lives of our clients. In honor of National Social Work Month, Diane shared her insights on supporting social workers and clinicians who make our mission possible.

The Child Center of NY: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of social work in your programs, and how does it inspire your leadership approach?

Diane Valente, LCSW-R: One of the most rewarding aspects of social work is witnessing the growth and resilience of our clients as they navigate challenges and move toward healing. Seeing a young person gain confidence, develop coping strategies, or reconnect with their family is incredibly fulfilling. This fuels my leadership approach. I strive to create spaces where clinicians feel valued, supported, and equipped to do this work effectively. By investing in their growth, we create a ripple effect that ultimately benefits the communities we serve.

What is one change or improvement you would like to see in the field of social work that could make a lasting difference in supporting both social workers and the clients we serve?

I would love to see greater investment in sustainable workforce support, increased funding for mental health services, and ongoing professional development opportunities. Burnout is a significant challenge in social work, and by prioritizing the well-being of clinicians, we can enhance the quality of care provided to clients. A well-supported workforce leads to better outcomes for individuals and families who rely on these critical services.

One way we are addressing this is through our partnership with the International Grief Institute. The Clinical Best Practice team and the Organizational Effectiveness & Employee Experience (OEX) team are working together to provide Compassion Fatigue and Grief Trainings in the upcoming months to help support our staff and the communities we serve. These trainings are essential in equipping our workforce with tools to manage the emotional impact of this work and sustain their passion for helping others.

What advice would you give to those interested in pursuing a career in social work, particularly in the nonprofit sector?

Social work in the nonprofit sector is deeply fulfilling, but it also requires resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning. My advice is to seek strong supervision and mentorship early in your career, as these relationships can help you navigate challenges and grow as a professional. Stay connected to your “why” because that passion will sustain you through the difficult moments. And remember, social work is a collaborative effort; lean on your colleagues and take care of yourself as you care for others.

How can the community or donors further support social workers and the work they do throughout the year, not just during National Social Work Month?

Supporting social workers means advocating for policies that fund mental health services, investing in training and development, and ensuring that frontline workers have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively. Community members and donors can also help by funding wellness initiatives for social workers, providing scholarships for ongoing education, or simply recognizing and uplifting the work being done. A little appreciation and acknowledgment go a long way in sustaining morale and motivation in this field.

Fostering Inclusivity During Ramadan: Insights from Mehak Mahmood, Program Director

March 13, 2025 | Leave a reply

Mehak Mahmood is a Program Director at our SONYC afterschool program at J.H.S. 185 Edward Bleecker Middle School, in Flushing, Queens. She has been with The Child Center for more than a decade, and has served at J.H.S. 185 for eight years. This month, we had the opportunity to speak with her about Ramadan. For the Muslim community, Ramadan is one of the holiest months of the year, marked by abstaining from food and water from sunrise to sunset. It is a time to deepen faith, cultivate self-discipline, and give back to the community.

The Child Center of NY: Ramadan Mubarak! How are you observing Ramadan this year at J.H.S. 185?

Mehak Mahmood: During my time at J.H.S. 185, I’ve always offered a designated area for Muslim students who wish to perform one of the five obligatory prayers or salah during school hours. This space is clean, equipped with facilities for ablution, and supervised by someone knowledgeable about the prayer process.

Before Ramadan began, I discussed this arrangement with the school’s administration team and offered the space to them. They included this information in the morning announcements. To my surprise, since Ramadan started, we have had at least ten students coming downstairs daily to pray.

Mehak dedicates a prayer space for Muslim students at J.H.S. 185 and hands out goodie bags for Ramadan.

Can you share what Ramadan means to you personally, and how you celebrate it with family and community?

Ramadan is a deeply personal time when I slow down and focus my energy on strengthening my spiritual and religious connection. I grew up in a modest Islamic family, and since childhood, I’ve always loved fasting and answering the question, “Not even water?” with a proud “Yes, not even water.” Over the years, my family and I have developed a routine of waking up before dawn to have breakfast, or suhoor, and praying together before either going back to sleep or heading out to work. Some days, it’s easier to fall back asleep, while other days can be more challenging depending on when I need to get up for work.

Every year, we decorate our house for Ramadan by putting up moon and star lights, displaying “Ramadan Mubarak” signs, and buying dates to break our fast (iftar). We also give out Ramadan Mubarak goodie bags, and since my niece was born nearly two years ago, we’ve enjoyed watching Ramadan cartoons like “Omar and Hannah” in the background, as long as her screen time allows.

At the end of the month, we celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a festival where we all dress in our best and newest outfits and jewelry, women apply mehndi/henna, we pay our respects to deceased loved ones, and perform the special Eid prayers. Afterward, we enjoy our morning coffee and share meals with family and friends, cherishing the togetherness and joy that this special time brings.

What are some of the challenges you face during Ramadan, and how do you manage them, especially in a work environment?

Growing up, some of the challenges I faced during Ramadan included finding accommodations during lunchtime and explaining to classmates or colleagues that I could not eat. It was important to clarify that my fasting did not mean I was triggered by others eating. As I’ve gotten older, the eating aspect has become less of an issue, and the primary challenge I now face is managing sleep and the fatigue that comes with fasting.

Today, I usually plan ahead and schedule my time off so that I take every Friday off for the month. Since joining The Child Center and at previous jobs, I’ve always communicated with my supervisors about my schedule, letting them know I’ll be off on Fridays as well as Eid. In my religion, Friday is the most sacred day, so it’s important for me to rest and worship. Given the nature of our work, we often have working lunches, so I request to use that one hour to come in later, and if necessary, I am willing to stay later in the evening to complete my tasks. This helps me manage my energy and avoid burnout. As a manager, I offer similar accommodations to my Muslim staff, such as allowing them to adjust their schedules and making a space available for prayer at work.

Before Ramadan begins, I make sure that I complete any high-priority tasks and prepare my team by informing them about the changes during the month. I let them know that my days will be shorter, and my energy levels may be lower, but I will continue to lead by example and make sure both my team and the participants we serve are well taken care of and safe.

How can we be supportive of our colleagues, clients, and community members during Ramadan?

Supporting our colleagues, clients, and community members during Ramadan requires understanding, empathy, and flexibility. One of the simplest ways to be supportive is by just acknowledging that many of us are fasting, which can affect energy levels and routines. Being mindful of these changes can help foster an environment of respect.

For colleagues, offering flexibility in work schedules can make a big difference. One of the major requests I’ve had during Ramadan is to avoid setting up early morning meetings or adding extra meetings to the schedule. Fatigue is a real challenge, and while we may not have the luxury of taking the entire month off, at the very least, letting us work from home once a week or avoiding early morning meetings can help manage energy levels. Additionally, providing a quiet, designated space for prayer or reflection shows support for those observing Ramadan.

For clients, being considerate of meal times or other religious practices is important. If your work involves serving food, for example, offering alternatives or scheduling meals around prayer times can be a thoughtful gesture. It’s also helpful to have a conversation with Muslim colleagues, clients, or community members about how they feel if you are eating around them. While eating around me doesn’t trigger me personally, it may be uncomfortable for others, and having that open dialogue can go a long way in creating a supportive atmosphere.

In the broader community, we can extend our support by participating in charitable acts. Ramadan is a time of giving, so volunteering or donating to local causes can be a great way to engage with and help those in need.

Lastly, it’s essential to provide a space for Muslims to pray. Whether they are colleagues, clients, or community members, a fast is incomplete without the prayers, and having a space available for them to pray is a key form of support.

Ultimately, being supportive during Ramadan is about respecting the observances and challenges of those observing the month, offering understanding when needed, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

What is one thing you’d like others to understand better about Ramadan?

It’s not just about abstaining from food and drink; it’s a time to make better habits (such as eating healthier, quitting smoking, or getting up earlier), let go of the bad ones (like road rage, cursing, or gossiping), and, most importantly, it’s the best time to spiritually and religiously reset your mindset. Ramadan offers an opportunity to reflect on one’s actions, improve personal discipline, and develop a deeper connection to faith. It’s about being more mindful of how we treat others and taking steps to become better versions of ourselves.

Julissa’s Story

February 26, 2025 | Leave a reply

Julissa poses outside on her doorstep with her two young children.

Julissa and her two children

At The Child Center of NY, we prioritize hiring people from the communities we serve, with a particular emphasis on hiring former clients. The benefits of this are twofold. First, hiring from the neighborhood is critical to fostering a cycle of opportunity. Second, community members and former clients understand clients’ obstacles and potential; in turn, clients trust them and feel their compassion. For example, 100% of Early Head Start caregivers reported that 100% of staff tried to learn about their family’s interests and concerns.

One of those staff members is Julissa Grullon, Early Head Start Assistant Director, whose daughter was a Child Center Head Start student for two years. Below, Julissa writes in her own words about her experience as a client and as a team member, and how the two are not separate entities, but rather two parts of a whole.

When I started the process of finding a preschool for my daughter, I applied to The Child Center’s Corona Head Start. It was literally across the street from my house. I thought it would be so convenient, and it seemed like a good program. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, took education courses, and worked as an assistant teacher at a preschool for many years, so I knew what to look for in a program. My daughter got accepted into the 3K class, and I was so excited.

The first step was meeting with Karina Herrera, the family worker at the time, for the intake process. The family of every child at a Child Center early childhood education program is assigned a family worker, who is trained to support families and recognize needs for services. Karina was warm and friendly, and I asked if there were any job openings available. I was pregnant with my son, and I told her I wasn’t looking for anything at the moment, but that if anything came up, to please let me know.

Two or three months passed, and I started bringing my daughter to school. I would see Karina in the hallway, and we would always say hello. A few more months passed by, I had just given birth to my son, and I asked her if any positions opened up. She said, “Oh, I think they are looking for a receptionist.” And I was like, oh, that’s great. Maybe I can do an interview. She said she would talk to the director and let me know. A couple of days later, Karina told me she spoke to the director, and that she would be calling me for an interview. I was excited!

I interviewed with Miss Lilly Rodriguez, the previous director. I told her I always wanted to be a teacher, so even though this is an admin position, maybe this is my perfect time to step back into education, and I could also work to get my master’s degree. To my surprise, she said, “I’m actually looking for a teacher. There’s a vacancy in one of the classrooms. Maybe this is perfect timing for you. You can start now while you work to finish your master’s.” She said we could test it out, and that I should come back and do a lesson with the kids. I did the lesson, and Lilly was like, you’re a natural, and I got the job.

My education, my previous teaching positions, and my experience as the parent of a child in the program all helped me in my role. As a parent, I saw firsthand how the program really encourages children’s holistic growth, including their mental health.

My daughter sometimes had a tough time emotionally. Ms. Meital, the mental health consultant, noticed that she had crying moments, and she asked me, “Hey, what do you think if I take her with some of the other children in the classroom and have some meeting time?” She takes four or five kids for 30 minutes and has a little meeting time to go over feelings. And I said that would be perfect.

That was really good for my daughter. They would draw pictures of feelings and read a book about them. She learned so much about her emotions and how to regulate them. It was a really good moment for her. And it also helped me as a teacher to recognize the importance of emotional health in my students’ education.

My daughter has made so many strides since then, and so have I. Even though I love teaching, I also wanted to try something different and earn a higher salary. I started looking for jobs but wasn’t finding anything. Then, funny enough, one of my best friends came here for an interview. I asked her what the position was, and she told me it was for assistant director of Early Head Start. I wished her good luck and told her, “I hope you get the job!” Later, when she told me she didn’t get the role, it was like a light bulb: Why don’t I apply for this position? At first, my supervisor was like, “I don’t want you to go! I don’t want to lose you in the classroom!” But I went for the interview with Aisha [Okoro, Senior Program Director of Early Head Start]. Everything went well, and I got the position.

As assistant director, I supervise the home visitors: make sure they are going to their home visits, make sure assessments are completed accurately and on time, and support them in any way that I can. I miss working directly with the kids at times, but I love supporting people in their roles and knowing I’m making a difference in so many lives: I’m helping the home visitors be the best they can be, and I’m helping families support their children.

Since I grew up here in Corona and my daughter was a student here, I know a lot about the program from different perspectives, and I can easily relate to the families and the home visitors and support them. Being a teacher and having that classroom experience has helped me in assessing the child. So this position has been a good fit for me.

Funny enough, I got this position at the same time my daughter started kindergarten. She is doing great! I really feel that her experience here prepared her well—academically, socially, and emotionally. I was scared she would cry, and I wouldn’t be there to support her. But she hasn’t cried! And she loves it.

It’s kind of like we both graduated. I’m excited for this new chapter in our lives.

Jin Li and Nara Youn Featured by Robin Hood

February 21, 2025 | Leave a reply

The Child Center of NY is excited to share that Nara Youn, Youth Development Business Manager, and Jin Li, Community Advocate, have been featured in Robin Hood‘s “Faces of Poverty Fighters” campaign for their extensive work on the Undo Poverty Flushing initiative, which aims to help move all Flushing community members out of rapidly growing poverty toward sustainable economic advancement.

From Robin Hood:

Be a lifeline for those in crisis, like Nara Youn and Jin Li.

Nara Youn, the Youth Development Business Manager at The Child Center of NY, embodies the heart of poverty-fighting work in New York City. Raised in an immigrant family, she understands firsthand the struggles of navigating systemic barriers while striving for a better future. Her commitment to equity, fairness, and opportunity isn’t just professional—it’s personal. As a mother, she dreams of a city where every child, including her own daughter, has the chance to thrive.

At The Child Center of NY, Nara and Jin are working to transform lives in low-income and immigrant communities, addressing not only children’s cognitive and emotional well-being, but also the stability of entire families. Their work is rooted in collaboration, co-leading the Undo Poverty Flushing initiative to dismantle systemic barriers and advocate for economic mobility. Fluent in more than two dozen languages, her team ensures that no family is left behind, creating access to critical resources and support.

Nara’s approach goes beyond short-term fixes, focusing on lasting change through relationship-building, holistic care, and systemic advocacy. She believes that breaking cycles of poverty starts with addressing inequities and empowering communities to grow stronger together. For Nara, seeing a child excel, a family find stability, or a neighborhood unite reinforces her belief that a brighter, more equitable future is possible for all. Her story is a powerful reminder that poverty is not just about resources—it’s about opportunity, and creating pathways to lasting change.

Congratulations, Nonaghosa Ohikuare, Our New Director of the Health Home Program!

February 21, 2025 | Leave a reply

Nona poses with former director of the Health Homes program.

Passing the torch: Pierrette Guerrier, former director of the Health Home Program, and our new director, Nonaghosa Ohikuare

We are thrilled to announce that Nonaghosa (Nona) Ohikuare is taking on a new role as Director of the Health Home Program. Nona started her tenure at The Child Center as an individualized care coordinator with the Waiver Program. Through her hard work and dedication to our clients, she was promoted to supervisor, and when the Waiver Program transitioned to the Health Home Program in 2019, she served as one of the assistant program directors. Nona also was a recipient of The Child Center’s Russell L. Carson Visionary Award.

Nona has always had a passion for helping people, especially children, and after graduating from college she served at several nonprofit organizations, including Teach for America, AmeriCorps, and Refugee Family Services. Nona initially studied pre-law and international relations in college; however, it became evident to her that so many of the people she came in contact with who were involved in the legal system also had mental health issues, and these individuals and families needed support.

When asked about her new role, Nona shared, “I am excited to be part of such a great team, and I want to express my sincere appreciation for the great work you all have been doing. I recognize the unique contributions each of you brings to the team, and I’m here to learn from each of you and understand your perspective on how we can move forward together. I am committed to supporting your professional development. My door is always open for feedback and ideas, and I encourage open and honest communication within our team. We are stronger together, so let’s collaborate on solutions and make the most of our collective skills.”

Team Spotlight: Jessica Barrera-Morales, Vice President of Integrated Behavioral Health Services

February 19, 2025 | Leave a reply

The Child Center of NY is excited to announce the promotion of Jessica Barrera-Morales, LCSW-R, to the role of Vice President of Integrated Behavioral Health Services!

In this new position, Jessica oversees our three family wellness centers and implements an innovative management strategy to ensure the highest level of care across all centers. With 24 years of experience in both outpatient and inpatient behavioral health, Jessica has brought a wealth of expertise to the team. As a vital part of our organization for more than 18 years, she’s served in various roles, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her step into this leadership position. Her passion for helping families and her deep commitment to our mission will continue to inspire and drive us forward.

Here’s what Jessica had to say about her Child Center journey.

The Child Center of NY: Can you share a little about your journey at The Child Center and the key experiences that led to your promotion?

Jessica Barrera-Morales, LCSW-R: My journey at The Child Center of NY has been incredibly rewarding and transformative. I started as an intern at the Jamaica Clinic [now called the Jamaica Family Wellness Center], where I worked with children in foster care. This experience was invaluable and solidified my commitment to working with children and families. After graduating, I returned to work at the Woodside Clinic [now called the Cohen Family Wellness Center], at a time when our organization was called Queens Child Guidance Center.

Over the years, I had the privilege of working in various roles that helped me develop my clinical and leadership skills. Leading several clinical teams, I always prioritized enhancing services and outcomes for our clients and community. A particularly impactful experience was spearheading the Alternatives to Residential Treatment programs, which provide crucial support for youth facing severe depression and at risk for suicide. Programs like the Youth Intensive Outpatient and Bridge to Hope are designed to keep youth in their homes and prevent out-of-home placement. I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to contribute to these important initiatives.

What do you see as the most important priorities for the family wellness centers in the next 1-3 years? What is your vision for these centers?

I believe our most important priorities for the family wellness centers should be enhancing accessibility, expanding our range of services, and fostering community partnerships. By making our services more accessible, we can ensure that more families receive the support they need. Additionally, strengthening our partnerships with local organizations will help us create a more integrated support network for families. I envision a place where we continuously innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of those we serve, always striving to provide the highest quality of care.

How do you envision fostering collaboration among your team, other departments, and community partners to improve services for the families we serve?

By continuing to foster a collaborative environment with colleagues across clinics, divisions, and our community partners, we will be able to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. We can achieve this by establishing regular interdepartmental meetings and joint projects to ensure we are aligned and working toward common goals. We can connect with our community partners by working together on joint initiatives and learning how we can better serve our clients.