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Collaborative Leadership
at Prevent Child Abuse New York
Our Prevent Child Abuse New York Collaborative Leadership model consists of four Managing Directors working collaboratively with the Executive Committee of our Board of Directors to lead our organization. This strategic shift towards a team-based model reflects our firm commitment to aligning our operation practices with our core mission and values. Learn more >
Our Team
Managing Directors, Left to Right - Tamaé Memole, Jessica Tanguay, Lisa Morgan-Klepeis, Erika Leveillee
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Training & Staff Development Specialist, FRS
Manouska has been with Healthy Families for over ten years and joined the training team in December of 2015. She was the program supervisor for Newburgh Healthy Families for seven years. She played the role as a mentor, leader, educator, and a support to her staff members while maintaining a high level of professionalism. She is extremely passionate about providing services to the at-risk expectant and new parents in her community. She graduated with a Bachelor degree in Human Services from Mount Saint Mary College and her Masters in Social Work from Adelphi University. Additionally, she is a member of various committees in her community such as member of the Youth Bureau, Team Newburgh, Corporate Complaint/Auditing Monitoring committee, and member of Community Outreach as well as Cultural Diversity Trainer.
Program Associate
Sara comes to PCA-NY & Healthy Families with 15 years of experience in the early childhood field. She has held a variety of positions, including childcare center director, teacher, early childhood education trainer, and infant & toddler specialist.Sara is a strong advocate for children and families, diversity, equity & inclusion, and social justice. She holds a master's degree in early childhood policy and is passionate about early development and neuroscience. Outside of work, Sara enjoys running, roller skating and biking. She holds a bachelor's degree in technical theater, and is occasionally involved in community theater. In the summertime you'll typically find Sara reading outdoors in her hammock, accompanied by her 2 dogs, Betsy and Sally.
Policy Analyst
Yomika S. Bennett is a Policy Analyst with Prevent Child Abuse New York. She has more than 20 years’ experience in government and non-profit organizations. She previously served as Executive Director of the New York Charter Schools Association, Senior Policy Advisors for Capitol Hill Management, Assistant Secretary of Transportation in the Office of the Governor, and in a variety of other capacities in New York State government. She is President of the Black Child Development Institute – New York State and Co-Chair of the Capital Area Urban League in Albany. Ms. Bennett is a fierce advocate for the wellbeing of children and families.
Manouska Archer
Training & Staff Development Specialist, FRS
marcher@preventchildabuseny.org
(845) 220-6985
Manouska has been with Healthy Families for over ten years and joined the training team in December of 2015. She was the program supervisor for Newburgh Healthy Families for seven years. She played the role as a mentor, leader, educator, and a support to her staff members while maintaining a high level of professionalism. She is extremely passionate about providing services to the at-risk expectant and new parents in her community. She graduated with a Bachelor degree in Human Services from Mount Saint Mary College and her Masters in Social Work from Adelphi University. Additionally, she is a member of various committees in her community such as member of the Youth Bureau, Team Newburgh, Corporate Complaint/Auditing Monitoring committee, and member of Community Outreach as well as Cultural Diversity Trainer.
Associate Director of Training & Staff Development
Ellen has been with the team since 2004. In her role, she provides reflective support to team members on their training, technical assistance and quality assurance work. In her direct work with programs, she provides training and technical assistance to supervisors and program managers, as well as FSS quality assurance/site support visits to programs. She relishes the opportunity to help guide managers and supervisors in their professional development as it relates to the parallel process, practicing reflective practice, nurturing and retaining staff and learning the nuts and bolts of their jobs. Prior to joining the team, Ellen was Director of Community Services for Mid Hudson Family Health Institute where she initiated and oversaw the Healthy Families and Community Health Worker programs in two counties. Before joining HFNY, Ellen worked with migrant farm workers in rural North Carolina, women and families affected by HIV in Newburgh, NY, and as a home visitor to families in Washington, DC. Ellen also spent 3 years in Honduras in the U.S. Peace Corps working with women’s groups on income generating and health projects. Ellen has dual master’s degrees in Public Health and Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Senior Training & Staff Development Specialist (FRS)
Caroline has been with PCA-NY since 2008. In her role, she provides reflective support to team members on their training, technical assistance and FRS quality assurance work. She also provides FRS, and FRS Supervisor Quality Assurance/Site Support visits, and she conducts the Supervisor Core training. Prior to joining the team, Caroline was with the Ulster County Healthy Families Program for 8 years. In her time there, she had the opportunity to fill many roles (FSS Supervisor, Home Visiting Coordinator and Program Manager). Caroline also worked as a Family Specialist for 10 years with youth and their families in a therapeutic foster care program, and as a case manager for UARC working with individuals with developmental disabilities. One of Caroline’s favorite parts of being on the team is the opportunity to directly observe the tremendous work that is being done in programs and to provide opportunities for staff to step back and reflect on their practice.
Training & Staff Development Specialist (FSS)
Isabel graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Mount Saint Mary College. Isabel has over 16 years of prior experience in the Human Services field. She began her work as a youth advocate, supporting youth that were at risk of residential placement, and transitioned into the mental health field where she added to her experience case management and mental health crisis work. She maintained her role as a mental health crisis worker for over 10 years. She joined Healthy Families New York as a supervisor in Orange County, NY. Isabel supervised both Family Resource Specialists and Family Support Specialists. During that time, Isabel added to her knowledge of child development, psychology, and social interventions. As a preventive supervisor, Isabel also provided internal trainings for the agency's staff. She found that facilitating trainings versus teaching the staff was the most effective method to their professional and social development. Currently, as a Healthy Families Training and Workforce Development Specialist, Isabel continues to work towards supporting the Healthy Families America mission to promote child well-being and prevent abuse and neglect. Isabel focuses on home visitor core training and Family Support Specialist QA activities.
Training & Staff Development Specialist, PIRC 2
Currently, I serve as one of the Training and Staff Development Specialists for PCA-NY, drawing upon my rich background in social work, activism, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) efforts to bolster organizational capacity. Beyond my professional commitments, I juggle numerous roles, including that of a dedicated mother to three, a supportive wife, cat mom, a certified doula, family planning specialist, and the co-chair of the BirthNet Board. In my leisure time, I indulge my passions as a travel enthusiast, plant lover, and book nerd.
Training & Staff Development Specialist (FSS)
Samantha attended Queens College for her undergraduate studies and graduated with a BA in Psychology with a double minor in Business & Liberal Arts and Student Services & Counseling. She then received her MSW from NYU’s Silver School of Social Work. Samantha began her professional career in outpatient mental health, providing individual and family counseling to clients of all ages. She moved into evidence-based practice as both a therapist and a supervisor in the Multi-Systemic Therapy-Substance Abuse (MST-SA) program at Sheltering Arms, working specifically with youth ages 12-17 who exhibited oppositional or high-risk behaviors. Samantha took on the role of Director of Maternal Child Health at Sheltering Arms for 5.5 years, overseeing the Healthy Families New York, Healthy Start, and Circle of Strength- Toxic Stress & Trauma programs. During this time, she enhanced her knowledge of evidence-based practice. She also developed a greater passion for bonding & attachment, family development & dynamics, and the impact of trauma on physical, mental and relational health. Samantha has an untapped interest in marriage and family development throughout the lifespan, post-traumatic growth & resiliency and the impact of biology and life experiences on brain development. She is excited to be a part of the PCANY team and looks forward to continuing her professional growth.
Training & Staff Development Specialist (FSS)
Lisa was with the accredited Healthy Families program in Steuben County from 1995 - 2017. She served in all program roles at one time or another and was the Program Manager from 2000-2017. Lisa has degrees in Psychology and Management, as well as additional training in infant mental health and early brain development through her years with Healthy Families. Prior to working with Healthy Families, she was with another local home visiting program. Overall, she has more than 30 years of experience working with families to reduce their stresses and build their protective factors.
Gérardine Georges (she, her, hers)
Program Development Coordinator
Gérardine Georges is the Program Development Coordinator at Prevent Child Abuse NY, where she coordinates the PIRC program and various other projects. With a deep passion for the humanitarian and development fields, Gérardine’s experiences have consistently centered around service. She is dedicated to advancing the health and wellness of people of color and reducing inequities in healthcare and child abuse prevention. Gérardine serves as a co-chair of Albany Medical Center’s Birth Place Advisory Board and is a board member of BIRTHNET, a birth equity and justice organization. Currently, she is pursuing a master’s degree in public health. In her personal time, Gérardine enjoys exploring the capital region with her fiancé, baby boy, and their puppy Penny.
Training & Staff Development Specialist (FSS)
Brigette joined PCA-NY in July 2023. Prior to that, she was the Program Manager for Orange County Healthy Families and the Preventive Services program at Access: Supports for Living Inc. She has a Master's Degree in Health Services Administration. She considers OCHF's successful participation in an HFA accreditation site visit and meeting preventive service goals related to keeping families together as highlights of her time at Access. Prior to working with families, she was a coordinator for programs that supported individuals with developmental disabilities to live independently. She is excited to be working with the training team and looks forward to building relationships with Healthy Families programs.
Training & Staff Development Specialist, PIRC 1
As a young trans individual, I found solace and empowerment in LGBTQ+ support groups and youth centers, shaping my commitment to advocacy. Through active involvement in youth leadership and peer facilitation, I grew my skills in promoting safe sex and healthy relationships. Transitioning into adulthood, I continued honing my skills by facilitating social justice youth summer camps at Camp ANYTOWN and volunteering in local LGBTQ+ youth programs. During my tenure as Trans Services Manager at an LGBTQ+ community center in Memphis, TN, I provided vital direct services, including support groups, HIV testing, PrEP navigation, resource referrals, and managing a financial assistance program over a challenging three-year period during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Rooted in values of intersectionality, inclusivity, and adaptability, I'm dedicated to fostering safe learning environments that empower individuals to grow and thrive. Outside of work I live with my wife and cat and enjoy playing board and video games, camping, traveling, and hanging out with friends.
Training & Staff Development Specialist, FRS
Ali Haufe joined Prevent Child Abuse in the fall of 2024. She holds a degree in psychology and is a Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC). In 2014, Ali started her journey with Healthy Families as a Family Support Specialist (FSS) in Dutchess County. This is where Ali fell in love with working with families and children, making a positive impact on those individuals’ futures through trauma-informed tactics and evidence-based information. In 2017, Ali became an FSS supervisor, where she continued her passion for making a positive impact and supporting staff’s professional development in this role. Ali is very excited to continue working within Healthy Families, supporting programs in her role as a Training and Staff Development Specialist.
Lisa Morgan Klepeis, CMA (she, her)
Managing Director, Operations
Lisa holds degrees in Philosophy and Accounting. For the past fifteen years, she has been assisting various churches and non-profit organizations in managing their finances, which led her to earn a certification as a Management Accountant. In 2021, Lisa was appointed Director of Finance and Human Resources at PCANY. She is an ardent believer in continuous learning and is pursuing her MBA in Nonprofit Management. Additionally, she is an active member of the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Business Council, where she provides support in their social media management. As a mother to five children between 12 and 21, Lisa strongly believes every child deserves a loving home. She is highly enthusiastic about PCANY's mission to prevent child abuse in all its forms.
Managing Director of Healthy Families Implementation
Erika’s experience has been working with children, youth, and families in the child welfare, juvenile justice, and primary prevention arenas. This has been by way of voluntary agencies, local departments of Social Services, as a university partner to the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), and as a Central Administration partner with Healthy Families New York (HFNY). She is specialized in areas of evidence-based, culturally competent and trauma-informed care, safety and permanence, and promoting the achievement of positive, measurable outcomes. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Policy at Empire State College. She coordinates training and professional support for the HFNY home visiting program staff throughout New York.
Tamaé Memole, M.S. Ed. (she, her)
Managing Director, Primary Prevention
Tamaé Memole brings more than 30 years of experience in the not-for-profit and government sectors to her work as the Managing Director of Primary Prevention at Prevent Child Abuse New York. She is a nationally certified trainer for the Protective Factors Framework. Her career has included curriculum development and training, designed to strengthen families and develop healthy relationships, the development of direct service programs supporting families, policy work at the state and national level and work in the early care and learning field. She is a frequent presenter at Statewide and national conferences. Her Master's Degree is in Special Education and she began her career as an EI/preschool special education teacher.
Carmen Rosario, M.S. Ed., MSW (she/her/Ella)
Training & Staff Development Specialist (FRS)
Carmen completed her four year undergraduate degree from the NYC College of Technology with a BA in Human Services Child Welfare. In always having a passion for assisting children and families, she began her career in the field of Social Work as a case manager at CAMBA Healthy Families; she also completed her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Ashford University. In her time at CAMBA; she was promoted to Family Support Specialist while completing her degree. After working with CAMBA Healthy Families for 4.5 years; Carmen was promoted to work with Sheltering Arms Maternal Child Health-Healthy Families Program in Jamaica Queens as the new Healthy Families Supervisor. After 5 years as a Healthy Families Supervisor, Carmen was offered the opportunity to be the Program Coordinator for Circle of Strength Toxic Stress and Trauma Program. While taking on the tasks of Program Coordinator, Carmen completed her second Master’s Degree in Social Work. Carmen’s hard work, passion and dedication to families has brought her to now be a part of PCANY and she looks forward to continuing her professional growth with her new team.
Training & Staff Development Specialist (FRS)
Jill has been with the Healthy Families program since 1997 and joined the PCA-NY training team in September of 2022. During her time with Healthy Families, Jill worked in various roles at Healthy Families Steuben/Livingston including Family Support Specialist, Program Supervisor, Program Coordinator and lastly as Program Manager from 2017-2022. Jill is grateful and excited for the opportunity to work in partnership with and support Healthy Families New York programs and staff across the state in her role as Training and Staff Development Specialist.
Human Resources Specialist
Shalice has over 25 years of experience with non-profits, working with several national and local organizations in Ohio, Maryland, and New York. Raised by a mother who was a social worker, Shalice learned firsthand about caring and advocating for others. She enjoys sharing her gifts and talents in hopes of creating a positive change. Currently, she is completing her studies towards a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management and is a member of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM).
Jessica Tanguay, MPH (she, her)
Managing Director, Community Mobilization
After working extensively in Upstate NY communities, Jessica witnessed how systemic and collaborative approaches empowered and uplifted communities by weaving and bridging support for families to access. Jessica obtained a Master's in Public Health in 2020 with an additional Maternal and Child Health certificate. Jessica serves as the Managing Director of Community Mobilization at Prevent Child Abuse NY; and previously worked as the Team Leader for a MIECHV program at Healthy Schenectady Families, coordinated perinatal education programs at Bellevue Hospital, provided case management for people living with HIV & AIDS, and as a counselor for Planned Parenthood. In 2020 Jessica was selected as a Center for Women and Government and Civil Society (CWGCS) Fellow. In 2021 she was a New Leaders Council Fellow. In 2023 Jess was selected to participate in the Emerging Nonprofit Leadership Accelerator (ENLA) Fellow at the University at Albany, at the The Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy. Jessica sits on the board of directors at the Center for Women and Government and Civil Society.
Board of Directors
2024-2025
Prevent Child Abuse New York is governed by a volunteer board of directors from across New York.
Officers
Directors
President
Joy Farina Foskett
Manhattan, Senior Advisor, Education, NY Preschool;
Adjunct Professor, Touro University
Vice President
Zakhar Berkovich
Albany, Director of Undergraduate Student Services,
University of Albany
Secretary
William Hayes, LCSW-R
Cooperstown, (retired) Clinical Social Worker, Bassett Healthcare
Treasurer
Dr. Vincent Palusci
New York, Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine
​Toyin Anderson
Rochester, Parent Representative
Heidi Denis
Plattsburgh, Executive DIrector, Rural Law Center
Dr. Eunju Lee
Albany, Associate Professor, School of Social Welfare, University at Albany
Sara Morrison
Long Island, Parent Representative
Denise Pollard PhD, MPH, C-PNP
New York City, NYU School of Medicine, Pace and Adelphi Universities, and CUNY
William Rivera
Oneonta, Interim Executive Director, NYS Coalition Against Sexual Aasault
Jodi Scheurenbrand
Founding Principal, JLS Consulting, LLC