August 20, 2021 By Jailain Hollon, Marketing Associate Despite the tumult caused by the pandemic, ExpandED Schools and Every Hour Counts marked a successful year supporting afterschool educators around the
July 20, 2021 By Jailain Hollon, Marketing Associate “It was so good to come back to school,” says Chelsey, a 7th grader classroom learning, hang out with friends, and regain a
June 4, 2021 By Joel Nunez, Director of Early Literacy Storytelling is an essential part of what it means to be human, a medium for conveying thoughts and ideas that
May 20, 2021 In the spring of 2020, Mayor Bill de Blasio made a drastic decision to cancel the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) in New York City, the largest of
May 6, 2021 By Jennifer Friedlin, Director of Communications When 12-year-old Tamir Rice was fatally shot by a police officer, the officer said he thought Rice was about 20. The
May 5, 2021 By Saskia Traill, President & CEO The recovery effort ahead presents a tremendous opportunity to rethink citywide literacy strategies to better meet the integrated academic and social-emotional
April 6, 2021 By Tarilyn Little, Program Director of Early Literacy As our world continues to reckon with the past and present of racism, educational institutions, schools, communities, and families
March 18, 2021 By Jacques Noisette, Director of Social-Emotional Learning Young people around the world are rising up to use their voice to make change. From Nobel Peace Prize winner
March 17, 2021 By Jailain Hollon, Marketing Associate ExpandED’s Pathways Fellowship seeks to diversify New York City’s teaching workforce by helping aspiring teachers of color prepare for success in the
March 1, 2021 By Emma Banay, Director, STEM Programs Hypothesis: Afterschool and school-day educators can team up to thoughtfully design and skillfully implement lessons that engage students in afterschool STEM. Prediction:
Marleny Polanco has been with ExpandED Schools for over two years, overseeing literacy programs in the Bronx and Manhattan. With more than 17 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Marleny brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role.
Known for her meticulous attention to detail and sweet demeanor, Marleny is deeply committed to supporting educators and fostering student success. Her thoughtful approach ensures that literacy initiatives are implemented with care and precision, creating meaningful and lasting impacts in the schools she serves.
Allison Philippin has been a vibrant and dedicated member of the ExpandED Schools team for over three years. She oversees literacy programs in schools across Brooklyn, bringing her energetic and bubbly personality to every interaction.
Allison is passionate about cultivating strong relationships with educators and school communities, consistently pushing for greatness in literacy education. Her enthusiasm and commitment inspire those around her to strive for excellence, ensuring students and educators alike have the support they need to thrive.
Noel Morales has been an integral part of the ExpandED Schools team for over three years, bringing his expertise and dedication to literacy education. He oversees literacy programs in schools across the Bronx, supporting educators in creating dynamic and impactful learning environments for their students.
Passionate about equity and access in education, Noel is committed to helping schools implement innovative literacy strategies that inspire a love for learning. His collaborative approach ensures that both teachers, literacy educators, and students have the resources and support needed to succeed.
Alex De La Cruz has been a dedicated member of the ExpandED Schools team for over five years, specializing in literacy program support. As a senior team member, Alex oversees literacy initiatives in schools across Brooklyn and Queens, working closely with educators to foster impactful and engaging learning experiences for students.
With a deep commitment to education, Alex focuses on building strong, supportive relationships with schools and empowering literacy educators to achieve their goals. His work reflects a passion for ensuring that every student has access to the tools they need to thrive academically and creatively.
Inayah Ansari is a seasoned professional with more than a decade of experience in youth development. Throughout her career, she has focused on creating impactful programs and content, particularly in the areas of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and goal development. In addition to her expertise in program development, she has also supervised and coached teams, as well as collaborated with community-based organizations (CBOs) to enhance their efforts in supporting young people.
Inayah’s deep passion for reading books fuels her dedication to her work, especially in her current role with Lit C.R.E.W. She is committed to helping children unlock the joy of reading, believing it can open up a world of possibilities and learning for young minds. Her mission is to inspire and guide children in discovering the wonderful world of books, fostering a love of reading that will benefit them for a lifetime.
Tiffany Perry brings over 15 years of experience in education and a decade in the nonprofit sector to her role as Director of Lit C.R.E.W. at ExpandED Schools. She oversees programming in more than 15 schools across New York City, championing innovative literacy initiatives that inspire both educators and students.
A passionate advocate for literacy and creativity, Tiffany is dedicated to empowering young learners to unlock their potential through engaging and meaningful educational experiences. Her work is driven by a deep belief in the transformative power of reading and its ability to connect, inform, and inspire the next generation.
