Matthew Okebiyi, M.A., Ph.D., Executive Director Matthew Okebiyi is the founder and currently serves as the Executive Director of the African American Planning Commission, a New York City based 501(C)(3), nonprofit organization.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, located along the coastline of West Africa, Matthew spent most of his early childhood and formal schooling years being shuttled between various parts of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. It was during those formative years that he witnessed abject poverty and hunger, homelessness, child neglect, sexism, and human rights violations, first hand. Those incidents would later have a profound impact upon his life.

Matthew immigrated to the United States in the early 1980s and settled in Brooklyn, New York, where he attended college on a full-time basis while working two jobs. Matthew earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts, pursued advanced studies and earned two Master’s degrees: one in Urban Planning and the other in Political Science. Matthew completed his Mental Health training at Hunter College School of Social Work in New York City. He pursued further graduate studies, and earned two Doctorates: one in International Relations and the other in African American Studies.

In his capacity as Project Director for a number of private, nonprofit organizations, Matthew sought funding from a variety of sources and developed several multi-year, multi-million dollar programs, including affordable housing for families fleeing domestic abuse; a transitional shelter for homeless women with histories of substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and mental illness; a homeless outreach program serving the immediate and on-going needs of street-dwelling homeless men and women; and a comprehensive employment and job training program for a varied population of homeless individuals and the general public.

Upon his founding of the African American Planning Commission, Inc., in 1996, Matthew established an ambitious five-year goal for the organization encompassing the development of transitional housing, low and medium-income housing, economic development programs, employment programs, and youth and child care programs. Serenity House Family Residence is the first of his ambitious undertaking.

Prior to the founding of the African American Planning Commission, Matthew worked with both for-profit entertainment companies and many nonprofit organizations. He worked for and/or was a consultant to organizations such as Volunteers of America–Greater NY, Inc., (VOA-GNY), Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, the Bushwick Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO), and Urban Strategies, Inc., (USI). Matthew served as a Program Officer with the NYC Department for the Aging (DTFA), where he had oversight responsibilities for 25 contracted nonprofit organizations in all five NYC boroughs. Matthew has also served as a volunteer with hunger and children's literacy programs. He continues to maintain a heavy volunteer schedule; tutoring several undergraduate and post-graduate students, 100% of whom have gone to receive their Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degrees.

In 2002, Matthew received the Spirit of Hope Award from American Hope. He was also honored by The Network Journal (TNJ), at its fifth annual “40-Under-Forty” Achievement Award for his service to the community and for his dedication to the mission of the African American Planning Commission. In 2005, Matthew was honored by the Jack and Jill of America organization (Eastern Region) at its 55th Eastern Regional Teen Conference for his work with teenage victims of relationship abuse and for his work with survivors of domestic violence.

Matthew says, “Starting and seeking funding to operate a nonprofit organization has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding endeavors I have ever undertaken. The process has taught me so much and has afforded me the opportunity to meet a varied cast of human characters.”

Q: What keeps you going when you feel like giving up?
A: When I am completely overwhelmed by the events that shape our world and need to reaffirm that what I’m doing is not in vain, I often revisit and meditate on “The Walk.”

Q: Working to help others is a pressure intensive undertaking that can be extremely overwhelming. What do you do for fun and relaxation?
A: Having been fortunate to have lived on many continents, I consider myself a traveler without borders. For fun and relaxation, (when I’m able to find the time to do that) I visit as many foreign countries as possible (I have a deep affinity for developing nations), study various cultures and customs, and try as many exotic dishes as possible (a sautéed grub or two is not out of the ordinary). I have many other passions, including: writing screenplays, having lengthy discussions with thought-provoking people from all walks of life who have a vastly different perspective about the issues that shape our world than I do (it’s okay for us to agree to disagree), listening to jazz and other types of so-called ethnic music from all over the world. Besides those, I have a tremendous fascination for all kinds of insects (yes, I must confess. I enjoy studying unusual bugs!) and exotic animals -- birds, reptiles, and big cats. My New York apartment has often been described as the new Wild Kingdom by some very close friends and neighbors.

Q: What are your pet-peeves?
A: Micro-management. Just hire the best employees possible and give them free reins to do their jobs while holding them accountable.

Q: Your favorite meal?
A: One of my favorite meals is rice and plantains with oxtails and vegetables washed down with a very cold beverage. Ahhh, life is good, my friend. .

Q: Your favorite sporting events…
A: Professional boxing, Olympic track & field events, and world cup football (soccer to most of you in North America). Hey, 6 billion people can’t be wrong!

Q: What do you love the most about AAPCI?
A: The potential it has. Working with an eclectic and culturally diverse staff who are truly passionate about the organization’s mission often makes my work day sail very smoothly. One is always humbled and grateful when surrounded by resourceful employees who continuously go the extra mile.

Q: What do you dislike most about working for a nonprofit?
A: As an administrator, you face many challenges. I find that I never have enough money to accomplish the things I truly envision. 70% of my time is spent fundraising, 20% is spent between administrative responsibilities and balancing my budget and another 10% is spent worrying about how I am going to meet next year’s expenses if I am unable to raise sufficient funds during this fiscal year. Many nights I pray for a godfather or mother with deep pockets. If anyone is out there, please feel free to make a tax-deductible donation.

Q: What other profession would you like to try if you were not doing this?
A: Too many to mention, but serving humanity in one form or another would be at the top of my list.

Raymond Okebiyi, BSc, M.B.A., Associate Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer Raymond is an experienced Financial Manager with over eighteen years of diversified accounting and finance experience spanning both for-profit and non-profit environments.

Before joining AAPCI, Raymond worked with Volunteers of America–Greater NY, Inc., (VOA-GNY), Comvision.com and PC Learning Center, Inc., YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities (NIPD), Manhattan Valley Golden Age Senior Citizens Center, Inc. and with the 163rd Street Improvement Council, Inc.  Raymond’s experience spans the accounting/finance field ranging from credit and collections to auditing and consulting, including maintaining financial statements, preparing, conducting and reviewing audits (both internal and external), supervising personnel, payroll and fringes and preparing business plans.

SERENITY HOUSE FAMILY RESIDENCE

Gladys B. Pipkins, MSW, Assistant Program Director Gladys B. Pipkins currently serves as the Assistant Program Director at Serenity House Family Residence (SHFR), a Tier II residence for survivors of domestic violence.

Gladys oversees the Supervisor of Family Services; Supervisor of Family Safety and the Coordinator of Child Care & Recreational Services.  Gladys focuses on staff development by ensuring that all staff are properly equipped to perform their responsibilities. This is accomplished by facilitating monthly trainings.

Gladys brings over 25 years of experience working with victims of domestic violence. She began working with survivors of domestic violence in 1981.  She has worked in several domestic violence shelters and was the Director of Hotlines, which included the domestic violence hotline operated by Safe Horizons, formerly known as Victim Services.  Gladys has also served as a Board Member for a domestic violence shelter.

Before coming to SHFR, Gladys was a Team Supervisor for the Day Care Council of NYC.  There she supervised five MSW students who provided services to parents, children and teachers at 15 day care centers.  Services included crisis intervention counseling, parenting groups, individual counseling (consisting of the provision of services to many parents who were victims of domestic violence), as well as the provision of technical support and professional training to the teachers.  
In 1986 and again in 1994, Gladys was honored and received a Distinguished Service Award for her outstanding contributions in her work with victims of domestic violence.

Gladys graduated from the College of New Rochelle, receiving a B.A. with Honors in Psychology and Education.  She continued her education and graduated from Hunter College School of Social Work, where she received her MSW on a full tuition scholarship through the NYC Department of Mental Health.  Gladys also holds a SIFI certification which affords her the opportunity to supervise MSW students in New York City.

Gladys was an Adjunct Professor at Hunter College School of Social Work.  Her focus was on preparing MSW students for academia and providing them with tools to help them coordinate busy work schedules and field placements in order to receive MSW degrees.
Gladys enjoys laughter which she considers medicine for the soul, southern home cooking, especially collard greens and fried chicken. Grits and fish for breakfast are always a special treat. Gladys collects African American dolls (she has over 100), enjoys traveling, reading, stimulating and intellectual debates on social issues.

Monica S. Lee, B.S., Supervisor of Family Services Monica currently serves AAPCI and the residents of Serenity House Family Residence as the Supervisor of Family Services.  Monica has over 20 years experience in public service.  Her experiences are diverse and yet share a common goal—to assist those in need.

Along with her calling to public service Monica brings a strong business background to AAPCI.  Monica has twenty years experience working in a corporate environment.  She began her career at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Greater New York (EBCBS) and worked there for nearly 15 years in various positions each with increasing and diverse responsibility.  She held the positions of Supervisor, Business Analyst, Trainer and Manager.

After taking an early retirement from EBCBS, Monica applied her experiences and started her own desktop publishing company called Computer Designs.  She offered a variety of services including P.C. training; resume production and general desktop publishing services.  However, after a few years she missed the business environment and joined AmeriChoice, Inc, a Medicaid managed care service provider.  It was at AmeriChoice that Monica began her work with the underserved populations in NYC, and she developed a greater desire to serve others. She remained with AmeriChoice for four years, when she left it was to spend more time with her family.

When Monica returned to work she joined another Medicaid managed care service provider as a Marketing Manager.  She worked extensively and directly with the public and various government and private agencies.

Following the events of September 11, 2001, Monica was presented with the opportunity to provide a service to her country.  Monica joined Advanced Interactive Systems (AIS) as a Trainer.  AIS was contracted by the Department of Homeland Security to train the techniques and principles of security to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees. 

In 2003, Monica experienced a life altering event with the loss of her father.  Monica decided to return to college, she dedicated her work to the memory of her father.  Monica worked full-time, while she attended St. Joseph’s College in Brooklyn as a full-time student.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health and Human Services.  She maintained a GPA of 3.92 or better and was on the Dean’s List during her academic career.  She earned certificates in Counseling, Leadership and Supervision, and Information Technologies.  She was inducted into the Delta Gamma Sigma Honor Society for academic achievement, and service to the community and the college; and for commencement she was given the honor of being the class Valedictorian.

Monica has formal training and professional experience in: Health Care Delivery Systems, Community Health and Human Services, Principles of Counseling, Family Counseling, Counseling Techniques, Emotional/Behavioral Disturbances in Children and Youth, Mental Health and Crisis Intervention, Critical Thinking, and Problem Solving.  Her future plans include earning her graduate degree.

Monica is a member of the Shinnecock Nation, a Native American tribe located on Long Island; she enjoys spending time with friends and family at the family’s home on the Reservation.  Monica is a child at heart and loves to spend her free time playing.  She enjoys making people laugh and loves to tell stories.

Linda Rose, Child Care Coordinator Linda Rose currently serves as the Coordinator of Child Care at Serenity House Family Residence. She oversees Assistant Teachers and Teacher’s Aides, as well as the overall development of the Child and Infant Care program.

Linda studied Fine Arts at Foriello H. LaGuardia High School and took additional courses in Fine Arts at Pratt Institute. While employed as a Visual Manager in Westbury, New York, and attending Nassau Community College as a Fashion Merchandising major, she realized her true passion was not in the art of Fashion Merchandising but in the art of Educating. Linda relocated to Brooklyn and enrolled at Brooklyn College as an Adolescent Education major with a minor in Children’s Studies. She began working with children at Emanuel Baptist Church and continued in children’s services at the YMCA of Greater New York.

The five years working with children has proved to be a gratifying career change for Linda. She continues to discover the endless rewards of helping provide children with the tools to success: education and socialization. Linda, a creative and artistic individual, has combined her talent with curriculum development to create a sound and nurturing environment incorporating the arts. Her knowledge and experience in Project Based Learning, Language Literacy, and Food Service has made her a strong and leading member of the Serenity House Child Care team.

As a parent of a preschool aged child, Linda also understands the fundamentals of what is necessary in providing a nurturing and supportive environment for blossoming children. She believes that it takes a village to raise a child, and parents, teachers, and members of the community must come together to build the foundation for a child’s success.

Linda enjoys reading, painting and poetry, being a parent, and achieving her goals. She also believes each person owes it to another to help them achieve their goals. Linda believes that as AAPCI aids homeless families achieve their goals, she is doing her part by aiding them through child development at Serenity House Family Residence.

Keisha Bardowell-Spencer, Recreation Specialist As the Recreation Specialist of Serenity House Family Residence (SHFR), Ms. Keisha Bardowell-Spencer has the responsibility of supervising the After School/Recreation Program as well as the Assistant Recreation Specialist.

Ms. Spencer is cognizant of the fact that education and age appropriate recreational activities plays an instrumental role in the lives of children in crisis.

Ms. Spencer was the guest speaker at HELP USA’s First Annual Domestic Violence Luncheon, where she presented a discourse on behalf of women who are victims of domestic violence.  At this event she was introduced to the attendees by New York State Junior Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Ms. Spencer has eight years of experience providing tutorial and recreational services to families of domestic violence.  She believes that recreational activities for children are an excellent therapeutic outlet for children who have been exposed to domestic violence.  Ms. Spencer is a graduate of York College with a degree in Childhood Education.    

Ms. Spencer enjoys spending her leisure time reading and participating in recreational activities with her family and friends. 

What I like most about working at Serenity House Family Residence is the reward of seeing the children’s academic and social growth from the program that I oversee.  Knowing that I have partaken in this accomplishment gives me an immense feeling of pride and gratification. 

Timothy Patterson, Supervisor of Family Safety Timothy Patterson currently serves as the Supervisor of Family Safety at Serenity House. Timothy supervises the Family Care Monitors, Security and Maintenance staff, and oversees facilities management.

Timothy has worked in the security field for over twelve years and has dedicated his career to ensuring the safety and well being of those under his care.

Before arriving at Serenity House, Timothy was employed as an Assistant Operations Manager for a major security firm for five years. There, Timothy supervised over 350 security personnel at twenty-three locations in the New York City and New Jersey area.

Timothy is a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, having served with the 10th Mountain Light Infantry Division, based in Fort Drum, New York, for six years.

During Timothy’s tenure in the United States Army, he served in Egypt, Somalia, Germany, Panama, Canada and in numerous states nationwide, providing humanitarian relief to those in need. “It’s the greatest feeling in the world to have someone less fortunate than you smile and give thanks for your help.” Tim says.

At Serenity House, Timothy continues to assist residents, as well as staff, and strives to succeed at making life comfortable for resident families and staff. “I strongly believe in the saying, give a person a fish and he/she will eat for a day. Teach a person how to fish and he/she will eat for life. This is what the staff practice at SHFR,” says Timothy.

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