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Management Staff Profiles​

Matthew Okebiyi, Founder & CEO 
matthewnew2

Matthew Okebiyi is the Founder and currently serves as the CEO of the African American Planning Commission, a New York City-based 501(C)(3), not-for-profit organization committed to addressing homelessness and the related issues of domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, shortage of affordable housing, shortage of senior housing, youth housing and unemployment in the communities in which we live and serve. View Bio.

Executive Staff 

Gabriela McCallister-Castillo, B.Sc., Executive Assistant to the CEO 

Gabriela McCallister-Castillo serves as the Executive Assistant to CEO, Matthew Okebiyi. Gabriela has nearly a decade of administrative experience. She graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a Bachelor’s of Science in Fashion Merchandising with continuing education at FIT in jewelry design. Gabriela served as an Executive Assistant/Sales Director in the jewelry industry for many years before discovering her passion for podcasts and radio, which led her to working as an Executive Assistant to the CEO of a New York non-profit radio station. Gabriela wanted to continue working in the non-profit sector, which led to her passion towards the AAPCI’s mission to address the needs of the homeless and related issues such as domestic abuse, HIV/AIDS, and the shortage of elderly and youth housing.

General Counsel

Paralegal/Executive Assistant to the General Counsel 

Chief Operating Officer


Executive Assistant to the COO

Victoria L. Monroe, MA, CMHC-LP, CASAC-T, Quality Assurance & Compliance Manager 

Victoria Lenora Monroe currently serves as AAPCI's Quality Assurance & Compliance Manager. Prior to her current position, Ms. Monroe, a CMHC-LP and CASAC-T, served as the Program Director of the Econolodge Women’s shelter, a facility that houses low-income, single working adult women.  

In her new role, Ms. Monroe is responsible for collecting and analyzing data, designing and implementing trainings and resources/tools, issue spotting, and creating effective and scalable solutions to ensure quality assurance and compliance across all of AAPCI’s social services programs, with the goal of achieving program outcomes, sustainable growth, and enhanced quality. Ms. Monroe graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with an undergraduate degree in Psychology.

Ms. Monroe has an extensive background in counseling various population and experience with Substance Use Treatment, Trauma, Homelessness, Bereavement, and persistent severe mental illness. Ms. Monroe also has a history of providing clinical treatment services through an assertive community team, outpatient settings, and working along side the foster care system. Through exposure with working with diverse populations, Ms. Monroe saw a need in addressing inequitable care and barriers especially to those in greater need. She brings her experience, clinical skills, and compassion to empower the community that we live in and change lives one day at a time.

Leontyne M. Crick, MA, CASAC-T, Quality Assurance & Compliance Analyst

Leontyne M. Crick currently serves as a Quality Assurance & Compliance Analyst with AAPCI. Prior to her current position, Ms. Crick served as the Director of Social Services at AAPCI's EconoLodge Men's Shelter. Ms. Crick joined the African American Planning Commission in 2018 as a Case Manager, shortly-thereafter; was promoted to the position of Case Manager Supervisor.

Ms. Crick began her career in social services six years ago. She has held different positions dealing with the homeless population, Substance Use Disorders, family issues, and making sure her residents receive the help they desperately need(s). Ms. Crick continues to demonstrate a high degree of excellence in her work and the population she serves.

Ms. Crick meets residents where they are, regardless of their situation, and contractual their safety and needs as her priority. Ms. Crick is not only open to new ideas and training to ameliorate her work. She echoes Nelson Mandela that "Education is the most powerful weapon by which you can use to change the world" She understands that responsibilities are more like a baton than a trophy.

It is worth noting that Ms. Crick has thirteen years of mortgage finance and auditing experience. She has a Master's degree in Organization Leadership, a Bachelor Arts degree in Business, and a CASAC-T.   

Shamone Salter, B.Sc., Quality Assurance & Compliance Analyst

Shamone A. Salter currently serves as the Quality Assurance & Compliance Analyst specializing in housing. Prior to her current position, Ms. Salter served as the Senior Housing Specialist at AAPCI's Brooklyn Way Men's Shelter. Ms. Salter joined the African American Planning Commission in 2019. 

Ms. Salter began her career in social service six years ago; three of which have been spent as the Senior Housing Specialist for AAPCI. Shamone Salter consumes immense information regarding Housing Programs and the processing of subsidy packages – from CityFHEPS, to Section-8 and 2010-E’s. 

After a successful career placing over 100 clients into permanent housing, Ms. Salter is now responsible for collecting and analyzing data, designing and implementing housing subsidy trainings and resources. Additionally, she is responsible for training all housing specialists Agency-wide. Ms. Salter believes in going above and beyond to ensure her clients are placed in permanent housing. She brings her experience, passion to empower, and her belief that “together we can make the world a better place”. Ms. Salter treats her residents like she wishes to be treated and respected. She knows that we are all one step away from homelessness. 

Ms. Salter holds a Bachelors of Applied Sciences in Paralegal Studies from Kaplan University and is a member of the National Honor Society.
   

IT Officers & Tech Support Staff

Felix Melendez, BS, MS., IT Director, Data Systems/Help Desk 

Mr. Felix Melendez serves as the IT Director overseeing and managing the technical needs of AAPCI and all its program needs. Prior to his current position, Mr. Melendez served as an Assistant Director of Technology at MetLife Stadium in NJ, managing the IT Infrastructure for the stadium and providing support for both the NY Jets & NY Giants. Mr. Melendez brings over 15+ years of experience in IT with diverse industries such as apparel, luxury retail, architectural and sports arenas. He offers years of experience building and/or upgrading company IT Infrastructures to meet company needs and also getting the best return on investment for Technology.

Angel Ocasio, IT Technical Support Specialist

Mr. Angel Ocasio currently serves as an IT specialist with over 8+ years of industry experience. 

Before joining AAPCI, Mr. Ocasio worked in the retail industry for several companies prior to switching to IT. Prior to his current position, Mr. Ocasio served as deskside support for White Plains Hospital, Guardian Life Insurance, AIG and Preferred Home Care.

Dominick Ridore, IT Technical Support Specialist

Mr. Dominick Ridore currently serves as the IT Specialist overseeing and managing the technical needs of 8+ AAPCI/DHS sites. Prior to his current position Mr. Ridore served as a Residential Assistant at Brooklyn Way Hotel men's shelter while working independently as an IT Contractor. Mr. Ridore has over 10 years of experience working in the IT field. He completed his A+ and Network+ certification in 2006 and has completed different webinars and refreshers to keep him up-to-date on the latest networking information and needs.

Finance & Payroll 

Raymond Okebiyi, B.Sc., MBA, Chief Financial Officer

raymondRay is an experienced Fiscal Officer with over twenty plus years of diversified accounting and finance experience spanning both for-profit and non-profit environments.

Before joining AAPCI, Ray 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. Ray’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 financial plan forecasts.

Ray works with the volunteer Board of Directors, managing the organization fiscally, ensuring that the organization is in fiscal compliance with our funders' requirements. Ray has oversight for budget preparation and all general accounting issues impacting upon the organization. Ray hopes to bring his extensive experience associated with innovation, efficiency and cost cutting to the Commission.
Julio C. Sevilla, MBA, Senior Accountant   
 
 
Tashira Smith, BSc., Bookkeeper   
 

Areifa Khan, BSc., Payroll Specialist 

Areifa Khan currently serves as AAPCI’s Payroll Specialist, assisting the CFO in creating bi-weekly payroll for over 300 employees. Ms. Khan is a highly capable and accomplished administrative professional with over 10 years of experience in office support, human resources and payroll. She is instrumental in preparing and maintaining Payroll/HR record keeping system, including the onboarding of New Hires, Disability, Worker’s Comp, Benefit Enrollments, Wage Garnishments, etc. Since the inception of her career, Ms. Khan has successfully been responsible for planning, organizing and controlling the clerical aspects in both the non-profit and for-profit environments.  Ms. Khan enjoys her current role and is highly motivated to succeed. She is generous and always willing to help others which makes her very welcoming and approachable. She believes that a person should always work for a cause and not for applause.
 

Serenity House Family Residence 

Program Officers 
Gladys B. Pipkins, MSW, Program Director

gladysGladys B. Pipkins currently serves as the Program Director at Serenity House Family Residence (SHFR), a transitional (Tier II) residence for survivors of domestic violence. Prior to her current post, she served as the program's Assistant Program Director.

Gladys works with the Assistant Program Director, who 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 staff 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.

What I enjoy most about working at Serenity House Family Residence: touching the lives of residents, holding their babies and looking for opportunities to assist my staff hone their skills. "SHFR is Home and it’s where I belong".

Monica S. Lee, BS, Assistant Program Director 

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Monica currently serves AAPCI and the residents of Serenity House Family Residence as the Assistant Program Director. Monica oversees the Supervisor of Family Services; Supervisor of Family Safety, and the Coordinator of Child Care & Recreational Services. Prior to her current post, she served as the program's Supervisor of Family Services. Monica has over 20+ years of 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, and 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.

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Renee Steedley Family Residence

Program Officers 
Latetha Jackson, MSW, Program Director

Latetha Jackson graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mercy College, studying to become a Social Worker. Ms. Jackson worked at Westhab Inc., a non-profit organization geared towards building communities and changing lives. Ms. Jackson was involved in their Rapid Re-Housing Program where she helped families transition from shelter to permanent housing with intensive homebased services and community referrals.

For over seven years, Ms. Jackson worked within Safe Horizon’s emergency and transitional shelters providing services to survivors of domestic violence. Ms. Jackson has taken great pride in the work she has done to impact the lives of many during her tenure with Safe Horizon.

Ms. Jackson has also served as the Director of Social Services for Acacia Network where she oversaw day-to-day supportive services coupled with case management within single Tier II hotel shelters where she worked in conjunction with DHS, OTDA, HUD and outside agencies.

Ms. Jackson earned her Masters in Social Work from Lehman College where she graduated Magna Cum Laud in June of 2017. Ms. Jackson currently serves as the Program Director of the Renee Steedley Family Residence (RSFR), a transitional Tier II shelter for homeless survivors of domestic violence and their dependent children. Prior to her current position, Ms. Jackson served as the program's Assistant Program Director. Ms. Jackson oversees the Assistant Program Director, Supervisor of Social Services, Coordinator of Childcare and the Supervisor of Family Safety. Ms. Jackson takes pride in implementing AAPCI’s core values in the day-to-day operations at Renee Steedley Family Residence.

Ms. Jackson has worked with many at risk populations with a variety of presenting issues. Ms. Jackson empowers these families to break the cycle of recidivism; encourages sustainability and helps develop self-sufficiency.

Ms. Jackson is a strong innovative leader who evokes empathy and compassion for the residents that she serves, and ensures the advancement of staff development to reach their optimal potential.

Celida Jimenez, BA, Assistant Program Director 

Celida Jimenez currently serves as the Assistant Program Director at Renee Steedley Family Residence. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Mercy College in 2004. Ms. Jimenez possess over fifteen years of experience in the human services field which has transformed her vision of the world. Meeting people from different cultures, principles and beliefs has without a doubt enhanced her understanding of those in need.

Prior to having the opportunity to be a part of the management world, Ms. Jimenez worked for a variety of not-for-profit organizations providing a range of services from Home Care, Family Crisis Intervention and Case Management. In 2008, the chance to serve from a different platform presented itself and the new journey began. Ms. Jimenez worked for several years as a Case Manager Supervisor which molded her for the next professional role as an Assistant Program Director from 2014 to present.

Ms. Jimenez is exploring her options to go back to college to obtain a Master’s degree in Social Work or Human Resources, to obtain the necessary knowledge to continue doing what she loves the most; helping others and attaining professional growth simultaneously.

Ms. Jimenez enjoys her current role at Renee Steedley because it is an opportunity to empower women to love and value themselves more and to be self-sufficient. Ms. Jimenez knows first-hand the struggles that women go through in life. She also knows that the power to overcome all challenges resides within yourself.

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Supportive Housing 

Edwin's Place 
Program Officers 

Pamela Anderson, MS, CASAC-T, Program Director

Pamela Anderson currently serves as the Program Director of Edwin’s Place, AAPCI’s newest supportive housing program. Prior to her current position, Ms. Anderson served as the Director of Social Services at Brooklyn Way Hotel. Ms. Anderson is a graduate of St. Joseph’s College of New York and Long Island University of Brooklyn. Ms. Anderson presents with a MS in Human Services, BS in Human Services and has completed the following college certificate programs – Criminal Justice, Substance Abuse Counseling, Case Management, Case Management and Mental Health, Clinical Documentation, Group Counseling and Acupuncture.

Ms. Anderson brings over 20 years of experience in social services, working with substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence and homelessness. Before coming to AAPCI Ms. Anderson spent 18 years working for CAMBA, last as a Social Services Supervisor in their 200 bed MICA women’s facility in Brooklyn. Before that she spent 3 years as a Senior MICA Counselor for Project Return Foundation’s long-term inpatient substance abuse facility in the Bronx.

Pamela is loyal, energetic and passionate. She believes in motivating staff to excel. Ms. Anderson once quoted the late Steve Jobs in saying “If you are working on something that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed, the vision pulls”. Ms. Anderson believes that if staff are motivated they will feel the vision’s pull.

Twanna A. Warren, MSW, Clinical Supervisor

Twanna Warren currently serves as the Clinical Supervisor of Edwin's Place, AAPCI's first supportive housing development. Before her current position, Ms. Warren served as the Team Leader at Institute for Community Living. Mrs. Warren is a graduate of Empire State College with a BA in Human Services and a Master's Degree from Touro College. Ms. Warren has completed the following college certificate programs – HIV /AIDS Pre and Post counseling, Substance Abuse Counseling, Case Management, and Mental Health, Clinical Documentation, Group Counseling.

Ms. Warren brings over 25 years of experience. I believe that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment, and I cooperatively assist my clients and staff in clarifying the client's goals. Rather than adopting one methodology for all individuals and issues, I draw from various methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation. As a Social Worker, I am warm, open, encouraging, and direct. I consider myself an active Social Worker, combining experience, education, creativity, and a sense of humor with a down-to-earth, realistic approach to counseling and supervision.

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Emergency Shelter and Social Services in Commercial Hotels 

Program Officers
Brooklyn Way Men's Shelter 

Brittnee Strachan, MA, Interim Program Director 

Brittnee Strachan currently serves as the Director of Social Services at the La Quinta Men's Shelter. Brittnee has 6+ years’ experience working in the field of nonprofit and human services. Brittnee attended Johnson & Wales University from 2006-2010 and obtained an Associates in Restaurant management as well as a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management. Upon graduation Brittnee ventured into housing development but found herself in Human Services shortly after. Brittnee started out as a Case manager in a family shelter and worked her way up learning every aspect of shelter services. Through her ability to learn quickly, she was provided the opportunity to assist the Quality Assurance team at DHS with creating the first online Case Managers' training. After assisting DHS, Brittnee was asked to go to several sites auditing charts to prepare them for DHS audits. Although Brittnee started in stand-alone family shelters, she has experience with cluster sites, hotel sites and now men's shelters. Social Services has become a passion and love for Brittnee, pushing her to obtain a Master’s Degree in Human Services. As Brittnee always says, “I will retire in social services”.

Terayne Thomas, MSW, Director of Social Services 

Ms. Terayne Thomas currently serves as the Director of Social Services at Brooklyn Way Hotel, Men’s Shelter. Ms. Thomas has over thirteen years of experience in the field of Social Services in both Child Welfare and Homeless Services combined. Born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Ms. Thomas saw the need for improvements in her community, at an early age, and decided to become a Social Worker.

Years later she decided to follow the path of pursuing a social work career. Ms. Thomas graduated from Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College with her Masters in Social Work. Ms. Thomas received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the State College at Buffalo. Ms. Thomas has also earned a Family Development Credential from Cornell University as well.

Ms. Thomas has gained knowledge and years of experience in Child Welfare, while working her way from an entry level Case Planner to a Program Manager in foster care. Ms. Thomas has shown that she is not afraid to dedicate her time, passion, empathy and knowledge, to helping families in crisis. Ms. Thomas believes in “being an agent of change”.

Ms. Thomas’ knowledge of child welfare eased her transition in working as a Social Service Supervisor in a family shelter. Following after, Ms. Thomas worked as a Clinical Supervisor in a Men’s MICA shelter at Salvation Army and a Director of Social Services at Services for the Underserved. Ms. Thomas currently enjoys her position at a General Population Shelter for Men, as she states” that being exposed to many walks of people in life, helps you be humbled, open minded and non-judgmental of others.”

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Program Officers 
Delancey Street Women's Shelter 

Rebecca Canty, MSW, Program Director

Ms. Rebecca Canty, LMSW, currently serves as the Program Director of Delancey Holiday Inn Women's Shelter, a 102-bed facility for low-income, single women. Ms. Canty has been working with the homeless population since 2007, starting with street outreach where the homeless population was assisted with obtaining housing from the Street to Home (S2H) program. At this point in her life, she has decided to make a difference with the homeless population. Ms. Canty obtained her MSW at Fordham University, a dual master Client Centered Management for Clinical Social Work and Administration. She is currently working on her DSW at Capella University, where she was recently nominated for National Society Leadership Success.

 Antoinette Blake, MSW, Director of Social Services

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Program Officers 
Econolodge Men's Shelter 

Chris Teesdale, MS, Interim Program Director  

Chris Teesdale is the Director of Social Services at the Econolodge Men’s Shelter in Queens, New York. Ms. Teesdale has been working with the homeless community since 2016. She began by focusing on Mental Health and Substance Abuse at Samaritan Village DayTop single men’s shelter. She then broadened her knowledge with the family population at Women In Need. Ms. Teesdale joined AAPCI in 2019 as a Case Manager, working with single adult women at the Holiday Inn women's shelter. She was promoted in 2020 to the position of Case Manager Supervisor at AAPCI’s Hotel BPM Men’s Shelter in Brooklyn, NY. Ms. Teesdale moved to the Econolodge Men’s Shelter in 2021 as the Case Manager Supervisor due in part to her knowledge, work experience and passion for her clients. Ms. Teesdale was promoted to Director of Social Services, and currently functions as the Interim Program Director.

Ms. Teesdale obtained a Master of Science degree in Health Administration from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. Due to her passion working with the homeless, she would like to further her education and obtain a doctorate in Psychology & Counseling. Ms. Teesdale believes that healing is a collaborative endeavor that necessitates honest caring without judgment. She works collaboratively with clients to clarify their treatment goals and return them to the community. Rather than using a single methodology for all individuals and issues, she combines a number of approaches to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation.

Ms. Teesdale considers herself an active person who combines experience, education, creativity, and a sense of humor with a down-to-earth, realistic approach to her team and clients. Above all, she enjoys serving her population.

Vacant,  Director of Social Services 

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Program Officers 
Kings Hotel Senior Women's Shelter 

Janelle Mayers, BA, Program Director

Ms. Janelle Mayers currently serves as the Program Director at the Kings hotel senior women's shelter. Prior to her current post, she served as the Director of of Social Services at the Days Inn women’s shelter. Ms. Mayers started from humble beginnings in the field of Human/Social Services over 20 years ago. Ms. Mayers first learned of the need for social service delivery at The Salvation Army where she worked as an Administrative Assistant. During that time,  Ms. Mayers oversaw the daily operations of a soup kitchen and food pantry. Engaging on a daily basis and hearing the need for services encouraged her to venture into the world of human services. Over the next few years and learning from the bottom up in Homeless Shelters, SROs, and AIDS/HIV Scattered Site programs facilitated the passion to provide services to the underserved.

As the Program Director at the Kings Hotel senior women's shelter, Ms. Mayers  will continue to ensure that client services remain a priority.

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Jeffrey Moye, MPA, Director of Social Services 

Mr. Jeffrey Moye currently serves as the Director of Social Services; overseeing the social service team at the Kings Hotel Senior Women's shelter. 

Jeffrey Moye has been working passionately in the human service field for the last 8 years. Mr. Jeffrey Moye career includes working in the education field where he concentrated on after school programing for over the last 15 years. Transitioning from afterschool programing to the homeless population, Mr. Moye felt that his service was needed more in that area. Over the course of 8 years, Mr. Moye has provided compliance to NYS OTDA, NYC DHS, NYC Department of Buildings, FDNY and the Coalition for the Homeless mandates. Mr. Moye has also spearheaded 3 committees on priority 1 incidents, Mortality & Morbidity and Health and Safety. Mr. Moye has served as a voice for the community on public safety for Board 5. 

Mr. Moye has been involved in working with at-risk runaway youth (ARY) , with teens and young adults living with HIV, mentally disabled school aged kids in partnership with Kidwise program, homeless families, single men and currently with homeless single adult females. 

Mr. Moye is a dedicated public servant who is committed to helping those less fortunate. 'If I could help somebody' is a mantra he lives by.

Mr. Moye's passion is linear with his vision on increasing people's knowledge on Continuum Care which focuses on After Care for the homeless population in all areas. Mr. Moye earned a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in nonprofit management from Long Island University. Mr. Moye, in the near future, is encouraged to pursue a Ph.D. in Organizational Development with the intention to revamp a blueprint that can strengthen how we structure, operate and increase service delivery to all nonprofit startups. As the Director of Social Service, Mr. Moye will continue his due diligence as a public servant for the underserved population.  line650
Program Officers
Beats Per Minute (Hotel BPM) 

Matthew Anderson, MHS, PhD., Program Director

Matthew Anderson has been a human service professional for 21 years. Mr. Anderson was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and attended Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, NJ on a Division I NCAA Basketball scholarship. Mr. Anderson completed his undergraduate studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Arts. Mr. Anderson completed graduate studies and earned his Master degree in Human Services at Lincoln University in Philadelphia, in 2005 and was inducted into the PI GAMMA MU INTERNATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY . In 2011, he earned his Doctorate Degree in Management/Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix School of Advance Studies. Mr. Anderson completed his Doctoral research at three of the largest child welfare agencies in NYC , and his published dissertation entitled ”Leader Perceptions and their impact on retention and job satisfaction in child welfare agencies” is available on Proquest. Mr. Anderson has worked as a Leadership consultant for Saint Vincent’s In Brooklyn, and the Seamen Society in Staten on projects to develop middle management personnel. Mr. Anderson has MICA and Family shelter experience and is very excited, motivated, and thankful to be employed at AAPCI.

VACANT, Director of Social Services 

Program Officers 
Sleep Inn Gowanus

Saleh Abuhamda, MSW, Program Director 

Mr. Saleh (Sal) Abuhamda serves as the Program Director of Sleep Inn Gowanus Men’s Shelter, a 126-bed facility located in the Sunset Park section of Brooklyn, New York. Mr. Abuhamda has a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Black & African-American Studies from the City University of New York at Hunter College. Mr. Abuhamda also earned a master’s degree in Social Work (with a concentration in Organizational Management & Leadership) from The Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College. 

Prior to joining the African-American Planning Commission, Inc. family, Mr. Abuhamda has 15 years of diverse experience in non-profit organizations where he has gained in-depth understanding of RHY/DYCD, DHS, DOMH, HASA, & OASAS policy, procedures, and regulations. Mr. Abuhamda has worked with the homeless population since 2007. His experiences run the gamut in social services from Case Management at a Youth Drop-In Center; Program Director for a Transitional Independent Living program (32 beds) for Runaway Homeless Youth, funded by DYCD; and Senior Program Director of a single Adult (Male & Female) Drop-In Center, funded by DHS. He is very passionate about serving the homeless population. 

“Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence."-Sheryl Sandberg

Tashara Cornelius, B.Sc., Director of Social Services

Ms. Tashara Cornelius currently serves as the Director of Social Services at the Sleep Inn Gowanus Men’s Shelter. Ms. Cornelius has been employed with AAPCI for 3 years. She began her journey at African American Planning Commission as a Case Manager. Ms. Cornelius has provided service in the social service field for approximately 8 years and has a variety of experience in child welfare, health homes programs, family shelters as well as working with vulnerable populations such as LGBTQ at risk youth. Ms. Cornelius states that she has a passion for wanting to work and grow in the social work field. Ms. Cornelius states that her core values are that she can provide the strength based model to clients, as well as provide empathy.

Program Officers
La Quinta Men's Shelter 

Blaine Arthur, MBA, MPA, Program Director

Blaine Arthur currently serves as the Program Director at the La Quinta Men's shelter. 

Blaine Arthur has over 20+ yrs of experience working in the non-profit and human services field. Born and raised in the Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn New York,  Blaine spent 10+ yrs serving the Bed Stuy community as the program manager of social services and youth and young adult services at Bed Stuy Restoration. With years of dedication helping seniors age in place in a rising housing market, providing access to eviction prevention services, wrap around supports and providing youth with work experience opportunities. Blaine utilized his leadership and dedication to help impact the lives of those he served with compassion and empathy.

Blaine holds a dual Master’s degree in Business Administration and Public Administration from the University of New Haven in Orange, Ct and previously a Bachelor’s degree from Teikyo Post University (Post University) in Waterbury, Ct. Blaine currently does not have any children but has been happily married since 2015. He enjoys his free time by providing music at all types of events due to his love of music. Blaine loves traveling and spending time with family and friends. He intends to visit each of the 7 continents during his lifetime. He has traveled to 4 so far and looks forward to reaching the final 3.

 

 Brittnee Strachan, MA, Director of Social Services

Brittnee Strachan currently serves as the Director of Social Services at the La Quinta Men's Shelter. Brittnee has 6+ years’ experience working in the field of nonprofit and human services. Brittnee attended Johnson & Wales University from 2006-2010 and obtained an Associates in Restaurant management as well as a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management. Upon graduation Brittnee ventured into housing development but found herself in Human Services shortly after. Brittnee started out as a Case manager in a family shelter and worked her way up learning every aspect of shelter services. Through her ability to learn quickly, she was provided the opportunity to assist the Quality Assurance team at DHS with creating the first online Case Managers' training. After assisting DHS, Brittnee was asked to go to several sites auditing charts to prepare them for DHS audits. Although Brittnee started in stand-alone family shelters, she has experience with cluster sites, hotel sites and now men's shelters. Social Services has become a passion and love for Brittnee, pushing her to obtain a Master’s Degree in Human Services. As Brittnee always says, “I will retire in social services”.
 

Asset & Property Management Staff

Director of Housing Development & Project Management

Director of Project Management

Project Manager

Public Affairs Staff

Director, Communications, Public Relations & Media Affairs

Director, Organization Marketing, Fundraising & Special Events Planning

Director, Institutional and Major Gifts

Director, Special Projects: Grants & Contracts

AAPCI Donations


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