Tell us what brought you to SASF! How long have you been with us?

As a New York City Principal, I have had a long-standing relationship with the Agency.  I was the principal of Department of Youth Community Development (DYCD) school, 21st Century School, and an Attendance Improvement and Drop-Out Prevention (AIDP) Community School.  After I retired, I could not think of a better place to begin the next chapter of my professional life. At the end of August, I officially joined SASF.

What did you do prior to joining team SASF?

I was with the NYC Department of Education for almost 28 years. Throughout my tenure, I served as Principal, Assistant Principal, District Assigned Staff Developer/Teacher Trainer, and Teacher. Prior to this appointment, I worked for RBSCC as Director of Family and Youth Services and Assistant Executive Director of Development.

It has been a very exciting last (and first?) month for you! What are you most proud of?

It has been an extremely exciting month or so. Officially, I began the first day of Boot Camp and was able to meet so many wonderful Site Directors and Program Managers. It was an amazing exposure.  I am most proud of joining the Education Department and defining our departmental mission so that we can effectively support the SASF organization at headquarters but more importantly in the schools.   

Tell me about someone who has already inspired you at SASF.  

I am most inspired by the hard work and dedication of Janice Caban. She is tireless in her efforts to keep program running effectively and efficiently. She supports the administration completely and totally and does so with absolute commitment.  I am very moved by her dedication to program and the agency. In my observation, Janice is often the first one in and last one out. She is also the first to offer assistance and provide expertise. She inspires me to be part of a team and reminds me that there is no I in TEAM.  

How do you keep a healthy work/life balance?

While I don’t think there is one single answer, I try very hard to remember what drives me at my core and prioritize my time to ensure that I have time for what makes me happy. I try to be 100 percent present wherever I am.  If I am at work, I am here and committed to whatever I am doing. The same applies when work is over. It is difficult to find a balance but I try.  

What do you think is the most important quality you need to have for success?  

Self-confidence, commitment and perseverance. When I was young, my father and mother always said, “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” I believed it. I work hard, commit fully and persevere.   

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I think my greatest professional achievement is dedicating my life to young people.  I cannot imagine a more noble profession and I am most proud of dedicating me entire life to it. So, a life of service is my greatest achievement.