MEET THE TEAM

Hena is a passionate educator and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, born and raised in Brooklyn and a proud product of the NYC public school system. She supervises two exceptional social work teams in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Hena is deeply committed to supporting students, families, and school communities, believing that strong relationships and teamwork are essential for creating environments where every student can thrive. Leading her teams with empathy and focus, Hena strives to make a positive, lasting impact on the lives of those she serves. She is particularly passionate about supporting children impacted by parental incarceration.

"Always remember to find moments of joy in all that you do."

Samantha is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience in crisis intervention and supporting students facing complex emotional and behavioral challenges. As a member of the Brooklyn Central Crisis Support Team, she specializes in providing mental health services to youth in K-12 educational settings. Samantha is skilled in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), which enable her to assist schools in implementing strategies that promote student success and well-being. Passionate about bridging the gap between the education system and support for trafficked youth, Samantha advocates for comprehensive systems addressing both academic and social-emotional needs. She is dedicated to empowering students and fostering resilience, ensuring every child has the resources and care necessary to thrive both in and outside the classroom.

Shiori is a Licensed Master Social Worker with the Brooklyn Central Crisis Support Team. Specializing in supporting school-age children, Shiori has developed her clinical expertise through diverse experiences in various school settings and as a mental health therapist at a school-based clinic. Driven by a passion for cultural exploration and language learning, she is committed to fostering safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive environments for students and school communities. Shiori works to empower students to embrace their identities and realize their full potential.

With over a decade of social work experience, Shovonté Hope serves Brooklyn schools as part of the Central Crisis Support Team, where she responds to crises and builds systems of support through MTSS platforms to strengthen school culture and climate. She is passionate about empowering students not only in moments of need but also in their growth, creativity, and future planning. Through initiatives like Free the Fro—a student fashion show celebrating identity, entrepreneurship, confidence, and culture—and Beyond the Books—a career, vocation, and wellness fair opening students to pathways beyond the classroom—Shovonté weaves her professional expertise with her creative passion to help young people see their limitless possibilities.

Erin is a Licensed Master Social Worker with the Brooklyn Central Crisis Support Team, though her work with NYC Public Schools extends citywide. She collaborates with teams across the city to support and advocate for youth in NYC Public Schools. Erin is dedicated to creating inclusive, trauma-informed school environments by developing professional learning opportunities and contributing to ongoing research. Driven by a passion for ensuring all school communities are safe and supportive, Erin actively engages with adults in school settings and works alongside Dr. Hena Ali-Bernard, LCSW to enhance support for students with incarcerated parents.

Crystal Thompson is a Licensed Master Social Worker who first started working with the New York City Department of Education in 2015. She supports students, families, and school communities by addressing social, emotional, and behavioral needs that may impact academic success. Crystal collaborates with school staff, families, and community partners to promote social-emotional learning (SEL) and ensure students receive appropriate support and services. She brings extensive experience working with diverse student populations across New York City. Her work is grounded in empathy, cultural responsiveness, and a strengths-based approach. Crystal is committed to promoting student well-being and supporting students so they can succeed both socially and academically.

Vanessa is a Licensed Master Social Worker and educational leader with a Master’s in Education in School Building & School District Leadership. As a dedicated member of the Staten Island Central Crisis Support Team, she is passionate about contributing to the well-being and academic success of youth in the NYC Public School System. Vanessa strongly believes in the collaborative "whole school, whole community, whole child" approach, where the student, their family, and the community work together to support the child’s academic development and well-being. She strives to enhance best practices in school communities, working toward this shared vision.

Marcia is a Licensed Master Social Worker with the Staten Island team of the Central Crisis Support Team. With over 20 years of experience in mental health, Marcia has worked extensively with youth and adolescents in various settings, including community-based organizations, juvenile detention, and schools, focusing on at-risk students. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address the complex needs of students and families in crisis. A passionate advocate for marginalized groups, Marcia is dedicated to helping students thrive through self-determination while serving as an advocate for their growth and future success.