Parent Representative Committee

Nayanny Bello

Co-Chair

Nayanny Bello has been part of Family First since 2021. She currently works as a Fellow under the leadership of Tiffany Benson. Nayanny graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice where she studied Criminal Justice Administration and Planning and a master’s in Public Policy and Administration. Nayanny has a lot of experience working at all levels of government as she used to work in Congress and for both New York City and Boston Mayor’s Office. Currently, Nayanny works for National Grid as a Leader of Government Relations. Nayanny speaks multiple languages, enjoys cooking, going to the gym for strength training and spending time with her 7-year-old boy named Logan.

I am proud to be part of the PRC because I can learn from others and help others when they need me. I love the fact that everyone brings something to the table and that PRC is a platform where we can voice our opinions as parents.

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Helenise Carmo

Co-Chair

My name is Helenise Carmo, and I’m originally from Brazil. I’ve been living in Boston for four years. I am proud mother of three wonderful children – two girls aged 14 and 12, and a lively 3-year-old boy.

In 2021, I took the initiative to enroll in ESOL classes with Project Hope, a decision that has significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth. The turning point came in 2022 when I received an invitation to participate in the Power of Parent program with Families First. The experience was transformative, and inspired by the positive impact it had on me, I made the choice to become a Parent Leader.

My journey with Families First continued to unfold as I engaged in various programs, including the Parent Leadership Series, a Community Impact Project, and Ambassador Training. These experiences not only enhanced my parenting skills but also provided valuable insights into personal development.

Motivated by a desire to contribute more, I sought to join the Parent Representative Committee. For me, this committee represents an opportunity to collaborate, assist, and seek solutions among parents. It’s a space where the voices of parents are not only heard but actively welcomed.

As part of the committee, we discuss innovative ideas for both new and existing alumni, fostering a supportive environment that encourages and provides opportunities for all parents. My involvement in the parents’ council at my son’s daycare further emphasized the importance of being part of such councils, where diverse opinions come together to support one another, find solutions, and discuss ideas.

I am excited about the journey ahead with Families First and the Parent Representative Committee, where our collective efforts amplify the voices of parents and contribute to the growth and success of the entire community.

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Al Davidson

Co-Chair

I’m an entrepreneur with an OSHA 30 Certification.

The reason why I joined PRC was to connect with other parents and try to learn somethings about parenting.

Saraum An

Co-Secretary

My name is Saraum An. I’m a Community Association Manager with 5+ years of experience in property management. Proficient in customer service, running meetings, taking minutes, project management, governing documents, budgets, and contracts. I’m also a Family First Alumni and still actively still volunteering.

I have a passion for working with people, resolving problems, and helping homeowners maintain harmonious living on properties. I believe that every interaction is an opportunity to make a positive impact on someone’s life. My goal is to help better our communities and future generation.

Ashley Myers

Co-Secretary

Ashley joined Families First’s team in September 2021. In addition to her work as a Leadership Ambassador with Families First, she has experience with a program called Mothers for Justice and Equality (MJE). She is passionate about helping to develop a safe community environment for all individuals to enjoy with a particular interest in urban areas. She is a mother of two vibrant, energetic and precious girls ages 7 and 4 years old.

Kennithya Ellis

I am a proud parent of two amazing girls, ages 14 and 5. They’re my world, and everything I do is with their best interests at heart.

Currently, I’m juggling the joys of parenthood with pursuing my business degree. Balancing school assignments with school drop-offs can be quite the adventure, but I thrive on the challenge!

One of my recent endeavors has been joining the Parent Representative Committee. With the chaos of COVID, it’s been tough to stay connected with other parents and share insights. But being part of this committee allows me to bridge that gap, offering a platform to connect, collaborate, and advocate for our needs together.

Previously, I served on my daughter’s school committee, where I gained valuable experience in community engagement and decision-making processes. This role ignited my passion for being actively involved in shaping educational experiences.

My journey with Families First began through the Power of Parenting classes. I found them incredibly insightful and empowering, prompting me to dive deeper into community involvement and support networks.

In essence, I’m a parent on a mission—to create meaningful connections, advocate for positive change, and ensure the best possible future for all our children. Let’s navigate this parenthood adventure together!

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Idalia Grant

Idalia Grant is a dedicated Family Engagement Specialist with a passion for empowering parents and strengthening communities. With a CPR certificate and training in Ages and Stages, Idalia brings expertise in supporting families through various stages of child development. As a Parent Cafe Facilitator and Welcome Baby Coordinator, she fosters supportive environments where parents can connect, learn, and grow together.

With a commitment to serving families, Idalia is a certified Parent Partner Leader, working closely with parents to navigate challenges and access resources. She holds a 7 D License certificate and is bilingual, allowing her to effectively communicate and support diverse communities.

Idalia’s decision to join the Parent Representative Committee (PRC) stems from her passion for working with fellow parents and making a positive impact in communities. She believes in the power of collaboration and is eager to contribute her skills and experience to support the PRC’s mission of advocating for parents and families.

Together with her dedication, expertise, and bilingual abilities, Idalia is committed to creating inclusive and supportive environments where every family can thrive.

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Kristi Hyacinthe

Kristi Hyacinthe joined Families First’s team in November 2023. In addition to her work as a Leadership Ambassador with Families First, she volunteers at the Brooke Charter School and was the Citywide Parent Council representative for the Young Achievers School.

She is passionate about children, learning, and advocates for schools in the community. She is a loving mother of two young boys, happy wife, and proud daughter of immigrant parents.

Alifya Kanchwala

As an early childhood educator, I have been working in daycare center as a floating Teacher for almost a year. I enjoy working with children and I love to teach them about kindness and empathy. I have worked in Kindercare Knowledge Beginnings before and currently working at The Learning Experience. Previously, I worked as an Inside Sales Agent in an Energy company.

I have also volunteered at the front desk at the hospital at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, KS. I also helped at their gift shop.

I joined PRC because I have participated in other programs of Families First and I have always enjoyed working with them. They have always helped grow professionally and personally. I’m looking forward to learn more and grow with this and future programs.

Wairimu Macharia

Wairimu Macharia is a mother of three children who is a passionate Peace Ambassador, a Peace & Conflict Resolution Professional, a Certified Mediator, a Parent Leader, an Advocate for Healthy Families, and a Community Dialogues Enthusiast. She was born and raised in Kenya. Her background is in International Relations: Peace & Conflict Resolution/Diplomacy and a minor in Journalism: Writing and Editing. She believes in psychosocial support systems that enable families and communities to take up ownership in solving socio-political-economic challenges.

She is a consultant with DPH City Of Worcester focusing on community dialogues and conversations. She is also a mediator with the Family Services of Central Massachusetts. She sits in the Creative Economy Adhoc Committee for the City of Worcester ARPA funds. She is an advocate for early childhood provisions and has successfully completed community impact projects that focus on children through Strategies For Children and Families First. She is an avid cheerleader for platforms such as the Together For Kids one, which is a coalition of early childhood champions with a mission to promote the social-emotional well-being and general health of young children and families.

FUN FACT: She was a in a Reality TV show known as “MS President”; that showcased women in leadership as they competed to get the title “Ms President”. This show sensitized the society to embrace gender diversity in leadership.

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Ashley Stackow

Residing in Holyoke, MA, I am a dedicated parent raising four active boys, ages 18, 6, 3 and 1, with another boy on the way. My belief in the strength of parental unity led me to join the Parent Representative Committee. I am passionate about the idea that parents should stick together because it truly takes a village to raise a child, recognizing that everyone has different methods and ideas.

Being a part of the Parent Representative Committee has granted me the opportunity to use my voice and connect with other parents. As a Parent Leader for Power of Parenting, I actively contribute to the community. Additionally, I am a member of Neighbor to Neighbor, an organization working to assist tenants in the community. Through this involvement, I’ve worked on initiatives such as tenant rights and rent control. I strongly believe in the importance of being engaged with everyone in the community for the betterment of all.

Tiffany Benson

Lead Staff

I wanted to create the Parent Representative Committee to provide a platform for parents to have a voice and actively participate in decision-making processes within the organization. It aims to foster collaboration, engagement, and empowerment among parents, recognizing them as valuable stakeholders whose insights and perspectives are essential for shaping programs and services that best meet the needs of families. Additionally, the committee serves as a means to strengthen the partnership between the organization and parents, promoting transparency, trust, and accountability in the delivery of services and support.