• Mrs. Cynthia Cummings
    Executive Director

    Cynthia Cummings is the Executive Director of Community Parents, Inc. for over 28 years serving 270 families in Brooklyn and Queens. She graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. degree in Human Development and Family Studies. Her professional affiliations include Chairperson of DC 1707 Local 95 Head Start Employee Welfare Fund and trustee of the Head Start Management Welfare Fund. She is a fellow of the Head Start Johnson and Johnson Management Program (1995) at UCLA and Coro Leadership NY (2000). She has served as an Advisory member on the NYC DOE 3K and Early Learn Transition Advisory Group, the Head Start-Public School Early Childhood Transition Demonstration Project, NYC Early Learn Core Directors, Empire State Child Care Campaign, and the Pajama Program Advisory Council.

  • Mrs Teresa Bissetta, Deputy Director

  • Mrs. Teresa Bissetta
    Deputy Director

    Ms. Bissetta is a skilled and committed early childhood educator with expertise in serving children with special needs and working in high-risk early childhood programs. She has served as an Education Site Director for Community Parents since 2015 and prior worked as the Assistant Director, Family Service Specialist for SCO Family Services (2013-2015). In these roles she gained experience in coordinating and supervising the work of center staff, developing individualized plans and meeting the needs of children. She was also an inclusion teacher for Kids-Centric, Inc. for three years. Ms. Bissetta has obtained a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education and a Permanent Public School Teacher Certification Prek-6th Grade (1986). She also possesses a Master’s Degree in Special Education (1989) and has completed the required early childhood education coursework in early childhood education.

  • staff

  • Mrs. Serena Thurston
    Assistant Executive Director

    Serena Thurston is the Parent Family and Community Engagement Manager and has over 25 years of Head Start experience. Her career began as a Head Start teacher. As the PFCE manager, she serves as the team leader and implements services for parent, family and community engagement. She maintains ongoing relationships with families and works closely with community agencies for effective advocacy. She has an MS in Early Childhood from Brooklyn College and a BA in psychology from York College.

  • Mr. Roger Denis
    Comptroller

    Roger Denis, Comptroller has 32 years experience established in fiscal operations and financial reporting of all federal, state and local requirements. He is skilled in generally accepted accounting procedures, accounting standards and project management of capital expenditures. Proficient in OBM uniform guidance, cost principles, audit requirements, non-federal share, cost allocation and procurement. His civic afflitations includes trustee and treasurer of First Baptist Church of South Orange since 2005 and Groupe des Baptistes for over 10 years.

  • Mrs. Tamarah John
    Education Director

    Tamarah John: Ms. John is a highly experienced educator with a strong dedication to the total development of children. She has filled the role of Community Parents Education Director since 2007 and prior was a HS Teacher. She has obtained a Master’s of Science in Elementary Mathematics and a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education. She also holds a NYS Permanent Certification Prek-6th Grade and is a Certified CLASS Observer.

  • Mrs. Carline Brown

  • Mrs. Carline Brown
    Education Site Director

    A tenured early childhood educator, Carline Brown received her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science (2005) and Masters in Education (2011) from Brooklyn College. She has dual certification in early childhood and special education.
    “I am proud to be a part of the Community Parents Incorporated (CPI) family. I have a true passion for working with our youngest learners. Helping each child progress in all areas of their development: academic, social, language, and motor, is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment. I look forward to working together with you as partners in your child’s growth and development.”

  • staff

  • Mrs. Lillie Ann Akeem
    Education Coordinator

    Ms. Akeem is an early childhood education professional with over thirty-four years’ experience and a proven ability to develop and supervise the application of policy and evidence-based practices while encouraging open communication and implementation of class instruction, lesson plans, and student assessment in conjunction with state learning regulations. She has obtained a Master’s degree in Education (2006) and a Bachelor of Science in Teacher Education (1983). She has also passed the Early Childhood Annotations Test. Akeem has been an education director at Community Parents since 2010. Her past roles include Education Director for Meyers HS (2003-2010) and Head Start Head Teacher (1984-2003).

  • staff

  • Mrs. Tangia Small
    Health and Nutrition Manager

    Tangia Small is the CPI Health and Nutrition Manager. She is a compassionate and
    encouraging team member of the CPI Family for over 22 years. She attained a
    Bachelor’s Degree in Foods and Nutrition from Queens College in 2000. Her journey at
    CPI began as a parent in 1998. She was hired in 2000 as the Food Service Manager,
    became the Health and Nutrition Coordinator and was promoted to Health and Nutrition
    Manager in 2019. She oversees this service area and is committed to the overall health
    and wellness of the children, staff and their families. She encourages everyone with
    weekly mental health “Mindful Motivational Moments.” She is also the creator and
    facilitator of the CPI Healthy & Fit Club, teaching parents how to become healthy from
    the inside out.  Her ultimate goal is to be a motivation to help the entire CPI Family
    become their BEST selves.  She absolutely LOVES being a part of the CPI Family..

2022 Community Parents, Inc. Management Leadership Retreat

2019 Community Parents, Inc. Staff Picnic