JDTAN Leadership Spotlight

2022

LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

Collaboration & Partnership

▪︎ Leadership Development▪︎ Needs Assessment▪︎ Diaspora Contribution

www.jdtan.org

"It is natural to us as we strive for success to be focused on our own advancement. But I always say, save a little for someone else who is in need and if you can do more, give it." ~Leo Gilling, JDTAN Chairman

CORE LEADERSHIP

Collaboration & Partnership

▪︎Leadership Development ▪︎ Needs Assessment ▪︎ Diaspora Contribution

CORE LEADERSHIP

Leo Gilling

JDTAN CHAIRMAN

Leo Gilling resides in Florida, United States, and represents the parish of St. Mary, Jamaica.

Leo is an Entrepreneur, Social Media Personality, Philanthropist, Education and Diaspora Engagement Advocate, and Writer. He has four decades of dedicated community service and over 20 years of business experience in Accounting, Insurance, Business Services, and Hospitality. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, and is currently a Criminal Justice Ph.D Candidate.

Leo has served on Miramar’s Parks and Recreation Board, Miramar’s Sister City Exploratory Committee, the Partners for Youth Foundation Board, Broward Alliance for Caribbean Educators, the Kiwanis Club and is a former candidate for Miramar Commissioner. He is the founder and Chair of the growing Jamaica Diaspora Taskforce Action Network (JDTAN). JDTAN is the largest network of Jamaica Diaspora volunteers worldwide with more than 1,600 volunteers, across 39 countries delivering service programs and projects, and resources that positively impact 15 sectors in Jamaica with an average of 30,000 beneficiaries each year.

Leo is the co-author of the Diaspora Task Force Playbook, a how to guide for engaging Diaspora communities. The Playbook was highlighted as a best practice for the Caribbean Diaspora by the U.S. State Department.

CORE LEADERSHIP

Michelle Fanger

LEGAL SECTOR & IMMIGRATION TASKFORCE CHAIR

Michelle Fanger is a Florida licensed attorney and operates The Fanger Law Firm, PLLC. She practices in the areas of Immigration and Florida Family Law. Michelle is a member of the Florida Bar Association and serves on the Florida Bar Association Voluntary Bar Liaison Committee, a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and The Florida Bar Association Family Law Section.

Michelle worked as a Legal Representative for The Florida Coastal Immigrant Rights Clinic and Law Clerk for the Jacksonville Legal Aid Inc. Refugee Project. She volunteers her time with the Three Rivers Legal Service Low Income Tax Clinic and the Record Sealing and/or Expungement Project.

Michelle currently serves as Vice- Chair of Jamaica Diaspora Action Network (JDTAN); Chair of the Jamaica Diaspora Legal Support and Immigration Task Force; and Legal Counsel for the Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce.

Michelle is a committed servant of her community and has been actively involved assisting Jamaicans at home and abroad.

CORE LEADERSHIP

Dr. Beverly Gordon

HEALTH TASKFORCE CHAIR

Dr. Beverly Gordon was born in Kingston, Jamaica but has strong affiliation with Hanover and St. Ann, the parishes from which her parents hailed.

Dr. Gordon earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Immaculata University, her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Immaculata University, and her bachelor’s degree in Nursing Education from Northern Caribbean University.

Dr. Gordon worked as a Registered Nurse in Jamaica and the United States over the first 20 years of her professional life. She has also worked as a psychotherapist with Devereux Foundation, an Associate Professor and Chair of Social Sciences at DeVry University, and later as Associate Professor at Washington Adventist University. In 2019 she returned to clinical work with Crozer-Keystone Health System.

Dr. Gordon is currently in private practice in Pennsylvania and teaches Psychology at Washington Adventist University and Psychopathology in the School of Graduate Psychology at Chestnut Hill College.

Dr. Gordon was Co-Chair of the Behavioral Health Taskforce 2019 – 2020, and now serves as Chair of the Health Taskforce within JDTAN, 2020 - present.

CORE LEADERSHIP

Tashaka Wynter

JDTAN OPERATIONS OFFICER

Tashaka Wynter lives in New York and hails from the parish of St. Catherine, Jamaica.

Tashaka obtained her master’s degree in Social Work from Hunter College School of Social Work and is a Licensed Master Social Worker in New York State. She is a graduate of the New York Community Trust and Baruch College Executive Leadership Fellows Program and the Columbia University/BOCES College Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP).

Since 2007, Tashaka has been working with low-income families and other marginalized populations in the Bronx in several different capacities. She started at BronxWorks, performing intensive case management services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. She then transitioned to preventive case management services and later to educational, preventive, recreational, and supportive services for children and high-risk youth populations throughout the Bronx. Tashaka currently serves as the Director of Operations at Eskolta School Research and Design, a non-profit consultancy serving schools in Boston, New York City, and Washington DC. Tashaka was previously the Chair for the Learning and Development Taskforce for the Jamaica Diaspora Taskforce Action Network (JDTAN) before her appointment as Operations Officer. She is also the immediate past Vice President for New York Urban League Young Professionals (NYULYP).

CORE LEADERSHIP

Kimone Gooden

JDTAN ADVISOR

Kimone Gooden resides in California and is an Immaculate girl representing the parish of St., Catherine, Jamaica.

Kimone is a graduate of Stanford University and has over 20 years of experience in the technology industry, specializing in enterprise-level Business Operations, launching and managing global cross functional and sustainable programs for Fortune 100 companies and high growth startups.

Kimone is the former elected Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board member, mentor for Upwardly Global, Citizen teacher for Citizen Schools, and a founding board member for Future Women Leaders.

Kimone co-developed and replicated across multiple sectors, a Diaspora Task Force model that was used as a best practice by the State Department and presented to international development agencies as the “virtual brain gain” answer to the migration phenomenon of brain drain. She also co-wrote a playbook documenting this model that has been leveraged by other Diasporas. Kimone is a two-time recipient of Obama’s Presidential Volunteer Service award, previous JDTAN Operations Officer and currently serves as the JDTAN Advisor.

CORE LEADERSHIP

Dr. Noel Gordon

JDETF- PRIMARY & SECONDARY TASKFORCE CHAIR

Dr. Noel Gordon resides in New Jersey, United States, and represents the parish of St. Ann, Jamaica.

Dr. Noel Gordon attended the University of the West Indies, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in science. In 1990, Dr. Gordon migrated from Jamaica to the United States, where he pursued a career in education. At Montclair State University, he earned a master’s degree in Human Resources/Organizational Development with a major in Guidance and Counseling services, and a second master's degree in administration and supervision, with a major in Educator Training. He subsequently earned a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

In the New Jersey public school system, he served in several capacities, including teacher, guidance counselor, high school vice- principal, Director of Guidance, Director of Testing and Evaluation, and Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

He is also the Founder and CEO of Dr. Noel Gordon LLC, a company that focuses on educational consulting, human resource management, quality management, and life coaching.

CORE LEADERSHIP

Dr. Sherika 'Simone' Dacres JDETF- TERTIARY CHAIR

Dr. Sherika 'Simone' Dacres resides in Florida, United States, and represents the parish of Trelawny, Jamaica. Sherika is an alumna of Albert Town High School’s graduating class of 1998.

Dr. Dacres is an author, researcher, and educational psychologist whose work examines the phenomenon of teacher burnout, accommodating diverse learners, and addressing educational inequities.

As a change agent, Dr. Dacres stands firm in her belief that change is possible through the acquisition of knowledge. Dr. Dacres believes she has been positioned in education to support and provide necessary resources to academic stakeholders as well as to help deter barriers to academic success.

Dr. Dacres is currently a Data Scientist and the Chairperson of the Jamaica Diaspora Education Taskforce, Tertiary Sector.

CORE LEADERSHIP

Christopher Williams

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TASKFORCE CHAIR

Christopher Williams currently resides in Canada and represents the parishes of Clarendon and Manchester.

Christopher has vast experience working in the financial sector in Jamaica and Canada. He currently serves as an insurance and risk management professional for the pharmacy industry in Ontario, Canada. He has an MBA from the University of Canada West and is pursuing his Risk Management designation (CRM) with the Global Risk Institute.

Christopher is passionate about helping others to navigate the challenges of the 21st Century and has been involved with charitable organizations such as The Scott Mission, Ronald McDonald House, Health Partners International of Canada, Pathways to Education, and the Jamaica Canadian Association.

Additionally, Christopher enjoys golfing, being a music DJ, cooking, and baking the traditional Christmas fruit cake.

TASKFORCE LEADERS

Collaboration & Partnership

▪︎Leadership Development ▪︎ Needs Assessment ▪︎ Diaspora Contribution

TASKFORCE LIST AGRICULTURE & CLIMATE BEHAVIORAL & MENTAL HEALTH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT HEALTH JDETF- EARLY CHILDHOOD JDETF- PRIMARY/SECONDARY JDETF- SPECIAL JDETF- TERTIARY LEGAL SECTOR & IMMIGRATION MENTORING TECHNOLOGY & ENTREPRENEURSHIP WORLDWIDE ORGANIZATONS

AGRICULTURE & CLIMATE

Ethlyn Thomas-Afolabi TASKFORCE CHAIR

Ethlyn Thomas-Afolabi resides in Dublin, Ireland and represents the parish of St. Catherine, Jamaica.

Ethlyn is a past student of Technological University Dublin (TUDublin), College of Agriculture Science and Education (CASE), Elim Agricultural School, and Jonathan Grant High School.

Ethlyn is presently a Social Worker and Assistant Manager. She formerly served as a Science teacher at Greenwood College, Kent, England, Agricultural Science Teacher Garvey Maceo High School (Clarendon), and Bridge Port High School (St Catherine), Jamaica.

Ethlyn is the International Liaison Officer for the Jamaica Irish Diaspora in Ireland and Youth Coordinator, CLICC Ireland. She previously served as a Jamaica 4H Club Heights leader and President while at CASE, 4H leader at Garvey Maceo and Bridgeport High, and as Secretary and Vice-president of Rotaract CASE, Portland.

AGRICULTURE & CLIMATE

Paul Lyons

TASKFORCE VICE CHAIR

Paul Lyons resides in Canada and represents Westmoreland, Jamaica.

Paul is a Solid Waste Management Specialist focusing on program design and development, waste education, waste consulting and planning.

BEHAVIORAL & MENTAL HEALTH

Karlene Tomlinson

TASKFORCE CHAIR

Karlene Tomlinson resides in the United States and proudly represents the parish of Manchester.

Karlene is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has served in several roles in social services, including overseeing the regulation of substance abuse treatment services for the Southeast Region of the State of Florida. Ms. Tomlinson currently assists organizations in program development and compliance, staff training and development, policy development and adherence as well as grant writing and asset management.

Having served on multiple Community Boards, she is adept at Community Needs Assessment, Resource Mapping and Allocation, and Strategic Planning, which has served well in her current role as Chair for JDTAN’s Behavioral and Mental Health Taskforce.

Karlene continues her mother’s legacy of committed service to the community by engaging in volunteer service with local non profit agencies.

BEHAVIORAL & MENTAL HEALTH

Celeste H. Hutchinson

TASKFORCE VICE CHAIR

Celeste H. Hutchinson resides in Massachusetts, United States and represents the parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica.

Celeste, a master’s level Licensed Professional Counselor, has worked in this field for over 20 years. Celeste’s specialty work areas include women's issues, cooccurring disorders (MH and Addictions), Clinical supervision, trauma (Trauma Empowerment Model (TREM), , and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

She has been an active partner for 7.5 years with One Step Forward Consultancy (OSFC) through speaking engagements, presentations and training activities at annual conferences focusing on safeguarding children against abuse.

Celeste currently works as Clinical Director at Monte Nido and Affiliates in Medford, Massachusetts.

BEHAVIORAL & MENTAL HEALTH

Ann Moodie

TASKFORCE VICE CHAIR

Ann Moodie currently resides in Florida, United States, and represents the parishes of Kingston, St. Mary, and St. Catherine, Jamaica.

For the past 12 years, Ann has been a mental health professional focusing on marriage and family trauma. In addition, for 20 years she has worked with children and their families in the field of education. Between 2011-2013, Ann has had the privilege of creating a youth program for girls in Jamaica in which she provided group counseling, and participants were able to engage in healing activities such as sharing their stories, journaling, and creating vision boards.

She has a love for music, dancing, journaling, and enjoys a cup of bush tea. This Vision Board enthusiast’s mantra is "Be Surprised!"

BEHAVIORAL & MENTAL HEALTH

Dr. Vivienne Kerr

JAMAICAN LIAISON

Dr. Vivienne Kerr hails from Kingston, Jamaica.

Dr. Kerr is the President of Caribbean Graduate School of Theology (CGST). She has extensive experience in Educational Leadership, having earned a Doctor of Education degree from Nova Southeastern University. She presently lectures in the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences at CGST. Dr. Kerr is an experienced Educator, Counseling Psychologist, Librarian, Administrator, and Life Coach within the Education and Faith-Based Community.

She has a passion for helping individuals excel to their fullest potential.

Dr. Kerr is presently the Vicechair of the National Parent Teachers’ Association, Region 6 (St. Catherine), a former President of the Home School Association, and Parent Representative on the Board of Management of The Cedar Grove Academy.

Dr. Kerr is the author of the newly released book “It Still Takes a Village: Help for Parents in Dealing with Academic Underperformance”. She is the mother of two children.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Angela Besson

TASKFORCE VICE CHAIR

Angela Besson resides in New York, United States and represents the parishes of St. James, St. Ann, and St. Mary, Jamaica.

Angela believes that helping Jamaica is just the right thing to do. She stated, "Most of us migrated for a fundamental reason and we must share what we have accomplished with others on similar quests. Together, we share resources to improve Jamaica for everyone home and abroad."

Angela is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a Certified Diabetes Educator among others. She is the founder of two nonprofit organizations: United Immigrants and Migrants Assimilation Project, Inc., and Involuntary Returned Mecca.

HEALTH

Marcia AmarSingh

TASKFORCE VICE CHAIR

Marcia AmarSingh resides in Massachusetts, United States, and represents the parish of St. Ann. Marcia holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling, is an independently Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, Executive Director of Amarsingh Integrative Counseling Services LLC, President of Renewal Sober Living, and Executive Director of Renewal Integrative Psychotherapies LLC. Marcia started her private practice in 2016 treating individuals and their families suffering from the disease of addiction. Marcia recently embarked on a new journey, started a partnership with others who share the same passion and opened a MASH certified 15 bed male sober house in Worcester to help with the continuum of care for the underprivileged homeless males with plans to open a female house within the next eight months.

Marcia is presently working on opening a substance use and mental health clinic in Worcester to help fight the opiate crisis which has resulted in so many overdose deaths, rise in Hepatitis C, HIV and AIDS. Marcia considers herself a strong, resilient and dignified black woman with so much to offer to our black community.

HEALTH

Dr. Beverly Fray

TASKFORCE VICE CHAIR

Dr. Beverly Fray resides in the United States and represents the parish of Trelawny, Jamaica.

Dr. Fray is a Ph.D.-prepared, advanced practice nurse. She is licensed as a registered nurse and clinical nurse specialist in community and public health nursing.

Dr. Fray is a proud graduate of Westwood High School in Stewart Town, Trelawny; the University of the West Indies, Mona; the University of Miami, and Florida International University. Her nursing knowledge spans nursing education, pain management, shared governance, psychiatric and mental health nursing, research, and the on-boarding of new clinical staff.

Dr. Fray's Ph.D. research focused on the sexual practices of female military veterans in a male-dominated environment and was guided by the social dominance theory. She also volunteers as a peer reviewer for two professional journals and has published a few journal articles

HEALTH

Janice M. Watson JDTAN LEADER

Janice M. Watson resides in Houston, Texas, USA and represents the parish of St. Ann, Jamaica.

Janice is a Registered Nurse and a licensed Real Estate Agent in the State of Texas.

She is also a Real Estate Investor/Landlord, an AirBnB 'Super Host’ Host Vacation Home Rental operator. She has hosted several Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University classes.

She has many years of involvement with organizations providing community service in the USA and Jamaica. She has provided scholarships to nursing students in Jamaica and the USA. Recently, she along with her husband, adopted the Steer Town Health Center in St. Ann, Jamaica, in the Adopt-A-Clinic program.

Janice is a member of the Jamaica Foundation of Houston, The Association of Jamaican Nurses- Greater Houston and York Castle High School Alumni Association, New York Chapter.

HEALTH

Juwell Harley

JAMAICAN LIAISON

Juwell A. Harley represents the parishes of St. Ann, St. Catherine, and St. Mary, Jamaica.

Juwell has worked assiduously towards her dreams, one of which is philanthropy.

She wears the cap of a Musician, Registered Nurse, Nurse Educator, an Author, and Events Planner, who has shown altruism in all she does.

Juwell is vibrant, caring, meticulous, honest, and enjoys spending time with her son. She believes that the only way to be of a positive influence in society is to be that example you want others to emulate. Thanks to JDTAN, she's now fulfilling a part of her dreams.

JDETF EARLY CHILDHOOD

Melanie Gooden Baker TASKFORCE CHAIR

Melanie resides in New York, United States, and represents the parish of St. Catherine, Jamaica.

As an advocate, grant writer, curriculum specialist, special education teacher, the mental health chair for the regional PTA Board of Managers, and a member of Brentwood's Superintendent’s Council to improve equity in the school district, an evangelist and intercessor, Melanie brings a unique perspective to this work.

Melanie is the founding director of Project R.E.S.E.T.S., a social enterprise company. She leverages her 20+ years of experience in education and works to promote student academic and socio-emotional holistic development as they navigate each stage of their academic career.

As a first-generation college graduate from a working-class background, an immigrant, an educator, advocate, wife, and mother of three teenage sons, the oldest of which has multiple different abilities, developmentally disabled, autism, and visual impairment. Melanie appreciates the centrally transformative value of education and the power of expectations.

JDETF EARLY CHILDHOOD

Dr. Nadine S. James

TASKFORCE VICE CHAIR

Dr. Nadine S. James resides in New York, United States, and represents the parishes of Kingston and St. Andrew, Jamaica.

Dr. James is a brilliant PhD-trained scientist (Doctor of Philosophy in biophysics from the SUNY Buffalo's Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center). She founded and runs a nonprofit organization called IlluminXation Inc. (www.illuminxation.org), which operates remotely throughout New York State. At IlluminXation, she and her team Illuminate the minds of the next generation of underprivileged and underserved students in kindergarten through 12 (K - 12) grade. They accomplish this by providing Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math (STEAM) based tutoring, test preparation, and programs. The multinational program she created with her team has students from USA, Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, and Trinidad, and it provides services for high-needs students from low-income communities.

Dr. James is a delightful, humble, collaborative, innovative trailblazer and a transformational leader. Most recently, Dr. James and her team ran educational and fun programs such as the “Human Body Exhibit,” “Cancer Smancer,” “Cancer Smancer Reimagined – Living Our Best Sustainable Lives''. In these programs, curricula were established and implemented where the students learned about cancer, cancer care and expressed what they learned through the arts (visual and performing).

JDETF EARLY CHILDHOOD

Dr. Sherian Demetrius

TASKFORCE VICE CHAIR

Dr. Sherian Demetrius resides in Florida, United States, and represents the parish of Trelawny, Jamaica.

Dr. Demetrius works as a curriculum Support Specialist at Miami-Dade County Public Schools and adjunct professor at Barry University and the University of Phoenix. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, a Masters in Varying Exceptionalities, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and Language Cognition. Her work with youth and adults is evidenced in the many workshops she has led over the years and her influence in encouraging others to become educators and or dedicated influential members of their community.

Sherian has a clear vision and a deep understanding of what it takes to be an educational leader, particularly in the areas of curriculum and instruction and community building. She demonstrates "putting theory into practice" and does this in a way that directly empowers her fellow educators as well as students and administrators.

JDETF EARLY CHILDHOOD

Roymane Robinson JAMAICAN LIAISON

Roymane Robinson resides in St. Thomas, Jamaica.

As an active member of the Jamaica Teachers' Association, Roymane has collaboratively planned and successfully executed several developmentally appropriate activities with passionate team players like herself and dedicated and resourceful organizations such as JDTAN & JDETF. These activities were mostly geared to foster the holistic development of both teachers and students, thus significantly and positively impacting and enhancing the Early Childhood Sector.

These experiences have propelled her to continue to further work with JDTAN so that she can make a significant difference within the sector and by extension, her country, Jamaica.

JDETF PRIMARY/SECONDARY

Dr. Dale Britton

TASKFORCE VICE CHAIR

Dr. Dale Britton resides in New York, United States and represents the parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica.

Dr. Britton has been an educator for more than two decades in Brooklyn, New York City. He holds a MA in TESOL and Educational Administration along with a Doctorate in Urban Education.

After graduating in 1991 from the University of the West Indies, Mona, Dr. Britton taught French at his alma mater, Manchester High School for a year. He resumed teaching a decade later in NYC. In addition to teaching high school, Dr. Britton has also taught college courses at Brooklyn College.

JDETF PRIMARY/SECONDARY

Sophia Anderson-Thompson JAMAICAN LIAISON

Sophia Anderson-Thompson is a dedicated and resilient educator who teaches at the primary level. She attained a Master of Science degree in Education (Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment) from Walden University, a Bachelor's degree in Primary Education from the International University of the Caribbean, and a Teaching Diploma (Special Education) from Sam Sharpe Teachers' College.

Sophia currently serves as chair and committee member of various committees such as: Communications, Assessment, Awards, Culture, and Literacy at the Townhead Primary and Infant School. In addition, she is a member of the Violence Prevention Alliance, Jamaica Chapter.

JDETF- SPECIAL

Dr. Claudette Peterkin TASKFORCE CHAIR

Dr. Claudette Peterkin resides in New Jersey, United States and represents the parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica.

Dr. Peterkin has been working in the field of education for the past ac25 years.

She has taught special education for 18 years and earned her doctoral degree in Special Education Leadership. She is a certified Teacher Leader and holds two master's degrees, one in Educational Psychology and the other in K-12 Special Education.

Presently she is working on a second dissertation in higher education on students with disabilities and their post-secondary education. Her Education Philosophy is, "If you believe you can, you can."

JDETF- SPECIAL

Janet Clarke-Green

TASKFORCE VICE CHAIR

Janet Clarke-Green resides in the United States and represents the parishes of Manchester and Westmoreland, Jamaica.

Janet attended Holmwood Technical High where she focused on Business Education. After graduating from Holmwood, she enrolled in Bethlehem Teachers College, where she pursued a teaching certificate in Primary Education with a concentration in Reading. She later attended the University of the West Indies where she gained a BSc in Literacy Education after which she migrated to the Bahamas and then USA where she further enhanced her teaching craft.

Janet has been privileged to be selected as a Richard Riley Scholar and earned a full academic scholarship to complete her master’s degree. She currently serves as a Talented and Gifted (TAG) Coordinator for a local school district and is enrolled in a Ph.D program at Walden University.

JDETF- TERTIARY

Norma Sinclair

TASKFORCE VICE CHAIR

Norma Sinclair resides in the United States and represents the parish of Kingston, Jamaica.

Norma is an educational psychologist specializing in psychometrics and did so at the state level for more than 25 years. Although technically retired from state service, Norma is a quantitative research method adjunct faculty member with Northern Caribbean University in Jamaica.

In addition to teaching and curriculum development responsibilities, she serves as an advisor and consultant for master and doctoral students.

JDETF- TERTIARY

Rory Richards

TASKFORCE VICE CHAIR

Rory Richards resides in the United States and represents the parishes of Kingston, St. Mary, Portland, and St. Ann, Jamaica.

Rory is an education leader with over 25 years of experience leading at the early childhood, secondary, and now higher education level. He is an advocate of the cradle to college movement and has worked to advance access to the most vulnerable in the society. His research in part focuses on equity, diversity, and inclusion across the education landscape and enhancing student success among Caribbean immigrants in the United States.

JDETF- TERTIARY

Yvette Samuels

JAMAICAN LIAISON

Yvette Samuels resides in St. Andrew, Jamaica.

Yvette Samuels currently serves with the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Information as a Principal and national trainer for Health and Family Life Education. She is formally trained in Primary Education, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling, Professional Qualification for Principalship, and Master of Science in Educational Leadership.

In addition to her host of appointments, Yvette supports her local community across the island with staff development sessions that provide the opportunity to hone and improve capacity and pedagogy.

LEGAL SECTOR & IMMIGRATION

Veroneque Blake-Lopez, Esq. TASKFORCE VICE CHAIR

Veroneque Blake-Lopez resides in the United States. Veroneque is an associate at a creditor's rights law firm. Her practice includes residential foreclosure and bankruptcy.

She is admitted to practice in Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Jamaica.

LEGAL SECTOR & IMMIGRATION

Nadine Atkinson-Flowers, Esq. TASKFORCE VICE CHAIR

Nadine Atkinson-Flowers, Esq. resides in the United States and Jamaica and hails from the parishes of Kingston and St. Catherine.

Nadine is admitted to practice in Jamaica and in Missouri, USA. Her legal experiences are wide ranging with almost fifteen years as a lawyer. Her United States practice is in the area of Immigration. Her Jamaican practice areas include Criminal Law, Immigration and General Legal Consultancy as it relates to US Immigration and Jamaican Law. She has practiced both as a Prosecutor and as a Defense Attorney in Jamaica.

Nadine has appeared as a presenter at several law conferences and volunteers with several legal, business, children, and community service organizations in Jamaica and in the USA. She is the author of several legal publications as well as books on Caribbean History. She does regular presentations online and in person on various legal topics such as Immigration, Business, Contracts, Disabilities, Common Legal Problems, and Ethics.

Nadine frequently writes “How to Dos” for persons needing to access the justice system. Her latest book, "On Your Feet: Criminal Law Practice" in the Parish Courts in Jamaica is now available through the publishers, Ian Randle Publishers.

MENTORSHIP

Lesleyann Samuel

TASKFORCE CHAIR JDETF VICE CHAIR

Lesleyann Samuel resides in the United States.

Lesleyann has been employed in various leadership capacities in the telecommunications sector for the past 35+ years. Since 2001, she has been an adjunct professor with the University of Maryland Global Campus in the Business Management department, where she teaches Organizational Leadership.

Lesleyann holds M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering – Technology Management from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.Sc. in Computer Science and Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Lesleyann is currently the President of the Union of Jamaica Alumni Association (UJAA).

MENTORSHIP

Elrpy Douglas

TASKFORCE VICE CHAIR

Elroy Douglas resides in Connecticut, United States and represents the parish of St. Catherine, Jamaica.

Elroy Douglas is a Correction Officer and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Bridgeport, USA. He is a Criminal Justice Professional and enjoys using his skills to contribute to mentoring others who are in need.

Elroy graduated from University of Bridgeport with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Political Economy and Diplomacy and a minor in Criminal Justice.

He also obtained a Master’s Degree in International Relations and Affairs.

Elroy is a Vice Chair for the Mentorship Taskforce.

TECHNOLOGY & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Larkland Morley

TASKFORCE CHAIR

Larkland Morley resides in California, United States and represents the parish of Clarendon, Jamaica.

Larkland attended Vere Technical High School, where he studied Computer Science and Electronics, then went on to complete masters-level studies in Computer Engineering as well as an MBA in Entrepreneurship. He is a UK Chartered Engineer, Chartered IT Professional, and Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (UK).

Larkland has lived in Silicon Valley and Canada for many years, working for technology companies such as Nortel, Lenovo, Cisco, IBM, Facebook, and now Google. At Google, Larkland is leading large and complex engineering programs that expand and keep Google’s infrastructure running optimally.

TECHNOLOGY & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Antonette Brown

TASKFORCE VICE CHAIR

Antonette Brown resides in Pennsylvania, United States, and represents parishes of Westmoreland and Kingston, Jamaica.

Antonette is currently an IT Project Manager at ArchCare, a large Healthcare System based in New York City, and an Instructor at ASA College in the Computer Science Division.

She holds an Masters of Science in Technology Management and MHA in Healthcare administration. Antonette is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Scrum Master (CSM), and a Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Information Technology.

Antonette is passionate about giving back to her homeland and helping to find ways to improve technology in the healthcare sector and small business. In her free time, she enjoys photography, learning about history, and participating in mission trips.

WORLDWIDE ORGANIZATIONS

Rachel Dolcine, MPA, CPM TASKFORCE CHAIR

Rachel Dolcine, MPA, CPM resides in Maryland, United States and represents the parishes of Westmoreland & St. Mary.

Rachel is an award-winning international speaker, author, entrepreneur, Standard of Excellence Licensed Consultant & mentor. She is an innovative and multi-faceted strategist with extensive experience in training & development, curriculum development, nonprofit management, nonprofit Board training & consulting, and community engagement programming.

Rachel received her Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from John Jay College of Criminal Justice; a Master of Public Administration from the University of Baltimore; is a graduate of the Associated Black Charities (ABC) Board Pipeline Leadership Program; the prestigious Maryland Certified Public Manager Program-Nonprofit Track at the University of Baltimore; Leadership Essentials Program at Loyola University; and Standards for Excellence Institute Licensed Consultant Program.

Rachel is an avid volunteer and currently serves as the Founder of the Joseph and Vera Douglas Family Foundation, Inc.; is on the Board of Directors for Fostering Change Network Foundation, Inc.; and Police Wives of America. She also serves as a Committee member on the Advisory Board for the University of Baltimore Certified Public Manager's Program and as a Taskforce Chair for the Jamaica Diaspora Taskforce Action Network.

WORLDWIDE ORGANIZATIONS

Shawn Martin JDTAN LEADER Shawn Martin resides in California and represents the parish of St. James.

Shawn holds a Juris Doctor in law and a Masters in Education. She taught for several years in Jamaica and was an active member of the local community development organization before immigrating to the United States. She has worked for several years in the legal and educational sectors and is passionate about social justice and community development. She conducts professional development training for K-12 Educators in the areas on classroom management, differentiated instructions, cultural awareness, hidden curriculum and other pertinent areas. She currently works with and advocates for adults with developmental disabilities.

Shawn actively engages with a number of organizations that supports Jamaica both on the ground and in the diaspora in the arenas of education, health and youth and community engagement. She has served as a JDTAN Vice Chair and continues to support the vision and mission of the organization.

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