Our Leadership

Karenne Berry

AED for Early Care and Education Programs

Degree

Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

Experience

40 years

Languages

English

Karenne Berry has been working with children, youth and families in community-based organizations for the past 40 years. She began her career and a preschool teacher followed by many leadership roles in the field focusing on quality enhancement and program development. Her dedication to improving outcomes for children and their families led her career path to teaching at several universities and colleges in New York and North Carolina most recently at Bank Street College of Education and Long Island University in the Graduate School of Education. Karenne is passionate about equity in education as well as building strong families and strong communities through a Two Generation Approach to learning.

Gladimir Pimentel

Family Child Care Network Director

Degree

Bachelor Degree in Business Administration

Experience

15 years

Languages

Bi-lingual English/Spanish

Gladimir Pimentel has been working with Hamilton-Madison House as a volunteer since 2005 and then hired as a bi-lingual Group Leader/Spanish Literacy teacher for children ages 5-12. In 2012, Gladimir transferred to the FCC department working with families and providers. Gladimir says “Working with the Family Child Care Program has been a very rewarding experience, that has allowed me to learn and grow along with the Providers”. Gladimir has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and certifications in Computer Office Systems and Computer Assisted Drafting and Design.

Cynthia Robinson-Williams

Senior Education Director

Degree

Master of Science Education/ Special Education (Birth-Grade 2)

Experience

17 years

Languages

English

Cynthia Robinson-Williams holds a MSED in education, Birth – 2nd Grade, and 2 Professional New York State Teacher Certificates: Students with Disabilities & Early Childhood Education (Birth – Grade 2); Cynthia is also a CLASS Certified Pre-K Observer.
Throughout her career she has worked with community-based organizations on the Lower Eastside as a teacher, Education Director and
ABA Therapist providing Home Base Early Intervention Service. Cynthia’s passion for early childhood education is inspired by her first learning experience as a child in an early childhood program in our neighborhood. As a resident of the LES since birth it brings joy as she travels the neighborhood and meets former students, families and stories of success are shared.

Leslie Thornton

Education Director

Degree

Master’s in Early Childhood Education

Experience

10 years

Languages

English

Leslie Thornton has been in the Field of Education for 10 years. Leslie has a B.A. in Childhood Education, after several years of working with older children, she realized her passion was working with younger children and pursued her degree in early childhood. After obtaining her M.S. ED in Early Childhood Education Leslie has worked as UPK teacher, Educational Coordinator and is now the Education Director for Hamilton- Madison House 129 Fulton Street location. Leslie says: “I believe that all children deserve an equal educational opportunity; I am proud to be a member of Hamilton-Madison House, because children and families come first”.

Jinny Zhong

Program Operations Director

Degree

Interdisciplinary Health and Human Services / Education and Social Service

Experience

18 years

Languages

Bi-lingual English/Chinese

Jinny Zhong has a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Health and Human Services with a concentration in Education and Social Service. Jinny has been a member of the Hamilton-Madison House team since 2008 working in several capacities supporting daily operations and the Parent Family and Community Engagement Team. One of Jinny’s many roles is ensuring families receive resources to promote healthy families and liaison for our Parent Policy Council. Jinny also holds a Children’s Program Administrator Credential (CPAC) and Middle Management certificate.

Kathy Santiago

Family Child Care Network Director

Degree

Master’s Degree in Early Childhood/ Special Education

Experience

20 years

Languages

Bi-lingual English/Spanish

Kathy Santiago has a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood/ Special Education. Kathy has been practicing in the field for 20 years and joined the Hamilton-Madison team in 2018 as an Education Director for our 60 Catherine site. In 2020, Kathy’s expertise in infant/toddler care led her to be the Director of the newly funded Family Child Care Network. As a practitioner, she has worked with all age groups from birth to 4 years old and has practicum experience working with children who are developing typically as well as children with identified special needs.