MEET THE TEAM
MEET THE TEAM
Powered by
City of Philadelphia
You support Philadelphia's
children and families.
Let SPARK support you.
Powered by
City of Philadelphia
You support Philadelphia's
children and families.
Let SPARK support you.
MEET THE TEAM
Our staff ignites a SPARK in each child's creative mind!
Our staff ignites a SPARK in each child's creative mind!
SPARK Bios
Traci Childress
Director
As Director of the SPARK Quality Support Center, Traci Childress, MA, M.Ed. coordinates support services for the PHLpreK program, serves as the primary liaison between partners, and is accountable for developing and managing all elements of the QSC.
Alissa Vazquez
Administrative Assistant
As the Administrative Assistant, Alissa Vazquez provides support to the Spark Quality Support Center. Alissa has served in Early Childhood Education for over 5 years starting in ECE as an assistant teacher at a child care center located in Center City Philadelphia.
Raksmeymony (Rex) Yin
Deputy Director Content Development and Strategy
Raksmeymony (Rex) Yin is a 1.5 generation Cambodian American queer educator passionate for education equity, social equality, and community healing.
Dena Short
Deputy Director of Coaching and Technical Assistance
Ann Boccuti
Manager of Data, Impact, and Technology
Ben Cady
PHLpreK Coach
As a PHLpreK Coach, Ben Cady, M.Ed is responsible for providing key aspects of the PHLPreK Quality Support Center’s professional development approach and supporting providers through cohort-based and individual coaching and mentoring...
Dayona Evans
Early Childhood Education Specialist
Dayona has been in the Early Childhood Education professional field for 12 years. She started her journey in the infant’s environment and within 3 years span she worked her way up the developmental line, eventually serving as a preschool lead teacher for an additional 5 years...
Dionne Singletary
PHLpreK Coach
As a PHLpreK Coach, Dionne Singletary, M.Ed is responsible for providing key aspects of the PHLPreK Quality Support Center’s professional development approach and supporting providers through cohort-based and individual coaching and mentoring.
Dominique Hinton
PHLpreK Coach
Dominique Hinton has worked as an education and family engagement strategist, partnering with administrators to expand their parent and child outcomes.
Eric Johnson
PHLpreK Coach
As a PHLpreK Coach, Eric Johnson is responsible for providing key aspects of the PHLPreK Quality Support Center’s professional development approach and supporting providers through cohort-based and individual coaching and mentoring...
Tasha Lopez
PHLpreK Coach
Tasha has been in the Early Childhood Education field for over 10 years serving as a Teacher and Director. Before her transition to SPARK, she was with Acelero Learning as a Center Director for a partnership site, then a site in Camden, NJ...
MaryPat Tait
PHLpreK Coach
MaryPat graduated from Neumann University with an Early Childhood Education degree in 2013. Upon her graduation from Neumann, she accepted a full-time position at the Rocky Run YMCA in the Greater Philadelphia area, with the Early Learning Center.
Michelle Warren
PHLpreK Coach
Michelle Warren has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Psychology. Michelle is currently working on obtaining a doctoral degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology...
Mindi Leiber
Education Specialist
As Education Specialist, Mindi Leiber supports the program’s mission to provide increased access to quality learning opportunities by supporting providers through coaching and mentoring actions.
Nicole Lejet-Morton
Help Desk and Professional Development Manager
As Help Desk and Professional Development Manager, Nicole Lejet-Morton is responsible for providing direct support and connecting PHLPreK providers with the support, resource and coaching they might need.
Sedudzinam Fugar
PHLpreK Coach
Sedudzinam Fugar is responsible for providing key aspects of the PHLPreK Quality Support Center’s professional development approach and supporting providers through cohort-based and individual coaching and mentoring.
Taneeshi Campbell
Early Childcare and Education Business Specialist
As the Early Childcare and Education Business Specialist, Taneeshi Campbell is responsible for providing support to providers with strengthening business...
Tihana Williams
Family and Community Engagement Specialist
Tihana holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Alvernia University. Tihana is currently pursuing her Masters in Social Work. Upon her BA graduation, she accepted a full-time position at Acelero Learning Head Start as a Family Advocate.
Paty Boyd
PHLpreK Coach
As a Bilingual PHLpreK Coach, Paty Boyd is responsible for providing key aspects of the PHLpreK Quality Support Center’s professional development approach and supporting providers through cohort-based and/or individual coaching and mentoring.
Wendy Wagner
PHLpreK Coach
As a PHLpreK Coach, Wendy Wagner M.Ed. is responsible for providing key aspects of the PHLpreK Quality Support Center’s professional development approach and supporting providers through cohort-based and/or individual coaching and mentoring...
W. Burke Bodo
Health and Wellness Specialist
As the Health and Wellness Specialist, W. Burke Bodo is responsible for guiding providers through Philadelphia's support systems to ensure their children are receiving comprehensive care.
Afroza Hossain
EIB Specialist
Afroza Hossain is the EIB Specialist for the Spark Philly PreK program; she has been working in DEIB (/IDEA) in various fields, with a particular passion for education and policy, for almost two decades.
Aliyia Brown
Coaching Manager
Aliyia Brown is a twenty-year veteran in the field of education with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Studies from Chestnut Hill College. Aliyia's experience started in the classroom as an assistant teacher.
Josalyn Cambridge
PHL preK Coach
Josalyn has been dedicated to the field of early childhood education for 10 years. She had been a teacher and a director starting as a lead teacher with Acelero Learning, growing into a compliance manager, and then...
Shana Jones
PHL preK Coach
Shana has been an elementary certified educator since 2012, having graduated from Shippensburg University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education K-6 and an Early Education minor...
Ejah Thompson
PHL preK Coach
Meet Ejah, a seasoned professional in the field of early childhood education with over 22 years of experience in various roles. Starting as an infant/toddler teacher in 2000, she has continuously grown and taken on new challenges...
Stephen Carter
PHL preK Coach
Stephen is an experienced and dedicated professional in the field of Early Childhood Education and holds a Bachelor's degree from Arcadia University. With nearly two decades of experience, Stephen has made a significant impact...
De’Zebbra White
PHL preK Coach
Meet De’Zebbra White, an advocate for Early Childhood Education with over 20 years of experience. She has enriched the lives of children and families through teaching, leadership roles, and her YouTube channel dedicated to...
SPARK Quality Support Center is proud to have team members serving early childhood education and care programs across the City of Philadelphia.
SPARK Bios
Traci Childress
Director
As Director of the SPARK Quality Support Center, Traci Childress, MA, M.Ed. coordinates support services for the PHLpreK program, serves as the primary liaison between partners, and is accountable for developing and managing all elements of the QSC.
Alissa Vazquez
Administrative Assistant
As the Administrative Assistant, Alissa Vazquez provides support to the Spark Quality Support Center. Alissa has served in Early Childhood Education for over 5 years starting in ECE as an assistant teacher at a child care center located in Center City Philadelphia.
Raksmeymony (Rex) Yin
Deputy Director Content Development and Strategy
Raksmeymony (Rex) Yin is a 1.5 generation Cambodian American queer educator passionate for education equity, social equality, and community healing.
Dena Short
Coaching Manager
As the Coaching Manager, Dena Short, M.Ed., focus is coordinating successful use of evidence informed quality supports. Those supports include technical assistance, professional development, coaching, and mentoring to both current and potential PHLprek program providers.
Ann Boccuti
Manager of Technology Systems
As Manager of Data, Impact & Technology, Ann Boccuti is accountable for project management for Spark QSC's support of the PHLpreK program...
Ben Cady
PHLpreK Coach
As a PHLpreK Coach, Ben Cady, M.Ed is responsible for providing key aspects of the PHLPreK Quality Support Center’s professional development approach and supporting providers through cohort-based and individual coaching and mentoring...
Dayona Evans
Early Childhood Education Specialist
Dayona has been in the Early Childhood Education professional field for 12 years. She started her journey in the infant’s environment and within 3 years span she worked her way up the developmental line, eventually serving as a preschool lead teacher for an additional 5 years...
Dionne Singletary
PHLpreK Coach
As a PHLpreK Coach, Dionne Singletary, M.Ed is responsible for providing key aspects of the PHLPreK Quality Support Center’s professional development approach and supporting providers through cohort-based and individual coaching and mentoring.
Dominique Hinton
PHLpreK Coach
Dominique Hinton has worked as an education and family engagement strategist, partnering with administrators to expand their parent and child outcomes.
Eric Johnson
PHLpreK Coach
As a PHLpreK Coach, Eric Johnson is responsible for providing key aspects of the PHLPreK Quality Support Center’s professional development approach and supporting providers through cohort-based and individual coaching and mentoring...
Tasha Lopez
PHLpreK Coach
Tasha has been in the Early Childhood Education field for over 10 years serving as a Teacher and Director. Before her transition to SPARK, she was with Acelero Learning as a Center Director for a partnership site, then a site in Camden, NJ...
MaryPat Tait
PHLpreK Coach
MaryPat graduated from Neumann University with an Early Childhood Education degree in 2013. Upon her graduation from Neumann, she accepted a full-time position at the Rocky Run YMCA in the Greater Philadelphia area, with the Early Learning Center.
Michelle Warren
PHLpreK Coach
Michelle Warren has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Psychology. Michelle is currently working on obtaining a doctoral degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology...
Mindi Leiber
Education Specialist
As Education Specialist, Mindi Leiber supports the program’s mission to provide increased access to quality learning opportunities by supporting providers through coaching and mentoring actions.
Nicole Lejet-Morton
Help Desk Lead Support
As Help Desk Lead Support, Nicole Lejet-Morton is responsible for providing direct support and connecting PHLPreK providers with the support, resource and coaching they might need.
Sedudzinam Fugar
PHLpreK Coach
Sedudzinam Fugar is responsible for providing key aspects of the PHLPreK Quality Support Center’s professional development approach and supporting providers through cohort-based and individual coaching and mentoring.
Taneeshi Campbell
Early Childcare and Education Business Specialist
As the Early Childcare and Education Business Specialist, Taneeshi Campbell is responsible for providing support to providers with strengthening business...
Tihana Williams
Family and Community Engagement Specialist
Tihana holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Alvernia University. Tihana is currently pursuing her Masters in Social Work. Upon her BA graduation, she accepted a full-time position at Acelero Learning Head Start as a Family Advocate.
Paty Boyd
PHLpreK Coach
As a Bilingual PHLpreK Coach, Paty Boyd is responsible for providing key aspects of the PHLpreK Quality Support Center’s professional development approach and supporting providers through cohort-based and/or individual coaching and mentoring.
Wendy Wagner
PHLpreK Coach
As a PHLpreK Coach, Wendy Wagner M.Ed. is responsible for providing key aspects of the PHLpreK Quality Support Center’s professional development approach and supporting providers through cohort-based and/or individual coaching and mentoring...
W. Burke Bodo
Health and Wellness Specialist
As the Health and Wellness Specialist, W. Burke Bodo is responsible for guiding providers through Philadelphia's support systems to ensure their children are receiving comprehensive care.
Afroza Hossain
EIB Specialist
As the Health and Wellness Specialist, W. Burke Bodo is responsible for guiding providers through Philadelphia's support systems to ensure their children are receiving comprehensive care.
Aliyia Brown
Coaching Manager
Aliyia Brown is a twenty-year veteran in the field of education with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Studies from Chestnut Hill College. Aliyia's experience started in the classroom as an assistant teacher.
Josalyn Cambridge
PHL preK Coach
Josalyn has been dedicated to the field of early childhood education for 10 years. She had been a teacher and a director starting as a lead teacher with Acelero Learning, growing into a compliance manager, and then...
Shana Jones
PHL preK Coach
Shana has been an elementary certified educator since 2012, having graduated from Shippensburg University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education K-6 and an Early Education minor...
Ejah Thompson
PHL preK Coach
Meet Ejah, a seasoned professional in the field of early childhood education with over 22 years of experience in various roles. Starting as an infant/toddler teacher in 2000, she has continuously grown and taken on new challenges...
Stephen Carter
PHL preK Coach
De’Zebbra White
PHL preK Coach
Meet De’Zebbra White, an advocate for Early Childhood Education with over 20 years of experience. She has enriched the lives of children and families through teaching, leadership roles, and her YouTube channel dedicated to...
As Director of the SPARK Quality Support Center, Traci Childress, MA, M.Ed. coordinates support services for the PHLpreK program, serves as the primary liaison between partners, and is accountable for developing and managing all elements of the QSC. In addition to 12 years experience as a direct service leader in early childhood in Philadelphia, Traci brings a commitment to supporting families, children and the individuals who create educational spaces for them.
As the Administrative Assistant, Alissa Vazquez provides support to the Spark Quality Support Center. Alissa has served in Early Childhood Education for over 5 years starting in ECE as an assistant teacher at a child care center located in Center City Philadelphia. Alissa then took a position with Acelero Learning providing home-based services. After earning her Child Development Associate's degree Alissa began work in administration at the Acelero Center working with families in the Head Start and PreK Counts Programs. In addition to Alissa’s administrative duties, she serves as a family advocate, working with families and creating systems to support their children's development in school and at home by providing them with resources to be successful. 
Raksmeymony (Rex) Yin is a 1.5 generation Cambodian American queer educator passionate for education equity, social equality, and community healing. His family are immigrants and former war refugees from Cambodia, surviving the Cambodian genocide that took place after the Vietnam War then eventually resettled in Philadelphia, PA. Throughout his undergraduate and professional career, he strived to serve in urban, socioeconomically disadvantaged, high-potential, and immigrant/refugee communities. He worked extensively with nonprofit organizations, religious organizations, public (including charter) and private schools, citywide agencies, and philanthropy.
As the Deputy Director of Coaching and Technical Assistance Dena Short, M.Ed., focus is coordinating successful use of evidence informed quality supports. Those supports include technical assistance, professional development, coaching, and mentoring to both current and potential PHLprek program providers. Dena has over 20 years of early childhood experience. Prior to working with Spark Quality Support Center Dena was the PHLpreK Compliance Supervisor with the Urban Affairs Coalition. In this position she supported providers in meeting the PHL contract deliverables while paying close attention to the growth providers as they moved through the Keystone STARS quality initiative.
As Manager of Data, Impact, and Technology, Ann Boccuti is accountable for project management for Spark QSC's support of the PHLpreK program, partners with the development team to continually progress Shine Insight's reporting system, as well as supports data collection and management outside of Shine Insight's data system.
As a PHLpreK Coach, Ben Cady, M.Ed is responsible for providing key aspects of the PHLPreK Quality Support Center’s professional development approach and supporting providers through cohort-based and individual coaching and mentoring.
Dayona has been in the Early Childhood Education professional field for 12 years. She started her journey in the infant’s environment and within 3 years span she worked her way up the developmental line, eventually serving as a preschool lead teacher for an additional 5 years.
As a PHLpreK Coach, Dionne Singletary, M.Ed is responsible for providing key aspects of the PHLPreK Quality Support Center’s professional development approach and supporting providers through cohort-based and individual coaching and mentoring.
Dominique Hinton has worked as an education and family engagement strategist, partnering with administrators to expand their parent and child outcomes. With over a decade of early childhood education experience, she believes diversifying family engagement is key to making genuine connections with families and schools.
As a PHLpreK Coach, Eric Johnson is responsible for providing key aspects of the PHLPreK Quality Support Center’s professional development approach and supporting providers through cohort-based and individual coaching and mentoring. He supports the program’s mission to provide increased access to quality learning opportunities by supporting providers through coaching and mentoring actions. This includes areas such as developmentally appropriate practices, instructional support, curriculum support, evaluation and diversity, equity and inclusionary practices as well as business development.
Tasha has been in the Early Childhood Education field for over 10 years serving as a Teacher and Director. Before her transition to SPARK, she was with Acelero Learning as a Center Director for a partnership site, then a site in Camden, NJ, and most recently supported in opening their newest 17th street site. She has a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Eastern University and is currently working on obtaining her Master's degree from Eastern University in Multicultural Education. She also maintains a PA Director's Credential.
MaryPat graduated from Neumann University with an Early Childhood Education degree in 2013. Upon her graduation from Neumann, she accepted a full-time position at the Rocky Run YMCA in the Greater Philadelphia area, with the Early Learning Center.
Michelle Warren has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Psychology. Michelle is currently working on obtaining a doctoral degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology as well. Michelle has been the ECE field for over 10 years serving in Family Advocacy, Teaching, and Directing.
As Education Specialist, Mindi Leiber supports the program’s mission to provide increased access to quality learning opportunities by supporting providers through coaching and mentoring actions.
As Help Desk and Professional Development Manager, Nicole Lejet-Morton is responsible for providing direct support and connecting PHLPreK providers with the support, resource and coaching they might need.
Sedudzinam Fugar is responsible for providing key aspects of the PHLPreK Quality Support Center’s professional development approach and supporting providers through cohort-based and individual coaching and mentoring. This includes areas such as developmentally appropriate practices, instructional support, curriculum support, evaluation and diversity, equity and inclusionary practices as well as business development.
As the Early Childcare and Education Business Specialist, Taneeshi Campbell is responsible for providing support to providers with strengthening business and administrative operations as well as regulatory compliance. Taneeshi develops content, technical assistance, and training supports related to advancing business quality, stability, and sustainability.
Tihana holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Alvernia University. Tihana is currently pursuing her Masters in Social Work. Upon her BA graduation, she accepted a full-time position at Acelero Learning Head Start as a Family Advocate. While working with Acelero Tihana received a promotion as LEAD Family Advocate where she helped train, create, and promote family engagement training among the Family Advocates. Tihana has been working with Acelero for 6 years.
As a Family and Community Engagement Specialist, Tihana will be engaging with providers and providing the tools they can share with families that will foster the fact that learning begins in the home. Tihana will be providing resources that will facilitate meaningful interactions between parents, caregivers and their children while promoting school readiness.
As a Bilingual PHLpreK Coach, Paty Boyd is responsible for providing key aspects of the PHLpreK Quality Support Center’s professional development approach and supporting providers through cohort-based and/or individual coaching and mentoring. Paty coaches and mentors in areas such as developmentally appropriate practices, instructional support, curriculum support, evaluation, and diversity, equity, and inclusionary practices as well as business development.
Paty holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Valley Forge. Upon her graduation, she accepted a full-time position at Audubon YMCA as a lead Pre-K teacher and supervisor with the Early Learning Center. After leaving the YMCA, she became a lead Head Start teacher for the Montgomery County Intermediate Program. She was with Head Start for 6 years, working with children from ages 3 to 5 years old. She looks forward to building relationships with PHL PreK providers. 
As a PHLpreK Coach, Wendy Wagner M.Ed. is responsible for providing key aspects of the PHLpreK Quality Support Center’s professional development approach and supporting providers through cohort-based and/or individual coaching and mentoring. Wendy coaches and mentors in areas such as developmentally appropriate practices, instructional support, curriculum support, evaluation, and diversity, equity, and inclusionary practices as well as business development.
As the Health and Wellness Specialist, W. Burke Bodo is responsible for guiding providers through Philadelphia's support systems to ensure their children are receiving comprehensive care. Burke is also responsible for arranging focused resources and training to providers and their families to facilitate positive decisions towards each child's health, as well as community resources when additional support is needed.
Afroza Hossain is the EIB Specialist for the Spark Philly PreK program; she has been working in DEIB (/IDEA) in various fields, with a particular passion for education and policy, for almost two decades. Afroza is an immigrant New Yorker, and after graduating from Hunter College, CUNY, Afroza founded an educational consulting company, where she became increasingly invested in providing access and resources to students from underserved communities of Queens, New York, to get them accepted into elite New York City specialized high schools. After doing this for a decade, Afroza went to Harvard University for her graduate studies, where her appreciation for DEIB work deepened. Upon graduation, Afroza went into full-time DEIB consulting, consulting for organizations and companies large and small. Most recently, Afroza worked in non-profit before joining the Shine Philly team. 
Aliyia Brown is a twenty-year veteran in the field of education with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Studies from Chestnut Hill College. Aliyia's experience started in the classroom as an assistant teacher. She has continually grown in her career holding titles that include Lead Teacher, Assistant Director, and Academy Director. She most recently has been a Field Director in which she supported 8 daycare facilities in the City of Philadelphia through coaching, modeling, and aiding with health and state compliance. As a coaching manager for SPARK QSC, she will continue to bring her experience with coaching and modeling to our PHLPrek providers.
Josalyn has been dedicated to the field of early childhood education for 10 years. She had been a teacher and a director starting as a lead teacher with Acelero Learning, growing into a compliance manager, and then a Director for two sites supporting Head Start and PreK Counts. Josalyn has her Bachelors of Education Studies from Grand Canyon University and is looking forward to supporting PHLPreK providers with outstanding coaching services.
Shana has been an elementary certified educator since 2012, having graduated from Shippensburg University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education K-6 and an Early Education minor. Her professional journey began as an Infant Teacher at The Malvern School before transitioning into an Account Manager role outside of the education field. Later, she taught First Grade for 6 years in the School District of Philadelphia. Shana then became an Early Literacy Specialist with the Children's Literacy Initiative, coaching teachers in the School District of Philadelphia on Literacy Instruction and equity in the classroom. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Elementary Education and Reading Specialist certification.