Gayl M. Brooks
My role at Child First is to support, manage, and lead the out-of-school time administrative and site-based teams. I have worked at the organization for 22 years (7 years part-time and 15 years full-time)
What I like about my job is that I have the autonomy to be creative in my approach to providing high-quality expanded learning opportunities for the youth we serve.
My colleagues and work teams would say that I’m supportive, knowledgeable and I make things happen!
When I am not working I enjoy gardening and spending time with my family; especially my 100-year-old grandmother!
Ngina Victor
My role at Child First is Office Manager. I’m responsible for keeping the office in order as best as humanly possible, to get the staff paid and everything in between.
I have been with Child First for 10 months.
What I like about my job is the team of hard-working individuals who work collectively to serve Baltimore’s families, children & youth.
My colleagues and work teams would say this about me. “She serves (*insert wink emoji)”
When I am not working, I thank and praise God for his blessings in my life, am being an uber for my youngest daughter, listen to powerful e-books, or socialize with some of Baltimore’s beautiful people.
Chalise Latimer
Staphon Shorter
My role at Child First is to ensure that all CFA Out of School Time (OST) programs meet high standards of quality and meet the requirements of grants awarded to Child First. I have worked at the organization for five years.
What I like about my job is knowing that our youth are gaining meaningful experiences in the form of academics, enrichment activities, and field trips.
My colleagues and work teams would say that I am a team player that brings a lot of energy, dedication, and a sense of humor!
When I am not working, I spend time with my family, watch sports, and play video games.
Taylor Brooks
My role at Child First is to provide administrative support with implementation of program activities and preparing and reviewing reports; assisting with coordinating and scheduling training and activity dates; assisting with collecting, organizing, and reviewing data; and ensuring professional development meets each program’s goals and I have been with Child First for 5 years.
What I like about my job is the culture and opportunities for growth.
My colleagues and work teams would say I am dedicated to investing time into learning, executing, and perfecting the work needed to achieve goals.
When I am not working, I enjoy solo trips to the movie theater.
Porsche Johnson, LMSW
My role at Child First is to manage and lead all of our Community School Coordinators, ensuring that they have the tools, supports and resources necessary to implement the community school strategy at their respective schools. I began my tenure at Child First as a Community School Coordinator in 2017 before starting my role as the director in November 2021.
As a former community school coordinator, I bring a unique perspective to the work. Having been in their shoes, I know what’s needed to implement this work efficiently and effectively. I enjoy being able to work shoulder to shoulder with the team to problem-solve and strategize, and opening their eyes and minds to what else could be possible.
My colleagues would say that I am supportive, knowledgeable and very fiery and passionate about this work. But at the end of the day, it’s the commitment to children and families that keep me going!
When I am not working, I’m enjoying my new found hobby of swimming and sneaking trips to Seattle, WA to visit my family
Community School Coordinators
Ashley Ramsey
My role at Child First is to bridge and align resources to serve the families and students of the Barclay school and community… and I have been with Child First for 3 months! …
What I like about my job is I get to be a LIGHT in the school and in the community. I love to shatter illusions and highlight the brilliance and opportunity in every situation.
My colleagues and work teams would say this about me. I like my Zen😊 I love a Zen atmosphere and when you walk into my office you feel good energy.
When I am not working, I am a mom of two beautiful little ones, my daughter and son. I am purposefully a working actor/artist as well as a holistic wellness practitioner.
Kiara Henighan
My role at Child First is the Community School Coordinator at Belmont Elementary School and I have been with Child First for 2 months.
What I love about my job is that each day I get to make a new connection with a student, parent, community member, or colleague that drives forward the work I feel most aligned with pursuing.
My colleagues and work team would say that I am a detail-oriented leader who understands the importance of teamwork and follow-through.
When I am not working, I enjoy traveling to new places and spending time with loved ones.
Ashley Novak
My role at Child First is Community Schools Coordinator at Calvin M. Rodwell and I have been with the organization for over one year.
What I like most about my role is building relationships and collaborating with stakeholders to transform the school community.
My coworkers would say that I’m super friendly and organized.
When I am not working, I enjoy traveling, reading, yoga, and watching sports!
Isabel Antreasian
My role at Child First is to connect with families, students, school staff, and community members, and support the collaborative design of our community school strategy. I help our school community connect to resources and each other, and advocate for the community’s vision
I have worked at the organization for about 1.5 years.
What I like about my job is getting to know people, promoting resources and initiatives, connecting dots throughout the city, the creative energy involved in building partnerships and programs
My colleagues and work teams would say I am always down to brainstorm together, easily amused and excitable, quick to dream big.
When I am not working, I can be found spending time with loved ones, cooking, being outdoors, reading, and working on classwork for a master’s in teaching program.
Natarsha Jackson
My role at Child First is a Community School Coordinator and I have been with Child First for 2 months.
What I enjoy most about my job is meeting students and families and working to connect them to the resources and services needed to grow and be successful in life.
My colleagues and work teams would say that I am friendly and easy to get along with.
When I am not working, I am traveling, shopping, or spending time with family.
Harvey Miles
My role at Child First is Community School Coordinator. I have been with Child First for 3 months and this is my8th year as a coordinator.
What I like about my job is that there is a need that needs to be addressed and I can join a collaborative effort with my team alongside an awesome group of community partners.
My colleagues and work teams would say this about me. Not Sure!
When I am not working, I… Am Not Working
LaTia Montgomery
My role at Child First is to Integrate community organizations and resources into our school family using the community school strategy.
I have been with Child First for 10 months
What I like about my job is I have an opportunity to meet people from various organizations who enjoy being dedicated participants.
My colleagues and work teams would say this about me I have an infectious desire to be a change agent in the field of Human Services.
When I am not working, I enjoy shopping, attending various social events, shopping, traveling and spending countless hours with my family.
Shadia Musa
My role at Child First is to build strategic partnerships with local community organizations and agencies, strengthen school-wide family engagement, connect families to local supports, and much more. This is my first year working for Child First.
What I like about my job is that I am able to build close relationships with students and families in Baltimore City.
My colleagues and work teams would say that I have an extremely expressive face…I can’t hide my feelings!
When I am not working, I love to roller skate and go to local art shows and community events.
Dorothy Flintall
My role at Child First is to help meet the needs of the families and the community and to continue to grow the village. I have worked at the organization for 6 years.
What I like about my job is that I get to meet so many new people every day and build relationships and collaborate with stakeholders to transform the school community. By putting a smile on their faces.
My Colleagues and work team would say that I have a passion and a need to do this community work. And always looking for resources to help break barriers.
When I am not working, I am with my family. And doing some of the many things I love cooking, shopping, dancing, and spending quality time with the ones I love.
Lashawn Allen
My role at Child First is to Identify the needs of the school community and establish partnership to accommodate those needs.
and I have been with Child First for 1. 5 Years
What I like about my job is the connections that I have made, ensuring that students and family’s needs are being met daily, creating a safer and more stable environment for the population I serve, and being a positive role model for the students.
My colleagues and work teams would say this about me: I am absolutely the best person on the team!
When I am not working, I am being a mother to my two young sons.
Clara Hernandez
My role at Child First is to work closely with school staff, leadership, students, and families; advocate for the integration and support of community-based organizations to support overall student learning and success.
I have been with Child First for a month. What I like most about my job is that I can utilize my professional experiences to support the school community. I am an advocate for equal access to education.
I also enjoy being able to learn with and from others.
My colleagues and work teams would say that I am passionate about community-based work, diligent, and collaborative.
When not working, I enjoy exploring different cities and being in nature.
Jada Powell
My role at Child First as a Community School Coordinator at Robert M. Coleman is to create, strengthen, and maintain a positive partnership between the school and the community.
I have been with Child First for 7 months.
My colleagues and schoolwork teams say that I am grateful and eager to be able to support families in ways that I have supported.
Malik Kelly
Contact Information:
Office: 410-367-8520 | Fax: 410-225-7760
Email: cfamain@childfirstauthority.org
Child First Board
Jessica Reighard, Chair, Brookes Publishing Co.
Julia Baez, Baltimore’s Promise
Jennifer Bell-Ellwanger, Data Quality Campaign
Veronica M. Black, E 50 Solutions
Brian Gordon, Brown Advisory
Wayne Harris, Baltimore City Fire Department-911
Benjamin Orr, Maryland Center on Economic Policy
Dr. Carlyn E. Payton, COLA
Kate K. Shatzkin, The Annie E. Casey Foundation
Melissa Stallings, Capital Impact Partners
