Members
Dr. Palmer is CEO at PHCD. He has a Ph.D. in Management and MBA in Accounting. Previously, he was an Adjunct Professor at Touro and Baruch College. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor at York College, CUNY. Dr. Palmer is the recipient of numerous awards for his leadership ability and for the publications of book chapters and scholarly papers in international journals.
He is also an experienced professional with over 30 years of corporate experience in Financial Accounting, Business Management, Taxation, and Entrepreneurial Management. His expertise in these areas gives him the tools to assist nascent entrepreneurs with business registration, the preparation of their individual business plans, and hands-on training in small business management. Dr Palmer has been engaged in voluntary services in the community for the past 15 years and over one year with PHCD.
Sandra Freeman
Sandra Freeman, Vice President at PHCD graduated from York College with a BS in Accounting (Honors). She is responsible for the communication and correspondence at PHCD. Ms. Freeman is responsible for connecting and networking with the community to learn the need of youths and families for product offerings. In her previous role at Citibank as Assistant Branch Manager she managed operations and served the community by providing pertinent financial information that empowered the community.
Dr. Donovan Lauther
Dr. Lauther is the Director of Grant Acquisition Management at PHCD. He has a Ph.D. in Business Administration, MS in Administration and a BS in Economics. He has been the Director, Office of Health Services, NYC Department of Education, New York, since 2017. Previously, he was the Administrative Education Officer, Office of School Health for fourteen (14) years.
Dr. Lauther has expertise in administrative education administration which includes Project management, Budget development, program development and management and Human Resources Management. He uses these skills to provide mentoring and professional development services to both youths and adults.
Dr. Jonathan Straughn
Dr. Jonathan Straughn, Director of Academic Programs who has a Ph.D. in Educational Administration & Supervision and has been Director, Children First Educational Consulting for almost a decade. Dr. Straughn served as a principal of the NYC public school system for 7 years.
At PHCD he is charged with the responsibility of developing curriculum for student advancement.
Dr. Margarett Alexandre
Director for Youth and Career Development, Margarett S. Alexandre, who has both a Ph.D. in Nursing and is also a distinguished Registered Nurse.
Dr. Alexandre is a teacher, mentors, mental health professionals, and community leader who have made remarkable contribution in the community which aligns with the overarching goal of PHCD. Dr. Alexandre was formerly professor at Nassau Community College, Suffolk Community College, Molloy College, and is currently a professor at York College. Her teaching career span 16 years in the community.
Dr. Jennifer DeSouza
Dr. Jennifer DeSouza, President at PHCD. She has a Ph.D. in Clinical Phycology and M. Ed. Adult Education. She is responsible for the general operations at PHCD. Dr. DeSouza is a certified teacher and clinical psychologist with a combined experience of 28 years. In addition to her leadership, she also provides Behavioral Health and Education Services to the PHCD community. Dr. DeSouza has served in many major capacities including Clinical Director-Psychologist, and Drug and Alcohol Program, Supervisor at South Central Correctional Facility, Mental Health Coordinator- Clinical Case Manager-Behavioral Health Administrator at Nassau Mental Health Association. As an educator, she has taught at various grade levels in the school systems in the Caribbean, Central America and the United States for eight years.
Nolah Brown
Nolah Brown, Vice President at PHCD graduated from Oakland University with a BS in Human Resources Development (Honors). She is responsible for grant writing and research at PHCD. Ms. Brown is adept in the area of grant research and fund-raising. She has worked for over 20 years as a paralegal and has performed numerous duties, including bankruptcy applications, handling federal and state court proceedings, as well as analyzing case files. In addition, Ms. Brown has drafted legal documents for motions briefs, reviewed complaints reports, and communicated with district as well as circuit courts.