In carrying out the work of its mission, HEAF draws on a breadth of experience and dedication to the core values that inform its unique approach to academic enrichment, youth development, and career preparation. HEAF’s staff is comprised of diverse individuals working diligently and collaboratively to carry out its mission of empowering underserved students through a comprehensive array of educational programming and learning opportunities.

Jacqueline Adorno
Chief Human Resources Officer
Pronouns: She Series
[email protected]

Natalie Baez
Senior Director of Programs
Pronouns: She Series
[email protected]

Deirdre Bennett
Chief Finance & Administrative Officer
Pronouns: She Series
[email protected]

Kai Bush
Pronouns: He Series
[email protected]

Natalie Figueroa
College Quest Program Coordinator
Pronouns: She Series
[email protected]

Jeffrey Fisher
Onward Program Manager
Pronouns: He Series
[email protected]

Sean Harrell
Chief Programs Officer
Pronouns: He Series
[email protected]

Nick Heim
Finance & Administration Manager
Pronouns: He Series
[email protected]
Nick was born in England and moved to the US when he was very young. He grew up in a small town in Connecticut not far from New York City. Nick earned his degree at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business, graduating with a BS in Finance. Nick has previously worked in a variety of different roles including Finance, Retail, Customer Service and Landscaping. Outside of work he enjoys skiing, soccer, cooking, and travel. Nick has a passion for work that brings meaningful change to people and always tries to contribute as much as he can.

Marie Hu
Director of Career Connections
Pronouns: She Series
[email protected]

Fern Khan
Interim Executive Director
Pronouns: She Series
[email protected]
Fern is a HEAF Board Member and Dean Emerita of Bank Street College’s Division of Continuing Education. As Interim Executive Director, Fern works closely with HEAF’s program team and the staff broadly to continue to drive innovative solutions for HEAF students that bridge education and opportunity gaps, and open doors to college, careers and success. At Bank Street College, Fern developed and supervised a wide range of continuing education programs including: a college access program for students who are at risk of dropping out of school; a Head Start program and other family support and education programs; and programs focused on school reform. Prior to Bank Street College, Fern spent nearly two decades at LaGuardia Community College, where she was the Associate Dean for the Division of Adult and Continuing Education. Many of the programs she has developed, including a program providing access to education for deaf adults, have been replicated throughout the city, and state.

Vicky Liburd
Director, High Expectations
Pronouns: She Series
[email protected]

Sasha Linney
Youth Development Manager
Pronouns: She Series
[email protected]
the Mary J Blige Center for Women and Children and Goddard Riverside as an Outreach Coordinator. Sasha is passionate about HEAF’s mission to provide equity and looks forward to continuing her journey servicing the youth of New York City.

Calvin Luo
Pronouns: He Series
[email protected]

Christabel Martinez
College Quest Director
Pronouns: She Series
[email protected]
Christabel was born and raised in Harlem and although she has worked in different boroughs and went away for college, she believes that returning to where it all began happened for a reason. “Fall is a time of transition and new beginnings. With that being said, I am listening and I am engaged. We are all one of a kind, but we are also here because our visions align. I strongly believe that collaborating as a team creates a force & leads to a bigger impact”.

Yoheidy Moya Peguero
Queens Program Manager
Pronouns: She Series
[email protected]
She is very passionate about being a part of a support system that caters to the educational and personal growth of young children and their families. She’s currently enrolled in CUNY School of Professional Studies for Psychology.

Emily Ortega
Harlem Program Manager
Pronouns: She Series
[email protected]
Emily is Harlem Program Manager. She originally joined HEAF as Program Coordinator for our Harlem programs.

Raven Satterfield
Brooklyn Program Manager
Pronouns: She Series
[email protected]

Stefin Woolever
Senior Manager, Data & Development
Pronouns: He Series
[email protected]

Cianell Ynoa
Program Coordinator, Harlem
Pronouns: She Series
[email protected]
Cianell was born in Rhode Island, raised in Florida, and moved to NYC her senior year of high school. Cianell went to college to pursue her associates degree at Laguardia Community College and transferred to Hunter College for her BA, where she studied sociology and psychology. Cianell worked with children and families throughout her transition between schools and now has the privilege to work with kids again, which brings her joy saying, “I can’t wait to continue growing as an individual, spreading positivity, and encouraging students and staff to be their best selves every day.”