Our Team

Program Overview

Support Us

Our Team

Programs

Support Us

Terrence D. Goode, Board Chairman

Terrence D. Goode (Donnee), CPA; is the Director of Purchasing for the Liberty Maritime Corporation located in Lake Success, New York. Terrence graduated from Central Islip High School and entered into Johnson & Wales University where he pursued a course of study specializing in banking and finance.

He graduated from Johnson & Wales in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and obtained employment with Duck Industries; his first entry-level job after graduation as a Junior Accountant. In 1990, Terrence was hired by his present employer; Liberty Maritime Corporation as a General Ledger Accountant.

In June of 1997, he was promoted to the position of Operations Manager and in November of 1999, was promoted to Director of Purchasing.

In 2001, Terrence D. Goode was elected to the Board of Directors of L.I. Child and Family Development Services Inc. dba Long Island Head Start and gladly lends his time and expertise as a volunteer. In 2008, he was elected Chair of the Board of Directors and has performed his duties admirably.

Debrah Everett-Garcia, Chief Executive Officer

Debrah Everett-Garcia has been the Chief Executive Officer of Long Island Head Start since December 2004. As the CEO, she has directed and led Long Island Head Start into the bright spotlight where it sits today. Her vision to become the highest quality childcare and family support services organization on Long Island has allowed Long Island Head Start to make an impact in various communities throughout Suffolk County. Her leadership and determination has set forth the true definition of what it means to make a difference in the lives of at risk children and families across Long Island.

Debrah began her career with Long Island Head Start in 1983 as a Classroom Teacher. She also takes great pride in her experience as a Head Start parent, which gave her valuable insight into the needs and challenges of Head Start families. In 1993, she was promoted and began her management career holding positions, which included Early Childhood Development Specialist, Education Supervisor and Director of Quality Assurance and Program Services.

For over thirty years Debrah Everett-Garcia has dedicated her professional career to Long Island Head Start communities, advocating on behalf of those in need and providing direction and support through a variety of programs including health care, early childhood education, disabilities services, and professional development training to list a few. As an active advocate for high-quality childcare, Debrah has successfully collaborated with other non-profit organizations on Long Island in an effort to maximize services and enhance outcomes for preschool children and their families in local communities.

In addition to serving as the Chief Executive Officer for Long Island Head Start, Debrah has also been a long-standing member of organizations such as the Suffolk Community Council, Early Childhood Direction Center, Long Island Association, National Association for the Education of Young Children, Suffolk County Department of Health Task Force Bureau for Children with Special Needs, Childcare Council of Suffolk, Girls Scouts of Suffolk County, National Head Start Association, NYS Head Start Association, Region II Head Start Association and numerous other organizations rooted in the commitment to enhance the quality of life for children and families. Debrah’s determination to expand Head Start services on Long Island is evident in her networking initiatives and advocacy with the National, Regional and New York State Head Start Associations.

Debrah Everett-Garcia certainly knows the importance of community service and has dedicated her life to making quality changes for Long Island families. As a visionary, Debrah is grounded in her belief and signature slogan that “The Best Beginning is a Head Start!

Board Members

Terrence D. Goode, Board Chairman
Michael Fields, Board Treasurer
BrendaJoyce H. Scott, Board Secretary
Atiya Batts
Sally Brody
Heath A. Broughton
James Crawford
Toni Dean
William G. Ford
Dean S. Kupinsky
Maria Milazzo, Ph.D.
Lovetta Nixon
Carlos Ramos
Atisha Wilkins Robinson

Honorary Emeritus
Joan B. Johnson
Martha A. Parry

Policy Council

Early Head Start and Head Start are the first steps in making sure that no child is left behind. We come together as parents, staff, Policy Council, and governing Boards to ensure that our children have a solid foundation for life.

Policy Council members are currently enrolled Head Start parents and interested community members who act as a link between those people making and carrying out decisions and the people Head Start serves.

Policy Council members are elected by their peers. The Policy Council must work in partnership with senior management and the Board of Directors to develop, review and approve policies, strategic plans, criteria for the recruitment, selection and enrollment of children, funding applications, personnel and other business orientated activities that requires Policy Council’s approval.

Executive Policy Council

Jimmie Smiley, Policy Council Chairman
Connie Laurenceau, Policy Council Co-Chairperson
Jennifer Canales-Reyes, Policy Council Secretary
Jenny Erraez, Policy Council Treasurer

Senior Management