NIA Program Staff
Vera
Ekht
Program Director, IS 227
Vera began with the NIA in 2005 as a Group Leader, and then Activity Specialist, in the NIA After-School and Summer Programs at PS 229. Her positive demeanor and can-do attitude soon landed her a position as the Assistant Program Director of the NIA After-School Program at IS 227. In this position, Vera proved to be indispensable. She worked diligently to support her Program Director and fostered a close-knit community among the line staff at the site. When the Program Director position at IS 227 became available, Vera interviewed. With NIA convinced of her abilities, and with a huge following of her co-workers and line staff as strong supporters, Vera was named Program Director in 2009.
She continues to wow the organization with her ability to lead and bring people together
Shanelle Jenkins
Assistant Program Director
An accomplished musician, Shanelle began with NIA in 2003 as an Activity Specialist in the NIA’s After-School Program at IS 227. She spent seven years there, leading activities ranging from athletics to choral singing to career development. She also coached their traveling basketball team, the Shallow Lions.
In the fall of 2010, Shanelle was recognized for her exemplary years of service to the organization, her passion for guiding youth, and her extraordinary potential. She was promoted to the Assistant Director position at the NIA After-School Program at PS 204 and now helps lead the staff and participants there.
“I chose to further my career specifically with the NIA because they not only show genuine concern for the children they serve, but also for their staff.”
John
DeLao
Music Activity Specialist
A gifted visual artist and musician, this Music Activity Specialist has shared his many talents with NIA since 2008. John began as an Art Activity Specialist in the NIA After School Program at PS 204. He quickly proved that he had many talents to share with the children he served and spent the following years alternating between providing Art and Music enrichment activities at that site.
In 2010, John began working as an Activity Specialist for the NIA After-School Program at PS 229. He continues to engage program participants each day with his arts and music activities (with guitar accompaniment!).
A gifted artist, John regularly sells and exhibits his original paintings in several galleries. He also plays in a band, “The Boys”, performing in and around New York City. You can view John's art work at his website www.JOHNDELAO.com
Vincent Randazzo
Activity Specialist
In the Fall of 2001, Vincent began as a program participant at the NIA’s After School Program at IS 281. He graduated from IS 281 in June of 2004 and was accepted to Grady Technical High School in the Refrigeration and Heating Program. He enrolled in the NIA’s night program to receive help with Math and Spanish, and also to play basketball.
He spent the next 3 1/2 years as a dedicated volunteer in the after school program. He volunteered two hours a day, five days a week, and initiated the Yugi-o Card Club for program participants.
Vincent is currently a part time student at the College of Staten Island, has received many certifications in the Refrigeration and Heating industry, and works five days a week as a valued employee of our program. His experience with NIA's After School Program has led him to make plans to become a teacher.