LONG ISLAND HEAD START - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director of Parent & Community Engagement
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Management Team
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources
Job Titles:
- Member of the Senior Management Team
- Director of Infant / Toddler Services
Debrah 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.
Ms. Garcia 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, Ms. Garcia 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, Ms. Garcia 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. Ms. Garcia'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, Ms. Garcia is grounded in her belief and signature slogan that "The Best Beginning is a Head Start!
Job Titles:
- Director of Quality Assurance
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance
- Member of the Senior Management Team
Job Titles:
- Central Administration Building
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Co - Chair / Interim Treasurer
Terrence D. Goode (Donnee), CPA; is the Director of Purchasing for the Liberty Maritime Corporation located in Lake Success, New York. Mr. Goode 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, Mr. Goode 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, Mr. Goode was elected to the Board of Directors of L. I. Child and Family Development Services Inc. (d/b/a/) 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.