Anstiss Agnew is Senior Advisor to Forestdale, researching new strategies – especially those to ensure that when young people leave foster care, they have the resources and caring support to succeed socially, academically, and professionally. Ms. Agnew formerly served as Forestdale’s Executive Director from 2006 – 2016. Ms. Agnew brings over 40 years of experience in organizational leadership and therapeutic practice, including eight years as Associate Director and Executive Director of Inwood House.

Derek Carter joined Forestdale in November 2014 and oversees the Strong Fathers program as its Administrative Director. Before joining Forestdale, Derek worked 30 years with the NYC Administration for Children’s Services. During that time, Derek worked in various areas within ACS, including the Family Preservation Program. Derek also served as an ACS representative in the Brooklyn Fatherhood Coalition. He last served as Director of Field Operations in the Division of Child Protection. Derek received his BA in Urban Studies from Queens College and an MS in Urban Policy and Administration from Brooklyn College.

Jacqueline Denson joined the Forestdale team as the Family Enrichment Center Director in 2022. As an experienced nonprofit and business professional, she provides insight and strategy for her staff and communities. With a certification in Personal Development Coaching, a Bachelor's degree in Education, and a Master's in Public Affairs, Ms. Denson brings a wealth of knowledge and is passionate about sharing it. As a leader, she is committed to bringing the community together. She deeply appreciates teaching and inspires others to be the highest versions of themselves.

Javier Estrada joined Forestdale in December 2015 and oversees the Facilities Department as the Director of Facilities. Before joining Forestdale, Javier worked as the Director Of Operations for The New York Public Library for 10 Years and oversaw all Operations for 85 of its locations throughout Manhattan, Staten Island, and The Bronx. Javier loves to spend time with his family in his spare time as well as work on his cars.

Danielle B. Fuller is a capacity leader offering comprehensive experience in senior-level planning, administration, resource development, and goal setting, as well as expertise in program and youth development. She came to Forestdale with 20 years of leadership experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, most recently as Chief Program Officer. Ms. Fuller received her MSW from Hunter College School of Social Work and her BA from SUNY Stony Brook.

John R. Guerine joined Forestdale in 2022 as the Information Technology Director after working many years in corporate industries. He brings a comprehensive background in directing technical operations and facilitating technology projects to Forestdale. He has managed technology in corporations for over 20 years before moving to the managed services business, where he served as a project manager and technical consultant for several years. In these roles, he oversaw large portfolios of technology projects for a diverse range of companies.

Crystal Hartley-Lee joined Forestdale in 2021 and oversees Solution-Based Casework, family enrichment, advocacy, and staff development and monitors safety and risk. She has over 20 years of non-profit, clinic, and substance use experience and held the roles of Assistant Director of Care Management at Cardinal McCloskey and Clinical Supervisor at Addicts Rehabilitation Center. Mrs. Hartley-Lee earned her BA in Psychology with a Minor in Social Work from St. John's University and an MSW from Adelphi University. She holds an LMSW and is studying to obtain her LCSW. 

Rose M. Jones started working at Forestdale in 2006 as Director of Homefinding, securing foster care and adoptive homes for children. In 2011, she became Supervisor of Preventive Services and, after several promotions and internal rotations, is now the Trauma Systems Therapy (TST) Program Administrator. Ms. Jones graduated from Lehman College with a BS in Accounting, an MS Ed. in Learning Disabilities, and an MSW with a Clinical/Administrative concentration from Fordham University. She currently holds an LCSW-R. Though at times challenging,  she finds working with children and families rewarding.

Suchireta Kapoor oversees the Children’s Health Home Care Management Program and Forestdale’s medical clinic. She received her Master’s in Social Work from Stony Brook University in 2009 and is an LMSW. Ms. Kapoor has been working in the field of social services and child welfare for the past ten years. She was born and raised in Queens and has an extensive knowledge of the community resources that this borough has to offer.

RoseAnn Lowe worked in mental health for her entire career and joined Forestdale in 2016. She is a graduate of NYU School of Social Work, LCSW-R. Before, Ms. Lowe worked at the Institute for Community Living as the Director of School-Based Mental Health Programs in Brooklyn. She is motivated by seeing the potential and the growth in families and helping to advocate for and support children and families. She aims to ensure any work with children and families includes using a trauma lens and discussion about social justice and racial equity.

Yanick Maakheru works with Forestdale’s executive leadership and heads a team of professionals responsible for grant writing & management, community engagement, individual donor relations, and other fundraising activities that help support Forestdale’s innovative, trauma-informed programming. Ms. Maakheru has over 36 years of experience within the non-profit sector. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in health & nutrition sciences from Brooklyn College, CUNY.

Dominique Manfreda, has extensive experience as a child welfare expert and advocate. Before joining Forestdale, Ms. Manfreda practiced at Lawyers For Children for over 15 years, directing the Mental Health Advocacy Project. Ms. Manfreda holds an Advanced Forensic Interview Certificate, and received a Certificate in Social Work and The Law from Fordham University. She attended Siena College and Fordham University and is currently studying for her clinical social work license.      

Vicky Minor has been the Director of Human Resources at Forestdale since 2009. Prior to her role here, she was the Associate Director of Investment Banking Recruitment at UBS and the Campus Recruiting Manager for Citigroup in Long Island City.

Darya Moser plays a pivotal role in supporting the expansion of the Early Childhood Mental Health program. She leverages her extensive experience in child welfare, best practice implementation, and advanced clinical work to enhance and scale support services for New York's neediest families. Darya holds an MSW from Adelphi University and is a licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York State. She has earned an Executive Leadership Certificate from New York University and completed a Seminar in Field Instruction.

S. Jasmine Pitts joined Forestdale in 2019 with more than 20 years of experience in organizational management and child welfare services. She started as a case planner and progressed to leadership positions in various programmatic and administrative roles. Ms. Pitts's leadership focuses on increasing operational efficiencies through organizational and culture reengineering, including coaching and developing her team. She earned her MA in Education and Human Development from Binghamton University and her MSW from Hunter College School of Social Work.

Christine Rodriguez provides oversight, guidance, and strategic direction to the Reproductive Health programs (e.g., Parenting, Anger Management, Domestic Violence, Trauma-informed therapy, and Case Management). She also directly supervises MSW interns and provides direct services to Spanish-speaking clients. She has over 20 years of experience working with children and families in child welfare and school settings and holds a Master’s degree from the Hunter College School of Social Work. Ms. Rodriguez is an Adjunct Lecturer for the Department of Social Work at York College.