Meet Our Team
Rev. Roland Whitley Jr was elevated to Chief Executive Officer for Community Technical Assistance, Inc. (CTA) in 2024 and has led CTA since its inception in 2002. His passion is to serve communities of greatest needs by reaching them where they are. His educational and professional experience brings creativity, unique planning strategies, and client engagement to ensure CTA is always delivering the highest quality of services.
What most folk don’t know?
Rev. Whitley loves to help others. His many degrees received from ACC, Ivy League, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) post-secondary institutions contributes to his vast mastery, insight, and application. He just loves expanding his learning and comprehends the relevance of building relationships and partnerships to create better environments.
Why does he continue to do this?
He responded, “serving others is part of kingdom building.” Yes, ‘The Reverend’s’ see’s what he does as his ministry. Receiving the “Presidential Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2023 demonstrated his years of impactful service and dedication to working with NC marginalized communities to have equal access to the same resources and services as everyone else at the same time as everyone else.
Ms. Moore participated in our our college intern program, where CTA offers young leaders the opportunity to intern with us during the summer. She showcased distinctive leadership qualities and performed exceptionally among her peers as an intern. Her GIS skills and strong research capabilities in disaster recovery reflect her commitment to the disaster recovery community. After earning her professional from the University of Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied City and Regional Planning, she acquired the necessary skills and became our newest staff member.
What most folk don’t know?
Ms. Moore was a major contributor to our Neuse River Basin Study, focusing on the effects of water on vulnerable communities during disasters. Her move from Florida to North Carolina plays a significant role in her decision to advocate for those affected by disasters. Her expertise in GIS, strong communication skills, and ability to foster partnerships are valuable assets in the disaster recovery field. Ms. Moore obtained her certification in Disaster Case Management (DCM) to further showcase her commitment to this area. We are pleased to welcome Ms. Moore as a team member with CTA.
Why does he continue to do this?
She responded, “I am excited to make the transition from academic studies to real-world application. I love structure and dedication required in a professional role to support those in need. I find fulfillment in disaster recovery, which is considered a significant area of work.”
Tresala is our gifted Mathematics Professional Development Specialist with teaching expertise in the classroom and on-line academic learning curriculums. She is a master at teaching students, teachers and leadership staffing on the what’s needed to excel using practical, proven and professional development strategies.
What most folk don’t know?
Tresala holds almost 30 years of in the classroom experience coupled with hands-on PD designed to get the most out of 21st century learning. She also hails from ‘Pirate’ nation’s Big East Conference of Seton Hall University with her Bachelor of Science in Education and Psychology. ‘Tres’ completed her Master of Education at Montclair State University. Her ability to listen and respond gives her the ability to work within many different learning environments.
Why does she continue to do this?
She responded, “I love math and want everyone to know-how mathematics is part of their daily life.” She knows how to wear her lovely sorority Greek letters and is an accomplished professional.
What most folk don’t know?
Tresala holds almost 30 years of in the classroom experience coupled with hands-on PD designed to get the most out of 21st century learning. She also hails from ‘Pirate’ nation’s Big East Conference of Seton Hall University with her Bachelor of Science in Education and Psychology. ‘Tres’ completed her Master of Education at Montclair State University. Her ability to listen and respond gives her the ability to work within many different learning environments.
Why does she continue to do this?
She responded, “I love math and want everyone to know-how mathematics is part of their daily life.” She knows how to wear her lovely sorority Greek letters and is an accomplished professional.
Wow, Niya Jackson join our team as our exceptional accomplished college intern in March 2021. Now, Ms. Jackson has become one of our elite Program Specialist. She has carved herself a niche dovetailing nicely with her biology and neuroscience skill set. She adds in-depth value and real experience to our programs and staff expertise.
What most folk don’t know?
She stands about 5 feet and is laser-focused on her tasks, which is a result of participating in NCAA collegiate sports. The CAAC institution at UNC Wilmington honed her gifts and talents that only a ‘Seahawk’ could achieve. Her attention to detail does not go unnoticed as she combs the data and specific details with her microscope.
What most folk don’t know?
She stands about 5 feet and is laser-focused on her tasks, which is a result of participating in NCAA collegiate sports. The CAAC institution at UNC Wilmington honed her gifts and talents that only a ‘Seahawk’ could achieve. Her attention to detail does not go unnoticed as she combs the data and specific details with her microscope.
Why does she continue to do this?
She wrote, “I enjoy working for a company that has a lasting impact on underserved black and brown people.” While Niya loves to wear her crimson and cream colors every opportunity she gets, she has found a passion in serving others.
Roland Whitley III was promoted to Senior Program Manager in 2023 and has lead our educational and youth programs. His leadership resulted in the implementation of our High Intensity Tutoring (HIT) services for K-12 graders, providing them with blended instruction in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Science. His passion for the youth lead him to continue developing our ‘You Got THIS’ to help struggling students turn around their circumstances to become future stars. He provided classroom instruction of our Global Scholars Program (GSP) to 6th and 7th grader middle schoolers who others said, “these students have no future.” Not only did the middle schoolers excel in his Career and Technical Educational (CTE) Global Scholar’s Program as they gained better awareness of the importance of higher education, got introduced to real-world professional fields of study, gain practical reasons why having a positive behavior is important, and getting introduced the concept of service learning, but their overall academic performance and growth witnessed sustained improvement.
What most folk don’t know?
As a 5th grader, Roland III actively participated in our then pilot CTE Global Scholars Program. Inspired by his involvement, Mr. Roland was “Hooked’ and continued his higher learning at the AAC institution East Carolina University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in marketing. After years of working and gaining the required professional experience, Mr. Roland studied and passed the Project Management Professional exam earning his Project Management Professional Certification (PMP) from the Project Management Institute. This accomplishment validates his skill to lead and manage projects and team members. He did not stop there as he obtained his certification in Disaster Case Management (DCM) to contribute to CTA’s visions of empowering citizens to create their community of choice, improve their quality of life and become leaders in their community.
Why does he continue to do this?
He responded, “I see how important making an investment in youth is needed to build the next generation. When I was young, I had the opportunity to work with leaders who cared about my future. Now, I get the chance to reach down and help a fellow brother or sister.”
Sherry Jones is our seasoned veteran in the educational world. She is a studious and passionate professional with extensive knowledge of teaching children and working with adults using modern methodologies. She is loaded with talent, passion and has a gift to build positive relationships.
What most folk don’t know?
Sherry is well accomplished as a former principal, curriculum facilitator, college liaison and teacher. She also got ‘Hooked’ at the AAC institution of East Carolina University with her Bachelor of Elementary Education as well as successfully completing her Master in Administration & Supervision from Phoenix University. Her outgoing and friendly personality allows her to be collaborative while delivering results.
What most folk don’t know?
Sherry is well accomplished as a former principal, curriculum facilitator, college liaison and teacher. She also got ‘Hooked’ at the AAC institution of East Carolina University with her Bachelor of Elementary Education as well as successfully completing her Master in Administration & Supervision from Phoenix University. Her outgoing and friendly personality allows her to be collaborative while delivering results.
Why does she continue to do this?
She responded, “I never left teaching.”Oh, she won’t eat Chick-fil-a sandwich without cheese. She loves to wear her favorite colors of pink and green ALL THE TIME!
Yasmyn is our talented English Language Arts (ELA) Professional Development Specialist with teaching expertise in the classroom and on-line academic learning curriculums. Her skill set mirrors her cool and calm personality. She brings a wealth of practical experience and teaching certifications to provide peer training, supervising, and facilitation to our staff.
What most folk don’t know?
Yas’ offers 19 years with technology integration of skills, best practices, and differentiated instruction with our academic curriculums. She is graduate of the Gothic Knights’ New Jersey City University’s College of Education with her Bachelor of Science in History & Elementary Education. Yas’ didn’t stop. She completed her Master of Education in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University, which also explains her wittiness and outgoing personality.
Why does she continue to do this?
Yasmyn responded, “Teaching is my bones and helping my fellow peers to be successful is worth the challenge.” My gosh is Yas’ fun to be around and she is tenacious with instructing her professional training session.
What most folk don’t know?
Yas’ offers 19 years with technology integration of skills, best practices, and differentiated instruction with our academic curriculums. She is graduate of the Gothic Knights’ New Jersey City University’s College of Education with her Bachelor of Science in History & Elementary Education. Yas’ didn’t stop. She completed her Master of Education in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University, which also explains her wittiness and outgoing personality.
Why does she continue to do this?
Yasmyn responded, “Teaching is my bones and helping my fellow peers to be successful is worth the challenge.” My gosh is Yas’ fun to be around and she is tenacious with instructing her professional training session.
Ms. Farrior served as our summer 2026 non-profit management intern, working within our educational sector. She engaged the relevance of non-profit work and supported our educational professional teacher trainings.