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Meet Our Team

 
Executive Director

Rev. Roland Whitley Jr

Rev. Roland Whitley Jr. has been the Executive Director for Community Technical Assistance, Inc. (CTA) since its inception in 2002. His passion is to serve communities of greatest needs by reaching them where they are.

Rev. Roland Whitley Jr. has been the Executive Director for Community Technical Assistance, Inc. (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 the ACC, Ivy League, and HBCU post-secondary institutions contributes to his vast mastery, insight, and application. He just loves education and understands how important building bridges and relationships matter.
Why does he continue to do this?
He responded, “it’s in my DNA to help others!” Oh, ‘The Reverend’ likes to bring the word on a daily basis. He absolutely wears his royal purple and old gold colors all the time. Rev. Whitley was award the “Presidential Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2023 for his impactful and explementary service in NC communities.
Program Specialist

Niya Jackson

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.

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.

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.

Mathematics Professional Development Specialist

Tresala Smith Parker

Tresala is our gifted Mathematics Professional Development Specialist with teaching expertise in the classroom and on-line academic learning curriculums.

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.
Program Manager

Roland Whitley III

Roland Whitley III is our newest program manager to our leadership team who brings a tireless work ethic and attention to details. His 21st century skill set has resulted in well-planned and outstanding implementation of our program delivery.

Roland Whitley III is our newest program manager to our leadership team who brings a tireless work ethic and attention to details. His 21st century skill set has resulted in well-planned and outstanding implementation of our program delivery. The program staff, participants and community enjoy his personality and leadership style.
What most folk don’t know?
Roland III was part of our pilot program as a 5th-grader that led to the creation of our Global Scholars Program. He got ‘Hooked’ in the AAC institution at East Carolina University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in marketing. His development as a leader has been instrumental with integrating his college education with within his role as Senior Program Manager. His willingness to serve others is clearly within his DNA.

Why does he continue to do this?
He responded, “He wants to help people who need the help!” Oh, he loves the ‘Cookout,’ playing hoops, and hanging out with friends. No one has been most impacted by RWIII’s passion to help others more than the very people who he has helped.

Site Coordinator Scholar

Sherry Jones

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

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.

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!

English Language Arts Professional Development Specialist

Yasmyn Callender

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.

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.

Open Internships Opportunities

CTA understands the importance of developing new leadership. We welcome potential candidates to complete our interest form and one of our team members will follow-up.

Don’t worry about your major, year in school, or school you attend. We believe in you! Your willingness to work to improve the conditions, assist folk, and be part of something special is a vital component of what it takes to be a CTA Staffer.

Go to the form