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Meet Our Team

Rev Roland Whitley Jr

Executive Director

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 HBCUpost-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.

Roland Whitley III

Program Manager

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.

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.

Sherry Jones

Site Coordinator Scholar

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!

Niya Jackson

Wow, Niya Jackson came to us as our exceptional accomplished college intern. She planned her 12 month schedule as part of her ‘gap year’ for medical school and we are excited to have her during these 12 months on our team. Her biology and neuroscience skill set adds value 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.

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.” Niya loves to wear her crimson and cream colors every opportunity she gets.

Tresala Smith Parker

Mathematics Professional Development Specialist

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 more than 26 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.

Yasmyn Callender

English Language Arts Professional Development Specialist

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.

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