Mrs. Stern brings to Amani her experience as a college administrator, adjunct faculty member, and social worker. She attended New Rochelle Public Schools and earned a B.S. from Cornell University, an M.S. from The College of New Rochelle, an Ed.M from Teachers College, Columbia University and an M.S.W. from New York University.  A New York City native, Debra grew up in New Rochelle and then lived in Mount Vernon for many years, where she founded the Friends of Mount Vernon Public Library, and also served as President of the districtwide PTA Council. Prior to taking time off to raise her family and before founding Amani, Ms. Stern worked for many years in higher education administration at College of New Rochelle where she was the Assistant Director of Student Activities, at Barnard College where she was the Associate Director of Residential Life and later the Director of Pre-College Programs. For many years she continued to work in academia as an Adjunct Professor in Social Work at Concordia College.  This unique background makes her exceptionally qualified to lead the organization as it grows and pursues its mission of educational achievement.