Gellenia Smallwood

Gellenia has a wealth of experience, skills, and knowledge working with various populations in early foundations work, P-12 direct student services, college access, foster care/adoption, and other, human and social services.

Since 2019, Gellenia has focused on developing more early education resources for Buffalo families, while leading programming for Parent Centers in Buffalo Public Schools. As a parent herself, she knows how critical it is to have options for early education that are free for families.

Gellenia understands the relationships she builds are the most important factor in her work with families, and authentic engagement that begins with establishing the trust of those she serves is a high priority. The aforementioned is key in her personal “heart work” which includes Etiquette and Character Education Coaching, Educational Consulting, and Mentoring.

In all that she does Gellenia’s most enjoyable work is being a mom to her daughter who she says was “conceived in her heart”. In her spare time, you can find Gellenia traveling, having mommy and me dates, shopping, reading, planning events, and supporting the work and accomplishments of her dear friends and family.

Stacy Bisker

Stacy started with volunteer coordination as a Work Study placement at the Boys & Girls Club in inner-city Columbus, OH. She then ventured down a career path in youth development and non-profit administration that meandered across the country, through multiple organizations and positions, which led her to the steps of Say Yes Little Scholars more than two decades later. Her passion for service and building connections sustain her. Three-year-old Stacy, saw her adult self as an astronaut or engineer after many hours spent tinkering in the metalsmithing workshop of her grandfather, “assisting” with building a log cabin, or at her father’s side as he welded a wood burning stove. Listening to stories and the retold adventures of the adults around her fostered a craving for travel through this planet or to others. She’s very happy to share that she’s had and continues to have adventures that satisfy her cravings, and “engineering” programs with our Early Childhood Services team is exactly where she needs to be.

Sarah Hanley

Sarah graduated from Niagara University in 2011 with a bachelor’s in Social Work and graduated with her Masters from SUNY Buffalo in 2012. Since then, she has earned her license and worked with families impacted by domestic violence in Niagara and Erie Counties. She has been with Say Yes Buffalo since 2016, working in the school-based preventive program for 6 years before transitioning to her role as Supervisor of Family and Community Partnerships for the Say Yes Little Scholars Program.

Jennifer McLean

In 2007, Jennifer completed her coursework at Daemen College earning a Bachelor of Science with a dual focus in both Childhood Education & Childhood Special Education. Jennifer completed her degree with high honors graduating Summa Cum Laude. As a proud graduate of Daemen College, Jennifer has served as the chair of the National Alumni Board of Governors’ Institutional Advancement Committee. As committee chair, Jennifer led collaborative efforts in which she promoted campus giving and continued alumni engagement. In 2009, Jennifer graduated from Canisius College with a Master of Science in Education. During her time at Canisius College, Jennifer majored in Differentiated Instruction with an additional focus in Gifted & Talented Education. Jennifer holds four New York State Professional Teaching Certifications including Early Childhood Education B-2 & Students with Disabilities B-2, Childhood Education 1-6 & Students with Disabilities 1-6. Jennifer is now the Curriculum & Instructional Specialist for the Say Yes Little Scholars Program, and she acts as a coach and trainer for early childhood educators.

Madeline Little

Madeline is from the East Side of Buffalo, NY. She graduated from Hutch Tech High School in 2016, and went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a minor in African American Studies from The State University of Fredonia in 2020. Last year, she completed her Masters in Public Relations from Buffalo State College.

Madeline’s passion for education and community development led her to work with Say Yes Buffalo for 4 years, starting as an intern before accepting a full-time position in 2021. Say Yes Buffalo has been instrumental in Madeline’s personal and professional growth, providing her with a network of professional mentors who share her background and values.

In her previous role as a Community School Navigator, Madeline provided critical resources and support to underrepresented students, including mentoring, mental health services, tutoring, and more. Her own experience with Say Yes Buffalo helped inspire her to give back and create educational opportunities for young people.

Madeline now serves as the Communications Specialist for Say Yes Little Scholars, where she leads the development and implementation of communications strategies to raise awareness and understanding of the program. She is excited to continue growing and learning in this position!

Ruqayyah Simmons

Meet Ruqayyah Simmons, our new Curriculum and Instruction Supervisor. With four years of experience as a dedicated teacher at a local Buffalo Charter School, and a background as a Community Schools Navigator with Say Yes, Ruqayyah brings a wealth of knowledge. She holds a B.A. in Public Communications and M.S. Ed from Buffalo State, as well as an M.S. in Executive Leadership and Change from Daemen College, specializing in Nonprofit Leadership and Business. A recipient of the Change makers 30 Under 30 Award in 2017 and a finalist for the 2021-2023 Excellence in Education Award for 4th-6th grade Teacher of the Year, Ruqayyah is deeply committed to community service. She co-founded Black Boys Read Too in March 2022, aiming to break the cycle of illiteracy and inspire a love for reading among African American boys.

When she was three, Ruqayyah wanted to be a teacher. Being the oldest of three, Ruqayyah grew up playing school with her younger sister and brother and she was always the teacher.

Andrea Guzman

I am the Family and Community Partner Coordinator for the Say Yes Little Scholars Program. Prior to taking on this role, I was a Family Support Specialist under the Preventive Service umbrella of Say Yes Buffalo. I have worked with youth and families for much of her professional career, with Head Start Teacher, Service Coordinator, and Erie County Child Protective Services Case Worker being some of the positions she has held. I am passionate about providing youth and families access to services that address their needs as well as barriers to obtaining quality education and employment within our community.

When I was three I wanted to be….. a Teacher! 

The first career goal I remember having was to be a schoolteacher. I was very inquisitive as a child and loved to talk and share things I’d learned with others which carried through into adulthood where I actually did fulfill that goal!

Eivory Eison

Eivory Eison has over 25 years’ experience working in the field of Early Childhood Education. 

 Eivory began her career as a teacher and went on to become a Social – Emotional Curriculum Coach,  and a Head Start Education Manager. She currently serves a Curriculum & Instructional Specialist for the Say Yes Buffalo -Little Scholars Three-year-old program. My career focus has been working to empower children & families through healthy Social -Emotional skill development. Ms. Eison states “ a better tomorrow starts with educating and empowering the children today”.