Christine Schuch
Associate Executive Director
Bringing a passion for the health and well-being of underserved communities along with an extensive background in public interest and labor law, Christine provides big-picture oversight to United Community Schools while managing its central office staff, school-based staff and annual funding. She provides guidance and technical support to the advisory boards while deepening parent and community engagement for all United Community School sites. Christine’s work has been instrumental in growing United Community Schools from a six-school pilot to the largest network of community schools in New York City. She earned a BA in sociology/anthropology from Knox College in Illinois and her JD from the City University of New York School of Law. She also earned a certificate in leadership strategies from New York University School of Professional Studies.
Wanda Torres-Mercado
Senior Director of Partnerships and Evaluation
Wanda Torres-Mercado brings more than 30 years of experience in non-profit strategic planning, fiscal and performance management to leadership roles in the education and community and human services spaces. Currently as the Senior Director of Strategy and Operations at United Community Schools, Wanda sets the course for internal operations with lead responsibility for all fiscal and grant compliance. As the former Senior Director of Education for the United Way of New York City, Wanda managed a $14.5 million budget, including overseeing contracts and monitoring programs at 77 New York City schools. She was the Director of the Academic Opportunity Program and Minority Affairs at Union College where she spearheaded an innovative college recruitment program recognized by the New York State Education Department for her leadership, stellar retention rates and generating 85% growth during her five-year tenure. and was recognized by the for as AOP/HEOP Director at Union College. A sought after voice in state education circles, Wanda is a long-time steering committee member for the New York State Community Schools Network.
Nicole Kay
Senior Director of Operation
Roslyn Odinga
Senior Director of Professional Learning
Board of Directors
Karen Alford
President
In addition to serving as Board President and Executive Director for United Community Schools, Karen is the United Federation of Teachers’ vice president for elementary schools, a member of the New York State United Teachers Board of Directors and Peer Intervention Panel, the chair of the UFT Disaster Relief Fund, a board member of the W.E.B. Dubois Institute, and UFT Pension Board of Trustees, and she directs the union’s New Member Committee. A champion of early childhood education, Karen is masterful at guiding educators and partners to align strong academic programming with the socio-emotional supports for children—particularly those beset by need—to achieve and thrive.
Merrill Pond
Secretary
As Executive Vice President at the Partnership for New York City, Merrill is responsible for developing research that supports the nonprofit’s core initiatives—including helping build relationships between business and educators to ensure New York City students are prepared for success in a rapidly evolving economy. Merrill holds a master’s degree in Public Affairs, Environmental Policy from Indiana University, and both a Doctor of Law (JD) degree and a master’s degree in Law & Philosophy from the University of Connecticut. Her undergraduate degree is from St. John’s College, Annapolis, Maryland.
Kimberly A. Williams
Treasurer
Kimberly is the President and CEO of Vibrant Emotional Health, a nonprofit organization that helps over 4 million people each year achieve emotional well-being through high-quality, innovative programs. Her leadership in the field has been recognized by City & State New York, NYN Media, Mental Health Association in New York State, and the National Association of Social Workers NYC Chapter. Williams has been an adjunct lecturer at Columbia University School of Social Work and NYU Silver School of Social Work. Her voice has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, CBS Evening News, The Today Show and more.