Meet Our Amazing Staff
The staff at Connected Communities embody dedication and compassion in their roles, exemplifying selflessness and a genuine concern for the well-being of the individuals they serve. They approach their work with a deep sense of privilege, recognizing the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Beechwood and EMMA residents. Their commitment goes beyond mere duty; it stems from a heartfelt desire to uplift and empower the community.
Dr. LaShunda Leslie-Smith, DSW, LMSW, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Services from St. John Fisher College, a Master's in Social Work from the Greater Rochester Collaborative Master of Social Work Program, a Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership from Roberts Wesleyan College, a Certificate in Business Excellence from Columbia University, and Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California. LaShunda most recently served as the President and CEO of Young Women’s College Prep Foundation, Inc. LaShunda is an experienced organizational leader specializing in start up initiatives. LaShunda enjoys serving as a motivational speaker through workshop presentations and conference keynotes. LaShunda has been nominated and selected as the recipient for numerous awards and accolades, including being named Rochester Business Journal’s 40 under 40 honoree and Woman of Excellence Awardee, Girls Scouts of Western New York Woman of Distinction, and an ATHENA Young Professional finalist by the Women’s Council. LaShunda is blessed to share her life’s journey with her husband Moses and their two adult children, Branden and Myanna.
Dr. LaShunda
Executive Director
Janielle Crocker, MSOL, is a servant leader from Rochester, New York. She earned her Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from North Central University with a foundation in Human Service. She is strategic, personable, and committed to serving the communities to which she belongs. She uses her influence to inspire others and has been noted as detail-oriented and always willing to listen. Janielle brings over 15 years of experience in program design and development and project management. Her prior roles include director of the 21st Century Community Learning Center, Childhood Healthy Weight Project Manager, School Building Administrator, and Grants Manager. She is also a budding entrepreneur and committed to professional development. As the Chief Impact Officer, Janielle is responsible for process innovation and continuous improvement initiatives across our four pillars. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, sharing her faith, reading, and writing.
Janielle
Chief Impact Officer
Atashia Sinkler has served in the Rochester community through education, leadership, ministry, and quality program development over the last 15 years. As a Delaware native and now proud Rochestarian, she strives to build bridges, empower others, and inspire true community change. As a first-time homeowner planting roots in the Beechwood neighborhood, she is passionate about building equity, neighborhood pride, and increasing affordable homeownership. Atashia is an introvert who poses as an extrovert. She loves building and connecting with people. She is a proud mommy of a fabulous daughter and loves exploring nature and thrift shopping! Atashia has a B.S. in Communication Science from Nazareth College and strives to keep developing professionally and serve the Rochester community with excellence.
Atashia
Neighborhood HUB Director
Meghan Callan, M.S., M.Ed, earned a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University, a Master of Science from North Carolina State University and a Master of Education from University of Massachusetts, Boston. Meghan most recently served as the Sr. Director of Development at Hillside Children’s Center. Previously, she was a program leader with the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection youth development program for nearly 10 years, and prior to that, a public health and youth development professional in Boston, MA. Meghan enjoys exercising with friends, hiking with friends, and simply sharing space with friends. Her greatest joy is her three inspiring children, Keaghan, Ryleigh and Declan. And when able, a good romance novel and earl grey tea make for some powerful self-care!
Meghan
Director of Resource Development
Davis Craig, M.S., is a servant leader with a passion for economics, innovation, and public policy. Both in his role at Connected Communities and as a Rochester resident, Davis is driven to develop anti-racist systems that break cycles of poverty and enable equitable wealth building. Davis earned a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from The College of New Jersey. He began his career with the Peace Corps, serving as a Community Economic Development volunteer in Peru. Finding fulfillment in service work, he spent the next three and a half years as the Operations Manager for Spiritus Christi Church before returning to school for his graduate degree. In his spare time, Davis enjoys playing soccer and has played on teams in the United States, Germany, and Peru. He loves that on the soccer field, even if you do not speak the same language, you can communicate fluently with one another. He also enjoys reading, going on walks, and coding.
Davis
Director of Economic Empowerment
Shawn Hughes spearheads initiatives to advance affordable housing and optimize asset management strategies. With more than two decades of management experience and a decade of dedicated service in addressing the needs of homeless populations, Shawn is a leading advocate for improved housing access and support within Rochester, NY. His comprehensive expertise includes case management, supportive housing solutions, and the development and promotion of policies aimed at enhancing affordable housing. Raised in the Beechwood Community, Shawn's roots in Rochester are profound and personal. As a dedicated father of five—four daughters and one son, ranging from ages 8 to 24—Shawn understands the importance of stable, affordable housing for families. Outside of his professional role, Shawn is passionate about fishing and BBQ, finding joy in spending quality time with his family. His hobbies reflect his appreciation for the simple pleasures of life and his commitment to nurturing strong family bonds.
Shawn
Housing & Asset Management Director
Alicia Montalvo is driven by a passion for identifying the needs of her community and implementing creative solutions. As a former Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, she has excelled in facilitating group programs and organizing community events for the senior population. Her natural creativity shines through in her love for graphic design, painting, and DIY projects. Alicia has deep roots in the Beechwood neighborhood. She attended School 33 and East High School, and her family moved to Rochester from NYC, making Beechwood their home. Alicia’s connection to Beechwood remains strong, as she purchased her first home in the neighborhood and now serves on the Beechwood Neighborhood Coalition Board. Alicia earned her Bachelor's degree from Medaille College in Buffalo, NY. A tri-athlete at East High, she continued her basketball career in college. The discipline, work ethic, competitive spirit, and teamwork she developed through sports have greatly influenced her professional journey.
Alicia
Marketing & Communications
Project Manager
Jacqueline Procope-Isaacs is originally from the beautiful island of St. Kitts. She relocated to Rochester with her husband from Brooklyn twenty years ago and considers herself to be a “Rochestarian”. Before this role, she was the Office Manager at Young Women’s College Prep Foundation. With over 25 years of experience, she comes to us with professional executive organizational and operational management skills and experience. She is active in the community and volunteers her time as a bible teacher.
Jacqueline
Administrative Project Manager
La Keya
Education Project Manager
La Keya Hall is no stranger to the Beechwood neighborhood, having lived in the area as a child and committed to neighborhood enrichment through her faith-based connections. Her passion for stimulating change by meeting people where they are was cultivated by her work as a youth mentor and program leader in the faith-based community of Beechwood. Having spent more than twenty years in the human services sector, La Keya is a dedicated advocate with experience in supporting youth and families. She has fostered an atmosphere for individual growth, independence, and accountability through her work as a Substitute Teacher in the Rochester City School District and as a Care Manager and Skill Builder in the Rochester community. Being raised in a home where education was a priority, La Keya’s quest for knowledge developed into academic success. She obtained her bachelor’s in business, with a concentration in business administration, from Capella University and her master’s in legal studies from American Public University. She is a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. La Keya enjoys traveling and engaging in new adventures with her two children, Ellington and Harmony. She is a spoken word artist and bakes the most delectable lemon pound cake!
Tammy Westbrook is in her fifth year as a Resident Ambassador with Connected Communities. She is also a board member of the Beechwood Neighborhood Coalition. In her roles, she is focused on reducing violence in her community. Tammy also serves on the Housing Committee for Connected Communities; she is passionate about helping people become homeowners, as she has been a homeowner in Beechwood for 32 years. In 2019, she was accepted to speak at Communities Joined. in Action, a national conference in New Orleans, for her work she is not working; she likes puzzles, gardening, and spending time with her family. Tammy is a mother of four and has eight beautiful grandchildren.
Tammy
Lead Resident Ambassador
Sheila
Lead Resident Ambassador
Sheila Carpenter is a member of the fourth cohort of Resident Ambassadors. She and her six children have lived in Beechwood for six years. They have loved getting to know their neighbors, becoming a part of the community, and understanding their neighborhood's issues. She is excited about investing in her community and making a real difference through the Resident Ambassador position.
Solomon Davis is a member of the fourth cohort of RAs. He has been married for 18 years to his lovely wife Tracy. They have 4 adult children and 4 grandchildren. Solomon has 30 years of work experience engaging with people as a drug and youth counselor, therapist, and intake coordinator. He loves being the boots on the ground and conversing with residents! He believes that positive change in the community happens through authentic relationships.
Resident Ambassador
Briana
Resident Ambassador
Briana Middleton is a member of the fourth cohort of Resident Ambassadors. She is looking forward to learning more about her community, its current needs, and how to leverage resources on behalf of her neighbors. She is excited to truly listen and understand how the many different perspectives and experiences shape Beechwood and EMMA residents. She aims to make everyone feel connected, cared for, and accounted for.