Grace Outreach

Zaukema N. Blanding Faculty

“Adult learners possess myriad scholastic aptitudes and therefore thrive in a creative environment free of judgment and condescension. In my class, I want students to not only get the content, but also to fall in love with learning.”

Zeki has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and earned Secondary School Certification in Social Studies from Duke University, where she received a four-year full academic/athletic scholarship. Zeki played basketball professionally in Europe for several years and then returned to New York City, where she earned her Master’s degree in Educational Psychology with specialization in Cognitive Studies in education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Zeki has been on the Grace Outreach staff since 2006.

“I live life with purpose, and my purpose is helping women to increase their confidence and acquire the tools for a brighter future.”

Karen Reposa Faculty

“I didn’t set out to be a teacher of adults, but I began doing so during my Peace Corps experience in rural Guatemala. When I returned to the United States, my path to the adult classroom was clear.”

Originally from Boston, Karen graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a dual degree in education and psychology. Karen has been a member of the Grace Outreach staff since 2006.

Carol Williams Faculty and College Prep Program Manager

Carol Williams joined Grace Outreach in 2008 to build both our academic and college preparatory programs. “I enjoy writing and critical thinking in particular. While it takes more time to give a student feedback on an essay, I believe that the time is worth it, as almost every student benefits from learning how to express herself more clearly and effectively.”

Carol earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Political Science from Lehman College, where she received the Ronald McNair Post- baccalaureate scholarship. She also obtained her Master’s degree in Human Development with specialization in Sociology and Educational Policy from Teacher’s College, Columbia University.

Elizabeth Diaz

“All of us have faced varying degrees of adversity in obtaining our diplomas,” says Elizabeth, who earned her GED with Grace Outreach in the early part of 2009 and was that year’s valedictorian. “Halfway through my senior year of high school, I found myself without a permanent residence. Believing that graduation was at that point impossible, I dropped out. By not finishing high school it was a crushing blow to everyone who knew me personally, especially to my family. They had held so many expectations for me. My dream of being a teacher was also put on hold. I spent the next three years in a sort of daze, going from bad job to worse job and working at minimum wage. Finally after a long conversation with a family member, I was convinced to go back to school. Almost two months of hard work and with the help of the Grace Outreach staff, I had that coveted piece of paper in my hands and I am truly amazed at how different I feel.”

Liz now balances her job as a tutor at GO with classes at Lehman College, where she is now a sophomore “When I go back to high school, it will be as a teacher.”

Nicola Clarke

Nicola earned her GED with Grace Outreach in the early part of 2009, and began tutoring in October, 2009. “My passion and career goal is to be a teacher. I have three young children at home and an additional part-time job, so tutoring is helping me explore the possibilities of a teaching career, while balancing other demands in my life.” Nicola co-led the implementation of Math Boot Camp in November of 2009, and has led 11 such Math Boot Camp sessions thus far. “I do love math in particular, and I really enjoy seeing Grace Outreach students gain confidence about math in my classroom.”

Nicola is returning to college this fall at Bronx Community College, beginning her coursework in the Education field.

Alia Melvin

Alia came to the USA from Jamaica in June, 2009. When she tried to enroll in college, she was told that her transcript from Jamaica was insufficient, and that getting a GED would give her a faster path to college matriculation. Alia found Grace Outreach online, studied with us for two weeks, passed her GED exam with ease, and accepted our invitation to become a tutor. “It was so lucky that I found Grace Outreach when I did, because they had exactly what I needed – a quick way to get the credential necessary for me to get into college. “

Alia carries a 3.45 GPA as a Lehman College sophomore, majoring in education. “I want to be a math teacher. Being a tutor at GO has helped me to experience a classroom, and how important it is to get down to eye level with every student.”

Derrian Robinson Lead Tutor

Derrian came to GO via her mother, who earned her GED with Grace Outreach in 2008. Derrian zipped through the GED prep classes and also enrolled in the College Prep program. She earned her GED in October, 2009 and began as a tutor that November.

Derrian balances her tutoring job with her college classes at Lehman College, where she is a sophomore majoring in nutrition.

Derrian was the valedictorian of GO’s class of 2010. “I was proud to stand up and speak on behalf of all the Grace Outreach students, but it is even more rewarding to help a student pass her exam and use that so she can go to a new, higher place in life. It is about forward motion.”

Lorraine Valentin

”The students might see me as a little strict, but I would say it is more like being direct and honest. We don’t have time to waste.” Lorraine earned her GED with Grace Outreach in 2007, and has been tutoring steadily since fall of 2007. She focuses on “C” level (lowest ability) students with specialties in math and social studies. Lorraine will begin college in Fall, 2011 to pursue degree in education. “I would like to be a teacher either at the Board of Education or with adults in a program such as Grace Outreach.”

Tamara Willoughby

For Tamara, receiving her general equivalency diploma was a clear sign that her life was moving forward. "I was just so excited," she said.

Tamara was one of 80 women who received their GED diploma in 2007.

Today, she is our longest-serving tutor, involved in every aspect of the GO curriculum and delivery. Tamara has developed a specialty  - "Test Prep" - working with students who are very close to the date of their actual test, and helping them learn test-taking strategies.  "Our students know the material - I like to help them relax, build their confidence, and know deep down that they will do their best on the GED exam."