About Us
Our Professional Staff
Elizabeth A. Geary, M.Ed., LMSW
Director of The Community Programs Center of Long Island, Inc.
Betsy brings more than thirty years of educational, social work and program administration experience to her role as Director of the Community Programs Center of L.I. (CPC), the sponsoring agency of The Children's Community Head Start and Early Head Start. She completed a Bachelors degree at Rhode Island College and Masters degrees at Boston College and Hunter College School of Social Work. Providing services that support individuals and families caring for their young children or elderly parents has been the hallmark of her professional life. Betsy's leadership is directed toward establishing and maintaining systems that promote excellence in every area of our service.
Denice Karotseris, M.S. Ed
Director of The Children's Community Head Start
Denice has been a Director of Early Childhood Programs for the past 30 years and has been a Director with the Head Start Program since 2003. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Special Education and a B.A. in Early Childhood Education. She has experience as a preschool teacher and as a resource room teacher for children with disabilities when she taught in a Head Start Program in 1980. She also held the position of Education/Disabilities manager in a Head Start program many years ago, before working in childcare, campus childcare and currently Head Start. She is a NYS certified teacher in early childhood and elementary education and special education with an emphasis in working with emotionally challenged and mentally challenged children. Denice is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), The National Head Start Association (NHSA), Suffolk Child Care Council, and the Suffolk County Association for Education of Young Children. She is also federal reviewer for Head Start programs and formerly a "validator" for NAEYC accredited programs. Denice believes children thrive in environments that support, respects and provide for individuality and that all children have the right to be given the best opportunities with which to learn and grow. Denice believes that all children deserve a "head start" and remains committed to serving children and families in the community.
Denise Ferrera, M.A.L.S., S.D.A.
Director of The Children's Community Early Head Start
Denise has been in the field of early childhood education since 1986 and has been with The Community Programs Center of Long Island since 1999. She holds a BS in Education, a Masters in Liberal Arts with a focus on Family Studies and Education, and a Masters in Educational Administration. She is a NYS certified teacher and has taught all age groups, from infants to college in a variety of settings including day care, Head Start, special education, public school and college. Denise is a professional trainer and speaker for early childhood agencies, including Suffolk Child Care Council, National Association for the Education of Young Children, Tuoro College and Head Start. Her personal philosophy is that children flourish in a warm nurturing environment that provides a variety of experiences. Denise is proud to have developed the Early Head Start for the Children's Community and recognizes the important role the program plays in improving the lives of pregnant women, children and families. Denise is the mother of five children.