Tasha Gardner is an Education Specialist in the Center for Afterschool and Expanded Learning, responsible primarily for content development and training. Prior to joining Foundations, Tasha spent 16 years working in higher education creating and managing support programs for students of color, students from underserved areas, and students who were the first in their families to go to college. 

Erica Hoskins is an Education Specialist in the Center for Afterschool and Expanded Learning, responsible primarily for content development and training. Prior to joining Foundations, Erica spent 16 years in workforce development, designing and implementing programs that focus on supporting youth through mentoring, career exploration, college readiness and academic success.

Erica is most proud of her former students’ successes; she is particularly excited to see them grow and to know that she’s had a positive impact on their lives. This is shown in her favorite quote, which comes from the song “Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston: “I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way.” 

Jermaine “Jay” Kamau is an Education Specialist in the Center for Afterschool and Expanded Learning, responsible primarily for content development and training. Jay has spent over two decades in education, working tirelessly to innovate and uplift the learning experience for students and educators alike across various settings, including K-12, vocational, alternative, and online schools. His greatest professional pride comes from the lasting impact he’s made on both students and colleagues, helping them grow both personally and professionally.

Jay draws daily inspiration from Malcolm X’s poignant observation: “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” This quote perfectly encapsulates his belief in the transformative power of education and his dedication to preparing individuals for a brighter, more informed future.

Shanika Peck is the Director, Career Programs within the Center for Afterschool and Expanded Learning, providing professional development, technical assistance, and content development to our clients nationwide. She is an experienced educator and accomplished organizational leader with a deep commitment to diversity, social justice, and equity.

Shanika is a strategic thinker and spent eight years focused on holistic learning and equity with elementary school students, young professionals, and adults in a wide variety of learning environments. She provided instruction and advocacy for her students at the Christina Seix Academy in Trenton, NJ — holding a variety of roles, including Intervention Coordinator and Lead Instructor.  Shanika holds a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Maryland in Elementary Education and a master’s degree from Saint Joseph’s University in Organizational Leadership, focusing on Talent Development.

Javine Smith is an Education Specialist in the Center for Afterschool and Expanded Learning, responsible primarily for content development and technical assistance training.

Javine has several years of experience working in out-of-school time programs, including at the program she attended as a child. While in high school, she volunteered and received several community service credits for work at that location. Javine would eventually be hired and later promoted into a leadership position at that same site, where she developed a passion for ensuring quality program design and consistent staff development. These components are reflected in several programs, partnerships, and trainings that she implemented during her tenure.

Javine’s proudest accomplishment is ensuring that students are awarded experiences that they would not typically have access to. She values fostering new relationships that result in long-lasting collaborations and continuous professional growth. A Philadelphia native, she is accustomed to the city life but likes to travel to tropical locations across the globe.