Meet the Team

Founder & President

Hi, my name is Pesy Therese. I was was born and raised in Congo, DRC. As a child, I helped my grandmother raise pigs, chickens, and grow vegetables on her garden. This inspired my passion for farming, healthy eating and knowing where the source of our food comes from. Being in the U.S.A I became aware of the lack of education surrounding agriculture for our communities and understanding the challenges of a healthy diet. I recently opened a restaurant called TheCradlenyc, a West African restaurant were we grow and source our own produce at our farm,

TheCradleFarm. This has been the foundation for starting our initiative to help young children and families have access to healthy food and wellness.

Director of Philanthropy

Teya moved to NYC at the age of 18 to become a model. This experience allowed her to create a career and build the confidence she needed to overcome her stress disorder at 21. Seeing her own growth & accomplishments in life inspired Teya to pursue an education in psychology. Teya decided to dedicate her life to helping others in feeling empowered in their mental health journey. In July 2021 she founded ASAFESPACEMENTOR CORP. which is a non-profit that creates awareness and opportunities for mental health in undeserved communities at no charge.

Director of Curriculum and Programs

I am a Transformational Leader who embarked on a journey in education, starting as an elementary school teacher. Over time, my dedication to enhancing individual student performance, igniting students' curiosity, and fostering self-esteem among all learners grew immensely. As a result, I found my calling in empowering Educators, the heroes who shape young minds and leave a lasting impression on children's lives every day.

My ultimate objective is to craft captivating and challenging lessons for the young generation in the Rockaway's, ensuring their educational experience is both enriching and fulfilling.

Director of Business Affairs

Hi my name is Courtney Brokaw. I was born and raised in a small beach town in eastern Long Island, New York. Growing up I was exposed to the art world from a very young age. My mother is a working artist and taught me how to paint, draw and express my creativity through art. I would often attend her shows and events. That later inspired me to attend art school in Manhattan at The Fashion Institute of technology where I would receive a BA in the Fine Arts and a minor in Textile and surface design.

Following graduation and after a brief stint in corporate America, I decided to pivot and put my skills towards more grassroots organizations such as my Mother’s non for profit, ‘Survivors Art Foundation’. An organization that sponsors art exhibitions and artistic projects for members who have survived a trauma and is staffed by volunteers who live around the world. Their motto is “healing through the art.

After my experience of working with my mother’s organization I decided I wanted to continue on the same path in my own community of the rockaway where my family lives and owns a local business.