The Team
Who We Are
Phil Craig
Founder & CEO
At the Youth Career Jumpstart Program, we believe in the power of unlocking the full potential of our youth. We understand that being young can be both exciting and challenging, filled with dreams and aspirations yet accompanied by uncertainties and roadblocks.
As the CEO and Founder of this program, I, Dr. Phil Craig, am delighted to personally welcome you.
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With my extensive educational background, including a Masters in Business Administration and a Doctoral Degree, along with multiple coaching certifications, cognitive behavior training, and entrepreneurial experience, and over 20 years in Leadership positions I have dedicated myself to empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their highest potential.
As the President of Craig Consultants LLC, I have honed my expertise in personal and professional development, enabling me to guide others on their journey to success.
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I have faced numerous challenges throughout my own life, and I understand firsthand the feeling of not working to my full potential or purpose. I also know the longing for something more, yet not knowing how to attain it. This program is built on my personal journey of discovering my true purpose and wanting to share that knowledge with the younger generation.
Through our comprehensive program, we will provide a nurturing and empowering environment where our youth can explore their passions, develop essential skills, and gain practical knowledge. From career counseling and skill-building workshops to mentorship programs and real-world experience, our goal is to instill confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose in each participant.
By leveraging our expertise in teaching, coaching and personal development, we will guide our youth towards meaningful career choices and equip them with the necessary tools to excel in their chosen fields. We are committed to helping them break free from the limitations that may hold them back, enabling them to unleash their full potential and achieve their dreams.
I invite you to join us on this transformative journey. Together, let us create a future where our youth can flourish, overcome obstacles, and embrace their true potential. The time is now to empower the next generation, and I am honored to lead the way.
Thank you for choosing the Youth Career Jumpstart Program. Get ready to embark on a path of self-discovery, growth, and endless possibilities!
Warm regards,
Dr. Philip Craig
CEO and Founder, Youth Career Jumpstart Program
Ericka Johnson
Program Director
Meet Ericka Johnson, a dynamic leader and program director with a proven track record of over a decade in cultivating and streamlining programs. Drawing from her extensive experience as an administrator and entrepreneur, Ericka brings a unique blend of organizational expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to her role. As the founder of Johnson Administrative Services LLC, Ericka has honed her skills in streamlining operations and implementing effective strategies across various industries.
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She has served as a project manager, scheduling coordinator, patient coordinator, office assistant, and billing & coding specialist in the healthcare industry, gaining valuable insights into managing diverse responsibilities.
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With a passion for empowering young individuals, Ericka is dedicated to creating an environment that fosters growth and development. Her commitment to excellence and attention to detail ensures that the Youth Career Jumpstart Program runs seamlessly, providing invaluable opportunities for both staff and participants.
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Ericka leverages her experience and entrepreneurial mindset to drive innovation and success. She is adept at implementing efficient processes, refining strategies, and fostering collaboration to maximize the program's impact. Ericka's dedication makes her an invaluable asset, driving positive change and creating lasting impact in the lives of the youth we serve.
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Debbie Cuadrado
Administrative Assistant
My name is Deborah Cuadrado. I am a happily married mother of two. For the past eight years I have been a part of the education system. For six years I was school secretary at Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy, a private elementary and middle school in South Ozone Park. Most recently I became the Parent Coordinator at PS 207Q Rockwood Park in Howard Beach. I have strong ties to my community and am a Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Church. I am a proud member of the Youth Career Jumpstart Program and enjoy working with students of all ages and backgrounds. When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my children and my husband. I am an avid reader and love to cook.
Lydia Turley, LMSW
Social Worker
Lydia Turley, LMSW, is a highly valued member of the team for the Youth Career Jumpstart Program (YJCP). With years of administrative experience and over a decade of work in the social services sector, Lydia brings a wealth of expertise to her role.
Currently, Lydia also serves as a therapist at the Lifeline Center for Child Development, a specialized day treatment program for students with mental health disorders. Her extensive experience in this field has equipped her with the necessary skills to provide effective and compassionate support to individuals facing various mental health challenges.
Lydia’s commitment to helping others shines through in her work. With a master’s degree in Social Work, she combines her knowledge and practical experience to create a safe and nurturing environment for her clients. She employs evidence-based therapeutic techniques tailored to each individual’s unique needs, promoting growth, healing, and well-being.
Alison King
Lead Academic Instructor & Educational Consultant
Accomplished Human Resources’ Business Leader, Education Consultant, and Program Designer who is committed to transforming cultures, managing talent, developing strategy that motivates teams to exceed corporate objectives and maximize their brand potential in workforce development both in public and private sectors. Expert presenter; able to forge solid relationships and build consensus across multiple organizational levels.
Alison earned a Master of Science degree in Organizational Change Management from The New School University of Management and Urban Policy; a Bachelor of Science degree in Management/Marketing from Marymount Manhattan College and she obtained her certifications as a Master Coach and Cognitive Reflex Conditioning Practitioner from the Certified Coaches Federation. Her vision incorporates a big-picture approach; educating/coaching youth and adults alike with a diverse global population to excel and thrive.
As a Media Consultant, Alison continues to work on special projects, script development and media training. She has also driven change in the corporate sector. Ms. King is the Program Designer for the Youth Career Jumpstart Program and Career Jumpstart Entrepreneurship Programs. Alison King teaches at Plaza College as an Adjunct Professor and has taught at other respected colleges such as Baruch College, City University of New York and Marymount Manhattan College where she delivered lectures across all areas of Human Resources Management, Compensation Management & Benefits, Training & Development, Marketing and Public Relations and Communications.
Giovanna Keating
Instructor
Born and raised in Peru, South America. Giovanna immigrated to the United States in 2001, graduated from Stony Brook University in 2009, studied Business Administration with a minor in United States History. She devoted her time and energy to serve more than 15 years to the Hispanic community in Glen Cove and the North Shore as an English-Spanish Instructor-Coordinator.
Currently, Giovanna works as a Career Advisor which has given her the opportunity to enlighten individuals with their reinvention and rediscovery process. She strongly believes that "Education is Progress" and we are capable of redefining our present and future at any stage of our lives.
Rosa Zarzuela
Instructor
Rosa Zarzuela was born in the Dominican Republic. She moved to New York upon her graduation from Medical School to pursue her post graduate work in the medical field in the United States.
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Those plans were derailed with the beautiful event of the birth of her daughter. Rosa then decided to be a stay-at-home mother until her daughter went to school. Rosa redirected her focus and became an Office Manager at a Chiropractic office for a number of years. She subsequently changed gears to direct her attention and passion to Early Childhood Education. As rewarding as it is, Rosa was always motivated by helping people succeed. Presently, she works as a Career Advisor navigating clientele through the traumatic experience of assisting them to find a new career path due to the economic environment. This is where she continues to obtain her joy in their landing achievements.
