Youth Services Staff
"We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives." -John Kennedy
The Youth Council is fortunate to have three talented professionals serving as the Youth Services staff members and Youth Employment Services coordinator and who are committed leaders that serve in the role as administrators, organizers, mentors, teachers, and friends. They are devoted individuals who cherish and help each child create a childhood that is safe, enriching, and memorable.
JoAnn Reed
Director of Youth Services
JoAnn Reed holds a Bachelor of Arts in Developmental Psychology and a Masters of Science in Counseling. She is also a Certified Prevention Professional. JoAnn has over 10 years of experience in the social services field. She has spent her career working with youth and families involved in the foster care system and victims of domestic violence. Prior to joining the Hastings Youth Advocate Team, she also served as clinical supervisor of an adolescent substance abuse outpatient program.
jreed@hastingsgov.org
914-478-3400 X647
Vernal Ford
Youth Advocate
Vernal Ford has a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology and Human Relations and a Masters of Arts in Mental Health Counseling. He has worked with the developmentally disabled for over 20 years most recently as a Behavior Intervention Specialist with the Young Adult Institute (YAI )in Tarrytown. For the past 10 years he has co-led a church youth group in Tarrytown. He has also coached youth sports in Tarrytown for 10 years.
vford@hastingsgov.org
914-478-3400 x646
Jill Iturbe
Youth Employment Service (Y.E.S.) Coordinator
Jill Iturbe holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She has spent many years working with adolescents and teens as a teacher, in school-based musical theatre, and as the Director of the Youth Employment Service for the past eleven years. Jill was a founding member and served as President of the Ardsley Education Foundation for ten years. She also served on the Building Leadership Teams of the Ardsley School System and Cultural Arts Chair of its PTA.
iturbej@hohschools.org
914-478-6266