About MMCC
Building Communities One Life at a Time
MMCC is a vital community resource that changes the course of lives of Bronx and Manhattan residents to a degree not otherwise possible. Each year, we serve more than 35,000 preschoolers, school age children, teens, adults and older adults through our support, enrichment, education and recreation programs, expanding their opportunities to live full, productive lives.
Our committed and well-trained staff consistently steps forward to guide and nurture people of all ages – often on an individual basis and frequently when they have no other place to turn. We open up entirely new possibilities for individuals, strengthening families and reshaping the neighborhoods we serve. Together, with MMCC’s help, the Bronx and Manhattan will continue to evolve as a dynamic, vibrant, safe community.
Our Core Values
We at MMCC deliver the services we promise. We do business with transparency, consistency and authenticity. Our relationship with each other and with everyone we serve, is based on honesty, trust and accountability.
At MMCC, Family and Community come first. We are sensitive to all culture, religions and LGBTQ+. We believe in equality and are responsive to the needs of our families and community. We strongly promote team building and positive communication.
We, MMCC, provide services with respect and compassion. We recognize that each individual is unique. Our change is driven by self-reflection and community feedback.
We, MMCC, provide innovative opportunities and education to improve the quality of life for everyone. We believe and promote personal and professional growth for our employees and each individual we serve and the programs we work with.
Executive Leadership
Rita Santelia
Chief Executive Officer
Agnes V. Matibag
Assistant Executive Director of CDC, Facilities, and Support Services
Michele Erazo
Assistant Executive Director of Finance, Compliance, and Human Resources
Mike Halpern
Assistant Executive Director of Youth Services, Workforce, Camp, and Marketing
Jackina Farshtey
Chief of Staff
Anthony Friedman
Director of Human Resources
Charles LaPorta
Director of Finance
Ivan Diaz
Director of Facilities and Operations
Liza Perez
Director of Workforce Dev. and Continuing Ed.
Tashan Dawkins
Director of Youth Services
Donna Mendoza
Director of Child Development Centers (CDC)
Christopherlie Roger
Director of Support Services
Board Members
David Ehrlich
President
Andy Cohen
Secretary
Bettyann Griffith
Secretary
Jon Lefkowitz
Agency Legal Counsel
Sam Silverman
Treasurer
Rita Santelia
Chief Executive Officer
Natly Esnard
Co-Chair
Melissa Bindra
Member
Lawrence Benenson
Member
Robert Esnard
Member
Roy Esnard
Member
Evelyn Figueroa
Member
Michael Foreman
Member
Francine Gordon
Member
Peter Haas
Member
Meredith Lipsher
Member
Alan Lovi
Member
Susan Memberg
Member
Robert M. Moore III
Member
L. Mark Nelson
Member
Andrew S. Rubel
Member
Arthur Rubinstein
Member
Annie Schlechter
Member
Moses Silverman
Member
Evelyn Solomon
Member
Robert Weiss
Member
David Dworin
Honorary Board Member
Michael Rubenstein
Honorary Board Member