Theme: MINDSET OVERHAUL: Breaking Limitations

TEDxElmPark is a TEDx Talk brought to Staten Island. The ‘Elm Park’ connotes a community(ies) on Staten Island.
In the spirit of TED’s mission, “ideas worth spreading,” the TEDx program helps communities, organizations and individuals produce TED-style events at the local level. TEDx events are planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis, under a free license from TED.
TEDx Talks are TED-like events that are organized by volunteers around the world and are focused on “ideas worth spreading.”

To this end, TEDxElmPark is the first of its kind on Staten Island and we shall be hosting a plethora to professionals, Experts to shed light on varied topics ranging from Mental wellbeing, to the future of Education, to the future of Work and Building local businesses for community development and enhancement.

Hilton Garden Inn
1100 South Avenue
Staten Island, New York, New York, 10314
United States

Dr. Frances Meléndez, PhD LCP

Clinical Professor | Director, Arts in Mental Heath Counseling

Frances A Meléndez, Ph.D. Clinical Professor, Director of the Clinical Mental Counseling Program at the College of Staten Island is a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of New York. She is a graduate of the College of Staten Island and received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the Graduate School of The City University of New York. Dr. Meléndez has extensive experience working with adults and children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS in particular women over 50. Her work with women over 50 has been the focus of a New York Times article, a documentary, and several media interviews. She was awarded the 2018 2nd Chance International Women of Achievement Award. Dr. Meléndez is a member of the Council of Counseling Psychology Training Programs, American Psychological Association, National Latino Psychology Association for Hispanic Mental Health Professionals, American Mental Health Counselors Association and New York State Psychological Association.

Dr. Jonelle Knox

Associate Higher Education Officer | Associate Adjunct Professor(CUNY), College of Staten Island, NY

Jonelle Knox, Ed. D has more than 20 years of higher education, corporate, and governmental experience. Dr. Knox currently serves as Associate Higher Education Officer - Academic Affairs at the College of Staten Island (CSI). Prior to his appointment at CSI, Jonelle served as Chief of Staff to the Provost at Westchester Community College. He has worked as both a full-time and adjunct associate professor for more than seventeen years at institutions including: Kennedy King College, Moraine Valley Community College, Westchester Community College, Medgar Evers College and currently at Bronx Community College (BCC). Prior to working full-time in higher education, Dr. Knox worked for more than 15 years at various governmental agencies and financial institutions including: RBC Bank, The State of Maryland (Financial Institutions Examiner), and NovaStar Home Mortgage. Additionally, Dr. Knox serves as a board member on The National Council for Student Development (NCSD).

Dr. Sugi Sugandika T. Subawickrama

DSL, LMHC (NY), LPC (NJ). Licensed Psychotherapist

Dr. Sugi (Sugandika T Subawickrama) is originally from a beautiful island called Sri Lanka. She is a licensed psychotherapist in New York (LMHC) and New Jersey (LPC), a certified substance abuse clinician (Master CASAC) in New York and internationally, and Dr. Sugi has worked in Behavior Health, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counseling for over 20 years in various treatment settings. Her educational journey in Sri Lanka, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States helped her to learn coping strategies and leadership skills. Dr. Sugi completed her Doctorate in a Strategic Leadership program with a 4.0 GPA and is affiliated with Honor societies: Sigma Beta Delta and Omega Nu Lambda. In addition, she is a member of the American Counseling Association. She is a volunteer TED translator, and she has 2 YouTube channels in Sinhala (2 years) and English on Mental Health and empowering individuals.

Gail Wodkiewicz, MA, LMHC, NCC

Founder and Clinical Director, Integrative Mental Health Counseling of New York, PLLC

Rev. Gail Wodkiewicz, a New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) will help explore this and bring you closer to YOUR truth. She is certified as a trauma professional, in suicide and self-mutilation and Brainspotting. Gail completed her certificate in credentialed alcoholism and substance abuse, bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at The City University of New York, College of Staten Island, with the highest honors. She is currently the founder and Clinical Director of Integrative Mental Health Counseling of New York, PLLC. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, New York Mental Health Counselors Association and was a founding member of the Staten Island chapter.

Kecia Weaver

Attorney | Real Estate Broker | CEO- Pavilion on the Terrace, Staten Island, NYC

Like most on this distinguished panel, Kecia wears many hats. She is not only a single mom, but is an accomplished attorney and real estate broker, with over 20 years experience in the male dominated NYC real estate market. In 2013, inspired to make a living legacy, she purchased the historic but completely dilapidated landmark, the Pavilion of the Terrace; and after subsequent years of painstakingly renovating the Pavilion to its former glory and fighting arduous government bureaucracy and red tape, resurrected the “old lady” to her former glory and prestige. The ‘new’ Pavilion on the Terrace® under Kecia’s leadership and vision, gives patrons a sophisticated and elegant venue that can perfectly host any special event. Her dedicated and experienced banquet hall staff will attend to every detail and assure a memory that guests and patrons will always cherish–making their event not only creatively elegant but truly amazing.

Tanisha Franks

Educator, New York City Department of Education

Tanisha Franks is a lifelong Staten Islander. She is a mother of three, unionist, community organizer, and educator. She graduated from the College of Staten Island in 1998 and went on to receive her first Master's degree from there some years later. She is currently pursuing an additional Master's degree from the School of Labor and Urban Studies in New York City. Her professional life is a blend of her love of teaching and learning and activism. After teaching for 14 years, she left the classroom for a full time position with the NYC educators' union, the United Federation of Teachers. As a union representative, she continues to advocate for the best and equitable education for all students in NYC as well as elsewhere in the US. She is a member of her local chapters of the NAACP, NCNW and New York State Women (NYSW).

Victoria Parascandola LMHC

Adjunct Lecturer, Clinical Mental Health and Counseling, College of Staten Island, NYC.

Victoria Parascandola is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) specializing in trauma and addictions. Victoria is passionate about treating individuals who have been stigmatized and marginalized due to their behavioral health issues. A Staten Island native, Victoria received her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the College of Staten Island, CUNY. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Macaulay Honors College at CSI. She is certified in utilizing integrative trauma treatment and trained in EMDR, through the National Institute for the Psychotherapies. Victoria began her career working with children in foster care and women in the community suffering from substance use disorders. She then went onto working as a counselor in an outpatient clinic on Staten Island for adults with dual diagnoses, working her way up to Clinical Supervisor and then Clinical Director.