Winsome Wishes for KIDS

Kids Institute Development Services

Our Vision

To ensure that all schools have the academic resources, trained teachers, and funding necessary to reach educationally marginalized children.

Mission Statement

To help children with learning challenges or disabilities become their best selves. To facilitate teacher education in any way we can to enrich their students’ lives while enhancing their knowledge and techniques.

Our History

For many years, Simone helped create an avenue to strengthen support of schools and organizations across Jamaica. Family and friends who saw her never-ending commitment to the needs of children encouraged Simone to follow her dream to make a positive and lasting impact on education for marginalized students. And in February 2020, Winsome Wishes for KIDS was founded, with the name bearing homage to the memory of her dear sister, Winsome Kirkland.

Simone’s passion was influenced and shaped in her primary years of education by her favorite teacher Mrs. Roslyn Smith. Auntie Rosie, as Mrs. Smith was affectionately called by most students and teachers at Vaz Prep School, spent her entire life committed to shaping the minds and souls of children through her love for education and sports.

“Mrs. Smith was full of energy and the life of Vaz Prep School. She was their champion cheerleader and her voice and excitement could always be felt motivating our team at every sporting event the school participated in. My personal experience with her begun when I was struggling academically in my class and was often lost in my own shell. Auntie Rosie recognized my weaknesses, took a keen interest in me, filled me with her spirit and taught me how to soar to the top of the class. She is hands down one of the best human beings I have encountered in my lifetime.” – Simone Fisher Sobers

It is this spirit of giving back and sharing access to quality education upon which Winsome’s Wishes for KIDS was founded. Everyone deserves a great education, and not every child learns the same way: We are working to change the paradigm of education in Jamaica, one child at a time.

Come join us on this adventure, guided by our motto “Here to help whomever, whenever and wherever possible.”

Trustees

Simone Fisher Sobers

President

She is the founder and President of Winsome Wishes for KIDS, Inc. (WWKIDS), a not-for-profit organization based in New York City.

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Neda Navab

Director of Fundraising

She is from Tehran, Iran and has lived in the US since 1980. She had a career as a senior executive advertising and branding for national and international agencies in San Francisco and New York.

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Curtis McDowell

Treasurer

He is a bilingual business professional based in the Dominican Republic with a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Curtis offer business consultancy and advisory services primarily in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.

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Annie Zheng

Assistant Treasurer

She is a Director and Treasurer of WWKIDS. The organization’s mission is close to Annie’s heart after witnessing a close family member dealing with a severe learning disability.​

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Marlene Jackson

Secretary, NY

Marlene Jackson was born in Kingston, Jamaica, lived in the Grand Cayman Islands, and migrated to the United States in the early 1980s. She joined the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in 1990 as an administrative assistant, working in various departments until 2003.

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Karlene Crossdale

Director

She is a Registered Professional Nurse specializing in Adult Gastroenterology at The Northwell Health Systems in Long Island, NY and a recipient of the 2014 Northwell Health System Hospitality Agent Award

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Stephanie Mooney Clark

TBA

mother of three, painter, photographer, former model, and lover of life, was born and raised in Indiana. As a child, she was captivated by the natural scenes that have profoundly influenced her artistic style.​

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Sharon Cawley-Johnson

Secretary, Jamaica

hails from the parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. She is a graduate of Holmwood Technical High School and Kingston Technical High School. She furthered her studies at the College of Arts, Science & Technology, as well as other institutions, including the Institute of Management & Production and others.

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Advisors

Sandra Bramwell-Rose

Educational Consultant - Jamaica

He is the product of a spiritual and educational household.  His father was a pastor and mother an educator, whose influences within the community helped to lay a strong foundation for many.

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Judean Brown-Woelfle

Education Advisor Support

a native Jamaican, moved to the United States at 18 and has since spent most of her time in New York. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from Queen’s College in Queens, New York, followed by a master’s degree in Special Education

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Rochelle Cohen-Levin

Learning Specialist Advisor

She is the founder and President of Winsome Wishes for KIDS, Inc. (WWKIDS), a not-for-profit organization based in New York City.

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Marsha Finletter

Education Advisor Support

She is a certified Exceptional Student Education (ESE) educator in Florida with over 15 years of experience in both Jamaica and the United States. She has held various roles, including school personnel clerk, officer, substitute teacher, and executive secretary.

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Alderine Healey

Education Advisor Support

I have been a Pre-K teacher at the YMCA Paulding Early Learning Center for the past 14 years. I am a certified early childhood educator with a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and was honored as the Georgia Pre-K Teacher of the Year for 2020-2021

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Ronique Holgate

Educational Advisor

She is a Registered Professional Nurse specializing in Adult Gastroenterology at The Northwell Health Systems in Long Island, NY and a recipient of the 2014 Northwell Health System Hospitality Agent Award

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Pam Loree

Educational Consultant

She has dedicated her life to teaching young children. She earned an undergraduate degree from The University of North Texas in 1971 and a MS degree in Family and Child Development from Kansas State University in 1974.

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Support Team

Christian and Kristina Bhalai

Networking

Dwayne Farquaharson

IT Web Design

Heather Smith

Networking

Raymond Anglin

Logistics & Operations

Simone Sobers

Simone Sobers is the founder and President of Winsome Wishes for KIDS, Inc. (WWKIDS), a not-for-profit organization based in New York City.  The organization’s primary goal is to obtain and grant academic resources, professional development for teachers, and financial assistance to schools in need.  Simone’s passion for her island homeland coupled with her determination to provide an exceptional education for the children of Jamaica who struggle with learning challenges is reflected in WWKIDS’ mission.

Simone is the mother of two children who graduated from NYC independent schools. Her understanding of the value of a strong educational foundation is always present in her personal and professional life. As a Management Accountant at St. Bernard’s School in New York City since 2003, Simone enjoys her role as an active member of the school community, having served on many committees. Currently, she is the co-chair of the Community Service Committee after having served on both the Multicultural and Conduct Committees. Simone has a unique ability to organize student-led drives and collect tangible donations like reading books, computers, and school equipment. She also serves as a director on the board of Empower Youth Corp(EYC) – empowering Ugandan children through sports and VPS Alumni Ja. Chapter.

She has always been quick to recognize a need and immediately collected coats and rain-boots after the floods damaged parts of Jamaica in 2008. Giving back holds great importance to Simone and she had a moment of great pride when she was able to provide used books to her alma mater, Vaz Preparatory School, in Kingston, Jamaica. Simone’s successful ability to raise the funds necessary to provide assistance to students is apparent to all the donors who support her vision. Simone’s energy and never-ending commitment to the needs of children in Jamaica make her a genuine asset to this cause. Her personal motto today and for the future is, “I’m not on earth for myself. I am here to help whomever, whenever and wherever possible”.

“My late sister was an inspiration to many, but especially to me. She showed me what compassion coupled with action can accomplish, and her legacy would remain incomplete if I were not to follow her example.” It is this spirit of giving back and sharing access to quality education upon which Winsome’s Wishes for KIDS was founded. Everyone deserves a great education, and not every child learns the same way: We are working to change the paradigm of education in Jamaica, one child at a time. I invite you to join me on this adventure!”

Neda Navab

Neda Navab is from Tehran, Iran and has lived in the US since 1980. She had a career as a senior executive advertising and branding for national and international agencies in San Francisco and New York. She serves on several non-profit boards including New York Common Pantry and the Women’s Committee of Central Park Conservancy.​

She is the former President of the Brick Church Women’s Association and an Elder of the Brick Church serving on their Day School Committee for 6 years. Neda and her husband support educational non-profits including an ongoing relationship with the African Dream Academy in Liberia since its inception in 2012. They’re the proud parents of 2 boys, ages 16 and 14 and reside in NYC. She’s involved with WWKIDS because she believes all children and their teachers deserve access to training and support services so there is equity in the classroom.

Curtis McDowell

I am a bilingual business professional based in the Dominican Republic with a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. With over twenty-five years of progressively responsible experience, I offer business consultancy and advisory services primarily in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. My expertise spans various industries, including technology, media, tourism, trading, manufacturing, and financial services.

I assist entrepreneurs and enterprises with launching new businesses, market expansion, sourcing goods and services, selling businesses or finding investors, and providing general business advice and networking initiatives. I also offer services such as raising capital, financial modeling, valuations, research, and industry insight reports.

In 2007, I co-founded JMMB’s first Spanish-speaking subsidiary in the Dominican Republic. I prepared the feasibility study, secured board approval, and managed the project to establish operations, which included budget development, legal formation, personnel recruitment, document translation, banking relationships, and office setup. Over the years, I have held various leadership positions, contributing to the successful expansion and consolidation of JMMB as a financial group in the Dominican Republic. JMMB is now recognized as one of the Top 20 Great Places to Work in the Dominican Republic.

Annie Zheng

Annie Zheng is a Director and Treasurer of WWKIDS. The organization’s mission is close to Annie’s heart after witnessing a close family member dealing with a severe learning disability.​ Her first exposure in the education field was soon after the birth of her son. For three years, Annie was the owner and Program Director of The Mandarin Treehouse, a language program for young children based in New York City.

Previously, Annie had over ten years of experience in real estate financing and debt capital markets; she worked for GE Real Estate, Merrill Lynch, Lehman Brothers, and Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette. Annie received her Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from New York University, Stern School of Business and her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University. She and her husband have a teenage son and reside on the West Coast.

Marlene Jackson

Marlene Jackson was born in Kingston, Jamaica, lived in the Grand Cayman Islands, and migrated to the United States in the early 1980s. She joined the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in 1990 as an administrative assistant, working in various departments until 2003. She then worked for the New York Blood Center as an Office Manager and at the Westchester Medical Center in the Quality & Safety Department until 2021.

From 2015 to 2019, Marlene served as the president of the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) at Mercy University for Peekskill Middle and High Schools. Since 2015, she has been a board member of the Westchester Human Relations Commission representing Peekskill and is currently employed by the Ambassador of Scarsdale.

Marlene and her family relocated from the Bronx to Peekskill, NY, in 1994. She is a mother of three and graduated with honors from Mercy University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Management in 2002. Her interests include cooking, baking, theatre, modern, jazz, and tap dancing, traveling, and assisting those in need.

Karlene Crossdale

Karlene Crossdale is a Registered Professional Nurse specializing in Adult Gastroenterology at The Northwell Health Systems in Long Island, NY and a recipient of the 2014 Northwell Health System Hospitality Agent Award. She’s a member of the Health and Wellness Ministry of the St. John’s United Methodist Church, Elmont, NY. 

Karlene has actively served on numerous non-profit boards in the Jamaican Diaspora and in New York as she is committed to the enhancement of children’s education. Her love of early childhood education was instilled early as the daughter of an early childhood educator in Kingston, Jamaica.  Karlene is the Benefactor of two orphaned children in De La Vega City, Spanish Town and one orphaned child in Ginger Hill, St. Elizabeth.  She is the biological mother of two teenagers.

Stephanie Mooney Clark

Stephanie Mooney Clark, mother of three, painter, photographer, former model, and lover of life, was born and raised in Indiana. As a child, she was captivated by the natural scenes that have profoundly influenced her artistic style. Among six siblings, her creative abilities distinguished her. Growing up surrounded by cornfields and streams, she was fascinated by the way water flows and shapes the earth, creating undulating forms.

Stephanie left school to pursue a modeling career, spending seven years traveling across the United States and overseas to Japan, Italy, and France. She enjoyed a successful career, including 25 years of commercial print work and over 40 television ads.

A supporter of Winsome Wishes for KIDS, Stephanie believes that reading is fundamental. As someone with dyslexia, she is passionate about ensuring that children with dyslexia receive the support they need to succeed.

 

Sharon Cawley-Johnson

Sharon Cawley-Johnson hails from the parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. She is a graduate of Holmwood Technical High School and Kingston Technical High School. She furthered her studies at the College of Arts, Science & Technology (now University of Technology), as well as other institutions, including the Institute of Management & Production (IMP – now University of the Commonwealth Caribbean) and others.

With extensive experience in administration, human resources, public relations, and accounting, Sharon is a veteran in the life insurance field with over twenty-five years of experience. She is a top producer at Guardian Life Ltd. and has received numerous awards, including the Guardian Superstar, Financial Advisor of the Year (EBD), and Consistency Awards. Sharon is also a proud member of the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table.

An avid Christian, Sharon is a member of Havenhill Baptist Church, where she is actively involved in many ministries, including:

  • The Choir
  • Praise & Worship
  • Christian Education
  • Leader of the Couples’ Ministry
Sandra Bramwell-Rose

Sandra Bramwell-Rose is the Founder and Executive Director of Versan Educational Services, the premier Caribbean educational consulting and test prep firm, headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica. Versan is dedicated to helping hard-working Jamaican students achieve admission to highly selective colleges, universities and boarding schools in the United States and Canada.

Since 1995, Sandra and her team have guided thousands of students though the application process, receiving 12,000 acceptances at a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including all Ivy League Schools. The firm has also had significant success placing Jamaican students in boarding schools abroad. Versan offers students tutorials in preparation for the SAT, SSAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT and MCAT admissions tests, and one-on-one consulting for each individual educational plan. Sandra has extensive involvement in curriculum development and in managing teachers affiliated with Versan’s programs.

Prior to launching Versan, Sandra received a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from the American University of Paris, and a Masters’ in Public Administration from Columbia University. She is a polyglot, fluent in eight languages – English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish. Her experiences at Versan have helped Sandra realize that every student can learn if given the right resources and support. She is delighted to be involved in Winsome Wishes for KIDS’ effort to empower children with learning challenges and disabilities; with the resources to enhance their learning experiences.

Sandra believes WWKIDS commitment and vested individuals to see their mission come to fruition, will set off that light bulb in the minds of the young so they want to continue learning, continue reading, continue creating. WWKIDS will be a new paradigm for Jamaica’s continued evolvement into the future!

Judean Brown-Woelfle

Judean Brown-Woelfle, a native Jamaican, moved to the United States at 18 and has since spent most of her time in New York. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from Queen’s College in Queens, New York, followed by a master’s degree in Special Education. Judean began her teaching career as a volunteer with the Queens Library’s Adult Literacy program in the early 2000s. In 2014, she joined D75 Public School in the Bronx, New York, where she fulfilled her dream of working with special needs children.

Over the years, Judean has continued her education and gained extensive experience working with children with special needs and at-risk children. Her specialized training uniquely qualifies her to work with children diagnosed with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, and other developmental delays.

Despite the decline in qualified teachers, especially in New York City, Judean’s dedication to special education remains remarkable. She also continues to support special needs students in Jamaica through her self-funded company, SHINE (Simply Helping Individuals Needing Empowerment). This program provides essential resources such as books, school supplies, and teacher aids to schools in Jamaica. Judean works closely with parents to develop specific learning goals for each child and ensures positive reinforcement and retention of daily lessons. She also collaborates with teachers to provide new learning materials and guidance, fostering a team approach to sustainable learning paths for children with learning disabilities.

Judean’s commitment to childhood growth over bureaucracy makes her an effective educator, ensuring that the focus remains on the needs of each child. Her approach has made her a beloved and sought-after consultant and educator.

Rochelle Cohen-Levine

Rochelle Cohen-Levine has a Masters Degree from Columbia University Teachers College in Learning Disabilities. Rochelle worked at St. Bernard’s School as the Director of Special Learning for 23 years. In this role, she advised teachers and parents; acted as a liaison with therapists and medical professional in the field of learning disabilities to help identify children at risk for learning disabilities.

Rochelle has also presented at ATIS conferences as well as the International Boys School Coalition Global Conference on Identifying Boys at Risk for Learning Disabilities. Rochelle is pleased to be part of Winsome Wishes for KIDS (WWKIDS) and to offer her expertise in the field of Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia. She believes that providing teachers and schools with tools for early identification and remediation is key to academic success.

Marsha Finletter

Marsha Finletter is a certified Exceptional Student Education (ESE) educator in Florida with over 15 years of experience in both Jamaica and the United States. She has held various roles, including school personnel clerk, officer, substitute teacher, and executive secretary. Passionate about literacy, writing, and community education, Marsha is the founder and director of Echo of Destinies Inc. She is especially proud of her literacy-to-writing camps and the “Book Angel” Project, which distributes inspirational, spiritual, and self-improvement books across the USA and Jamaica.

Marsha holds a BSc in Human Services from Springfield College, Massachusetts, where she graduated as valedictorian, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Grand Canyon University. She has a strong interest in fostering parent-child-teacher relationships. Marsha has co-authored “Diary of A People Pleaser” and authored “Encourage Yourself – Testimonies of Conquering Fear with Faith.” She lives in Florida with her husband and two daughters.

Marsha believes in Mahatma Gandhi’s words: “True education must correspond to the surrounding circumstances, or it is not a healthy growth.”

Alderine Healey

I have been a Pre-K teacher at the YMCA Paulding Early Learning Center for the past 14 years. I am a certified early childhood educator with a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and was honored as the Georgia Pre-K Teacher of the Year for 2020-2021. Before entering the education field, I worked as a marketing executive in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

I am Jamaican and have also lived in Bermuda, The Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. I have been married for 22 years, and my son Cole is now a freshman in college.

My mission as a teacher is to ensure that my instruction is differentiated to challenge all students, diverse to uncover hidden talents, and deliberate to create meaningful learning opportunities. I strive to provide my students with a safe and nurturing environment that promotes academic, social-emotional, and physical growth. I understand the significance of my role in introducing children to their academic journey and believe that early intervention and family involvement are crucial to helping children reach their full potential.

I am dedicated to child advocacy, recognizing that a child’s well-being extends beyond the classroom, and I am committed to ensuring that underprivileged children have access to high-quality education.

Ronique Holgate

Ronique Holgate Is an educator and author who has a passion for adventure, reading, and improving literacy in children. It is her firm belief that the ability to read combined with critical thinking acquired through the use of puzzles and science; forms the platform that children need in order to succeed in life.

As a Jamaican native, she has travelled into various nooks and crannies of the island whether for scuba diving or family road trips. This has fuelled her desire to share these experiences through children’s books and other fun, yet educational material. Her role as a wife and mother to two beautiful girls, has enriched her life and cemented her desire to produce material for children that showcases diversity and adventure using her travel experiences at home. A life-long learner, she voraciously devours new courses on different subject areas in order to broaden her thinking and creative skills. Her first book Kingston Zooventure is one of many to come as she seeks to take children both local and international on the various adventures which can be enjoyed in Jamaica – Land we love.

You can contact her at author.roniqueholgate@gmail.com or you can connect with her @author.roniqueholgate on Instagram.

Pam Loree

Pam Loree has dedicated her life to teaching young children. She earned an undergraduate degree from The University of North Texas in 1971 and a MS degree in Family and Child Development from Kansas State University in 1974, where she taught in the Early Childhood Lab School. In 1976, Pam became the head kindergarten teacher for a dozen years at The Episcopal School in New York City.

Pam moved to St. Bernard’s School to teach first grade for nine years, where she helped to create a kindergarten for the school, and happily taught there for 23 years. She retired in June of 2019, having spent 43 years loving her rewarding experience in teaching 5 and 6 year olds in New York City without regrets.

“Building academic skills and learning about how to be part of a community are essentials for educating young children. The foundation of skills and citizenship is to understand and support the social and emotional development of children, with a commitment to the growth of their character. This is the aspect of teaching that I always found to be the most absorbing. Simone Sobers and I were colleagues and friends at St. Bernard’s School. Then in 2005, I was lucky enough to teach her son when he was a kindergarten student. Working with Simone in her capacity as a parent enhanced my admiration for her; I respected her understanding and advocacy for her son as a little boy, and in the ensuing years as she guided him, and her daughter, into young adulthood. I, Pam Loree, am happy for the opportunity to be an Advisor for Winsome Wishes for KIDS (WWKIDS), and to work with Simone on such a worthy educational project. She has professionally and passionately identified a group of underserved students in her home country of Jamaica. Simone has outlined the needs of students and teachers with the READY program. In addition, building the link with the Windward School will have far reaching consequences for both students and teachers in Jamaica.” – Pam Loree

Heather Smith

Heather Smith is an Assoc. Director at a liberal arts college in the Hudson Valley, NY where she has been employed in the Advancement Office since 2012. She brings to WWKids her vast experience in higher education development and corporate America – where she worked in the architecture, television journalism, and tech start-up industries.

She attended Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY for a BA in Behavioral Science; and SUNY Empire State, Saratoga Springs, NY, for an MA in Social and Public Policy with a certificate in NonProfit Management. Heather serves as a consultant to non-profits, and is also a Board Member-at-large of the New York regional chapter of an international industry group. She hails from St. Vincent & the Grenadines and is the biological mother of an adult son and the adopted mother of an adult daughter. She is honored to hold the title of Volunteer Executive Director of WWKids, and is committed to working to achieve educational equity in Jamaica and the Caribbean.