Meet The Founder
Dr. Allen-Presley, a passionate advocate for early childhood education, brings over 20 years of experience to the field. She is the owner of I.C.U. STEM Academy, a STAR 4 group family childcare program, and the founder and CEO of a Career Institute offering diplomas in Inclusive Education in Pennsylvania, she has made a significant impact. Her work at The Education Institute for Early Intervention, training non-educators to work with children with special needs, has transformed the lives of children with various abilities. She is also the founder of the first PA Registered Apprenticeship for Special Education Paraprofessionals specifically focused on Early Childhood. Dr. Allen-Presley previously worked for Widener University as an Assistant Professor of Teaching and the Program Coordinator for Special Education and transitioned into the Director of the Child Development Center to reopen the program during COVID-19. Dr. Allen-Presley has worked as a contractor and consultant with several companies, including PHMC, Today’s Child, 1199c, Community College of Philadelphia, MECCA, and Penn Literacy Network. Her previous roles included Director of Direct Service and Special Projects at Elwyn Institute and School District of Philadelphia, where she served in teaching and administrative positions for 11 years.
Dr. Allen-Presley collaborates and trains childcare programs and various organizations throughout the region on multiple ways to enhance their services to children with special needs and behavior challenges in early learning programs. Dr. Allen-Presley published a book in 2015 titled The Influence of Attachment Theory Professional Development on the Day-to-Day Interactions between Early Childhood Professionals and Infants in Childcare Facilities. Dr. Presley has also published articles and participated in early childhood and special education studies. Professional development and formal education still need to be improved at the pre-kindergarten level of early childhood education and early intervention, which motivated her to start a Career and Technical School.
Dr. Allen-Presley’s advocacy work at the local and state levels is a testament to her commitment to increasing the training and education of early childcare professionals around special education. Her presentations at various conferences, lectures, and seminars throughout Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the country have further amplified her voice. She understands the crucial need for QUALITY childcare programs and their impact on school readiness in the K-12 system. Dr. Allen-Presley earned her doctoral degree in Education Leadership from Saint Joseph University. She holds two master’s degrees, one in urban and Regional Planning and one in Special Education. She also has Special Education, K-12 Leadership, and Curriculum & Instruction Supervisory Certifications in Pennsylvania. Dr. Allen-Presley was born in Philadelphia and graduated from Strawberry Mansion High School in North Philadelphia
The Executive Team
The CEO, COO, CHRO, and Executive Assistant at The Education Institute for Early Intervention (EIEI) are integral to ensuring the organization’s seamless operations. Together, they assist the CEO by managing internal workflows, overseeing human resources, and handling administrative tasks. Their collaboration enhances the CEO’s ability to lead effectively, ensuring the organization’s commitment to excellence in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, other programs, and administration. This leadership team plays a pivotal role in maintaining EIEI’s high operational standards and delivering impactful services across the organization and the Region at large.

Cynthia MB Robinson
Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)
Mrs. Robinson holds the title of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at The Education Institute for Early Intervention (EIEI). She oversees and manages
EIEI’s organization’s human resources function. As a CHRO, she is a critical executive team member, collaborating with other top executives to drive organizational success through effective human resources management.
Within the EIEI organization, Mrs. Robinson also wears several other hats. She is the Program Coordinator, one of the Senior Special Education instructors, and part of the Executive Assistant team.
Mrs. Robinson is an Educator, Master Provider, Transformational Coach, Advisor, and Advocate within the ECE Community of Professionals. She is a post-retiree who owned and operated “Mrs. Cynthia’s Munchkin Romper Room – FCCH” after 25 years of community service. She is still an entrepreneur and ECE leader. She conducts professional development trainings and workshops at conferences locally and out of state. She also authored an affirmation book, “Encourage Yourself,” which encourages, empowers, and inspires teachers, para-professionals, and caregivers within the ECE profession.
Mrs. Robinson earned her Master’s Degree in Education from Arcadia University, her Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Care Management at Chestnut Hill College, and her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education /Cum Laude at Montgomery Community College.

Shirquille Sande
Chief Operations Officer
Shirquille Sande is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and IT Manager at the Education Institute for Early Intervention (EIEI), Inc. With Higher Diploma in IT and over 7 years of experience in Project Management and ITM, I ensure smooth daily operations while driving tech innovations that streamline processes and improve efficiency at EIEI. A self-taught coder, I love finding ways to make things work better and easier.
Outside work, I enjoy swimming and baking for fun. The blend of leadership and technical know-how makes me a vital part of the EIEI team, always pushing for growth and improvement.

Sakinah Ali
Executive Assistant
Sakinah Ali has a flair for organization and a sixth sense for keeping things on track! With project management experience straight from the media world and a BA in Communication from the University of Michigan, she’s here to make sure everything runs smoother than the opening night at the Met Opera.When she’s not juggling tasks and timelines, Sakinah’s off chasing adventures—whether she’s exploring national parks, soaking up the drama of a Broadway play or thoroughly enjoying her après-ski.
The Staff
The staff at The Education Institute for Early Intervention (EIEI) are highly qualified in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, and Education Administration, with expertise in coaching and mentoring. Led by the CEO, our team excels in Environmental Rating Scales (ERS) and Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), essential for Keystone STARS advancement. With over 180 years of combined experience, we have enhanced childcare programs across the region, focusing on children with special needs. Our staff complies with Pennsylvania’s Act 31 and Act 153 requirements for mandated training and clearances, fostering confidence, teamwork, and efficiency.

Nikita Kumari Kushwaha
Program Administrator
My name is Nikita Kumari Kushwaha, and I am a passionate Program Administrator at EIEI. I hold a B.B.A. in Business Analytics from Christ University, where I graduated in the top 10 percentile. At EIEI, I manage daily operations, coordinate student transportation, and enhance parent communication using tools like WhatsApp and Google Forms. My role also involves planning events and participating in key meetings to foster collaboration. Previously, I worked as a Client Service Executive at Zoopero, a Graphic Designer at Regrob, and an Operation Executive at Unschool. My projects span from industry reviews to research on
autoimmune diseases and the impact of COVID-19 on online education. I’m certified in digital marketing, UI/UX design, project management, and Excel fundamentals. I’m dedicated to making a positive impact in education and community engagement.

Annastacia Gichobi
Billing Coordinator
As a dedicated billing coordinator at EIEI I play a crucial role in managing and overseeing the Billing and Sprout entries for our providers.
I work closely with providers to ensure they continually stay updated on Billing procedures. Also, I collaborate closely with providers to address billing concerns and improve overall workflow to ensure our kids are serviced correctly and effectively. Over the past year I have really enjoyed working at EIEI as I have gained extensive experience and knowledge in my role, contributing significantly in my professional development.
Outside work I enjoy Baking and nature walks.

L'Vonne McMillian
Senior Special Education Instructor
L’Vonne McMillan brings a unique perspective to her work as a parent, an advocate and an educator for the past 10-plus years. CEO L’Vonne McMillan is a parent of a child with special health care needs who successfully advocated for developmental services that have assisted her son in his daily needs and in his school setting.
A Philadelphia native, L’Vonne McMillan has worked with various agencies providing one-on-one instruction and early intervention for clients with various special needs which include autism, Down syndrome, and mental health disorders. She has a wide range of experience in the social service field, as well as being a lead classroom teacher at various locations. In June 2004, she began offering to tutor and has provided many families with instruction and support in general mathematics, algebra, geometry, reading, reading comprehension a,nd writing. As a result of her passion, she started the Marie Morgan Educational Center, Inc. in honor of her maternal grandmother. Due to the ongoing health needs of her son, the development and opening of the center have been delayed. As her son’s health is maintained and stabilized she has been able to embark on several different opportunities to work with women and children.
L’Vonne has also chronicled her experiences as a mother of a child with special needs and educator in two collaborations with author Ericka Gilchrist, Women Thriving Fearlessly Volume 1 and Women Thriving Fearlessly Mother’s Edition.
L’Vonne McMillan is also a published author and in January of 2019 published her first children’s book titled “What About Me?” This book describes the challenges of a child, from a child’s point of view, to address the importance of inclusion and the importance of incorporation of early childhood intervention strategies.

Renee Washington
ECSE teacher
Greetings, my name is Renee Washington. I work for The Educational Institute for Early Intervention as the teacher in the Peacock room. I love teaching young children so they can reach their full potential. I love to see their growth and their smiles when they walk in the classroom. Also, I love their little hugs throughout the day. I had been working in the Early Childhood Education field for 11 years. I have received my Associates Degree in ECE from Community College of Philadelphia and my Bachelors Degree in ECE Summa Cum Laude from Eastern University. My hobbies are going shopping, Amusement parks and the Beach. I love riding roller coasters and water slides. Also, I love the pink and spin class.

Minnette Taylor
Assistant Program Director
The owner of G & T Daycare Montessori School, a STAR 4 childcare program in Philadelphia which was established in 1998. The founder and Executive Director of Mini Montessori Academy, which is a non-profit 501(c)(3) consultant and research company. She serves as a coach for the Pennsylvania Apprenticeship program and the Assistant Program Director of the Early Intervention Education Institute (EIEI).
Minnette earned a dual bachelor’s degree in Management and Education and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education Montessori Teaching from Chestnut Hill College. Minnette holds a Pennsylvania Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license, Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System as a certified PQAS trainer and AMS Montessori teacher, NAFCC trainer, and observer, Child Development Associate (CDA) PD Specialist.

Todd Hopkins
Technical Support Coach
Todd Hopkins has over 15 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. During that time, he has served in many roles ranging from classroom teacher, Center Director, Trainer, Mentor, and Coach. He is experienced in providing quality professional development and curriculum implementation guidance to staff of center and family-based early childhood programs. Areas of subject matter include lesson plan preparation and implementation, Childcare standards, Environmental Rating Scales (ERS), Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), and Keystone STARS standards.
Mr. Todd is creative, focused, and flexible in his approach to personalized coaching and professional development. Mr. Todd has provided leadership in 2 NAEYC accredited, STAR 4 centers with his ability to foster a sense of teamwork. He is skilled at building positive relationships by displaying strong guidance and resonating leadership with students, parents, teachers, and stakeholders.
All these experiences have been acquired through the lens of being male in a predominantly female field. He is passionate about the importance of men in the field of Early Childhood Education. His current work focuses on supporting early childhood programs to better serve families experiencing homelessness by encouraging them to build staff capacity regarding trauma-informed care and promoting resilience in development.
Mr. Hopkins has always displayed a high scale of integrity, accountability, and purpose. His outlook and decision-making skills ensure a logical and practical approach to his addressing the needs of his providers. His work is committed to the highest quality programming for children and their families. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Care Management from Chestnut Hill College.

Abel Mapenzi
Financial Coordinator
Abel Mapenzi is a seasoned financial coordinator with 10 years of experience in accounts—and yes, that’s long enough to know where every penny is hiding. With a knack for balancing books and budgets, Abel ensures that financial chaos stays as mythical as unicorns. Armed with a degree in Accounting and some CPA certificates, Abel has mastered the art of making numbers simpler to understand.
When not keeping finances in check, Abel enjoys cooking and an occasional movie night with Family, believing life should have as much balance as the accounts. Whether it’s finding discrepancies or finding the best barbecue in town, Abel does it all with a smile and a spreadsheet.

Lakia Wilson
PreK Counts Coach
As a trainer and consultant with over 20 years of progressive experience in child care; Lakia holds an AA in Early Childhood Education (ECE), BS in Child Care Management, and M.Ed; and a Private teaching certification for N-3. Continuous quality improvement is a core value that Lakia Wilson embodies and elicits in her profession. It is important for her to inspire and motivate others to do the same. In her free time Lakia enjoys volunteering and spending time with family and friends. As Rosa Parks said, “Memories of our lives, our weeks, and our deeds will continue in others” .

Adrienne Briggs
Student Support and Educator
Adrienne Briggs, my current roles are student support and educator. I have earned numerous awards and certificates through the years. My most recent accomplishments were being appointed to the State Advisory Council, becoming a co-chair in access to programs, a CDA PD specialist and student coach, a PQAS standardized professional development instructor, and renewing my PA director’s credential. I graduated from West Chester University with a master’s in early childhood education. Previously, I received a Bachelor of Science degree in child care management, an associate’s degree in applied science in early childhood education, and a Child Development Associate credential. Additionally, I graduated from the Women’s Business Development Center’s Family Child Care Entrepreneur Program. As a high-quality professional, I am always involved in quality improvement initiatives and family child care advocacy for the betterment of the profession, my peers, children, and families.
For over 32 years, I have owned and operated a family child care home, which is a high-quality NAFCC accredited, Keystone Star 4, PHLpreK facility. Through the years, I believe I have gained tremendous knowledge and understanding of the licensing requirements and Keystone STARS standards to implement and exceed successfully. For leadership and development, I have been coaching/mentoring adults and teens for over twenty-five years through different programs. To name a few: NAFCC accreditation mentor, a Rising STAR mentor, a Gratz High School internship mentor program, and chairperson of leadership, mentoring, and professional development (LMPD) for the Family Child Care Advisory Council. I am also currently the president of the Family Child Care Advisory Council and vice-president of Quality Influential Professionals (QIP).
My goals are to always perform to the best of my ability and to help others excel and succeed.

Hellen Ndugi Thiong’o
Program Coordinator
Hellen Ndugi Thiong’o is a dedicated Program Co-coordinator with a college-level education and experience as both a Customer Service Representative and Program Coordinator. Known for her strong work ethic, she thrives in dynamic environments and is always eager to learn new skills.
In her personal time, Hellen enjoys reading and listening to music, and she creates content focused on travel, lifestyle, and entertainment. Her primary goal is to deliver high-quality results on every project, ensuring timely completion of tasks. She believes that consistency, discipline, and dedication are essential for success.

Asimba George
CRM and Database Manager
Asimba George is a seasoned sales and marketing professional with over five years of experience in the industry. He has a proven track record of developing and executing successful sales and marketing strategies that drive growth and achieve sales targets. Asimba holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Systems and a minor in Psychology from the United States International University. He has also completed several certifications in sales and marketing, including Michigan University in Sales and ZoomInfo University Certification in Sales and Marketing Engage.
Throughout his career, Asimba has held various roles in sales and marketing, including Global Sales and Marketing Executive at Participant Assistive Products, Sales Development Representative and Impact Sales and Marketing Executive. He has worked closely with CFOs, CCOs, and CROs at organizations such as StepWise. Asimba’s achievements include acquiring in-depth knowledge of sales and marketing tools such as Odoo, ZoomInfo, Engage, Salesforce, Mailchimp, Loomly, SEO Hike, etc. He has also developed and executed sales and marketing strategies that have led to significant growth in revenue and market share. Additionally, Asimba has identified and targeted new market niches and prospective clients, built strong relationships with clients and partners, and led and mentored teams of sales and marketing professionals.
Asimba is passionate about social impact and has a strong commitment to helping people with disabilities, inmates, and street children. He has volunteered with several organizations, including Made In The Streets and the Nafisika Trust. Asimba is a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a strong work ethic. He is a team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. When he is not working, Asimba likes to sing, swim, and write poems.

Diane Hall
Pre-K Counts Coach
I have been a member of the Early Childhood Education for more than forty years. I am
currently a Child Development Associate Instructor and held this title for fifteen years. As a part of this community, I have served as a Center Director, Program Evaluator and PQAS trainer. My education includes a BA in Psychology, BS in early Childhood Education and a MHS with a focus in Family Therapy.
It is my goal to reach back and support others who are engaging and invested In providing
developmentally appropriate .

Brittany Lakes
ECSE Family Coordinator
Hi, my name is Brittany Lakes and I am a Teaching Assistant and the Family Support Coordinator for EIEI. I love connecting with people so I am elated to meet all of the parents of our scholars! Currently, I have a ESL (English as a Second Language) certification (2017) as well as a Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture, obtained in 2016. Prior to my position with EIEI, my experience was in pre-teen/teen adolescent mentoring, as well as teaching experience, hosting Entrepreneurial workshops for middle aged and high school students.
In my personal time, I enjoy doing activities with my 5yo daughter: painting, being outside, traveling, gardening. Anything that allows us to be creative! It is my belief that God put us on this earth to make an impact whether that is 1 person or the masses. Working at EIEI allows me to be a part of the developmental process and support of our young children.

Jennifer McDuffie
Early Childhood Educator | Special Instructor | Early Learning Specialist
Hi, I’m Jennifer McDuffie, and I’m proud to be entering my second year as the Eagles classroom teacher. I also serve as a Special Instructor in Chester and Philadelphia, where I work closely with families and young children to support early development and learning. My heart has always been in early childhood education — it’s where I’ve spent the past 29 years helping children grow, learn, and thrive.
Over the years, I’ve worked in a variety of early childhood settings, including owning and operating a STAR 4-rated child care program for 15 years. I believe deeply in creating nurturing, high-quality learning environments where every child feels seen, valued, and supported.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Education with a focus on Early Childhood from Chestnut Hill College, and later completed two Master’s degrees at Arcadia University — one in Early Childhood Education and another in Curriculum and Instruction, along with a teaching certificate.
Beyond the classroom, I’m a proud mother of six amazing children — two boys and four girls and a grandmother to one beautiful granddaughter. I love spending time with my family, working in the community, and caring for my plants, which bring me peace and joy.
Teaching isn’t just my profession it’s my passion. I’m excited to continue making a difference in the lives of children and families, one day at a time.

Lien Vo-Jones, MA, BCBA, LBS
Clinical Coordinator
Lien is a seasoned Behavior Analyst with experience as an Instructional Coordinator, Direct Support Professional, and an Early Intervention Specialist. Her primary responsibilities at EIEI include setting up the classroom to reduce stimulation while creating a safe learning environment for both students and staff, developing and implementing positive behavior supports to be used in the school, training and supervising staff on consistent implementation of interventions, participating on IEP meetings to advocate for behavioral support, and training families on how to use ABA strategies to reduce challenging behaviors in the home and in the community. In her 10+ years in the industry, Lien remains dedicated to providing services for both clients and their families, to help clients thrive in school, home, and community settings; ultimately, helping each client meet his/her maximum potential.
Lien graduated from Boston College with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. She received her Advanced Graduate degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Eastern University. Lien is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Specialist (in the state of Pennsylvania).
During her time off from helping clients, Lien enjoys traveling with her two boys. When she is not traveling, she can be found in the kitchen baking.

Abigail Wairimu Kariuki
Career Development Program Assistant
Abigail Wairimu Kariuki is a passionate and dedicated professional with a strong academic foundation in Community Resource Management. She brings a wealth of experience in youth advocacy, program coordination, and community development, with a particular focus on empowering young people through career development and sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) initiatives. In her role as a Career Development Program Assistant at the Education Institute for Early Intervention (EIEI), Abigail works closely with Cynthia to design and implement programs that equip young individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to thrive in their careers. Her collaborative approach and strategic mindset enable her to build strong partnerships with stakeholders, ensuring the success and sustainability of
EIEI’s initiatives. Abigail’s professional journey includes impactful roles in youth advocacy, program management, and data analysis, where she honed her skills in designing and implementing initiatives that drive meaningful change. Her ability to leverage digital tools and innovative strategies has been instrumental in creating awareness and fostering youth engagement. Committed to fostering growth and opportunity, Abigail is a visionary advocate who believes in the transformative power of education and mentorship. She continues to integrate her passion for youth empowerment and mental health into her work at EIEI, creating a lasting impact on the
lives of young people.


