
Meet the Parent Heart Team

Cecily Davis brings 14 years of social work experience to Parent Heart, specializing in program development and operations across micro, mezzo, and macro practice with oppressed communities, families, and children. Currently pursuing doctoral studies, she has co-led groundbreaking research on programs supporting Black parents in addressing children's emotional well-being and racism coping. Her expertise in collaborative partnerships across non-profits, schools, and government agencies provides critical operational leadership and evidence-based programming for Parent Heart's mission.

Dr. Anette Nance, Parent Heart's Director of Strategic Outreach, is an Operation Enduring Freedom Marine veteran with a Ph.D. in Community Engagement & Leadership and MSW from the University of Pittsburgh. As Executive Director of Pennsylvania's Military Community Enhancement Commission and former leader of the African American Affairs Commission, she brings extensive government affairs expertise. Recognized in Pittsburgh Magazine's 40 Under 40, her advocacy skills and community leadership advance Parent Heart's strategic mission.

Dr. Jay (he/him) is the Parent Heart Founder and CEO. As a husband and parent of two, and as teacher and scholar, Dr. Jay has seen and experienced many of life's challenges raising two Black children. He founded Parent Heart in 2022 to help families everywhere find the resources and supports they need to ensure their children's success.

Anthony Levin-Decanini, Parent Heart's Chief Technology Officer and CEO of Critical Studio, is a social impact product leader specializing in human-centered design at the intersection of technology, education, and social justice. Previously Head of Product at Food Rescue Hero and Product Manager at 412 Food Rescue, he led technology solutions fighting hunger and promoting sustainability. With a BFA in Graphic Design from Rochester Institute of Technology, Anthony brings technical leadership and social impact expertise to drive Parent Heart's innovation and community engagement.

Brandon Phillips brings over 18 years of experience in education, mental health, and community advocacy to Parent Heart as Lead Facilitator. A School Counselor with Pittsburgh Public Schools, he holds a master's in counseling psychology from Chatham University and specializes in crisis counseling and family services. Previously a Family Service Specialist and Community Outreach Specialist with Trying Together, Brandon's philosophy centers on being "a change agent using small acts for great impact," combining professional expertise and empathy to create supportive spaces for parents.
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Dr. Stephanie Romero is the Founder and Executive Director of Awaken Pittsburgh, an organization that specially designs programs for students, educators, families, and various professionals to reduce stress and gain clarity in their daily lives. Stephanie is co-designer off the Mindful Connections programs offered at Parent Heart, which themselves are co-hosted by Awaken Pittsburgh through their Mindful Connections series.

Sommer C. Blair, LSW, LMSW, is a doctoral student in the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, and is the director of the Parenting for Racial Equity Project (PREP). PREP supports White parents and caregivers in efforts to be intentionally inclusive and understanding their own privilege in their parenting practices.









 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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