New Haven Parent Ambassadors
Our Parent Ambassadors are community members with young children who work to educate other parents about the resources and opportunities available to them. Our Parent Ambassadors were selected because of their passion for connecting with other parents, their lived experiences, and their eagerness to advocate for themselves, their children and other parents who need support.
Parent Ambassadors can be reached by emailing jwilcox@uwgnh.org or by reaching out to them directly at their email addresses below. If you're a parent looking for support, please contact us!
Demeka Anderson
Demeka is a dedicated advocate and professional with a rich background in community engagement and support services. As a mother of two, she brings a personal perspective to her role as a parent ambassador, where she actively promotes the needs and rights of families within her community. Demeka is committed to empowering individuals and families.
Sharon Glassburn
Sharon became a parent in June 2020 and is grateful to be in community with other parents and caregivers. She finds joy in supporting neurodiverse families, queer and gender-diverse families, families navigating food allergies, and those who care for children while grieving the loss of their own parent(s), as well as those parenting using approaches they needed but didn't receive in their own childhoods. Sharon takes a special interest in breastfeeding and chestfeeding (fully without judgment of those who don't or can't for any reason), sleep support for kids who aren't sleeping (and their parents), and parents introducing solid foods to their babies for the first time. Before becoming a parent herself, Sharon was an advocate for parent and child mental health in the field of family therapy, supporting other families to promote secure attachment as well as positive discipline with their children. These days you can find Sharon walking, reading, writing, and laughing with her kindergarten-age child.
Isabel Rivera
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Isabel is a mother of two children. In 2007, New Haven became her home and in 2010 she started a family. From a young age she showed interest in helping others. Through her children, she discovered the different opportunities and help available for young children in New Haven. Her family inspires her to be a Parent Ambassador and to be a support for the community. In addition to spending time with her children, Isabel likes to read in her free time.
Lilliam "Lily" Reyes
Lilliam "Lily" Reyes is a dedicated Parent Ambassador based in New Haven, Connecticut, committed to bridging the gap between families, schools, and communities. Drawing on her lived experience and deep local roots, she advocates for parent voice, equitable resources, and clear communication that empowers families to thrive.
Lily builds trust through authentic connection — listening first, sharing resources, and helping parents navigate systems with confidence. She collaborates with educators, community leaders, and organizations to ensure family perspectives shape programs and policies that impact children.
Grounded in empathy and action, Lily is passionate about making sure every parent feels informed, included, and heard.
Chantell TiAnna
Chantell TiAnna is a passionate parent leader, community advocate, Certified Life Coach, and Holistic Healing Practitioner committed to strengthening families and creating opportunities for children and youth to thrive. As a Parent Ambassador and graduate of the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI), she bridges the gap between families and vital community resources, empowering parents with knowledge, support, and leadership opportunities.
In addition to her work with families, Chantell is deeply dedicated to mentoring and uplifting teenage girls through healing-centered programming that promotes self-worth, leadership, emotional wellness, and community connection. She also brings extensive experience supporting children, youth, and families involved with the Department of Children and Families (DCF), advocating for safe, nurturing environments and positive outcomes for young people navigating the foster care system.
Through authentic relationship-building, trauma-informed support, and a deep commitment to community wellness, Chantell inspires individuals and families to recognize their strengths, elevate their voices, and create lasting change for future generations.
Marilyn De Jesus
Marilyn De Jesus is a Parent Ambassador, community advocate, and early childhood professional with more than a decade of experience supporting children and families. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Studies and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), bringing together expertise in child development, leadership, and family engagement. Marilyn is passionate about amplifying parent voices, fostering meaningful partnerships, and connecting families with the resources they need to thrive while also providing bilingual advocacy and community-centered support to help create more inclusive and responsive systems for children and families.