About Us
Northside was founded by pioneering psychologists Drs. Kenneth B. and Mamie Clark. Their work—which showed how racial inequality negatively affected the self-esteem of young children—helped change the course of American history.
Drs. Kenneth & Mamie Phipps Clark
The Clarks’ groundbreaking research The Black/White Dolls Test, was the first-ever social science research to be submitted as hard evidence in the Supreme Court’s history and was critical to the ruling in the landmark “Brown v. Board of Education” (1954) decision, which legally ended segregation in public schools.
Our Founders believed in tapping into the inherent strengths of children and families to help them overcome obstacles and thrive. This philosophy continues to be the bedrock of our work today. Our goal is to foster and cultivate self-esteem in the children we serve.
Our Mission
Northside Center provides children and families the support they need to overcome adversity and thrive. Our high quality outcome-driven behavioral, mental health and education services propel struggling children forward… away from the ill-effects of poverty and racism; toward a future limited only by the scope of their dreams.
Vikki L. Pryor
THE HILDE L. MOSSE PRESIDENT & CEO
NORTHSIDE CENTER FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Lawyer, business leader, and educator, Vikki has been an advocate for social justice, equity, and community empowerment wherever she serves. She is appointed as Northside Center for Child Development’s President and CEO, effective July 1, 2024. As an experienced and effective organizational leader, Vikki has a deep understanding and unwavering commitment to Northside’s mission and to the children and families we serve today and have served for nearly 80 years.
Vikki previously served as President and CEO of Getting Out and Staying Out (GOSO), an East Harlem-based youth development organization focused on education, employment, and emotional well-being, and President and CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater New York, serving over 13 million people. She has served on several not-for-profit boards, including the Girl Scouts of the USA, the University at Buffalo Foundation, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston. Vikki’s former business experience includes 11 years as President and CEO of Savings Bank Life Insurance (SBLI USA), and board member of Keyspan (now National Grid), New York Independent Service Operator (NYISO), and the Partnership for New York City. Vikki holds a BA and JD from the University at Buffalo (SUNY), an MBA from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a CPA. She is an alum of Bronx Community College, where she received the Presidential Medallion.
Dr. Thelma Dye
EXECUTIVE OFFICER IN RESIDENCE
NORTHSIDE CENTER FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Thelma Dye, PhD is Executive Officer in Residence effective July 1, 2024, after retiring with over 30 years of remarkable service as President and CEO. She is working closely with Vikki Pryor on a seamless transition as the new President and CEO. Dr. Dye was appointed as Executive Director in 1994 following an impressive tenure at Northside, where she served as Director of the Clinic, Director of Research and Training and Chief Psychologist. She has more than 20 years of experience as a psychologist, clinician, researcher, supervisor and administrator. She has participated in numerous colloquia, workshops, panels and radio and television programs and served on various child advocacy committees including the Mayor’s Children’s Week Committee and the Commissioners’ Child and Adolescent Task Force Service Committee. Dr. Dye is currently on the Board of Directors for The Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies; and Black Agency Executives. A former Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychology and Education at Teachers’ College, Columbia University, Dr. Dye received a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Yeshiva University and a Bachelors’ from Cornell University. She is a member of the Academy of Women Achievers of the YWCA, the American Psychological Association, and the New York Society of Clinical Psychologists.
About The Hilde L. Mosse President & CEO Title
Hilde L. Mosse M.D. was a colleague of Drs. Kenneth and Mamie Phipps Clark. Northside Center continues to honor her memory and connection to The Clarks through her nephew and Northside Board member Roger Strauch. Our Executive Director’s full title now bears her name … The Hilde L. Mosse President & CEO. Roger further honors his aunt on his website.
Mike Goldstein, Board Chair
Our success is built on a strong and passionate Board of Directors, Council of Advisors, as well as dedicated staff, volunteers and so many other contributors like you. Together we provide quality programs and services so that our children and families may rise up and thrive.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Sharon Fraser
Chief Financial Officer
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Hazel Guzman, Ph.D.
Chief Program Officer
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Paula Magnus
Chief Revenue Officer and Deputy Director
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Robert D. Brissett
Director of Technology
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Sherrifa Bailey, MSW
Director of Behavioral Health
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Jessica Burckhardt
Director of Budget and Revenue
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Deborah Carroll
Director of Early / Head Start Programs
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LaChara Hill, Ph.D.
Director of Human Resources
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Ashley Lahoud, MUP
Director of Development
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Carolina Laise-Chong, Ms.Ed.
Director of Therapeutic Early Childhood Center and Education Services
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Oniel S. Morgan, MBA
Director of Operations & Facility
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To access Northside’s most recent 990, please visit www.guidestar.org