Founders' Statement
At Mother Hen, our passion for supporting and uplifting children, families, and underserved populations is the driving force behind everything we do. We believe in the transformative power of community and the positive impact that targeted support can have on individuals and families facing challenges.
Our mission is grounded in the understanding that strong parenting, good mental health, and academic success are critical pillars for the development and well-being of children and families. We are deeply committed to fostering environments where these elements can flourish, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Importance of Parenting
We recognize the vital role that parents and caregivers play in shaping the lives of their children. Effective parenting provides the foundation for emotional security, social development, and lifelong learning. We understand the importance of creating safe spaces where children and families feel secure, valued, and understood. Our initiatives focus on fostering environments that promote trust, safety, and emotional well-being. By providing safe spaces, we enable individuals to express themselves freely, seek support without fear, and build meaningful connections. Strong bonds contribute to a sense of belonging and support, which are crucial for resilience and growth. Our programs are designed to empower parents with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to create nurturing and supportive home environments. By strengthening parenting practices, we aim to build stronger families and, in turn, stronger communities.
Good Mental Health
Good mental health is essential for the overall well-being and success of both children and adults. We are dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and providing access to mental health resources and support. Our initiatives focus on reducing stigma, offering counseling services, and creating safe spaces for individuals to discuss and address their mental health needs. We believe that fostering good mental health is fundamental to helping individuals overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives.
Academic Success
Education is a key driver of opportunity and advancement. We strive to ensure that all children have access to quality educational resources and support systems that encourage academic achievement. Our programs are designed to address educational disparities and provide tutoring, mentoring, and enrichment activities that enhance learning outcomes. By prioritizing academic success, we aim to equip children with the knowledge and skills they need to build brighter futures
Importance of Helping Underserved Families
Helping underserved families is at the heart of our mission. These families often face systemic barriers that hinder access to essential resources such as healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. By addressing these disparities, we aim to create a more equitable society where everyone has the chance to succeed.
Supporting underserved families means providing tailored resources and programs that meet their specific needs. Whether it’s through educational support, mental health services, or family assistance programs, our goal is to empower individuals and families to overcome obstacles and build better futures. By investing in these communities, we contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty and creating sustainable change.
Our dedication to underserved families stems from a profound belief in social justice and equality. We are committed to amplifying the voices of those who are often overlooked and ensuring that they have access to the same opportunities as everyone else. This commitment not only benefits individuals but also strengthens the fabric of our society as a whole.
Through our initiatives, partnerships, and community engagement, we strive to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. We are inspired daily by the resilience and strength of the children, families, and communities we work with, and we are honored to play a role in their journeys.
Thank you for joining us in this important work. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Natoya K. Evans
President
Natoya is a dynamic leader and advocate committed to empowering families and fostering strong, supportive communities. As the principal at Mother Hen, she combines her expertise in parental coaching, education, and family advocacy with a passion for uplifting individuals through holistic care and innovative programs. Natoya believes that by focusing on nurturing families, one family at a time, at the micro level, stronger communities can be built, creating a ripple effect that leads to lasting change. Her approach to leadership is grounded in the understanding that the well-being of individuals and families is central to the vitality of any community. Natoya emphasizes the importance of building trust, open communication, and a sense of belonging, ensuring that every family has access to the tools and support they need to thrive. She works closely with families to help them navigate challenges, strengthen relationships, and reach their full potential, believing that these individual transformations ultimately lead to more resilient communities as a whole. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Natoya is deeply involved in philanthropy and community service. She has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at improving access to education, supporting underserved families, and providing resources for mental health and wellness. Through partnerships with local organizations, she has helped launch programs focused on financial literacy, parenting support, and youth mentorship, all of which empower families to create sustainable change in their lives. Natoya’s leadership is also reflected in her commitment to advocacy. She has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the systemic issues affecting families, particularly those in underrepresented and marginalized communities. By advocating for policies that promote equity in education, health care, and social services, Natoya seeks to create an environment where all families have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. Through her work at Mother Hen and her extensive philanthropic efforts, Natoya continues to inspire change. She believes that fostering resilience, compassion, and empowerment at the family level creates a foundation for broader social transformation. Her vision is not only to help families survive but to thrive—creating communities where every individual is supported, valued, and equipped to succeed.
Sylvester Cole
Vice President
Everyday life is based on public health. It permeates every element of our surroundings, including the social systems we traverse and the physical settings we engage with. Public health entails putting in place fundamental policies that guarantee the wellbeing of the community. Sylvester Cole is a public health professional, who oversees the application of food safety standards in the food industry. Strong foundation in research and a passion for health promotion in underserved communities. A passionate public health advocate who is committed to enhancing community health using easily accessible, research-based initiatives.
R. Dayne Evans
Secretary
Dayne Evans is an experienced business development leader with over 15 years in corporate real estate, financial consulting, business development, and project management. As Managing Principal at ArchGlobal Capital Partners, he has led over 100 valuation and consulting initiatives across sectors such as office, retail, industrial, and multi-family housing. Specializing in emerging markets, he has successfully advised on commercial real estate portfolios valued at over $1 billion. Previously, as Vice President at Rockwood Real Estate Advisors, he directed the brokerage practice for office, retail, and multi-family asset sales across the Southeast and Eastern Seaboard, facilitating transactions between $1 million and $20 million. Earlier in his career, as Director of Acquisitions and Development at Portman Holdings, he oversaw investment proposals and development projects, including the successful delivery of a 1,190-room Hilton San Diego project ahead of schedule and under budget. He also designed property transaction workflows for multi-million-dollar projects, enabling critical performance metrics for timely Decision-making. His foundation in commercial real estate began as a Real Estate Analyst at ACG Professionals and continued at Cushman & Wakefield, where he conducted valuation analyses of over $50 billion in assets, developing best practices that streamlined workflows and improved clarity in stakeholder communications. Recognized with multiple industry awards, including the Deal of the Year from the Atlanta Board of Realtors, he has been honored for contributions to major real estate transactions. Dayne holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, laying a strong foundation for his expertise in business development and strategic growth.
Monique Hawthorne, Psy.D.
Treasurer
Monique Hawthorne is a dedicated clinical and school child psychologist with extensive experience supporting adults, children, adolescents, and families across diverse educational and therapeutic settings. As the co-founder of Mother Hen LLC, she develops evidence-based parenting strategies and advocates for the educational, emotional, and mental well-being of children. Dr. Hawthorne conducts comprehensive psychological evaluations and provides individualized psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults. Her expertise includes cognitive and neuropsychological assessments, psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapy, and family-school consultation. A graduate of Pace University’s Psy.D. program in School and Clinical Child Psychology, Dr. Hawthorne also holds a M.S.Ed. in School Psychology and has served in various roles, including school psychologist, psychology supervisor, and researcher. Her dedication to empowering families, navigating complex educational systems, and addressing developmental and behavioral challenges underscores her commitment to fostering healthy child development and resilience.
Alice Cole
Board Member
Alice is employed in the Healthcare Industry, specializing in Nursing at Kings County Hospital Facility. In this area, she assists in overseeing care for diverse patients and their families. Outside of her professional life, Alice also partners with leaders of her Church community to aid in improving the experiences of the underserved communities. She has the skill sets to oversee projects and understands the advocacy required to assist community members who share an interest in improving the lives of children and families.
Pauline Bennett-O'Leary
Board Member
Pauline Bennett-O’Leary is a seasoned marketing strategist turned educator with a wealth of experience spanning operations management, public relations, and franchise business development. Based in Cranford, New Jersey, Pauline brings a unique blend of professional expertise and academic passion to her role as an Adjunct Professor of Marketing. Her transition from corporate success to academia is fueled by a commitment to nurturing the next generation of marketing professionals. Pauline holds a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing and Communications from Manhattanville College and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Management from Baruch College. Her academic foundation is complemented by a career marked by innovative marketing strategies, successful product launches, and impactful stakeholder engagement. Her teaching journey began at Bronx Community College, where she developed comprehensive marketing courses that bridged theoretical knowledge with practical application. Currently, she serves as an Adjunct Professor at Union County College, where she designs and implements curricula for International Marketing and Principles of Marketing courses. Pauline integrates modern pedagogical methods and technologies, such as Canvas, to create dynamic, interactive learning experiences. She is dedicated to mentoring students, fostering critical thinking, and preparing them for the complexities of the marketing industry. Before her academic career, Pauline was the Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill, where she played a pivotal role in expanding the franchise from 55 to 110 locations. She successfully launched campaigns that increased brand visibility and sales, demonstrating her ability to drive growth in competitive markets. Pauline’s earlier roles include serving as a Media Buyer at Ogilvy & Mather and working in banking in Jamaica, West Indies, where she gained valuable insights into financial operations. Pauline’s diverse career path reflects her adaptability, leadership, and dedication to excellence. Whether mentoring students or driving business growth, she is passionate about fostering innovation and development in every endeavor she undertakes.