Our Team

Stacey

Co-founder of Calm Connections since 2018 and serves as the Executive Director. Originally from Queens, NY, she attended Queens College (City University of New York) where she earned her B.A. in psychology. She also has her M.S. in clinical mental health counseling from Long Island University Post. Stacey is currently a Ph.D. Candidate in human development and family science at Syracuse University where her research focuses on mindfulness, self-compassion, and self-regulation in children and teens. Stacey also received her 200-hour yoga teacher certification through Breathe for Change. She also has her own mindfulness and yoga practice that helps her keep her life in balance.

Aysha

Co-founder of Calm Connections since July 2018 and serves as the Fundraising Director. She is from Los Angeles, California where she received her B.A. in psychology with a minor in child and adolescent development from California State University, Fullerton. She came to Syracuse for a Ph.D. in human development and family science at Syracuse University (SU) where her research focuses on teen dating violence and prevention. With her career goals in program development and evaluation for community development, she helped create Calm Connections. In the years prior to moving to Syracuse, Aysha found her inner peace from mindfulness and trauma-informed yoga practices. Through Breath for Change, she received her 200-hour yoga teacher certification. She wants to share these skills to help others cope with life stressors.

DeAnna

DeAnna is delighted to serve as the Programming Director for Calm Connections since April 2019. She is originally from the Syracuse area and is excited to be able to engage in the community in this capacity. DeAnna is currently a Ph.D. Candidate in human development and family science at Syracuse University. DeAnna is certified as a child life specialist, therapeutic recreation specialist, and infant massage instructor. DeAnna also received her 200-hour yoga teaching certification through Breathe for Change. DeAnna has her own mindfulness and yoga practice that she is elated to help others form as well.