Board of Directors
Founder & President
Evelyn Bautista-Miller
Bilingual social worker and educator with 20+ years’ experience serving New York’s most vulnerable communities. Founder of Tender Steps of New York (TSONY) and adjunct lecturer at Columbia University, she leads direct services, community partnerships, and policy advocacy to expand equitable access. Evelyn advances anti-oppressive practice and strengthens family supports across Rockland County and New York State.
Board Member
Sandra Ortiz, MD
Pediatrician serving Bardonia, NY, and former Columbia University/Children’s Hospital faculty member. Dr. Ortiz brings deep expertise in community health, medical education, and outreach. A long-time advocate for Latino communities and survivors of domestic violence, she helps guide TSONY’s mission to improve health and social outcomes for underserved children and families in New York.
Board Member
Evenide Fanfan-Vilcean
An educator for 27 years, Evenide holds an NJDOE certificate in Educational Leadership and serves as a District Supervisor of Instructional Technology & Career-Technical Education. A Haitian immigrant who came to the U.S. at age nine, she is passionate about creating programs that inspire underrepresented groups, especially girls and minorities, to pursue careers in technology and engineering.
Board Member
Steven Edwards
Certified public accountant with 30+ years in audit, tax, and nonprofit finance. Steven founded Steven Edwards, CPA, P.C. after roles at Coopers & Lybrand (PwC) and in corporate accounting. As Treasurer of the TSONY Board of Directors, he oversees financial stewardship, compliance, and sustainability to support programs serving families across Rockland County and New York.
Board Member
Board Member
Rachel Schlegel
School-based social worker (Stamford Public Schools) and Columbia University MSW graduate focused on anti-oppressive, strengths-based practice. A former TSONY intern, Rachel supports youth and families through clinical services, school partnerships, and community outreach. As Board Secretary, she strengthens TSONY’s operations and engagement with stakeholders across New York’s diverse communities.
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Board Member
Socorro Diaz
Career educator and bilingual leader with 32 years at NYC DOE, including teacher, coach, Title VII coordinator, founding principal (Entrada Academy), and Bronx Borough Director of Multilingual Learners. Socorro champions language equity and culturally responsive education. On TSONY’s Board of Directors, she advances programs that support immigrant families and English learners across New York.
Board Member & Liaison
Ronda Mercado
Entrepreneur and community leader who owns and operates three businesses. Ronda serves as a Girl Scout troop leader and on two school boards, raising over $60,000 for local education initiatives. As a TSONY Board Director & Liaison, she builds partnerships, coordinates outreach, and supports resource development that strengthens families and communities in New York.
Board Member
John O’Neill
Former NYC Department of Education Personnel/HR Director with extensive experience supporting educators in high-need districts and partnering with community organizations. A past Washingtonville Central School District board member, John brings human resources, governance, and community relations expertise. On TSONY’s Board of Directors, he advances caregiver-centered programs and organizational effectiveness across New York.
Why Join Our Board?
Who We Are
Bring your skills to our board and power services that move NY families from barriers to opportunities.