About me

Hi! My name is Karla Hernandez and I am a Youth Development Specialist with 4+ years experience working with youth in various contexts. I am a born and raised New Yorker, growing up in Queens and receiving a dual degree in English and Psychology from Adelphi University. I am the youngest of four siblings. I enjoy reading, exercise (especially yoga!), sports, cooking, dancing and music.

Most recently, I have returned from the United States Peace Corps, where I proudly served from 2017 until 2019 as a Health Volunteer. I worked at Good Shepherd Centre for Teenage Mothers, a vocational school for young mothers and an epicenter in my local community. In my role I provided health education for young mothers and their children, taught a pre-school health class, and hosted various camps/programs for youth in my community. Prior to this, I worked as a Residence Hall Director at SUNY College at Old Westbury where I managed an upperclassmen residence hall of approximately 100+ students. I have also served as a camp counselor for special needs children (ages 3-5) and inner city youth (ages 10-12) from 2010 until 2015. In this role, I was responsible for supervising group of 5-7 campers, ensuring they participated in camp activities and follow camp rules, providing daily meals, swim instruction, and administering daily medications when necessary.

I love engaging with youth in different ways. I have been very lucky to have gained skills such as teaching, conflict mediation, and psycho-social support through my multifarious experiences. I am always eager to learn new things and love sharing them with the children I work with. I consider myself to be a lifelong learner with a sense of warmth and positivity.