Gwen Parker-Ames

Gwen Parker-Ames is the associate dean in the Nyack College Division of Student Success on both the Rockland and Manhattan campuses and is also the director of Nyack’s Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP).

Active in her local church and community, Dr. Parker-Ames is the associate minister for youth and families at St. Paul Baptist Church in Montclair, NJ and is the executive director of Montclair Emergency Services for the Homeless (MESH) in Montclair, New Jersey. Her chaplaincy residence with the Spiritual Care Association in New York City will be completed in spring 2018.

An educator and advocate for youth and children, her research on the educational challenges of children affected by Hurricane Katrina resulted in funding for service-learning opportunities for high school and college students as well as partnerships with Louisiana school districts. Her leadership and passion for mission work has opened pathways for engaging religious communities in closing the achievement gap for children failing to progress and mentoring children affected by the 2005 hurricane to transition from crisis to college.

Several organizations have recognized her leadership role in designing youth development programs including the National Character Education Partnership, Phi Delta Kappa, Girl Scouts of the USA and the New Jersey Association of Schools and Administrators. Dr. Parker-Ames is a recipient of the Community Service Award from the National Council of Negro Women of Orange New Jersey. The National Council of Negro Women of Montclair New Jersey, the American Legion and the Northeast Earth Coalition each presented her with Humanitarian Awards.

Dr. Parker-Ames earned an Ed.D. at Columbia University Teachers College. She also studied at Princeton Theological Seminary and New York Theological Seminary.