Building Leaders from Within

At Heartshare, empowering people is at the core of everything we do—not only the individuals and communities we serve, but also the dedicated staff who make up our agency. That’s why Heartshare created its award-winning, year-long Management Training Program (MTP), designed to develop leadership and management skills across the agency.

Launched in 2008, Heartshare’s MTP strengthens supervisory skills and promotes leadership throughout the organization. The 12-month program consists of three semesters, each with a variety of training sessions on topics such as fiscal responsibility, effective communication, strategic planning, and effective delegation, led by members of Heartshare’s Leadership Council. Everything is designed for participants to gain knowledge, confidence, professional connections, and a clear understanding of leadership at Heartshare.

In December, MTP celebrated its 11th cohort, graduating 15 participants. Class Speaker and Heartshare Program Supervisor of Supportive Housing Journey Singles Program, Oluyemi Akinnibosun expressed his gratitude, stating: “Standing here today, I can honestly say this journey has meant more to me than I ever expected. We came with our own experiences, our own strengths, our own uncertainties, but what we gained together was something powerful: clarity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of what leadership truly looks like within Heartshare.” Oluyemi emphasized that the invaluable guidance from program staff will continue to influence him as he continues pursuing his professional aspirations. When asked about his future, he shared, “In five years, I see myself in a leadership or senior role where I can combine direct client support with coaching and training staff. I want to help advance Heartshare’s mission, implement innovative strategies to enhance tenant engagement, and support my colleagues' professional growth.”

Since 2008, MTP has prepared over 150 emerging leaders for success. Many graduates have advanced to key roles, including Supervisors, Associate Directors, Program Directors, Senior Directors, and Vice Presidents. MTP alum and Heartshare Special Assistant to the Chief Compliance Officer Janet Aponte noted that she did not see herself as a leader before entering the program, but has since developed a new sense of confidence, trusting herself more, speaking up in meetings, and leading monthly training sessions for new hires in her area of expertise.

As Heartshare grows, so will MTP. Heartshare Director of Training and Culture Ervica Timot shared her goals for the program: continuing to strengthen manager retention, highlight employee talents, and expand their skills, strengths, and overall capacity. By fostering ongoing growth and development, Heartshare ensures its leaders are prepared to meet new challenges and advance the organization’s mission.

Heartshare recognizes that investing in its people is essential for the agency’s future, which is why MTP is one of several growth opportunities available to employees seeking to achieve their career goals. If you are ready to join an organization with an impactful mission that values developing its staff, visit Heartshare’s Careers page to explore current opportunities.

Congratulations to Heartshare’s MTP Class of 2025:

Union Turnpike Day Habilitation Assistant Director Edwina Aboagye-Agyeman

Program Supervisor of Supportive Housing Journey Singles Program Oluyemi Akinnibosun

ACS Discretionary Speakers Initiative Coach Supervisor Jeffrey Barrett

Billing Clerk Christian Diaz

Heartshare St. Vincent’s Program Director Adrianne Fernandez

Special Medical Preventive FTC Facilitator Mabel Garcia

Program Analyst Yonaka Harris

Residence Manager Kern Huggings

EFFC PYA Specialist Supervisor Makeeba Jacob

Program Director of the Journey Program Maria Lopes

Sr. Direct Support Professional of Community Living Program Nira Marius

Russo Residence Manager Marisol Modesto

HR Systems Manager Brandon Serrado

Sr. Director Intake Admissions Andrea Tosto

Special Medical Preventive SBC Coordinator/Trainer Kory Turner

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