Jane Platt, Ph.D, became Chair of The Alex House Project board in 2018. She was attracted to The Alex House Project’s mission because she is a firm believer that the best way to help children is to help their parents.
Jane began her career as an Assistant Professor at Harvard University, teaching and doing research in developmental psychology with a focus on infant development. She then joined the faculty of the NYU School of Medicine after completing a post-doctoral fellowship in Child Psychology and Psychopharmacology. While at NYU she was drawn to clinical work and completed an internship in clinical psychology at Bellevue Hospital.
This work led her to establish her own part-time private practice in addition to maintaining her research activities. After retiring, she decided to put her professional knowledge to use by volunteering
Jane holds a B.A. from Bennington College and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Yale University. She is a longtime resident of Brooklyn, where she and her husband raised two daughters, and is active in community organizations including Allinbrooklyn, a women’s giving circle that gives grants to Brooklyn centered non-profits, and the Brooklyn Heights Association, a group devoted to preserving the cultural heritage of that neighborhood as well as building community.
Stephen Michael Wilder is a distinguished architect and entrepreneur hailing from the vibrant streets of Harlem. With two decades of expertise in shaping the built environment, Stephen is known for his unwavering commitment to community enrichment and his determination to use his resources, experience, and influence to catalyze positive change.
Stephen received a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Howard University and a Master's degree in the Science of Architecture from Carnegie Mellon University. This academic journey is the bedrock upon which his career has flourished. A respected figure within the architectural world, Stephen maintains professional affiliations with AIA and the National Association of Minority Architects. Currently he is the President-Elect of the latter’s local chapter, the New York Coalition of Black Architects.
Through his visionary leadership and steady dedication, Stephen continues to make an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of NYC, shaping communities for the betterment of all.
Tiffany Perkins is dedicated to empowering communities and driving impactful change through her professional work. With over a decade of experience in non-profit development and communications, she has spearheaded successful fundraising and engagement initiatives at esteemed organizations such as LifeWay Network, Sue Duncan Children’s Center, and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Northwest Indiana. Currently serving as the Associate Director of Institutional Advancement at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, Tiffany has played a key role in raising over $3 million annually since August 2021. In addition, she is a full-spectrum doula providing trauma-informed care and support to BIPOC birthing individuals through her practice, Mississippi Mud Doula Services.
Tiffany Perkins holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from DePaul University. Outside of her professional life, Tiffany is a devoted mother to her teenage son, Simeon, with whom she enjoys relaxing and watching documentaries.
Carla Nelson, a registered nurse and licensed medical esthetician, is the visionary founder of Fleur de Lis Beauty and Esthetics, a medical spa located in Brooklyn and dedicated to providing exceptional skincare, beauty and wellness services. Fleur de Lis has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Good Morning America, and Essence Magazine.
Carla also has a thriving volunteer career and plays a leadership role at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, where she chairs the Parents of Students of Color Committee and co-chaired the Annual Benefit Committee.
Carla has been honored for her work. In 2013, Carver Bank presented her with its Trailblazing Women Award, and in 2023 she received a Citation of Honor from Eric Gonzalez, Brooklyn’s District Attorney.
Ms Nelson holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Morrisville State College and an Esthetics License from Atelier Esthetique.
An Alex House board member since June 2024, Chansi Powell, Esq. currently serves as the Director of Policy & Advocacy on Robin Hood’s public policy team. She partners closely with government, community partners, and other key stakeholders to surface and advance city, state, and federal-level advocacy agendas that promote economic mobility outcomes for New Yorkers. With a 15+ year career that has spanned the local, national, and international sectors, Chansi has committed her professional focus to elevating the voices of and outcomes for people living in or near poverty.
Chansi Powell has held roles at organizations including The Ford Foundation and The Carter Center, and has also led critical work for The Vera Institute of Justice's Center on Youth Justice, and the NYC Mayor’s Office under the de Blasio Administration. She holds a B.A. degree in English & Comparative Literature from Columbia University, an M.A. in French Language & Civilization from New York University, and a J.D. degree from Washington University in St. Louis.
Carla Nelson, a registered nurse and licensed medical esthetician, is the visionary founder of Fleur de Lis Beauty and Esthetics, a medical spa located in Brooklyn and dedicated to providing exceptional skincare, beauty and wellness services. Fleur de Lis has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Good Morning America, and Essence Magazine.
Carla also has a thriving volunteer career and plays a leadership role at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, where she chairs the Parents of Students of Color Committee and co-chaired the Annual Benefit Committee.
Carla has been honored for her work. In 2013, Carver Bank presented her with its Trailblazing Women Award, and in 2023 she received a Citation of Honor from Eric Gonzalez, Brooklyn’s District Attorney.
Ms Nelson holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Morrisville State College and an Esthetics License from Atelier Esthetique.
Melanie is a Nurse at Packer Collegiate Institute. Since 2015, she has been with AllInBKLYN (a women’s grantmaking circle that funds Brooklyn based non-profits).Melanie is passionate about serving her community as she continues to serve on the board of directors programs for undergraduate and law student scholars.
Jane Platt, Ph.D, became Chair of the Alex House Project board in 2018.
She was attracted to The Alex House Project’s mission because she is a
firm believer that the best way to help children is to help their parents.
Jane began her career as an Assistant Professor at Harvard University,
teaching and doing research in developmental psychology with a focus on infant development. She then joined the faculty of the NYU School of
Medicine after completing a post-doctoral fellowship in Child Psychology
and Psychopharmacology. While at NYU she was drawn to clinical work
and completed an internship in clinical psychology at Bellevue Hospital.
This work led her to establish her own part-time private practice in addition to maintaining her research activities. After retiring, she decided to put her professional knowledge to use by volunteering
Jane holds a B.A. from Bennington College and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Yale University. She is a longtime resident of Brooklyn, where she and her husband raised two daughters, and is active in community organizations including Allinbrooklyn, a women’s giving circle that gives grants to Brooklyn centered non-profits, and the Brooklyn Heights Association, a group devoted to preserving the cultural heritage of that neighborhood as well as building community.
Stephen Michael Wilder is a distinguished architect and entrepreneur hailing from the vibrant streets of Harlem. With two decades of expertise in shaping the built environment, Stephen is known for his unwavering commitment to community enrichment and his determination to use his resources, experience, and influence to catalyze positive change.
Stephen received a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Howard University and a Masters degree in the Science of Architecture from Carnegie Mellon University. This academic journey is the bedrock upon which his career has flourished. A respected figure within the architectural world, Stephen maintains professional affiliations with AIA and the National Association of Minority Architects. Currently he is the President-Elect of the latter’s local chapter, the New York Coalition of Black Architects.
Through his visionary leadership and steady dedication, Stephen continues to make an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of NYC, shaping communities for the betterment of all.
