Alison Khalaf, Executive Director

Alison came to Families First with more than 10 years of experience working for the City of New York Department of Homeless Services and the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget. She has been involved with Families First since 2014, when her eldest son started in Practically Preschool. She served on the board of directors before becoming ED. Alison holds a BA in Psychology from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Public Administration from the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. She lives in Carroll Gardens with her husband and two sons.

Mirjeta Maxhuni-Deda, Program Associate

Mirjeta joined Families First in 2022. She is a former Environmental Health Specialist and moved to Brooklyn from Kosovo in 2010. Mirjeta also used to be a member of Families First, and brought her daughter to Pracitcally Preschool with Ms. Erin. She has a Master’s degree in Biochemistry and Physiology from the University of Prishtina. Mirjeta lives in Brooklyn Heights with her husband and 2 daughters.

Erin Burns, Head Teacher for Level 3

Erin joined Families First in 2011 after teaching preschool at Bright Horizons. She is passionate about finding what inspires each child, and strives to make each child feel at home in the classroom. Ms. Erin is a CUNY-certified Early Childhood educator who continues her education through C.A.R.E With CUNY N.Y C Early Childhood Professional Development Institute. She also attended Touro University. Erin lives in Red Hook with her partner and 3 of her children.

Nanette DeCillis, Head Teacher for Levels1&2

Nanette is the founding director of ArtsCetera, a teaching studio previously in Cobble Hill, which provided fundamental music, arts, and creative play for children from birth to 5 years. Ms. Nanette joined Families First in 2013, and has had a dedicated following in Practically Preschool levels 1&2 every trimester since. She has also taught music and art classes at Families First. Nanette is also a dancer with the ZCO Dance Project, a non-profit dance company dedicated to fostering the inclusion of people with disabilities. She holds a B.A. in Dance from Hunter College, and lives in Williamsburg with her dog.

Melissa Douglas, Teacher for Level 3

Melissa has a longtime history at Families First, since she was a regular visitor as caregiver to a family in Cobble Hill starting back in 2013. Melissa has been teaching Level 3 with Ms. Erin since 2018, and she specializes in easing separation anxiety. She loves being recognized all over the neighborhood by current and former students, who all get excited to see Ms. Melissa outside of the classroom. She is originally from Grenada and lives in Flatbush.