OUR TEAM
Northeast Kids Count is overseen by a Parent Advisory Board of Directors and staffed by a variety of talented people of all ages and backgrounds. Explore and find out more about the amazing people working to bring your children a wonderful program!
Northeast Kids Count, Inc
Tracy Robbins
I have worked with Northeast Kids Count since 2004 when I started as a program counselor. I’m excited to have continued all these years as Director of Northeast Kids Count. I have a BA in Outdoor Education & Recreation / Environmental Interpretation from SUNY Cortland.
Meadow Petersen
My name is Meadow Petersen. I have lived in Ithaca for the past 17 years. All 4 of my children attended Northeast Elementary. I enjoy working with children and have been doing so professionally for the past 6 years.
I love hiking, especially in the mountains, and walking on the beach. I enjoy baking and hanging out with my kids. I am especially happy to be working with school age children, since my own are much older.
Gus Dusenberry
My name is Gus, and I’ve been a counselor here at Northeast Kids Count since 2016. I’m a retired air traffic controller (worked at Elmira Airport). I’ve lived in Ithaca since I came to Cornell for my degree in psychology. I met my wife Lisa while I was volunteering doing camera work for a cable access comedy show. My son Eric is a Cornell graduate.
Hobby-wise I like hiking, biking, and swimming. I also like to do photography, especially of music events and nature. I enjoy board games, particularly chess, as well as logic puzzles, and I share that enthusiasm with the kids here. My favorite movie series are Star Wars, Star Trek, and Harry Potter. As for TV, I prefer science and history programs, science fiction, and comedies. At Halloween, I love to carve picture pumpkins.
I have helped children at many local programs, including University Cooperative Nursery School, Community Unity Music Education Program, Family Math Camp, and Boynton Math Club. I am grateful to serve you here at Northeast Kids Count!
Farah Zahra
My name is Farah and I have done my masters in Psychology and Bachelor in education. Teaching is my life's passion, and I have been instructing students of all ages for 15 years. This is my second year working at Northeast Elementary School as a teacher aide. I've previously worked in my country Pakistan as a principal for 10 years. I am feeling very proud to be a part of the kids count. My years of experience as a teacher have helped me form a teaching philosophy that guides how I help my students succeed in the classroom and beyond. I am passionate about my work. Because I love what I do, I have a steady source of motivation that drives me to do my best.
Asma Ali
My name is Asma. I did my master's degree at Pakistan City Lahore. Before coming to the USA, I worked in my own school as a principal and a teacher for over 10 years. I really love to work with kids. I also love to read books and watch movies. I have one daughter. She is almost 7 years old.
Casey Warner
My name is Casey and I have been at NE Kids Count for over twenty years and I absolutely love it. I grew up in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont where I lived until I came to Ithaca College to study music in 1983. Yes, I am that old. Although I no longer have music students or play my trumpet as much as I used to, I consider myself to be a musician forever. Music is in my heart and soul. I am an avid NY Yankee fan and yes, I do really wish they’d start winning again. I’m still a fan for life though.I love coming to work and really look forward to seeing your kids every day. Even when they maybe having a hard day, I strive to meet them where they’re at and make the day feel fun. I especially enjoy being outside with them on days that we get to go sledding. For me, there is nothing quite like hearing them laugh and play in the year’s first snowfall. I thank you all for trusting us with your precious kids everyday I’m honored to get to be just a little part of their lives. Here’s to many more years.
Em Schaffner
My name is Em Schaffner. I have two super silly cats, Mooseand Quinto. I love to make art in my free time! I'm very passionate about nature. I love to show kids I work with the wonder, beauty and importance of the environment we live in.