Nada Arkadan is a familiar face at many HeartShare events. Nada often volunteers herself and her team for many major fundraisers, including the Spring Gala and Auction, as well as Buckley’s Run. “She’s a real team player,” said Danielle Maurice, HeartShare Director of Special Events, who coordinates volunteers for agency fundraisers.

In her full-time position, Nada Arkadan runs the HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services after-school and summer camp program at P.S. 102. “This program is incredibly special because I have an intergenerational team,” Nada said. “I have former program participants, who are working as a part of my staff. It means so much to me to see our children come full circle.”

Why do her students stick around? Nada has spent 18 years as a HeartShare educator, 16 of which were at P.S. 102. She formerly was a teacher and ESL instructor, as well as summer camp leader at the agency’s McKinley Beacon Program. She was appointed as director of the program at P.S. 102 in 2007. Nada certainly has expertise in running the community program, but also cares about truly communicating with the student’s families. “I speak Russian, Arabic, and French,” she said. Prior to teaching Kindergarten and 2nd grade, Nada was a practicing physician in Russia.

Nada Arkadan strives to keep program life interesting. From encouraging creative play with the KaBOOM! Imagination Playground set to ordering robotic kits for her students, Nada leads a team of over 20 staff members helping to form engaged and inquisitive minds. Nada also ensures that the children are an active part of the local community. She coordinates an annual summer picnic generously hosted by the Knights of Columbus Cavallaro Council, as well as a winter holiday trip to the U.S.S. Intrepid.

Learn more about HeartShare St. Vincent’s Community Programs in Brooklyn.