Liseida Melendez Returns to Henry Street
By Eda Li
In a poignant return to her roots, Lower East Side native Liseida Melendez became the program director of Henry Street’s Early Childhood Education center in August 2024. “It’s a wonderful, full-circle position for me,” says Liseida, whose children grew up attending Henry Street’s programs. As a child, her daughter spent entire Saturday mornings at Abrons Arts Center, taking ballet, jazz, salsa, flamenco, piano, and visual art. Her son was a group leader in Henry Street’s afterschool program at P.S. 20. Now, Liseida is proud to guide the future of Henry Street’s Early Childhood Education initiatives, giving back to the community that has given so much to her family.
Liseida holds a master’s of science degree in education with certifications in Early Childhood and Students with Disabilities (birth to second grade) from Touro University. With 31 years of experience in education, her career spans early intervention, special education, and program directorships across diverse settings. Liseida spent many years working as a program director in a variety of early intervention agencies and as an evaluator for special instruction services, where she visited families in their homes.
After spending some time away from New York, including working remotely from Puerto Rico for a Harlem-based special-needs school, Liseida returned to her hometown in 2024. Motivated by her passion for teaching and community service, she felt a deep connection to Henry Street’s mission and the collaborative spirit of the team. Building on the strong foundation of Henry Street’s early childhood program, She has already begun to enhance its impact. One of her first priorities was to rename and painte each classroom, transforming the third floor of 301 Henry Street into a more vibrant space. She also implemented ClassDojo, a communication app that has been enthusiastically embraced by families, fostering seamless and engaging connections between teachers and parents. Additionally, Liseida made strategic staffing adjustments to ensure that all classrooms featured culturally diverse educational teams.
“Henry Street’s early childhood program is unique because it’s not just about education—it’s about community,” Liseida says. “I bring a special education background that supports all children, even those with special needs, ensuring they thrive here. My goal is to make sure every teacher feels supported and equipped.”
Looking ahead, Liseida envisions continued growth for the program, with a focus on strengthening its community connections. She is committed to nurturing the growth of both the children and the staff, ensuring that the program remains a place of opportunity, support, and belonging for all.
