Providing Empowering Programs
For Girls and Women
Cynthia Quinlan
Founder
Cynthia Quinlan is an educator, mindfulness coach, and sports coach. She earned her B.S. in education at Wagner College where she also played on the women’s basketball team. Cynthia obtained her master’s degree at L.I.U. Post and her school administration certificate at Stony Brook University. She is currently the assistant supervisor of special education at the South Huntington UFSD in Suffolk County, NY.
Throughout her career, she has studied social-emotional learning. Affectionately known as ‘Ms. Q’ to her students and staff, she has facilitated workshops, training , and committees on the importance of supporting the social emotional growth of children. She has established a mindfulness committee which has implemented restorative practices for staff and students.
With the rise of cyber- bullying and the power of negative messaging throughout social media, many of today’s youth struggle to develop a strong sense of self, particularly girls and women. This prompted Cynthia to create L.U.N.A. Reflections Inc., a non profit focused on meeting the needs of young girls and/women by creating a space for them to realize and discover their greatest possibility.
“The Lady Flashes of Florence Township Memorial HS, enjoyed participating in team building activities with L.U.N.A Reflections. Coach Cynthia provided an environment that allowed teammates to build trust and encourage success for each other. This experience was a positive way to jump start our season and build the bonds that make teams work successfully together.”
As always, women need to know they are supported in the efforts they are putting forth in raising their children and supporting their community, while remembering to nurture and feed their own soul. I am thrilled to continue my work with L.U.N.A., as I am guided to empower women by teaching them how to access the feminine energy available to them.”
Alexandra Leftridge
Vice President
Alexandra Leftridge is a 2015 graduate of Molloy College in Rockville Center, NY. Alexandra afforded her way through college by being awarded a full athletic scholarship. She obtained her degree in Political Science and Women’s and Gender Studies. While at Molloy, she was inducted into the National Political Science Honor Society, Pi Sigma Alpha. While studying and playing basketball at Molloy College, Alexandra was able to study abroad during the summer of 2014 in Brussels, Belgium. While in Belgium, she studied the governance of the European Union and migration and interned at a European Union business law firm. Currently, Alexandra is studying for her Master’s of Public Administration.
Alexandra was the secretary of the Molloy College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee She helped to organize events and raise funds so the student-athletes could give back to the local community.
As Vice President for L.U.N.A., Alexandra has organized and hosted fundraisers and drives to raise money for programs and events. Alexandra also helps facilitate training sessions and vigorously networks on behalf of L.U.N.A.
Yvette Pacheco-McLaughlin
Secretary
Yvette is an attorney admitted in New York State with over ten years experience in program development and grant writing. She served as the former Director for Nassau County’s Home Ownership Center for five years, assisting over 3,000 families with home ownership and foreclosure prevention programs.
Ms. Pacheco started her own consulting business, AMS Consulting Solutions, LLC in 2012 to assist non-profit organizations with strategic planning and program development. Ms. Pacheco is graduate of John Jay College (1992) and City University School of Law (1997) Ms. Pacheco is a board member for Momentum Teen Leadership Program, a non-profit organization in New York City, targeting teens ages 13-17.
She is a excited to be part of L.U.N.A Reflections board of directors and working on developing inspiring programs for the young girls.
Crystal Leftenant
Treasurer
Crystal is a licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Broker and has worked at AssuredPartners Northeast in Melville for the last 30 years. She is currently the Assistant Vice President of Client Services and is responsible for all the agency’s client interactions- both internal and external. In her current position at AssuredPartners, Crystal has been involved and continues to work with several not for profit and service organizations here on Long Island in both a volunteer and professional capacity.
Crystal’s job presents an opportunity for her to mentor and lead women in many different stages of their lives and careers. Teaching women the technical and life skills necessary to build their confidence and perform their jobs at a high level is what drives her to strive every day to be her best self. Watching these women thrive in their newfound knowledge and confidence is one of her greatest achievements.
As the mother of two beautiful young women and someone who dealt with her own issues of self-worth and confidence, the mission of L.U.N.A. Reflections is one that touches very close to her heart. Every young girl deserves to realize that she matters and that her opportunities in life are limitless NOW. Working with LUNA Reflections is an opportunity she considers to be a true blessing.