Meet the Parenting Staff

Amy Zukas: Amy joined the CCE staff in 2017 and the parenting program in 2023 as the Parenting Program Manager. Amy has 2 teenage children, 5 adult step children, and a foster child. Amy grew up in Jefferson County and feels that this is a great area to raise a family. Amy’s parenting goal is to create a network of parenting resources and education within our community that is accessible to all parents.

Gabrielle Dion: Gabrielle joined the CCE staff in 2024 as a Youth and Family Engagement Coordinator. Gabrielle has since transitioned into the role of CARE 4-H Wellness Educator. While Gabrielle has no children of her own, she has years of experience working with multiple age groups. She is native to Oswego county, however grew up very close to Jefferson county where she currently resides. Gabrielle’s parenting goal is to collaborate with families to promote healthy communication, understanding of child development, and protective factors.

Jenn Howland: Jenn joined the CCE staff in 2021 and joined the parenting program in 2023 as the Parenting Educator Credential Coordinator before becoming the Care Assets Resilience Education (CARE) Program Manager. Jenn has 3 children and 5 bonus children ranging in age from 23 to 9. Jenn grew up as a military dependent and relocated to Watertown, NY in 2003. Jenn’s parenting goal is to provide the tools needed for families to have a healthy bond.

Karen Greene: Karen joined the CCE parenting program in March 2017 as a Family Support Specialist for the Healthy Families New York program. Karen has two adult children, is currently raising a niece, and is a native of Jefferson County. Karen’s parenting goal is to assist families in fostering a strong healthy bond with their children and creating a nurturing home environment. 

Logan Coggins: Logan joined CCE as one of the first employees of their new NYSPEP program in late 2023. While Logan has no children of his own, he returned to his hometown in Jefferson County to act as an adult caregiver and to reconnect with the beauty of the North Country. Their parenting goal is to empower those who empower families throughout the state to give a leg up to the next generation.

Michelle Shoen: Michelle joined the CCE staff in February 2025 as the NYSPEP Parenting Educator Credential Coordinator. Michelle is a single parent of an adult special needs child. She is a native to Lewis County and feels it’s a great place for raising a family due to the closeness of the community. Michelle’s parenting goal is to ensure families are connected to necessary resources in the community and to ensure parents have the skills to support all stages of development for their children.

To learn more about the New York State Parenting Education Partnership, visit nyspep.org

Last updated April 7, 2025