Advisory Board
Meet the members of the Modern Parents Magazine Advisory Board.
Dr. Julian Stafford
American educator and retired urban school superintendent
Dr. Julian Stafford brings extensive experience in public school administration and urban educational leadership. His career includes serving as an Area Superintendent for the Orleans Parish School Board in New Orleans, Louisiana, and as Superintendent of New London Public Schools in Connecticut.
Career and notable roles
- Orleans Parish School Board: Served as Superintendent of Area III for the New Orleans public school system in the mid-2000s, with responsibilities in school administration and personnel oversight.
- New London Public Schools: Served as superintendent of the public school district in New London, Connecticut.
His background in district leadership offers a perspective on the connection between schools, families, and student learning.
Carrie Jasper
Retired federal education leader and family-engagement advocate
Before her retirement, Carrie Jasper served as Director of Outreach to Parents and Families in the Office of Communications and Outreach (OCO) at the U.S. Department of Education. Her work connected families with information and resources to support their children’s education.
Career and community engagement
- U.S. Department of Education: Supported national initiatives related to student literacy, Title programs, and awareness of federal summer meal programs.
- Family and community advocacy: Continued her engagement in education following her federal career, including service on the Advisory Board of the Maryland English Language Learner Family Involvement Network (MELLFIN).
Her experience in parent outreach and family-school partnerships brings a national perspective to the Modern Parents Magazine Advisory Board.
Dr. Myrna Nickens, MD
Cardiologist, medical educator, and women’s heart-health advocate
Dr. Myrna Nickens is a cardiologist based in Jackson, Mississippi, recognized as the first female interventional cardiologist to practice in the state. Her career spans more than four decades in medicine, including clinical practice, teaching, and public education about cardiovascular health.
She has served as Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). Her work emphasizes cardiovascular disease prevention and women’s heart health, with attention to the needs of African American communities and disparities in care.
Professional contributions and recognition
Dr. Nickens combines patient care with medical education and community health awareness. Her leadership has included a focus on preventive cardiology and heart disease in women.
She received the 2008 Mississippi Majesty Award celebrating African American Living Legends. A Mississippi legislative concurrent resolution commended her career and community service in connection with that honor.
Her medical expertise adds a perspective on health education and family well-being to the Modern Parents Magazine Advisory Board.
Dr. Belinda V. Alexander, MD
Board-certified internal medicine physician and community-health advocate
Dr. Belinda V. Alexander is an internal medicine physician based in Biloxi, Mississippi, with more than 30 years of medical experience. Her primary care practice focuses on adult patients, bringing together clinical expertise, compassionate listening, and a commitment to community well-being.
Practice and community service
She practices with Memorial Physician Clinics at Internal Medicine Pass Road in Biloxi. Her leadership experience includes service as Chair of the Outpatient Primary Care Department at Memorial Hospital at Gulfport.
Her community work includes serving as Medical Director for the Gulf Coast Community Ministries medical clinic, supporting access to volunteer care for local residents.
Recognition
Dr. Alexander was featured in a Gulf Coast Woman Magazine cover story celebrating physicians for exceptional patient care and service. The 2024 feature highlighted her 26 years of internal medicine practice on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Her perspective on adult health and community care supports the Advisory Board’s connection to family well-being.
Paula Cushenberry
Behavioral health professional and youth-and-family services leader
Paula Cushenberry is a Louisiana-based behavioral health professional who serves as Director of the Families in Need of Services (FINS) program at the 23rd Judicial District Court’s Ascension Office in Gonzales.
Professional experience
Her leadership in FINS centers on supporting young people and their families. The program connects families with services and early intervention resources to help prevent juvenile delinquency and strengthen family relationships.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and is listed in the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) NPI Registry. Her background includes behavioral health support in Louisiana.
Community involvement
Alongside Lloyd Cushenberry, she supports community initiatives, including LEAD youth empowerment efforts. Her work reflects a commitment to helping young people and families access support and opportunities.
Her experience in family services and community engagement brings a perspective on youth development and family well-being to the Modern Parents Magazine Advisory Board.
David Lewis
Veteran Louisiana educator and school administrator
Mr. David Lewis brings more than three decades of experience in education, including extensive service as an assistant principal and principal. His career spans public school leadership across metropolitan New Orleans and surrounding Louisiana parishes.
School leadership
He served as Principal of Plaquemine High School after his appointment in June 2024. His prior principalship experience includes East St. John High School, Edna Karr High School, L.W. Higgins High School, and John Ehret High School.
His experience leading high schools offers a perspective on school administration, student development, and the relationships between families and educators.
Education and recognition
- Dillard University: Bachelor’s degree; recognized through induction into the university’s Sports Hall of Fame and receipt of the Bleu Flame Award.
- Tulane University: Teacher certification.
- Xavier University of Louisiana: Master’s degree in Education Administration.
His background in educational leadership contributes to the Modern Parents Magazine Advisory Board’s focus on connecting homes, schools, and communities.
Patrice Moore
Retired Dean of Arts and Humanities, Delgado Community College
Patrice Moore is the retired Dean of the Arts and Humanities Division at Delgado Community College in New Orleans, Louisiana. She retired after 24 years of service to the institution, leaving a record of dedication to faculty, staff, and students.
Academic leadership
As dean, her responsibilities included academic program development, faculty hiring, division budget management, and participation in developing academic policies. Student success was central to her work in higher education.
Celebrating her service
Colleagues honored her career with a retirement reception at the Isaac Delgado Fine Arts Gallery on the college’s City Park Campus.
Her experience in academic leadership brings a higher-education perspective to the Modern Parents Magazine Advisory Board, with a focus on student success and educational opportunity.