Staff
Kyla Schmidt
Executive Director
Kyla Schmidt is the Founder and Executive Director of Mom Starts Here, a nonprofit organization established in 2016. Inspired by personal experiences as a young parent navigating resources and seeking support, Kyla is committed to leading the organization to continue providing material support for parents and building a supportive community through Mom Starts Here. As a Master Certified Life Coach specializing in parenting, and holding a bachelor's degree in Community and Human Services, Kyla brings a strong foundation in serving others and a deep understanding of the needs of families.
In addition to leading Mom Starts Here, Kyla serves on the board of directors for multiple organizations and is committed to community involvement and advocacy.
As a wife and mother of three, Kyla understands the challenges and joys of parenthood firsthand. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in social and personality psychology with a focus on studying parenting behaviors, particularly in supporting parents facing financial burdens, Kyla is passionate about advancing knowledge in this area and positively impacting families over generations.
Through her dedication to supporting parents and creating a welcoming environment for all, Kyla strives to ensure that no one has to navigate the journey of parenthood alone.
Angii
De La Cruz
Maternal Care CHW
Angii brings years of lived experience, professional expertise, and deep personal commitment to supporting families in the community. Her journey with the organization has come full circle—from member, to volunteer, to board member, and now staff—strengthening her dedication to the mission and the positive impact Mom Starts Here creates for every family it serves.
An educator at heart, Angii began her career as an Early Childhood Teacher and holds an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education. With 16 years of experience as a professional Nanny and Child Caregiver, she has always centered her work on children’s well-being, believing that strong families are built from the home outward. In her current role, she walks hand in hand with parents, serving as an advocate and trusted support to help ensure the health and stability of both caregivers and their children.
Angii is also a STEAM educator for all ages and brings a diverse professional background that includes executive assistance, social media management, and graphic design. These skills allow her to approach her work with creativity, organization, and adaptability. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Women and Gender Studies, has completed extensive professional trainings, and currently serves on the Policy Council of a local Head Start, further reflecting her commitment to equity, education, and family advocacy.
With compassion, lived experience, and a multidisciplinary skill set, Angii is passionate about empowering families, amplifying community voices, and ensuring that every parent knows they are not alone.
Damaris Daniels
Maternal Care CHW
Damaris Daniels is a Maternal Care Community Health Worker at Mom Starts Here, stationed at Hometown Health Center. She has a certificate in Health Studies and holds an Associate degree in Human Services from Schenectady County Community College. Damaris has always felt that something everyone in the world needs more of, are chances. Chances to grow, to thrive, and to make things better for themselves, regardless of where they started or where they want to end up. Damaris believes community outreach is one of the best ways to achieve this goal, and is excited to be able to empower individuals and families on a daily basis through her work at Mom Starts Here.
Salome
Budhu
Maternal Care CHW
Salome Budhu is a Maternal Care Community Health Worker who supports pregnant and postpartum mothers and strengthening families during the early stages of parenthood. She is passionate about helping mothers, babies, and families in the community access resources, education, and support so they can build healthy and stable homes for their children.
With a strong background in healthcare, behavioral therapy, and family support services, Salome has experience working with families and patients in both medical and community settings. She has worked closely with children and parents through in-home and community support, helping families strengthen communication, establish healthy daily routines, and improve overall well-being.
Salome also gained hands-on clinical experience during her nursing training at Belanger School of Nursing, where she completed clinical rotations providing patient care and support in healthcare settings. In addition to her community work, she also runs an online business creating educational and faith-inspired resources for families and children.
Salome holds an Associate Degree in Science and a Certificate in Health Studies, along with several healthcare training and certifications including Home Health Aide (HHA) and Patient Care Assistant (PCA). She also completed a nationally certified Phlebotomy Technician training program.
Her clinical training includes Basic Life Support (BLS), CPR, AED response, Electrocardiogram (EKG) monitoring, and specialized training in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) care. She also participated in programs including the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP), COAP, and civic engagement initiatives through Siena College gaining additional experience supporting individuals and families in community-based services.
Salome has experience providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for children with autism and previously worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Pharmacy Technician. Her diverse background enables her to support children and families through a compassionate, holistic, and family-centered approach to care. Through her work, Salome connects families with essential services, provides guidance on maternal and infant well-being, and advocates for the health and safety of mothers and babies.
Through outreach, education, and one-on-one support, she walks alongside mothers during pregnancy and early parenthood, helping them navigate services, build confidence, and feel supported throughout their journey. She believes every mother deserves compassionate support, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive.
As a mother of three, Salome brings empathy, understanding, and lived experience to the families she serves. She is dedicated to empowering parents, strengthening families, and ensuring every mother feels supported, confident, and equipped throughout pregnancy and early parenthood.
Board of Directors
Annie
Finn
Board Chair
Annie is a member of the Field Marketing and Community Partnerships team at MVP Health Care. With over a decade of marketing and event experience, she currently utilizes her skillset to support the mission of fostering healthier, more vibrant communities. She has an unwavering passion for uniting people, building high-value relationships, and the transformative power that community can hold. As a native of Troy, she takes great pride in contributing to the mission of Mom Starts Here.
Brittany Carrier
Treasurer
Brittany is a CPA with over a decade of experience providing audit, accounting, and business advisory services. She serves as the leader of UHY’s Employee Benefit Plan Center of Excellence for the Northeast Region and is responsible for all phases of engagements, including planning, audit execution, and interfacing with all levels of client management. Brittany earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Vermont.
As a mom of two young children, Brittany understands firsthand the importance of a supportive and nurturing environment for families. She is excited to bring her financial expertise to Mom Starts Here and is deeply committed to helping the organization continue creating meaningful, lasting support for parents and children in the community.
Kendall
Joyce
Kendall is an attorney that has worked for New York State for more than a decade. She began her career in State service as the Appointments Counsel in the Governor’s Appointments Office in 2015 and took on her current role as Associate Counsel in the Office of Employee Relations in 2018. Her practice focuses upon public sector labor and employment law and State ethics law compliance. Kendall received her BS in Communications from the University of Miami, majoring in Journalism and Psychology, and her JD from Brooklyn Law School.
Kendall became familiar with Mom Starts Here and developed a passion for its mission through her work as a board member of the Junior League of Albany. She believes strongly in the power of volunteer service and is eager to continue giving back to our community, having a direct impact on the lives of children and families throughout the Capital Region and beyond.
Yolanda
Kirby
Vice Chair
Yolanda Kirby, a dedicated health care professional in Albany, NY, embodies Maya Angelou's wisdom: "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." Committed to improving health equity and fostering community collaboration, Yolanda's diverse background enhances health care access, education, and equity, making her invaluable. In her role with the United Way of the Greater Capital Region’s Community Impact team, she facilitates government grants, ensures efficient data collection, and strengthens multi-sectoral partnerships in the social justice philanthropic space. Past contributions involved facilitating relationships, addressing Social Determinants of Health needs. Yolanda's leadership extends to co-founding an Employee Resource Group, promoting equity and inclusion. Her expertise in data analysis and coordination, combined with a diverse skill set, underscores her commitment to healthcare efficiency and equity. Yolanda's talent for convening and connecting with people, passion for improving women's health care, commitment to diversity and inclusion and her empathetic nature reflect her dedication to making healthcare more equitable. Beyond her professional life, she enjoys nurturing her faith, exploring new adventures and watching sports. Known for her active listening skills, she provides a supportive environment for all.
Lauren Trunko
Lauren is a nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of experience working alongside women, children, and families to strengthen communities through service, advocacy, and systems-level change. She currently serves as Chief Development Officer at YWCA Northeastern New York, where she has spent over 12 years advancing the organization’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women throughout the Schenectady community and beyond.
Lauren earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of Tampa in 2005, with a strong academic focus on rehabilitation and the reduction of recidivism. Her early work in the mental health and substance abuse field in Tampa and then Boston, laid the foundation for a career rooted in compassion, accountability, and a deep belief in people’s capacity for change.
Since joining YWCA NENY, Lauren has held multiple leadership roles, including Housing Coordinator and Director of Women and Family Services, before being appointed Chief Development Officer in 2021. Throughout her tenure, she has played a central role in community collaboration and systems-building efforts. She has chaired several key initiatives in Schenectady, including the Homelessness Support Services Network, the Domestic Violence Task Force, and the Special Victims Task Force, bringing together partners across sectors to address complex community needs. In addition, Lauren has had the honor to lead the coordination of significant advocacy events like annual Take Back the Night March's. Women's Marches, YWCA's Empowerment Awards Gala and produced three performances of The Vagina Monologues.
Her leadership is deeply informed by her experience supporting hundreds of people over the past 20 years. Now, as a single mother, Lauren brings heightened empathy and perspective to her work, understanding the importance of safe housing, economic stability, and meaningful community connection for families. Lauren is honored to join this board and looks forward to contributing her fundraising expertise, nonprofit leadership experience, and deep commitment to community to support the organization’s continued growth and impact for families across New York State.
Makayla
Grant
Makayla is a Licensed Master Social Worker and works for Northern Rivers Mobile Crisis. She is passionate about helping others and giving back to the community. She has previous experience working with Crime victims and families in various settings. She got her BS in Social work from St. Catherine’s University with a minor in Women and gender studies. She is newly licensed as a Social worker and wrote her master’s capstone on Childbirth trauma/PTSD.
Makayla got to know MSH while exploring resources for clients. Being passionate about the mission of the organization she sought to get involved. She is eager to use her social work lens and experience serving the community to better serve the MSH community.