Stephen H. John is a seasoned educator, administrator and community leader whose career spans over four decades across international and urban educational landscapes. As Director of Afterschool Programs at Friends of Crown Heights, he manages our entire portfolio of New York City- and State-funded programs serving hundreds of school-age children (5- 13 years old) in a combination of both School- and Center-based settings.

Born and raised in Calder Ridge, a small village on the south side of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Stephen John comes from a close-knit family that instilled in him a deep sense of purpose, resilience and commitment to public service. After completing his early education in St. Vincent, he earned his teaching certification from St. Vincent Teachers’ College and began his career as a high school teacher. In 1977, he migrated to the United States, where he pursued higher education with distinction—graduating with honors from Baruch College in 1982 and later earning two Master of Science degrees in Special Education and Educational Supervision and Administration from City College of New York. His professional journey has included a successful tenure in the financial sector, where he rose to the rank of Assistant Treasurer at Chemical Bank, which later became J.P. Morgan Chase. In 2001, he made a pivotal career shift, resigning from the bank to pursue public service and educational leadership. That same year, he joined the New York City Department of Education, where he served with distinction until his retirement in 2017 as a Tenured Principal in Adult Education.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Stephen John returned to the workforce in 2019 as Director of Afterschool Programs at The Friends of Crown Heights Educational Centers, Inc., (FOCH). In this role, he supervises eight Program Directors overseeing multiple State- and City-funded programs serving Elementary and Middle School students. His leadership is marked by a commitment to professional development, community engagement and youth empowerment. He achieved his School Age Child Care (SACC) Credential alongside his team, demonstrating his belief in lifelong learning and collaborative growth.

Throughout his career, Stephen has remained deeply committed to serving others—whether through education, public service or community development. His story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to making a meaningful impact.