Gateway Pre-K director wins state recognition

Teresa McPhail named one of senate's ‘Women of Distinction’

May 11, 2015 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Teresa McPhail accepts a Woman of Distinction Award from state Sen. Marty Golden in Albany. Photo courtesy Golden’s office

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A Bay Ridge church leader who also directs a pre-kindergarten program had to take time out of her busy schedule to accept an award in Albany.

Theresa McPhail, a leading member of the Gateway City Church, was named a “State Senate Woman of Distinction” by state Sen. Marty Golden (R-C-Bay Ridge-Southwest Brooklyn) and recently traveled to Albany to receive her award on May 5.

The state senate honors Women of Distinction each year. Each senator is allowed to select one woman from his or her senate district to receive the honor.

Golden chose McPhail for the award, citing her commitment to her church as well as her dedication to children.

McPhail, a longtime resident of Bay Ridge, holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently the Director of the Universal Pre-Kindergarten program at Gateway City Church.

She has been involved within her faith community for 40 years, providing outreach and support to families, Golden noted.

Among her accomplishments, McPhail conducts an annual Summer Camp program, organizes Back-to-School and winter clothing collection drives, orchestrates a campaign to send gift cards to adolescents at the MercyFirst foster care center in Dyker Heights, and has established an annual Christmas Toy Store for parents who are struggling financially, giving them the opportunity to obtain new toys for as little as $1 each.

“I was proud to welcome Teresa McPhail to Albany and showcase all that she has done in our community to my colleagues. The State of New York is the great state that it is because of people like Teresa,” Golden said in a statement.

McPhail was tailor-made for the award, according to Golden. “The ‘Women of Distinction’ is designed to honor people such as Teresa who each and every day make a difference in their communities. I applaud Teresa for her good works and all that she has accomplished, and I look forward to her continued involvement for the betterment of the neighborhood,” he said.