Community Parent Center's Wendy Tepfer named 'Woman of Distinction'

Wendy Tepfer, executive director of the Bellmore-Merrick Community Parent Center since 2002, was recently honored by State Sen. Michael Venditto as a “Woman of Distinction.”

During her tenure, Tepfer has developed educational programs for students, teachers, parents and residents of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, the Bellmore and Merrick elementary districts, and numerous Nassau County public and parochial schools.

Tepfer’s programs have addressed teenage driving, substance abuse, bullying and cyber-bullying, Internet safety, adolescent suicide awareness prevention, school violence prevention, youth health, nutrition and fitness. Tepfer developed the Driving in the Safe Lane program, which was designed to help reduce teen crashes and save lives through parent and teen awareness and education.

“Her dedication to the youth of our community is unmatched and should be revered and honored in every way,” Venditto said.

Tepfer has more than 28 years of experience working and volunteering as an executive member of non-profit organizations, coalitions and community groups. She is a member of the Long Island Youth Safety Coalition, Nassau County Heroin Prevention Task Force, Nassau County Traffic Safety Board and New York State Partnership for Teen Driver Safety.

Tepfer works with partner groups, including the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, Nassau County district attorney’s office, police department, youth board, PTAs, civic organizations and state legislators. She travels to schools throughout the county, sharing her resources and knowledge.

Recognized for her many years of community involvement, Tepfer has received the Bellmore-Merrick United Secondary Teachers’ Friend of Education Award and was honored with the New York State United Teachers’ Special Friend of Education Award in 2008. She also received the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Chairman’s Award in 2011 and the Bellmore Herald Life’s Person of the Year Award in 2013.

Tepfer and her husband, Karl, moved to Bellmore-Merrick in 1979. When her sons, Brian and Scott, were old enough to attend school, she began volunteering, becoming an active PTA member.

Tepfer’s “devotion is a direct reflection of her dedication and commitment to children, family, friends, schools and communities throughout Nassau County,” Venditto said.