Rev. Daniela C. Small-Bailey, an ordained Elder in the First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, is the Pastor of St. Thomas A.M.E. Church in Newark, New Jersey.  Rev. Small-Bailey received her Master of Divinity degree from Drew Theological Seminary in May of 2011. Rev. Bailey is currently working towards her Doctorate in Education with a concentration in Administration and Supervision at St. Peter’s University where she received her Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision.  She is a graduate of the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas campus and holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology.  Rev. Bailey was the Assistant Principal of Dwight Morrow High School where she worked diligently with at risk student on improving behavioral issues.  She Began a group for that mentored young ladies weekly who had major life challenges. She serves the Englewood community on a daily basis as the Principal of Dr. John Grieco Elementary School in Englewood, New Jersey.

 

            Rev. Bailey has served in different capacities in the church. She is presently the Pastor of Bethel AMEC, located in Passaic, NJ.  Prior to becoming pastor, she offered marital counseling to couples, counseled families work through major life issues. She taught the Adult Sunday School class, was the Chaplin of the Girls Ministries, and Instructor for the New Life Ministries (new members’ orientation) classes.  She is a former member of the Liturgical Dance Ministry.

 

            Rev. Bailey is one of the founders of the God’s Chosen Vessels Dance Ministry.  She is the founder of the Mother and Daughter Ministry at St. Luke’s AME Church, a ministry developed to foster positive, life cycle changing relationships between Mothers and daughters.  In addition to her church involvement, Rev. Bailey serves her residential community as an active member on the Board of Education in Orange, New Jersey.  In her professional community, she serves as the President of the Administrative Association in Englewood, New Jersey, leading approximately 30 Administrators. She has served as the lead negotiator for the association for the past 7 years. 

           

            Rev. Bailey has been recognized in Who’s is Who among American Professionals. She has been the recipient of numerous Education Awards for her work with children. She was the recipient of several Dodge Fellow Awards in 2005, 2010, and 2012; she received the opportunity to travel to Guatemala, Jordan, and New Zealand as part of a delegation from the United States to the Global Connections Educational Conference.

 

            Of all the ministries she is involved in, the one that brings her the most joy is parenting her three children, Sidanii-a graduate of the Masters of Business degree program at Wake Forest University in NC, Nia, a sophomore at Essex County, and Michael, a junior at Dwight Morrow/Academies @Englewood High School