ABOUT US
OUR STORY
Who We Are
At The Center for Emotional Development (CED), we understand that change is a process—not an event—and change involves people. We partner with organizations to understand their vision, integrate effective change management strategies, educate key stakeholders, assess organizational readiness, and coach people through every stage of transformation.
Drawing upon our unique partnerships, certifications, experience, and industry knowledge, our mission is to position our team as a strategic asset for every client. We believe every organization succeeds because of its people. By investing in leadership development and emotional intelligence, companies create lasting growth, stronger cultures, and sustainable success.
If you're interested in having Rupert or Maryann (or both) speak to your organization or event, please submit a Speaker Request Form or schedule a speaking engagement.
OUR FOUNDERS
Meet Our Team & Founders
Rupert A. Hayles, Jr.
President and Co-Founder
Rupert A. Hayles, Jr. is President and Co-Founder of The Center for Emotional Development. He has served as Chief Operating Officer of major nonprofit organizations in New Jersey and is certified in EQ-i 2.0, EQ 360, and TESI assessments. Rupert has coached executives, CEOs, and senior leaders while bringing over fifteen years of strategic management experience from organizations including Prudential Financial, Cytec Industries, and Merck Pharmaceutical.
He is also a lecturer, adjunct professor, leadership consultant, and author specializing in Emotional Intelligence, Organizational Management, Strategic Planning, and Leadership Development.
B.S. – Management Information Systems & Accounting, Stillman School, Seton Hall University
MBA – Finance & Decision Sciences, Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania
MBA – Finance & Decision Sciences, Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania
Maryann L. Hayles
Managing Partner and Co-Founder
Maryann L. Hayles is the Managing Partner and Co-Founder of The Center for Emotional Development. She has coached in the emotional development and inner healing realms for many years and is certified in the emotional measures EQ-i 2.0 and EQ 360. Maryann is a certified teacher and facilitator of the Elijah House Training School (inner healing and prayer ministry) and a facilitator of The Circle of Security® Intervention Program (designed to improve the developmental pathway of children and their parents).
She is also the Founder and President of Babyz & Kidz Dynamics, a specialty store for children’s apparel. Prior to her current position, she served in Corporate America for 17 years. Maryann has a deep passion to see broken people healed, restored and empowered to fulfill their God-given purpose. She, her husband Rupert, their two children, Stephen and Savannah, and their furry friends, Ivory and Grace, make their home in New Jersey.
B.S. – Finance, New York University
Valerie Althouse
Executive Coach and Social Sector Leader
Valerie Althouse is an experienced social sector leader and coach, who is certified in the emotional measures EQ-i 2.0 and EQ-360, through Multi-Health Systems in Toronto, Canada. Based in New York City, she currently serves as the Northern Mid-Atlantic Director for International Students Inc (ISI).
She is the founder/director of both the English Connections program at NYU, where she served as a Chaplain (Spiritual Life Affiliate) for approximately 14 years. Valerie is also certified in the areas of cross-cultural communication, and critical-incident stress debriefing. She previously served in the fields of student affairs and social sector mobilizing. Her current focus includes outreach and mentorship among international students, training and oversight of leaders, and training in mentorship on a national and international level.
B.S. – Biblical Studies, Cairn University
M.S. – Counseling, Cairn University
Certified Life Coach – Light University
D.Min, Leadership in the Global Context, Alliance Theological Seminary
Ronathan Frejuste
Associate Executive Coach
Jonathan Frejuste is an Associate Coach with The Center for Emotional Development. He is certified in the emotional measures EQ-i 2.0 and EQ-360. He has coached leaders ranging from directors of law enforcement agencies to spiritual leaders. Jonathan has worked as an auditor with Deloitte and Touche serving companies such as BlackRock, Morgan Stanley, and Rockwood Specialties.
He is currently working in financial services as a senior financial planner with Ernst and Young, serving Fortune 500 companies such as Bank of America, Merck, Exxon Mobil, and Pfizer. He is also a life skills advisor at the Somerset Home for Temporarily Displaced Children and a behavioral assistant with Supreme Consultants, LLC.
B.S. – Accounting and Finance, Haub School of Business, Saint Joseph’s University
Certified Public Accountant, New Jersey State Board of Accountancy
Series 65 Registered Investment Advisor
Fitz Hayles
Administration
Fitz Hayles is an associate with The Center for Emotional Development, focusing on strategic capture and operational deployment. He has several years of experience in the business management arena, working for prominent firms such American Cyanamid Pharmaceuticals and Wyeth Vaccines Research in the area of vaccine production, quality assurance and safety development.
He holds a dual Bachelors degree in Biology & Chemistry from Seton Hall University and participated in post-baccalaureate work at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in medical education. He has significant expertise in the areas of project management, supply chain material management, and marketing and communication.
B.S. – Biology and Chemistry, Seton Hall University
Post-Baccalaureate – University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Phil Beverly
Administration
Phil Beverly is a Certifed Coach with The Center for Emotional Development. He is certified in the emotional measures EQ-i 2.0 and EQ-360, through Multi-Health Systems in Toronto, Canada. Phil has been Executive Director of New Hope Community Ministries in Prospect Park, NJ for nine years.
He has served on two church Boards, and currently co-leads E3, a network of Northern NJ Nonprofit Executive Directors. He specializes in coaching ministry and non-profit leaders. Phil lives with his wife and two children in NJ.
B.A. in History - Calvin University
M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies - New York University
EXPERIENCE
Organizations We've Worked With
Among the many organizations Rupert and the team have worked with include:
Emotional Intelligence, Strategic Planning, Transition Management and Burnout Management are the focus of our enterprise. Our intent is to lead organizations and their associates towards the fullness of what they are uniquely designed for, leading to optimal living for all team members.
OUR SERVICES
Leadership Services
Strategic Planning
EQ Certification
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