Leadership Bios

Teddy Reese, Board Chair

Tremaine “Teddy” Reese is principal owner and managing attorney of The Reese Firm, LLC. Reese’s memberships have included the American Bar Association, National Bar Association, Florida Bar, State Bar of Georgia, Fountain City Bar Association, and the Columbus Bar Association. He is a graduate of Albany State University, Georgia College and State University and he graduated Cum Laude from Florida A&M University of Law. Reese is a lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the NAACP, and the Albany State University National Alumni Association.

Additionally, he is a member of the Columbus Inns of Courts and was among the 2014 Columbus and the Valley Magazine Top 5 Under 40 Professionals, 2016 Rural Leader Magazine Top Professional Under 40 and 2016 Georgia Trend Magazine Top 40 Under 40. In 2018 Reese received the Urban League of Greater Columbus Trailblazer Award.

He graduated with the 2014 Class of Young Game Changers through Georgia Forward and Leadership Georgia Class of 2015. Reese also received the Center for Legal Education Opportunity Diversity Leadership Award and American Bar Association Law Student Division Golden Key Award. In 2011 Reese served as the National Chair of the American Bar Association Law Student Division.

Juan Sepulveda, Vice Chair

A Biden-Harris transition team appointee, Juan Sepúlveda worked in the Obama Administration as Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. He also served as Senior Advisor for Hispanic Affairs for the Democratic National Committee and Texas State Director for the Obama for America campaign. Sepúlveda is the Ron Calgaard Distinguished Visiting Professor of Practice in the Political Science department at Trinity University in San Antonio’s TX. He has served on the university’s Director for Student Diversity & Inclusion search team and as a member of the Census and Voter Engagement Committee. In partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, Sepúlveda created and led the Dream Lead Institute, a year-long leadership development program aimed at young professional Dreamer leaders. Prior to joining Trinity, he was Senior Vice President of Station Services and System Leadership at PBS and hosted the weekly KLRN San Antonio PBS television series, “Conversations.” Sepúlveda grew up in a working class Mexican American neighborhood in Topeka, KS., working as a high school student for Secretary of State Jack H. Brier and with the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, where the late Willie Velasquez was one of his mentors. The author of The Life and Times of Willie Velasquez: Su Voto Es Su Voz (Arte Público Press), Sepúlveda serves on the national boards of the Alliance for Excellent Education; Communities in Schools; the Hispanic Heritage Foundation; MDC; the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships; and the national advisory board of Learn 4 Life. He is the third Latino ever awarded a Rhodes Scholarship and has a B.A. in Government from Harvard College, a M.A. in Politics, Philosophy & Economics from The Queen’s College, Oxford University, and a J.D. from Stanford Law School.

Janet Lincoln, Secretary

For more than 20 years Lincoln’s professional and volunteer life has involved working with those in need, primarily children. Her main focus has been to provide support to youth in delinquency and dependency court cases. In her appointed position as Arizona's Yavapai County Public Defender, Lincoln oversaw the defense of indigent criminal defendants, all children in delinquency court, all children with their parents in dependency court, and all persons involuntarily committed to mental institutions. She has personally served as legal counsel for hundreds of children in juvenile court. Lincoln was a supervising attorney for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), where she oversaw the legal division for litigation in the Western region of the United States. She has volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and has also donated her time with Yavapai CASA for Kids Foundation, Yavapai County Juvenile Court Advisory Board, Phoenix Youth at Risk and as a mentor for juvenile delinquency court.

Clarence Campbell, Treasurer

Clarence S. Campbell is Senior Vice President of Member Services for Freedom Federal Credit Union and is a member of the company’s executive management team.

In his role, Campbell oversees the operational, growth, and member experience strategies for Freedom FCU. Prior to joining Freedom FCU, Campbell served as Executive Vice President for Lendistry, Senior Vice President for PNC Bank, and Regional Bank Area President for Wells Fargo Bank. With over 30 years of financial services leadership experience which includes banking, lending, wealth management, and Fintech, Campbell has a successful record of driving revenue and organizational growth.

As a leader with a passion for people, Campbell understands the importance of building the community and is a huge proponent of community development. With over 20 years of non-profit management experience, Campbell serves in the role of Treasurer on the national Board of Directors for Youth Advocate Program, previously served as Board of Directors Chair for the Greater Baltimore Urban League and has served as Board Member for the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore. He also founded and operates a youth basketball program for Catonsville Recreation and Parks, one of his passions. Campbell’s program, which he has operated for over 25 years focuses on skill development and mentoring. As a proud native Baltimorean, Campbell and his team of coaches are committed to enriching the community through supporting its future leaders.

Campbell received his business management degree from Johns Hopkins University. He is a graduate of Leadership Baltimore County and THE Leadership, a Program of the Greater Baltimore Committee.

Sharon O. Arnold

Sharon O. Arnold is a retired Associate Professor of Sociology at Lebanon Valley College (LVC), a private university in Annville, Pa., where she also served as Chair of the Sociology and Criminal Justice Department.

Her relationship with Youth Advocate Programs (YAP™), Inc. began when she was teaching a senior seminar course on inequity, social capital, and the importance of role models. Students were perplexed; noting that they understood the theory but needed to see real examples. She reached out to YAP Lebanon County, Pa. leaders to help her students understand the connection between social justice and the importance of positive role models in local communities and neighborhoods.

Arnold credits YAP with helping expose students to programming, theory underlying it, activities and most importantly, at-risk youth. In turn, her students helped YAP program participants build a greenhouse, design and implement a street soccer tournament, which drew teams from surrounding states, design apps to assist community members in finding resources; and paint murals on Lebanon downtown buildings. The College also had a “Kindness Semester,” which included doing good deeds for the community. YAP participants and LVC students would complete their homework in the library together, play basketball in the gym and have dinner with one another in the dining room. YAP and LVC also partnered to arrange for the nonprofit’s program participants to have an orientation session presented by the LVC admissions department that focused on how to prepare for college.

In her spare time, Arnold loves to travel and is the owner of a small travel agency: Integrity Travel Group. She is very proud to serve on the board and to continue her association with the YAP.

Kamia Brown

Kamia has excelled in the roles of leadership, relationship-building, problem resolution and being of great service to the public. She holds extensive knowledge of laws, the legislative and political processes and protocol, as well as experience with non-profit community organizations and fundraising. She was honored by the Children's Home Society as "Legislative Champion Freshman Legislator of the Year" and by the Florida Education Association with the "Freshman Legislator Friend of Public Education Award."

Thomas Foster

Retired Kansas District Judge Thomas Foster served his state’s 10th Judicial district for 21 years. He served for more than a decade as chairman of the Kansas Child Support Guidelines Committee and helped to start the Johnson County Family Court docket. Judge Foster was active in the National Council for Juvenile and Family Court Judges and encouraged parents and attorneys to resolve family disputes without costly litigation and undue stress on children.

Following his retirement, Judge Foster used his considerable influence and experience to focus on issues impacting children and families. He served on the Kansas Juvenile Justice Review Committee where he worked to reform youth facilities and child support guidelines. The committee’s work led to closing ineffective group homes, saving the state more than $10 million, and reinvesting in effective evidence-based community programs.

Judge Foster is a graduate of Regis University and Washburn University School of Law . He was a private practice lawyer for 21 years before becoming a judge.

James Gee

James Gee is known and respected for integrating technology, data, and communications to create outside-the-box opportunities for his clients. He is as comfortable connecting with those who occupy the circles of power in Washington and global celebrities as he is speaking with your neighbor; and his experience proves he can motivate them all equally.

Dedicated to public service and building the Democratic Party, Gee has designed and implemented strategies to register, reach, and engage previously disenfranchised voters. His efforts extend from the most local levels of government directly into the halls of Congress and the West Wing. Gee’s work ranges from registering voters one by one on Trenton's East State Street to organizing a Capitol Hill conference on Black Women and Girls Issues with 5,000 attendees.

Gee was the architect behind Bonnie Watson Coleman's historic campaign to become New Jersey's first Black woman to serve in Congress. After her win, his work dramatically elevated her profile and created opportunities for the Congresswoman to lend her voice to critical issues. Gee worked with her to create the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls and the Emergency Task Force on Black Youth Suicide. These initiatives raised awareness of previously overlooked issues, amplifying the Congresswoman’s voice on radio and television, and attracting celebrities like Taraji P. Henson to further increase issue visibility.

Gee is most proud of his family – his lovely wife, Farrah, and his two beautiful children, Asa and Ella.

Husnah Khan

A fulltime student in the MBA program at the University of Rochester, Simon Business School, Husnah Khan is a graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and Wayne State University Law School. In college she served her campus community as a resident advisor and peer mentor. During law school, she was frequently featured on the front page of the Legal News for work she completed as a Michigan Innocence Clinic intern and President of the Muslim Law Students Association (MLSA). At the Innocence Clinic, her work on the Mubarez Ahmed case led to his exoneration, a life-altering achievement and great source of pride for Khan. As MLSA President, Khan planned and executed high-profile events, including conferences featuring SERIAL podcast attorney Rabia Chaudry, supermodel and fashion icon Halima Aden, and criminal reform advocate Shaka Senghor. In addition to caring deeply about people and their communities, Khan is a fierce advocate for animals. Each year on her birthday for the last decade, she has successfully fundraised for various animal sanctuaries and shelters. In her free time, Khan enjoys adding to her expansive book collection, singing, writing poetry, and traveling.

Mark Lester

Mark Lester is a Relationship Director within Specialized Industries Government Banking team. In this role, Lester works with Central Region government clients in the State of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio providing lending, investment, and complex treasury solutions. In addition to his current role, Lester has worked with multiple industry segments including healthcare, nonprofits, higher education, manufacturing, financial institutions, and core commercial clients. Lester has held roles in Treasury Management, Commercial Banking, and Client Service. He holds an undergraduate degree in marketing and finance from Georgetown College, Georgetown, KY. Lester has served on many leadership councils and diversity initiatives in his 29 years as a banker. In addition to serving on the YAP board, he is currently on the Board of Directors for the Forest Preserves of Cook County Foundation and the Civic Federation of Chicago.

Shawn Saulsberry

Shawn Saulsberry is owner and Chief Executive Officer of Charleston, S.C.-based Saulsberry Strategic Solutions Group (S3G), a consulting firm he established to enable businesses traditionally excluded from elite consulting to benefit from professional consulting services.

A Charleston native, Shawn spent his early childhood in Charleston Heights where he attended Chicora Elementary. He later moved to Berkeley County where he continued his primary education at St. Stephen Middle and High Schools. Shawn went on to the University of South Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science after completing summer internships at Santee Cooper in Moncks Corner. He received his MBA from the University of Phoenix in 2006 and is almost done with his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership.

Shawn’s career background includes technology and financial services positions in Charlotte, N.C. In 2018, Shawn joined Ernst & Young in Charlotte, NC and returned to Charleston in 2019 to help the company expand its presence in the Tricounty. Having completed Leadership South Carolina, Shawn is committed to his community. His service roles include Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry, member of the Strategic Thinking Group, member of the Grants and Leadership Committee for the Coastal Community Foundation of Charleston, part of the Advisory Board for Empower Charleston, and a member of the Board of Directors for the Cristo Rey school coming to Charleston in 2026. Shawn is also a past Board Chairman of Metanoia CDC in North Charleston, past Chairman of the One Region Strategy for the Tricounty, and past member of the Membership Committee for the Rotary Club of Downtown Charleston.

Shawn has two sons, Cameron and Chandler, whom he cherishes. Shawn is a car enthusiast and spends much of his free time on the beach.

William Wachob

Bill Wachob's unique background combines government, communications, electoral and public policy expertise. His insight into campaigns comes from a professional political career spanning over three decades.

In 1975, Bill began his public service career as the Director of Administration and Finance for the Youth Advocate Program of Pennsylvania. At the age of 25, Bill was elected to the Pennsylvania State Legislature where he focused on juvenile justice, welfare and senior citizen issues. After serving three terms (1979 – 1984), Bill worked closely with United States Senator Tom Harkin as the Executive Director of Independent Action PAC.

Since 1989, Bill has directed the west coast office of The Campaign Group, Inc., a national media/political consulting firm with offices in Philadelphia and San Diego. He received national recognition for consulting on the campaigns of five successful congressional campaigns. In 1994 Campaigns & Elections magazine called The Campaign Group one of the premier media/communications firms in the country and called Bill Wachob a “rising star” in national politics.

Bill has been a Governor’s Appointee to the California Youth Authority Board and involved in public affairs campaigns for Southern California Edison, California Power Exchange (CalPX), Automated Power Exchange (APX), San Diego Gas and Electric, SEMPRE Energy, and numerous public interest organizations.

Bill holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and an MGA from the Fels Center of Government, University of Pennsylvania.

He lectures extensively on campaign strategy, communications, and public policy and recently completed teaching a course, Influencing Public Policy, at the Fels Institute of Government, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Stephen Ward

With a decades-long career in public policy, Stephen Ward brings a deep set of advocacy skills and relationships to the YAP board. As a principal since 2011 with VH Strategies, a Washington, DC-based government affairs consulting, he has represented non-profit healthcare networks, advocates for investing in the nation’s crumbling school buildings, renewable energy providers, a leading technology in carbon capture, and a wide range of other clients. Prior to joining VHS, Ward served from 2003-2011 as Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), one of the architects of Obamacare and a key player in the nation’s efforts to shift to renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gasses. Early in his career, Ward was executive director of the Clearfield County, PA Youth Technical Unit, an Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)-funded project focused on developing in-community resources to reduce out-of-county institutional placement of at-risk children and youth. During that time, he cofounded and led the Youth Services Alliance of Pennsylvania, a state-wide coalition of community-based providers, including YAP, that was instrumental in legislative efforts to ban placement of youth in county jails and creating financial incentives to encourage in-community services as an alternative to detention and placement. Ward worked closely on those successful efforts with YAP board member Bill Wachob during his time working for Tom Jeffers in the early days YAP, and later when he was a Commonwealth legislator. Ward has taught and operated a service-learning program at an alternative high school, and spent a decade in electoral politics, and a decade representing a high-tech company on federal policy. He received his B.A. and M.Ed. from Penn State.

Ellana Watson

At 26, Ellana Watson is the youngest person appointed to serve on YAP’s board. Watson is a global systems reform advocate, representing the youth voice to inform systems of care. In 2011, after a fight in school, Watson, who was already in Philadelphia’s child welfare system, also entered the city’s youth justice system. As an alternative to youth incarceration, a judge offered her an opportunity to participate in YAP. Since her YAP graduation, Watson stayed in contact with the organization and volunteered at events. This led to her becoming involved in the nonprofit’s international work, representing YAP in Brazil and Argentina as a street soccer player and serving as a youth ambassador and mentor at international street tournaments. Watson later hosted a Swedish delegation visiting the YAP program in Philadelphia and assisted an Argentinian team in presenting a street soccer workshop as part of YAP’s 40th anniversary celebration. Ellana won a YAP Endowment Fund Scholarship, which enabled her to complete her studies at Philadelphia Community College and go on to work as a mental health technician at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. She’s enrolled in Thomas Jefferson University’s dual BS in Behavioral Health Services and MS in Community Trauma degree program. Of note, she also plays offensive guard for the Philadelphia Phantomz, part of the Women’s National Football Conference, a semi-pro full contact tackle league. She wants young girls to know that football is not just for boys and that girls can play as well, even at pro level.

Heather Wenzel

Heather Wenzel is the Associate Vice President of People for Daxia Network, Inc., providing executive support to several behavioral health non-profit affiliates in Upstate New York. She is also a credentialled leadership coach and is pursuing her EdD at LSU, with a focus on Health Communications and Leadership. For more than two decades, Heather has supported teams providing services to the most vulnerable in Upstate New York, in both non-profit and government work. While leading her county’s Department of Social Services, in close partnership with St. Lawrence County Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc., Heather partnered with the University at Buffalo to transform a county government into a trauma-informed organization. During that time, she witnessed families thrive while receiving reunification services from YAP and became a supporter/advocate for home-based child welfare interventions and the YAP model. Heather is incredibly proud to serve on the YAP Board.

Heather enjoys spending time with her family and running with her two rat terriers.

Mamie Jackson Williams

Mamie is the vice president of development for Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington (PPMW), where she strategically completed their $20M Capital Campaign for the organization’s new administrative headquarters and clinic in Washington, DC. PPMW’s philanthropy has more than doubled under Mamie’s leadership.

Previously, she served as the executive director of development for George Washington University School of Business (GWSB). While at GWSB, she managed the day-to-day operations and the School’s $80M Campaign. Before GWSB, she was with the Smithsonian Institution, where she crafted the initial philanthropic programming for the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the Institution’s Archives as the associate director of advancement in the organization’s history. As a seasoned development professional, Mamie previously worked in higher education as associate vice president of development for Spelman College, where she spearheaded major gifts and planned giving activity in their largest Campaign ever. In addition, Mamie served as a major gift officer at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland-College Park, Rutgers University Division of Life Sciences, and Purdue University. At Purdue University, Mamie secured the Gupta Professorship in Nanotechnology and raised over $15M towards their Nanotechnology Center.

Mamie is a contributing author to Philanthropy in America: A Comprehensive Historical Encyclopedia. She earned a Masters of Arts in Philanthropic Studies from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University and an undergraduate degree from Sweet Briar College and has served as faculty for CASE’s Conference on Diverse Philanthropy and Leadership.

Mamie enjoys traveling, knitting, and spending time with her husband Robert and daughter, Abigail Faye.

John McKnight

For over three decades, John L. McKnight has conducted research on social service delivery systems, health policy, community organizations, neighborhood policy, and institutional racism. At Northwestern University, his alma mater, he has served as Professor of Communication Studies and Education and Social Policy. He also serves as Director of Community Studies, Institute for Policy Research; and Co-Director, Asset-Based Community Development Institute. He currently directs research projects focused on asset-based neighborhood development and methods of community building by incorporating marginalized people. Mr. McKnight has been associated with many of the Institute's major research projects since he joined the organization in 1969. These have included research on the urban determinants of health, law enforcement, urban disinvestment and metropolitan government, deinstitutionalized child welfare services, police anticrime programs, and the effects of the perception of crime upon community responses. He also directed the Chicago Innovations Forum, an IPR-based dialogue among neighborhood leaders and innovators in economic, political and social development. Much of his work on asset-based community development is captured in his co-authored book, Building Communities from the Inside Out: A Path Toward Finding and Mobilizing a Community's Assets (1993), which has circulated through a broad range of community, government, business, nonprofit, and educational institutions in the United States and Canada. Articles he has written over the past two decades were published in The Careless Society (1995). He serves on the Board of Directors of numerous community organizations including the Gamaliel Foundation and The National Training and Information Center.

Gary Ivory

President and CEO
givory@yapinc.org
214.417.7614

Gary Ivory currently serves as President and CEO. In this capacity, he manages business and fund development, strategy, marketing, communications, finance, legal and other key executive leadership functions. He also explores and develops new opportunities to implement the YAP model. Gary pioneered work with youth street gangs in Fort Worth, TX. This work was featured in several national publications including Catalyst, a national newsletter of the National Crime Prevention Council, and the PBS series In Search of Law and Order. The Tarrant County programs, known as TCAP, have been featured as a national model for developing community-based alternatives for serious juvenile offenders.

Gary received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Austin College. In 1999, he received the alumnus of the decade award from his alma mater. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary with a focus on public policy and ethics. He has also completed graduate course work at the Woodrow Wilson School of International and Public Affairs at Princeton University. In 2003, he completed training at the Harvard Negotiation Project Program at the Harvard Law School. In 2008, he was selected by the Stanford University Graduate School of Business as a Center for Social Innovation Fellow for Executive Nonprofit leaders.

Carla Benway

Chief Learning and Innovation Officer
cbenway@yapinc.org
717.514.6965

Carla Benway is YAP's Chief Learning and Innovation Officer. In this role, she leads employee learning opportunities, employee engagement and transformative initiatives that align innovative thinking with YAP business and service delivery models and strategic organizational priorities.

She joined YAP in 1998 as a therapist in a program in Eastern Pennsylvania. She has since directed and developed youth justice, child welfare and behavioral health programs in multiple locations in the U.S. as well as England and Ireland. She provided consultation and training to New York City's Administration for Children's Services from 2004-2007 to support their effort to improve permanency for teens.

Prior to YAP, Carla gained experience as a hospital social worker, resident advisor in an Independent Living Program for older teens in the child welfare system, Children's Advocate, Crisis Counselor and Community Educator at a Domestic Violence Shelter, and Parenting Educator in a Family Preservation Program.

Carla received a Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology from the Pennsylvania State University and a Master's in Social Work from Marywood University. She also studied International Administration with a concentration in Public Health at the University of Miami. Carla is an executive member of Resilient Lehigh Valley and actively volunteers in multiple ministries at her church.

Naomi Frazier

Chief People Officer
nfrazier@yapinc.org
717.232.7580 x1142

Naomi Frazier is the Chief People Officer for Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP). She joined YAP in 1995 and has held various progressive roles related to human resources. Naomi is responsible for aligning YAP's human capital strategies with its mission, business model, and company culture. She oversees all human resources functions, including talent acquisition and retention, total rewards, development, and human capital management systems. Naomi's professional memberships include the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Human Resource Professionals of Central Pennsylvania. She holds a BSM from the University of Phoenix and is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) by the Human Resources Certification Institute. She also studied at Villanova University where she received Certificates in Human Resource Management and Professionalism in Human Resources. Naomi is an active member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and is a charter member of the National Coalition of Negro Women of Greater Harrisburg.

Patty Rosati

Chief Impact Officer
prosati@yapinc.org
717.599.8027

Since 1989 Patty Rosati has been a leader with YAP. She served as Philadelphia’s Program Director in 1992 and was Regional Director of Philadelphia for 13 years before being promoted to Associate Vice President of Employment and Program Development. She became Vice President of the Southwest in 2010 overseeing Colorado, Kansas, Arizona, Nevada and Utah where she directed youth justice, child welfare and workforce development programs before becoming President of the Tom Jeffers Endowment Fund for Continuing Education in 2021. In 2022, Patty was promoted to her current role as Chief Impact Officer.

Carla Powell

Chief Growth & Development Officer
cpowell@yapinc.org
334.324.7510

Carla Powell serves as the Chief Growth & Development Officer for YAP. She leads a gifted fund development team that is working to expand the organization’s funding efforts.

Carla is a graduate of Auburn University and a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) with over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, marketing and fund development. She began assisting YAP in the fall of 2007 as a marketing and fund development consultant and joined the organization full time two years later to lead private and corporate giving. Carla is an experienced federal, state and foundation grant professional.

Prior to joining YAP, she specialized in serving vulnerable communities through her consulting firm where she raised millions of dollars for her clients at the local, state, national and international levels. She is a published author and speaker with articles appearing in state and national publications. Her book, Restorative Justice: A Ministry Resource Guide, calls the faith community to action. As a Regional Director for Prison Fellowship Ministries, Carla led efforts in nine states to develop and expand their crime victim assistance program. She served as the U.S. Communications Director of Hope Unlimited for Children, raising funds to rescue street children in Brazil, many of whom are justice system involved. Carla started her career as the Marketing and Consumer Information Director for the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association which gave her an opportunity to work extensively with the media and support nonprofits as a corporate donor. This unique perspective, as well as experience serving on numerous nonprofit boards, and support of child advocacy issues, has bolstered her ability to increase funding for YAP.

Linda Randby, General Counsel

General Counsel
lrandby@yapinc.org
717.232.7580

Linda Randby joined YAP in September 2023 and serves as its General Counsel.

Before joining YAP, Linda worked as an attorney at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania providing day-to-day supervision and strategic leadership in the delivery of appropriate legal solutions. She served as a trusted advisor providing advice to executives and senior management on matters related to legal and regulatory requirements and interpretation of various laws, regulations and court cases. Linda has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years with extensive experience in numerous areas of law, including employment, litigation, contracts, regulatory compliance matters, privacy and civil rights work.

Linda received a B.A. in Radio/Television & Marketing from Ashland University and a J.D. from Widener University Commonwealth Law School. Linda is admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar as well as various federal courts including the United States Supreme Court. She also serves on many community nonprofit boards, is a member of the Dauphin County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations as well as an Emeritus in the James S. Bowman Inns of Court. In her free time, Linda enjoys traveling, skiing, biking and reading a good book on the beach.

Brandon Rogers, Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer
brogers@yapinc.org
717.232.7580

Brandon Rogers is an outcome-driven finance executive who possesses a history of delivering optimum cost-reduction, profit-maximization, and employee development strategies.

His passions include financial analysis, modeling, and reporting which has positioned him as a trusted source in strategic business planning decision-making. By leveraging his expertise in P&L management, cash flow management, and M&A analysis, he ensures sustained profitability and revenue growth.

Brandon's reputation as an outcome-driven project champion with the capacity for leading high-performance financial teams, streamlining operational processes, and adhering to financial regulation and legislation is demonstrated throughout his career.

Brandon holds an undergraduate dual degree in Finance and Accounting, an MBA in Finance, and a degree in Executive Management.

Joanne Troutman

Chief Operating Officer
jtroutman@yapinc.org

Joanne Troutman has had a more than 20-year career in non-profit management in higher ed, healthcare and community development organizations. Prior to becoming the Chief Operating Officer at Youth Advocate Programs, Inc., she was the Director of Social Impact Programs for External Education at Cornell University where she focused on bringing partners together to create equitable and innovative educational programs around the world. This included education for refugees and women internationally, workforce development training for low income adults, prison education, college programs in Title 1 high schools and support for minority-serving institutions.

She was previously the President & CEO of Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way for six years, where she began regional initiatives to address the opioid crisis, youth mental health and trauma, and coordinated the region’s COVID-19 public health response. During her tenure, she transformed GSVUW from a grantmaker into a collective impact organization, and her team grew revenue by 500 percent.

Joanne has an undergraduate degree in journalism from Susquehanna University and a master’s in management and leadership. She has worked and consulted for healthcare, nonprofits and education and has training and expertise in rural poverty, criminal justice reform, mental health, substance and alcohol use disorder, trauma, equity and social determinants of health. She has been a thought leader and facilitator for the Think Tank in partnership with the Lifeline Association at SCI Coal Township and serves on HEAL PA and its Criminal Justice Action Team, as well as the boards of PA211 and United Way of PA. Joanne is a proud Coal Region native and has been a lifelong resident of central Pennsylvania.

David R. Williams

Chief Program Officer
drwilliams@yapinc.org
773.406.6239

David Williams has been with YAP for 18 years. A Chicago native, David first joined YAP as an Advocate/ Director, connecting young people and their families with individualized economic, educational and emotional tools that empowered them to thrive. He has held several positions within YAP including Regional Vice President, Regional Director and Program Director, all prior to becoming Executive Vice President of the West. Dave is credited with helping YAP secure a partnership with Brightpoint (formerly Children’s Home & Aid) to form Choose to Change® aimed at reducing the risk of violence among the highest risk youth. He previously worked at Hull House Association and earned a master’s degree from Chicago State University.

Kelly D. Williams

Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
kdwilliams@yapinc.org
202.604.7061

Kelly D. Williams serves as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc.

Prior to joining YAP, Kelly led integrated communications and marketing initiatives for multinational corporations, including Cubic Corporation, and national nonprofits, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. At Burrell Communications, Kelly headed Engagement Marketing, leading teams to create innovative campaigns to build customer loyalty for McDonalds, Verizon, Procter & Gamble, and other consumer brands.

Kelly began her career as a broadcast journalist and has also served as a visiting assistant professor at the University of North Florida. She is the author of two parenting books and has a bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University in Missouri and a master’s from the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

Carolyn Caprioni, RN, BSN

VP of Continuous Quality Improvement
ccaprioni@yapinc.org
856.986.0473

Carolyn Caprioni came to YAP in 2003 with 20 years of psychiatric-mental health nursing experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in the science of nursing with Registered Nurse and Registered Forensic Nurse licensures. Carolyn ensures that YAP's Mid-Atlantic Region programs adhere to contractual regulations as well as Council on Accreditation standards of quality care. She has developed and implemented an exemplary QI program in NJ and was an integral part of getting YAP’s Integrity Compliance Program off the ground as well as the significant expansion of NJ’s Behavioral Health programs.

In addition, she acts as the Mid-Atlantic Region liaison on YAP’s Integrity Compliance, Safety, and Employee Insurance committees. In addition to her work with YAP, Carolyn worked as a Forensic Nurse working with victims of sexual assault. In her spare time she enjoys a lifelong commitment to learning and is currently preparing to sit for the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality exam.

Lynette Connor

Executive Vice President - Mid Atlantic & Southeast
lconnor@yapinc.org
856.397.5757

Lynette Connor has accumulated more than 25 years of working experience in the social services field and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker by the state of New Jersey. She is a Diplomate in Clinical Social Work and a Qualified Clinical Social Worker. Prior to joining YAP, Lynette worked for a variety of institutions, including: SJ Behavioral Health Resources, Rancocas Associates, Family Service of Burlington County, South Jersey Counseling Service, Family Preservation Services at Family Counseling Service, and the New Jersey Department of Corrections. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, as well as the Academy of Certified Social Workers. Lynette received BS and MSW degrees from Rutgers University.

Craig Jernigan

Regional Director - DC, MD
cjernigan@yapinc.org
443.248.4878

 

Renise Welbon

Regional Director - DE/PHL
rwelbon@yapinc.org

Renise Welbon is Regional Director for the Philadelphia/Delaware regions in YAP's Mid-Atlantic Region. She comes to YAP with over 20 years of experience working in the fields of behavioral health and counseling, education and school-based services, and social services for children and adults. She graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish, and from the University of Delaware with a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Student Personnel Administration. She is certified as a trainer in Crisis Prevention & Intervention and is also a Certified Investigator for the Intellectual DisAbility service system in Pennsylvania. Renise has three children and lives in Delaware County with her husband and two youngest daughters. She is a DIE-HARD Philadelphia Sports fan, but partial to the EAGLES, SIXERS, and UNION teams. She sings with an acapella gospel group and has written and produced several songs and CD's along with members of the group. She believes she will be able to continue to make a positive impact on the lives of children and their families through her work at YAP.

Tekoa Summers

Executive Vice President - West
tsummers@yapinc.org

 

Jamaal Crawford

Vice President - Midwest Region
jcrawford@yapinc.org
502.398.7889

Jamaal Crawford is a Kentucky native, born and raised in Louisville. Jamaal has 14 years' experience working in residential and psychiatric facilities with high risk youth and youth involved with chemical dependency.

Jamaal came to YAP as an Advocate in July 2017 when the program started. Jamaal was able to quickly transition into the Program Director of Louisville beginning December 2018. In that role, Jamaal continued to develop relationships with community resources, referring authorities, and youth/families. Jamaal then became the State Director of KY, overseeing programs that served program participants in both Louisville and Lexington. Now Vice President of YAP's Midwest Region, he oversees IN, OH, MO, IL, and WI.

E'Ron Leveston

Regional Director - IA, WI, IL
eleveston@yapinc.org

 

Estrella Griggs

Regional Director - Santa Fe Youth Services
egriggs@yapinc.org

 

Monique Robbins

Regional Director - IL - C2C
mrobbins@yapinc.org

 

Marlon Rucker

Regional Director - IL
mrucker@yapinc.org

 

Jessica Carlton

Executive Vice President - Northeast/BH
jcarlton@yapinc.org
412.215.5357

Jessica Carlton-Humenik is Executive Vice President of Northeast and Behavioral Health programs. Jessica began work with YAP in 1997 in Allegheny County as a Therapeutic Staff Support while attending graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh. After earning a graduate degree, she continued her work with YAP as a Behavioral Specialist Consultant, focusing her time with children on the autism spectrum, and those with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. Jessica continued her professional development toward leadership, accepting the position of Assistant Director in Allegheny County for several years, followed by the Director's position. In 2006, Jessica was promoted to the Director of Autism and Developmental Disabilities Program for Pennsylvania, supporting rapid development in behavioral health services across Pennsylvania. In 2012 Jessica was promoted to Vice President of Pennsylvania and Ohio programs.

Through her work with YAP, Jessica has collaborated with Allegheny County Office of Children, Youth and Families to initiate a Truancy Advocate Program which now offers services throughout the Pittsburgh public school system. In addition to her work at YAP, Jessica has worked as an outpatient therapist with both children and adults, specializing in anxiety and depression. She also has served as a Field Instructor for the University of Pittsburgh, Carlow College, Millersville University & Waynesburg University.

Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Elizabethtown College and earned an MSW at the University of Pittsburgh. She has been a licensed social worker since 1997.

Ed Harmon

Regional Director - PA
eharmon@yapinc.org

 

Jennifer Hill

Vice President - PA
jhill@yapinc.org
570.396.2600

Jennifer Hill has worked for YAP since 2000, beginning her work as an Advocate and a TSS. Jennifer received a Master of Science in Counseling from Summit University in 2007. For the next twelve years she worked as an MT and a BSC, specializing in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. In 2017 Jennifer became Northeast Area Field Support Coordinator and Trainer for YAP. In 2010 she became a member of the NBCC and in 2014 became an LPC. In addition to her employment at YAP, Jennifer has worked in private practice and was the Clinical Supervisor of The Love Life Marriage and Family Center.

Dawn Hennessey

Regional Director - PA
dhennessey@yapinc.org

 

Susan Hurd

Regional Director - PA
shurd@yapinc.org

 

Dana LaCoss

Regional Director - NY/CO/MI
dlacoss@yapinc.org
315.854.2562

Dana LaCoss joined YAP in 2007 as an Advocate. She quickly climbed the ladder to assistant director with the NY St. Lawrence County team in 2008. Shortly after that she was promoted to Program Director and then Executive Director until becoming Regional Director in August of 2019. Dana was an active leader in creating and making the 0-5 parenting program such a success.

Dana grew up in St. Lawrence County NY and is raising her twin children there. She received Bachelor of Arts and Master's degrees from the local State University at Potsdam College. She was determined to become a local elementary teacher, but knew she needed to find a different career if she was going to make more of an impact on youth that she served in the classroom. She has obtained various certifications and training around the science of addiction, foster care and is part of a trauma informed team in her county.

Dana is part of YAP's NY leadership team and oversees programs in NY, MI, and CO. She has hopes to continue expanding YAP all over the country and reaching as many families as YAP can to support their needs.

Casey Lane

Vice-President - MI, NH, NY, RI
cflane@yapinc.org
315.212.7338

Casey started his career at YAP in 2003 as an Advocate in Franklin County, NY, and shortly after was promoted to Assistant Director of the Franklin County Family Resolutions Program, doing Family Group Conferencing. In 2004 Casey was promoted to Director of St. Lawrence County Family Resolutions Program. It is here that Casey refined his skills and soon became known as the “reunification specialist." He was called upon many times to work with others to teach those skills and help bring many kids back home to their community. Casey has dedicated his career at YAP to reunifying youth and their families from out-of-home placements. Casey currently is Vice President of YAP's Northeast region and oversees programs in NY, RI, CT, MI, ME, and NH.

Casey is an avid outdoorsman, and an avid fan of Syracuse basketball and football teams… Go “Cuse”! He is also trustee at his local church, in Malone NY.

Adam Santacroce

Regional Director - NY/RI
asantacroce@yapinc.org
845.527.4967

Adam is a NY native and resides just outside of NYC with his wife Betsy, daughter Isabella, and son AJ. Adam attended SUNY Oneonta where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. He earned a Master of Counseling and Development degree at L.I.U. CW Post. Adam is a former guidance counselor and holds a permanent certification in education.

In 2011 Adam became an Assistant Director for YAP’s OCFS Reunification Program. In 2013 he became NYS Regional Director and opened YAP’s Prevention/Reunification Program in Chemung County, which grew to include a school-based Advocate component and is part of a five-state federal mentoring grant. Adam is an advocate for continuous training and has completed Child Abuse & Violence Workshops, Section 504 in NY: ‘A Closer Look’, Gang Intervention & Prevention, Advanced Youth Development, ADHD: Understanding and celebrating the gift, and Teen Suicide Prevention.

He oversees YAP's South Bronx AIM Program, NYC Host Homes Project, as well as Ulster County, Orange County and Schenectady County programs. Adam is an active board member for the YAP Endowment Fund, which supports current and former youth and families in pursuing college or vocational schools to advance their skills and economic opportunities.

Regina Scarmack

Regional Director - PA
rscarmack@yapinc.org

Regina Scarmack is Regional Director for Western Pennsylvania programs for Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. Regina began work with YAP in 1995 in Mercer County as a Therapeutic Staff Support while attending graduate school at the University of Slippery Rock. After earning her graduate degree, she continued her work with YAP as a Behavioral Specialist Consultant/Mobile Therapist, focusing her time with children on the autism spectrum, and those with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. Regina continued her professional development toward leadership, accepting the position of Assistant Director in Mercer County for several years, followed by the Director's position overseeing both Mercer and Crawford County. In 2020, Regina was promoted to the Regional Director for Western Pennsylvania, extending growth in truancy and YAPWORX® programs throughout Western PA. Through her work with YAP, Regina has collaborated with County MH/ID agencies and Office of Children, Youth and Families to initiate ID/MH, Advocate and Truancy Program which offers services throughout Western PA. In addition to her work at YAP, Regina has worked as an outpatient therapist since 2004 with both children and adults specializing in anxiety, depression, and cognitive behavioral therapy

Kasey Young

Regional Director - NY/NH/ME
kyoung@yapinc.org

Kasey joined YAP in 2007 as an Intensive Family Coordinator in Essex County NY. Shortly after she moved into the position of Director of Clinton County, NY where she stayed for almost 15 years before being promoted to YAP Regional Director of New York and Maine in November of 2022. Kasey has supervised programs of prevention, reunification, detention alternative, and 0-5. Kasey is trained as a facilitator of the Not a Number curriculum for sex trafficking through Love146.

Kasey earned her Bachelor's and Master of Science degrees from SUNY Plattsburgh. She had pursued a career in teaching before landing the job with YAP and finding her passion for advocating for youth through the mission of the program.

Kasey grew up and resides in upstate NY with her daughter. She is the Vice President of her local school board and continues to advocate for students through her work on that board.

LaVeisha Cummings

Vice President - Southeast
lcummings@yapinc.org
312.433.6179

LaVeisha Cummings is Vice President for YAP's Southeast region. LaVeisha joined YAP in 2011 as Program Director for Chatham County-YAP located in Savannah, GA. In her current role, LaVeisha provides operational support and training to programs located in FL, GA, & SC.

LaVeisha received a Bachelor’s degree in Speech & Theatre from Albany State University, a Master’s degree in Counseling & Psychology from Troy University and a Doctorate degree in Christian Counseling from Jacksonville Theological Seminary. LaVeisha is a published author and playwright. She brings to YAP a wealth of experience in both residential and community-based programs working with youth considered at-risk.

Vivian Davis

Regional Director - AL, VA
vdavis@yapinc.org

Felicia Wells

Regional Director - FL
fwells@yapinc.org

Kimberly Brandon

Vice President
kbrandon@yapinc.org
817.905.3826

Naomi Chargois Edwards

Southwest Regional BH Director
nchargois@yapinc.org
281.627.8364

Naomi Chargois Edwards is YAP’s Southwest Regional Director of Behavioral Health Services. She joined YAP as a Community Living Support in 2014 and has served as Assistant Director and Program Director of Behavioral Health Services. Naomi’s primary focus was to oversee the provision of intensive specialized services to children and youth with serious emotional disturbances in Fort Bend, Gulf Coast, and Harris County. She brought to YAP a background of individual and group behavioral health services as well as a vision and purpose to empower youth and inspire future leaders.

In her current role, she is focused on ensuring quality behavioral health services are provided to children and youth, influencing teams, increasing collaboration, and building leaders.

Naomi earned a Bachelor’s in psychology from Alabama State University and a Master’s in marriage, couple, and family therapy from Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi. In her spare time, she enjoys creating memories with family, engaging in community outreach, and volunteering in her local Children’s Ministry.

Kevin Faulkner

Southwest Director of Business Operations - AZ, CO, KS, LA, NV, TX
kfaulkner@yapinc.org
214.883.2304

Kevin Faulkner joined the YAP team in 2001 and serves as Southwest Director of Business Operations. In this capacity, he maintains oversight of financial, contractual and operational areas of the programs that provide a range of community-based services for children, youth and families throughout the Southwest region.

Lori Burrus

National Coordinator of Developmental Disabilities Programs
lburrus@yapinc.org
717.269.7969

Lori Burrus has been working in various management positions in the developmental disability community for over 34 years. She has overseen licensed residential programs, life sharing and home and community services. In her time at YAP, she has developed programming for youth and adults with disabilities through partnerships with health and employment systems. She attended Kutztown University and earned a degree in social welfare.

Lori loves her family and church family and her long-term goal is to return to Southern Italy.

Kyle Daniel

VP Behavioral Health
kdaniel@yapinc.org

Jennifer Drake

Vice President Clinical Development
jdrake@yapinc.org
973.670.7495

As Vice President of Behavioral Health Services at Youth Advocate Programs, Inc., Jennifer oversees YAP behavioral health programs throughout the country. She worked at YAP as an Advocate, outpatient therapist, and intensive in-home therapist before assuming the National Director role in 2013.

Jennifer has worked with young people in mental health, youth justice and child welfare systems for over 15 years and has extensive training working with youth who have experienced child sexual abuse and other tragedies. Jennifer has served as an expert witness for the State of New Jersey and has published articles in the Journal of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences and the New Jersey Journal of Professional Counseling.

Jennifer graduated summa cum laude with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2003. She holds a Juris Doctor from Rutgers University School of Law, where she graduated cum laude in 2013. Jennifer is a Licensed Professional Counselor and attorney in the State of New Jersey.

Dina Harris

VP Program Operations
dharris@yapinc.org

With a career spanning nearly three decades, Dina is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in program operations, quality improvement, and community development. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to enhancing organizational effectiveness through innovative strategies and dedicated leadership. In past roles, Dina provided oversight to outcome measurement and contract compliance processes in YAP’s West Region. Within other human services organizations, she held major roles in non-profit development and educational programming.

Dina’s career fuels her expertise in program operations, quality improvement, and development. It also positions her as a leader committed to making a significant impact.

Greg Hollback

VP Philanthropy
ghollback@yapinc.org

Greg Hollback, YAP’s Vice President of Philanthropy, manages a team responsible for individual donations, corporate and foundation relations, and major gifts. Greg is a seasoned professional in philanthropy and organizational leadership. In addition to his eight years of experience in philanthropy, he brings a background of teaching with a passion for helping youths succeed.

He has served in many philanthropy roles, most recently as Director of Individual Philanthropy at ZERO TO THREE: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. Greg holds a Master of Sports Administration from Ohio University and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and holds leadership certificates from Cornell University and the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Originally from southern Ohio, he now resides in Daytona Beach, FL. Greg and his wife Samantha have two adopted daughters, ages 5 and 7, who love following the US national women's gymnastics team and the Gators gymnastics team. The family enjoys traveling to watch gymnastics events and spending weekends at the beach.

Brandy Hudson

VP Development
bhudson@yapinc.org

Chantal M. Jones

VP Research & Evaluation
cmjones@yapinc.org

Keith Keonig

Chief Revenue Cycle Management
kkoenig@yapinc.org

Cliff Kubiak

Chief Information Officer
ckubiak@yapinc.org
717.232.7580 x1209

Cliff Kubiak joined YAP in 1992 as Program Director of the Philadelphia In-Home Detention Program. In Philadelphia, he implemented the Pre-Hearing Intensive Supervision Program which still serves youth and families. He was also instrumental in opening other programs for at-risk youth in some of the most difficult high schools in Philadelphia.

Cliff moved to YAP’s Support Center in Harrisburg to help design and implement the company's internal auditing department. In 1999 he was given the additional responsibility of supervising YAP’s Monitoring, Reception and Information Technology (IT) departments. He led the team that installed the Microsoft network and e-mail systems that form the foundation of YAP's communications system. His department has also worked closely with the HR and Fiscal departments to implement software which has improved their ability to perform their daily responsibilities and reporting.

In 2006, Cliff was appointed Chief Information Officer and was named to the Senior Management team. In addition to his daily duties, Cliff serves as a member of the Health Insurance Committee, YAP Autism board, Integrity Compliance and PQI committees, senior management and as an advisor to the COA implementation group. Cliff has also coached his children's sports teams and served as a volunteer firefighter. He holds an associate’s degree in Computer Science Community College of Philadelphia, and is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer--MCSE, LaSalle University, Business Management.

Diana Matteson

Director of International Programs & Development
dmatteson@yapinc.org
202.308.7508

Diana Matteson, Director of International Programs and Development for YAP, Inc., has over 20 years of experience in human services in direct practice, teaching and development. She holds a Master's in Art Therapy and a B.A. in Psychology from The George Washington University. Diana's graduate thesis focused on the role of art and storytelling in the grief process for young people living in street situations and adults living with HIV/AIDS. Diana served as a Peace Corps Volunteer and has devoted her career to social justice work.

Diana is bilingual - proficient in Spanish and English. She has represented YAP at international conferences and led educational workshops in nine different countries on clinical practice and effective interventions with marginalized youth and families. In her position as YAP Director of International Programs and Development, Diana coordinates training, technical assistance and consultation with YAP partners in Latin America, Europe, Australia, Africa and Asia and seeks new growth opportunities for YAP International. Diana creates youth and professional exchanges for YAP youth and staff including leading youth delegations to international street soccer tournaments in Brazil and Argentina.

Ryanne Persinger

National Director of Communications
rpersinger@yapinc.org

Ryanne Persinger is an experienced journalist with a broad range of communications experience. Prior to joining YAP in 2021, she was a marketing and communications coordinator at a technical college. She also worked as a media specialist for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and taught mass communications at a small private liberal arts college in South Carolina. Ryanne’s work has appeared in newspapers in Charlotte, Philadelphia, and in Visalia and Tulare, communities in her home state of California. She is a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University and earned her master’s degree in journalism from Florida A&M University.

Timothy Ragland

Vice President of Policy and Governmental Affairs
tragland@yapinc.org

Patrick Young

VP Workforce & Economic Development
pyoung@yapinc.org