CCJ - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Secretary
Ameer Rutherford is a University of Michigan graduate and a Veteran. He attended high school in Flint and lived in North Carolina after graduating from college. He returned to Flint after 12 years in the Army and is the owner of a local business specializing in personal security and protection.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Law at Saginaw Valley State University
- Associate Professor of Law
Amy Hendrickson is an Assistant Professor of Law at Saginaw Valley State University. Amy has a Juris Doctor from UCLA School of Law.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Member of the Board
- Member of the Executive Committee
- President
- Treasurer
Antwan Edson is a nonprofit consultant and a board member for multiple nonprofit boards. An engineer by trade, he shifted to nonprofit work over 15 years ago. He specializes in youth engagement and diversity training.
Job Titles:
- Public Benefits Law Attorney
Caroline Bermudez Jomaa joined CCJ as the Public Benefits Law attorney in 2024. Caroline graduated from Wayne State University Law School in 1997. Caroline has over 25 years of extensive legal experience in representing clients in Social Security disability cases at all levels of the administrative process, including federal District Court and the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. Caroline also has experience in representing clients in their Department of Health and Human Service cases, including State Disability Assistance, Medicaid, Food Assistance and Child Care benefits. Se habla Espa ñol.
Greg Abler joined CCJ as the Housing Law Attorney in 2017. Greg graduated from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School in 1996. Greg has over 22 years of extensive experience in representing clients in consumer and real estate litigation and appeals. Prior to joining CCJ, Greg was the Supervising Attorney of Legal Aid & Defender Association's Detroit office.
Kelly Bidelman joined CCJ as the Executive Director in 2017. Kelly graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy Law School in 1989. Kelly has devoted her many years of practice in legal services. Prior to joining CCJ, Kelly was the Managing Attorney of Legal Aid & Defender Association's Oakland and Macomb County staff offices along with its Legal Aid for Children and Families program at Beaumont Hospital; and prior thereto as the Managing Attorney of UAW-GM Legal Services Plan in Detroit.
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor of Social Work
Kevin Hayes is a proud graduate of Michigan State University and lifelong resident of Saginaw. He has worked in the Michigan Senate, leading constituent services casework in his local State Senator's office. Kevin has also worked as a political and community organizer for several campaigns in the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Social Work at Saginaw Valley State University
- Associate Professor of Social Work
Michael R. Heron is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Saginaw Valley State University. He holds a Master of Social Work from Fordham University and is clinically licensed in the State of Michigan. He also holds a Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School at Western Michigan University where he specialized in Constitutional Law.
Psalm Bingham is an alumna of Michigan State University. Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, she has been active in her community for years. She has coached fundamental youth sports including volleyball and basketball and has volunteered in schools and food drives. Her goal is to improve the health and quality of life of Michiganders through innovate public health policy, programs and partnerships. As a Sociologist, her interests revolve around systematic changes that can improve education, public policy and legal action.
Sam Angus is licensed to practice law in California, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. He has civil litigation experience and has also worked on the staff and as a board member for other nonprofits. He currently teaches college courses in critical thinking, ethics, and political science.
Ximena Kohn joined CCJ as the Health Advocate in 2024. Ximena graduated from the National University of Mexico and holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication. Ximena has a diverse background in advertising, film, non-profit work and communications and is driven by a passion for community building, innovation and fostering positive change. Ximena served as Organizational Manager at the Latinx Technology Community Center in Flint, where she helped empower local communities through technology and outreach. Ximena is focused on applying her skills to address systemic issues in public benefits cases, with a strong commitment to advancing equity, diversity and justice. Se habla Espa ñol.