WEST POINT - Key Persons

Althea Teamer is a Chicago native from the south side of the city. She graduated from Hyde Park High School and received a B.S in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University. She received her M.S. in Elementary Education from Texas Southern University with a concentration in both Art and P.E. She retired in 2012 after 34 years of teaching in the Chicago Public School system. Althea is gifted in dance performance and also offers choreography, technical development, and movement coaching to students of this art. Currently, she is performing dance with the International Artist Group (IAG) and Mask Ensemble, Participatory Music Coalition (PMC), Oba William King Storyteller and others. In her spare time, she practices her artistry in jewelry designing and macramé. Her interest in West Point School of Music stems from her love of live instrumentation and the influence it has to motivate the soul and spirit of the listener as well as inspire motion in dance. As a parent of musicians, she has witnessed firsthand the ability of music to sharpen other areas of development. She says music adds magnificence to the world and it is her hope that every child might at least have an opportunity to explore music and perhaps develop and master instrumental skills.

Job Titles:

• Facilities Manager
• Facilities Manager for West Point School of Music

Biography Andrew Walker is the Facilities Manager for West Point School of Music. His introduction to musical studies came in the 4th grade when his father encouraged him to pick up the trumpet and play in the school jazz band. During Andrew's high school years, he developed a passion for working on the business side of the music industry. Meeting, now close friend, Manasseh Champion, the two formed a partnership in an effort to record and release Manasseh's music under the stage sobriquet, Doso. Andrew took it upon himself to assist with booking shows, running light shows and identifying strategic marketing opportunities. Andrew's experience in the trades started at a young age working in the automotive industry for several years until his interest in carpentry was sparked during his Eagle Scout Project. From 2018 to 2020, Andrew took on working alongside a general contractor in completing home renovations. Now his technical desires find him pursuing a degree in Engineering. Mr. Walker is a vital team member and a delight to have on board at West Point School of Music.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Advisory Board
• Member of the Northshore Concert Band under the Direction of Mallory Thompson

Biography Mr. Sturgeon received a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois: Urbana-Champaign. While at the University of Illinois, he studiedconducting with Joseph Manfredo, Thomas Caneva, and Pete Griffin; and trombone with Elliot Chasanov and Jim Pugh. Mr. Sturgeon was a section leader in the Marching Illini trombone section for three seasons. He also directed the Orange and Blues Athletic Band (2005-2007), which was a subset of the Marching Illini with an active performing schedule for athletic events and university functions. He received a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. Mr. Sturgeon is currently Band Director at Mundelein High School (Mundelein, IL). He leads two concert bands, two jazz ensembles, the Marching Mustangs, pep band, and show choir combo. Prior to his work in Mundelein, Mr. Sturgeon was Director of Bands for six years at Central Junior High School (Evergreen Park, Illinois). He taught three concert bands, a jazz band, and createdtheirsummer band program. Mr. Sturgeon has served as Assistant Marching Band Director at Wheeling High School, Wheeling, Illinois and also directed the Backstage Show Choir Combo at John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights, Illinois. As a trombonist, Mr. Sturgeon is a member of the Northshore Concert Band under the direction of Mallory Thompson and Dan Farris. Mr. Sturgeon is an active arranger, composer, clinician, and adjudicator for several Chicagoland area high school and junior high bands. He is a guest conductor for the University of Illinois Basketball Band.

Job Titles:

• Assistant Brass Coach
• Assistant Coach, Brass

Biography Ashanti Fleming, Assistant Brass Coach, is a talented hornist and steel pannist. As a protege of West Point, her formal music instruction began at age 11. As a student of West Point, she received several accolades; most notably, the 2016 Music Excellence Award for performance on steel pan. Ashanti is a graduate of Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory High School where she continued performing under bandmaster Brandon Harding. She has also participated in the CPS Spring Music Festival and UIC Honors Band festivals from 2017 through 2019. Her focus is French Horn instruction. Her ultimate goal is to invest in today's urban youth just as was done for her.

Job Titles:

• Director of Education
• Accessibility Coordinator
• School of Music 's Director of Music Education

Biography Ashanti Sims is West Point School of Music's Director of Music Education and Clarinet Instructor. She began her musical studies at the age of 13 under the tutelage of her mentor Julian J. Champion, Executive Director of West Point School of Music. Upon entering high school, she auditioned and was accepted to the Chicago High School for the Arts where she continued to excel in her musical studies, receiving superior and excellent ratings at regional and state contests. During this period, she studied Clarinet with Dr. Rose Sperrazza, Professor of Clarinet at Northeastern Illinois University and leader of the Chicago Clarinet Ensemble. She also sat under the tutelage of Mr. Cory Tiffin, principal of the Las Vegas Philharmonic with whom she further developed her skill and craft as a clarinetist. During her college years, she studied privately with Mr. Gene Collerd, principal of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. In her role at West Point, Ashanti helps to raise awareness of the critical need for music education in the environment and maturation of urban children. West Point is proud to have one of its own as an essential part of its team.

Job Titles:

• Director of Operations
• Representative of Its Mission

Beaushay Norton began his formal study of music at age 11 under the tutelage of Julian J. Champion, and is a graduate of West Point School of Music. He studied the Trombone and Euphonium and played with the Evergreen Park High School Band, the Merit Wind Symphony, and the Red Shield Concert Band. He is a proud graduate of the Urban Prep Academy - Englewood Campus. Beaushay studied Jazz Performance at University of Illinois at Chicago. In addition, he is a licensed commercial truck driver and is also an Army Reserve bandsman with the 484th Army Band out of Arlington Heights, IL and Milwaukee, WI. In his current position as Director of Operations, Beaushay is responsible for transporting West Pointers to and from various rehearsals; a crucial element for West Point's target audience. He also transports music instruments to and from schools and events while managing the renovation of our new program space. Beaushay also serves as the low brass coach for WP's Urban Music Makers program and a cello panist in Epic Steel Orchestra. West Point considers Beaushay as a perfect representative of its mission. His daily involvement helps young West Pointers discover purpose and meaning for their lives.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Advisory Board

Biography Dr. Camille S. Bell's 20-year career in education began in the Rochester City School District in Rochester, NY, an urban district that serves approximately 35,000 students. Initially, Dr. Bell's experience began with 6 years of volunteering in urban middle and high schools for Junior Achievement, Business Mentor Partnerships & College Preparatory programs which ultimately served as her inspiration for leaving Corporate America to pursue a career in urban education. Upon actualizing her dream, she worked for the next 5 years as a middle and high school teacher along with serving in various school leadership roles such as the Instructional Support Specialist, PBIS Coach and a Dean of Student Discipline before becoming an administrator. In July 2005, after accepting Montebello's principalship, a position that she held for 6 years, Dr. Bell enthusiastically began her work an instructional leader determined to bring their student achievement levels to the highest that they had ever been on the Maryland Schools Assessment while raising the level of accountability and daily instructional practices. She concentrated on creating a deliberate focus for children that not only targeted children needing intervention services, but accelerated learners as well. It was clear to Dr. Bell that in order for this to take place successfully, a laser focus attention needed to be placed on intensive data driven planning and instruction for each child. Moreover, her relentless refusal to accept mediocrity became interwoven in the school's culture almost immediately and instilled into every child in the school. Hence they adopted the phrase,Excellence is the Only Option . Dr. Bell is recognized for her ability to move student achievement, winning numerous awards and participating in several roundtable discussions with national principals, facilitated professional learning opportunities for both teachers and principals and served as one of the company's Principal Mentors. Dr. Bell has received Mayoral Citations recognizing Montebello as a School of Excellence, a City Council President Certificate of Achievement, Outstanding Leadership Recognition from Baltimore City Public School and Edison Learning's prestigious Double 4 & Double 5 Star Awards for obtaining both academic and/or fiscal solvency along with significant recognition from the community, parents, and staff. Dr. Bell's experience with hiring and supervising teachers, executive coaching, leadership development managing school budgets, developing school policies/operations and most importantly, driving school achievement has laid the foundation for her work as an Academic Consultant and Executive Coach in Priority schools. Her experience and success with school turnaround and academic reform has laid her foundation for moving systems forward.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Board
• Insurance Executive

Biography Music is a passion of Clive A. Phinn. As an accomplished musician in his own right, being a board member of West Point School of Music is a humbling experience, as music has opened up his world to endless possibilities and would love to see the same opportunities afforded students in the program. Having been on the board for the past three years, his passion to serve in whatever capacity he will gladly raise his hand to serve. For the past 30 years, Clive has been an Insurance Executive for some of the major insurance companies in the world. He is also the managing Partner for CAP Risk Consultants, LLC, a risk management firm. Having started taking formal music lessons at 10 years old, Clive is an accomplished piano player, and played the Sousaphone in high school and college. He has served as musical director for several churches and choirs, and most recently was the music director of Holy Family Catholic Church. Clive attended Augustana College majoring in Business Administration and a Minor in Music. Clive also attended the University of Iowa Law school and have received several designations during his professional career. Clive is thrilled that two of his children were a part of WPSOM and saw first-hand how WSPOM has indelibly left a mark on students who matriculated through the program. I am happy to be a board member and to help in any way I can to help advance students through this wonderful program.

Job Titles:

• Instrument Repair Manager & Arranger

Biography Courtney is another outstanding product of West Point School of Music. Commencing studies on clarinet at age 9, she quickly established herself as a star. Attending high school at Jones College Prep, she was fortunate to participate in the band and orchestra led by Frank L. Menzies and held the Principal chair for her full time there. Upon graduation, she was awarded the John Philip Sousa Award for Outstanding Participation in the band program; the highest honor received. Within days of graduation, Courtney began her new life with the US Army. Today, she remains a proud member of the US Army reserves and serves as an Army Reserve bandsman with the 484th Army Band out of Arlington Heights, IL and Milwaukee, WI. Courtney is a prolific arranger and is responsible for many of the arrangements performed by both Epic Steel Orchestra and Concert band. She plays bass pans, clarinet, saxophone, electric bass; and coaches percussion students alongside James Sims, Lead Percussionist.

Job Titles:

• Senior Brass Coach
• Senior Coach, Brass

Danielle Pilate, Senior Brass Coach, began her trumpet studies in her local band program in the sixth grade and continued through high school during which she performed in Concert, Symphonic, Jazz, and Marching bands. She sat first chair in the South Suburban All Conference Band and was awarded the National School Marching Award.

Job Titles:

• Assistant Coach, Percussion
• School of Music 's Assistant Percussion Coach

Biography Dillan Finney is West Point School of Music's Assistant Percussion Coach. His journey as a percussionist began at the age of 10 under the tutelage of Julian J. Champion, Executive Director of West Point School of Music. Dillan went on to attend the Chicago High School for the Arts where he continued his musical instruction. Throughout high school, he participated in the Afro-Latin percussion After School Matters program and the UIC Honors Band. Recently, Dillan began working under James Sims in the manufacturing of steel pans and is eager to expand his ability to create the instruments he loves. Mr. Finney has set a goal to spread knowledge of both musical skills and valuable life lessons for future West Pointers.

Job Titles:

• Non Profit Executive - Ret

Biography Jack Corbin Getz is a native of Chicago. He grew up in the Austin community attending and graduating from Lane Technical High School. He later matriculated at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, College of Education. Mr. Getz spent his early career as a public school educator in Shawnee Mission, Kansas, and also served on the faculty of the Salvation Army College for Officer Training in Chicago. Getz is a lifelong professional educator, musician, pastor and an executive level non-profit administrator. He is a published author of over fifty articles and lists a book called Praying When Prayer Doesn't Work (iUniverse Press) among his recent achievements. Getz is very clear about his reasons for serving on this board;I believe in the vision the Executive Director articulates in the West Point project. I also believe those who have stability in this life must not only help those who don't, but seek out opportunities to do so. This is a wonderful way to extend hope to many disadvantaged children who can use a good dose of it. Also an artist, his watercolor art passion has led to sales in a number of artistic genres.Mr. Getz lives in retirement in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Barbara of almost forty years.

Coming from a musical family, James Russell Sims started playing drums at the age of 3. He studied under the direction of Greg Barksdale, Kristen Regester, and Jarrett Hicks prior to attending Chicago High School for the Arts where he continued his musical studies. James graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign with a Bachelor's of Music in Jazz Performance where he studied with Joel Spencer. He currently plays with jazz, hip hop, and R&B artists throughout the Midwest. James currently works as a steel drum maker and teaches all concert percussion to eager West Pointers. He plans to continue helping young musicians through West Point School of Music for years to come.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Board

Dr. Jeff Heddles is an Ashland University (B.A.1998) and National University of Health Sciences (D.C. 2001) graduate. Jeff started and co-owned a private chiropractic practice in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood for twenty years before retiring in 2022. As a sports medicine focused practitioner, he's worked with professional athletes from every major sport as well as elite musical and dance artists. Dr. Heddles learned about the West Point School of Music while exploring philanthropic opportunities with the D'Addario Foundation. After seeing Julian and his coaches instruct firsthand, the WPSoM became a focus of Jeff's philanthropic plan. As one who was fortunate to have string and band instruction in his small town Ohio elementary school, he's been motivated to help keep music programs in schools. In his spare time, Jeff has written and performed with several local rock bands and currently plays with a cover band around Chicago. Outside of his musical and medical background, Dr. Heddles was a 3x All-American in Track and Field (hammer throw) and is heavily involved in the Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Project (a charity focused on healing an awful genetic childhood disease).

Julian J. Champion BS, MAFM Founder and President Biography Julian J. Champion hails from the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. He began his career developing community social services programs in North Carolina with a concentration in spiritual and emotional care for the urban poor. Raised in a single parent home, he became acquainted very early with the debilitating effects of poverty upon the mind and on communal life. He understands firsthand the struggles that many urban youth face. Determined to address this issue, he chose a career path in pastoral and social services hoping to make a difference in the lives of others. Champion has over 15 years of ecumenical and social experience working in urban communities in North Carolina, Virginia, Minnesota, Indiana and Illinois with the Assemblies of God and The Salvation Army. Champion graduated Magna Cum Laude from the East Coast Bible College and holds a Masters in Accounting and Financial Management from the Keller Graduate School of Management. His background in Ministry and Finance allows him to strike a balance between compassion and fiscal discipline. He has been fortunate to use these skills simultaneously throughout his career. His passion for music began at a very early change but it was not until the age of 17 that the opportunity was presented for him to play an instrument. While the saxophone was his instrument of choice, there was only a trumpet available so I just played that - I could only play what was given because I was in no position to purchase my own Champion says. Champion's work in urban communities led to him using his passion for music to address the absence of opportunity for music education to the urban poor. During his time of service with The Salvation Army he developed vibrant music programs in Gary, Indiana, and in Chicago, Illinois. Champion pursued his dream of establishing West Point School of Music in an effort to reach more youth through music. His love of music, gift of teaching and ability to inspire have well assisted him in nurturing change in those who have come from environments wracked with mediocrity at best and insignificance at its worst. He says playing an instrument is no easy feat: there is very little that can compare to mastering the ability to count while changing rhythms, manage breathing while giving notes expression, and producing a melodious sound that maintains its beauty until the end. He believes that once a child learns to read and play music, they very well understand they have accomplished something great and that nothing is impossible for them. He is especially concerned for those dealing with overwhelming challenges at home and where exposure to the arts is not commonplace. "Urban communities need not just spiritual help but long-term, systemic assistance if they are to become an oasis of hope and transformation," Champion declares. A gifted communicator, he speaks at conferences, seminars and churches both locally and internationally. A citizen of the United States since 2008, Champion resides on the south side of Chicago with his wife, LeOné and their children.

Job Titles:

• Assistant Coach, Woodwind

Biography Kayla Sowell, a former West Point School of Music scholar, began her musical studies at the age of 9 under the direction on WPSoM's President, Mr. Julian J. Champion. Kayla demonstrated exemplary technique on the double lead steel pan as a part of the inaugural pan class held at Kellman Elementary school in 2013. As a gifted oboist and flutist, Kayla showed tremendous passion for music and the work of this organization from an early age. She attended De La Salle Institute playing in the marching and concert band for the duration of her high school career. Kayla is currently enrolled at Roosevelt University earning a BA in Graphic Design. She serves as a member of West Point's premier performing ensemble, Epic Steel Orchestra and as an Assistant Coach specializing in Oboe.

Mechella Willis is another product of West Point School of Music. Her introduction to instrumental music instruction came at the tender age of 11 under the direction of Julian J. Champion, Executive Director of the organization. Mechella demonstrated the capacity to lead early on and was named Band Whip for two consecutive years while attending Whistler Elementary. In this role, she relayed messages to the students on behalf of the Executive Director regarding rehearsals and upcoming events. Mechella continued to hone her musical skills while playing in high school at South Shore International College Prep. While there she studied euphonium and trombone under Mr. Xavier Custodio and was appointed section leader. In addition, she played with a Jazz ensemble for the After School Matters program as well as served as a participant in the UIC Honors Band festivals. Since her start as a student of West Point, she has remained dedicated to the organization that gave birth to her passion for music. Mechella currently serves as West Point's Office Administrator and also coaches the low brass section for the Urban Music Makers Program. A very competent steel pan player and a long-standing member of West Point's premiere ensemble, Epic Steel Orchestra, she has made it her mission to give back to students of underserved communities and pour into them in the same manner as her predecessors.

Biography Rich Breske has provided strategic management and marketing services to both public and private companies for over thirty-five years. He has brought outstanding vision and leadership skills both as a corporate officer and as an independent marketing tactician. For the past ten years, Rich has provided executive planning and marketing acumen for 21st century companies through Strategic Marketing Management, LLC. Prior to opening his own firm, he served in key management roles at KHS America, Inc., the Conn-Selmer division of Steinway & Sons, Inc., and United Musical Instruments, all worldwide manufacturers and distributors. He served in the management of the SMART Foundation which provided programs and advocacy support for arts education. He has authored several publications focused on the arts and education. Rich grew up on Chicago's south side and attended Marist High School, where he was an active member and drum major of the school's marching band. He attended Elmhurst College, receiving a degree in marketing and music business. His early career included time at the Chicago Symphony and Ravinia Festival organizations, as well as classes at the Chicago-Kent College of Law. Rich has served on several non-profit boards and continues to support music education as a vital component in the development of lives of today's children.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Board
• Assistant Director for University College at Rutgers University - Newark

Biography Sandra Reed Sanders is a proud 1967 graduate of Arts High School in Newark, NJ. She went on to gain her Bachelor's degree from Glassboro State College (Rowan University) in 1971. She returned to Arts High School as a Spanish teacher until 1972. She obtained her Master's degree in 1973 from Montclair State University through the Graduate Assistant Program. Sandra was a part of the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program at Rutgers University. This program was designed to prepare primarily inner-city high school graduates to adapt and succeed in a college environment. While working toward a Master's Degree in Student Services/Counseling, Sandra was able to influence young people in achieving a college education. Under the direction of the late Dr. Curtis Jackson and Reuben Johnson, the staff successfully assisted hundreds of students to succeed in achieving their college education. As the Assistant Director for University College at Rutgers University-Newark, Dr. Sanders counseled adult students who were working during the day and attending college in the evening. In 1976 Sandra accepted a position as Human Resource Manager for The Port Authority of NY and NJ. Her responsibilities included seeking outminority and women entry-level employees to work for this quasi-governmental organization. During her tenure, many of the current women and minority professional employees were hired. These recruits were placed in every department of the company. While working in the Aviation Department, she became aware of the Eagle Flight Squadron Training Program. This program uses the opportunity to learn to fly as a tool to teach focus and discipline to urban youth. Volunteering to be a part of this dynamic program Sandra taughtLife Skills classes. Over 3,000 young people have been influenced by the dedicated staff of flight instructors and volunteers from the community, and she considers it a high honor to have been one of them. Dr. Sanders has been self-employed as a Naturopath and Master Herbalist since 1989, where she consults with clients who are interested in improving their level of health. She formally received her training through Trinity College of Natural Health. She embraces the opportunity to serve on the West Point Board of Directors and remains committed to doing all within her power to help urban youth improve their quality of life.

Job Titles:

• Creative Integrated Marketing Leader

Shana Pearson Grigsby is a creative integrated marketing leader with over 20 years of proven experience in brand building, message direction, communications, and outreach initiatives, for private sector, non-profit, and government agencies.

Job Titles:

• Vice President and Chief Strategist, Ventures Unlimited, Inc

Biography Since 2007 she has served as the Vice President and Chief Strategist of Ventures Unlimited, Inc. There, Shana helps fuel the agency's mission of "One Idea Can Change the World." She has successfully led client strategies for B2B marketing solutions, market research, brand development, community outreach initiatives, strategic communications, digital marketing, and multi-cultural awareness campaigns alongside the president and CEO. Shana helps design and execute awareness and call-to-action programs that champion the needs of underserved communities and their residents. Her leadership has helped the Ventures team break new ground for clients such as Aetna Better Health of IL, Harmony and MeridianHealth Plans, WellCare Healthcare, Heartland Health Centers, The AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Cook County Department of Homeland Security, the City of Chicago RCPT, the American Bar Association, and Housing Action Illinois. Before joining Ventures, Shana was an Account Executive at Burrell Advertising and DDB advertising agencies. In her roles, she helped manage high-profile engagement and brand campaigns for clients such as McDonald's, Exxon Mobil, Western Union, and JCPenney. Shana also served as a Senior Associate Director in Donor Relations at The University of Chicago. She assisted in launching university-wide recognition programs, giving societies, events, and communications for the University's first $2.38 Billion Capital Campaign. Shana is honored to serve on the West Point School of Music (WPSOM) Board. Early in life, her parents recognized the tremendous intrinsic value music education provides. They enrolled her and her sister in orchestra and band and sacrificed to pay for private classical piano and violin lessons. She credits the experience and character skills developed as a musician as a foundational cornerstone for her success. Shana looks forward to helping WPSOM increase its awareness, support resources, advocacy, and access to benefit thousands of Chicago's youth. Shana earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Advisory Board

Biography Sharon G. Lundstrom was,musically speaking ,born In Kansas , but grew up in Chicago. After graduating from Austin High School, Sharon completed her education at Swedish-American Hospital School of Nursing and Rockford College in Rockford, Illinois. Her work as a Registered Nurse has been family and child centered. She has worked in public schools, and hospitals and medical practices. She currently works in the field of health testing and community education for a national company. She has served with boards for The Good Shepherd Hospital Auxiliary, The Barrington Area Registered Nurses Association, the Infant Welfare Society of Illinois and in numerous schools. Community service has been her focus for many years, with a passion for guiding young people towards productive pathways.

Job Titles:

• Assistant Coach, Woodwind
• Woodwind Coach

Biography Tristan Finney, a former student of West Point School of Music, started studying flute at the age of 10 under the tutelage of Julian J. Champion, Executive Director. Tristan attended the Chicago High school for the Arts where he sharpened his skills on flute and music theory. Playing for all 4 years, he ranked No.1 in IHSA Solo & Ensemble during two separate school years, winning 1st place for the school for 3 years consecutively. As West Point's Woodwind Coach, Tristan now aspires to pass the torch he was given years ago to a fellow young creative.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Advisory Board

Biography Dr.ValenciaGreen grew up in the Sunshine State of Florida. She worked as the Assistant Director and Health Educator for Yihoodah Y. Green and Associates LLC, a multi-specialty medical practice established in 2003. The clinic was located at the foot of Rockwell Gardens Housing Project on the west side of Chicago. She mentored students from the clinic and the community and became an advocate for youth. After working closely with her own children and the youth in the community, Dr. Green was able to experience the challenges students in public schools face. Of particular interest to her were those challenges faced by students with learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She researched and studied learning differences and dyslexia. Due to the vast number of students requiring services not provided in the schools and the negative impact it began to have on the community, Dr. Green established a free tutoring program for elementary and high school students. The program offered test preparation for standardized admissions tests, focusing on admission to top high schools and colleges. In 2007, Dr. Green established and became the Executive Director for Healing Hands Resource Center,a non-profit organization providing primary health care, mental health services and skills training for youth and adults. Functioning under a grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health, she implemented an HIV/AIDS education and prevention curriculum in 2008 which reached over 800 participants.Presently she provides seminars on various topics including life skills, health education, and parent advocacy. She also works with youth and adults participating in ex-offender programs.