Derrick Johnson Jr. Director

Derrick Johnson Jr. is a school-youth motivational speaker, active community member, and expressive writing facilitator. Derrick values community involvement and leading a fulfilling purpose-driven life. As a former hip-hop recording artist turned transit police officer, he brings a unique perspective gained from harsh lessons in life Derrick’s broad range of experience, from adolescence to his professional career as a public servant, will saturate your school unleashing the untapped potential needed for students to improve their academic performance. By using personal real-life experiences, Derrick sheds light on the invaluable gift that each student brings to the world, and how their impact can lead to world change.

Derrick learned the value of discipline and hard work at an early age while growing up in a harsh region of Baltimore, with three siblings, living in a single-parent household. His level of determination, to avoid a life of poverty and crime, served as the inspiration required for him to become a successful business owner and award-winning “2018 Officer of the Year” for the Maryland Transit Department. Derrick’s career has been a model of service recognized by the community, and within his agency. He understands that striving for excellence is a journey, not simply a destination. Having this perspective has allowed him to effectively impact hundreds of historically underserved youth at the Sheppard Pratt Mental Healthcare Facility, serving as a residential counselor. Derrick applies the same passion and dedication, through professional development, nationwide for leaders in education, support staff, and teachers as they together empower students!

Angela Pinder, Executive Assistant

Angela Pinder is a passionate writer, dedicated community advocate, and lifelong Baltimore resident who has been committed to supporting individuals and families through transformative programs and services. With a love of writing that began in childhood, Angela combines her enthusiasm for storytelling with her dedication to mental and spiritual wellness.

Angela’s career reflects her deep-rooted commitment to community engagement and activism across the Baltimore area and the greater DMV region. Through her advocacy, she has written about and championed local and international policies, striving to effect change through thoughtful discourse and awareness.

Her educational journey began at Bowie State University, Maryland’s oldest Historically Black College, where she engaged in historical research and honed her academic skills. Angela later continued her studies at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., to deepen her understanding of religious writings. Additionally, she pursued meditative studies at Georgetown University under the guidance of Dr. Jeff Rosenberg, enriching her approach to mindfulness and reflective practice.

Angela’s unique blend of community activism, advocacy, and academic rigor makes her an influential voice and valued leader. She looks forward to many future writing endeavors, committed to making a lasting impact on her community through the power of words and connection.

Margarita Alvarez,

Director of Partnerships & Community Engagement

Margarita Alvarez is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in human resources, leadership, management, and legal advocacy, with a strong focus on mental wellness and human services. Throughout her career, she has developed exceptional skills in strategic planning, employee development, crisis management, and providing compassionate customer service. Her expertise spans both military and civilian sectors, where she has refined her abilities in personnel management, organizational operations, and legal support, particularly within organizations that prioritize the well-being of individuals facing complex challenges.

Margarita’s experience includes leading teams, designing and implementing employee training programs, and creating policies that foster a positive, employee-centered culture. She has worked in environments that support vulnerable populations, including those affected by intimate partner violence, mental health crises, and homelessness, demonstrating her ability to provide both operational leadership and hands-on support to those in need. Her compassionate approach ensures that the organizations she works with deliver high-quality services while promoting a supportive and inclusive workplace environment.

Margarita is particularly passionate about supporting vulnerable populations. She has extensive experience advocating for individuals in need of legal and social services, particularly those impacted by intimate partner violence. Her work involves assessing needs, creating safety plans, and connecting individuals with critical resources, all while working to remove systemic barriers that prevent access to justice and support.

With a degree in Human Resources, Margarita’s academic foundation complements her extensive practical experience in human services, leadership, and legal advocacy. Her education, combined with her broad skill set and unwavering commitment to service, makes her a highly effective professional capable of contributing meaningfully to mental wellness and human services organizations.

Derron Bailey,

Chief Financial Officer

Derron Bailey is an accomplished business administrator with over 20 years of experience in financial analysis, human resources, organizational leadership, and customer service, particularly within the public and nonprofit sectors. He is highly skilled in managing complex budgets, streamlining operations, and driving process improvements to create high-performance cultures. Derron’s expertise extends to grant management, data analysis, and policy development, where he has consistently delivered impactful results by ensuring compliance with organizational guidelines and aligning financial strategies with operational goals.

Throughout his career, Derron has demonstrated a remarkable ability to foster collaboration and effectively lead diverse teams. He has a proven track record of implementing employee training programs, refining HR policies, and maintaining competitive compensation structures that support organizational growth and employee satisfaction. His background also includes spearheading initiatives to recapture revenue, enhance service delivery, and develop marketing strategies tailored to competitive markets.

With a master’s degree in Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Management Sciences, Derron combines a strong academic foundation with hands-on experience in finance, business analysis, and strategic planning. His certifications and advanced training in financial systems, marketing, and sales negotiation further enhance his ability to adapt to dynamic organizational needs. His work reflects a deep commitment to innovation, excellence, and serving the broader community.

Derron Bailey’s unique blend of analytical acumen, leadership skills, and dedication to organizational success positions him as a valuable asset to any team, particularly in roles focused on driving operational efficiency and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Tyran Hill,

Mental Wellness Specialist

Tyran Hill is a dynamic leader with a multifaceted career spanning education, media, and community service. For five years, Tyran served as a dedicated school teacher, where he shaped young minds and cultivated a passion for learning. His connection to the hip-hop community runs deep, and as the CEO of the award-winning Cards Face Up Podcast, Tyran has made a lasting impact in the world of media and entertainment. The podcast has earned Podcast of the Year honors for the last two consecutive years, a testament to his compelling interviews, engaging content, and ability to connect with a wide audience.

Tyran’s impact extends far beyond media. He is also the CEO of Beat of My Own Drum, an organization committed to providing youth with positive avenues to channel their emotions, behavioral challenges, and home-life issues through creative expression. The program’s mission is to empower at-risk students by giving them a platform to showcase their innate talents and abilities within their learning environment. Beat of My Own Drum incorporates Common Core Standards to help students complete homework, develop effective study techniques tailored to their learning styles, and strengthen their educational skills in areas where they need additional support.

In addition to his media and educational efforts, Tyran is a published author and accomplished ghostwriter, using his literary talents to help others tell their stories. His commitment to giving back to the community is undeniable. He is heavily engaged in community efforts, often leading initiatives aimed at restoring the beauty of Baltimore’s inner city and uplifting its residents. His passion for social impact is evident in every project, from organizing local events to participating in charitable causes.

Tyran Hill is a dedicated, accomplished professional known for his forward-thinking approach, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Whether in the classroom, behind the mic, or in the community, Tyran brings passion, leadership, and a deep sense of purpose to everything he does.!

Yenssi Cisneros,

Bilingual Mental

Wellness Specialist

Yenssi Cisneros is a highly experienced and compassionate professional with a remarkable 18-year career dedicated to serving and supporting families across a range of fields, including healthcare, case management, immigration, and education. Originally from Honduras, Yenssi’s personal journey of immigrating to the United States as a teenager provides a unique and profound understanding of the cultural and emotional challenges faced by individuals transitioning to a new country. This lived experience, combined with bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, enables Yenssi to bridge communication and cultural gaps, making them a highly effective and empathetic advocate for clients navigating complex systems.

In addition to hands-on service, Yenssi has also spent the past 10 years as an influential speaker, collaborating with various organizations—including nonprofits and faith-based groups—to deliver impactful presentations aimed at educating and empowering individuals in need. Through these speaking engagements, Yenssi has earned a reputation for being not only a knowledgeable resource but also a compassionate voice for those often underrepresented or underserved.

Known for an approach rooted in empathy, ethical standards, and unwavering compassion, Yenssi believes in treating each client with the dignity and respect they deserve. By fostering a supportive environment, Yenssi ensures that clients feel genuinely valued, heard, and respected throughout their journey. This dedication to service excellence and meaningful connection has been the cornerstone of Yenssi’s work, enabling her to make a lasting, positive impact on the communities she serve.

Shanique Rogers-Henry, MSW, LCSW-C

Licensed Social Worker

Shanique Rogers-Henry, LCSW-C is a dedicated mental health clinician, educator, and advocate with over a decade of experience working with children, youth, and families. As a Senior Social Work Counselor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Shanique specializes in early childhood mental health, trauma-informed care, and psychosocial interventions, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the support they need to thrive emotionally and mentally.

Throughout her career, Shanique has been a leader in the field of mental health and social work. She has worked at the intersection of clinical practice, education, and community engagement, dedicating her expertise to improving mental health outcomes in underserved and at-risk populations. Her passion for service has led her to develop and lead numerous workshops, trainings, and community-based interventions, all aimed at equipping professionals, caregivers, and communities with the tools necessary to support children and families affected by trauma.

Shanique’s role as Field Supervisor for graduate and undergraduate social work students further underscores her commitment to education and mentorship. She provides hands-on training, guidance, and supervision, ensuring that future social workers are equipped with practical skills in mental health interventions and therapeutic practices. Her ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice makes her an invaluable mentor, shaping the next generation of mental health professionals.

In addition to her extensive work in the field, Shanique is currently pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at Morgan State University. Her research is focused on early childhood mental health interventions and community-based trauma care, with a particular emphasis on how trauma-informed practices can be integrated into early childhood settings to promote resilience and healing in young children. Her academic pursuits complement her clinical work, enabling her to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on how best to serve children and families impacted by trauma.

Shanique’s unique blend of clinical expertise, educational leadership, and community advocacy positions her as a leading voice in the mental health field, with a focus on improving access to quality care for underserved communities. Her dedication to fostering mental well-being, coupled with her commitment to mentorship and ongoing research, demonstrates her profound impact on both individuals and the broader field of social work.