Speaker Bio's

Abdul-Malik Muhammad, Ed.D

Akoben

Dr. Abdul-Malik Muhammad has over 20 years serving both youth and adults in the following capacities:

· Teacher

· Principal

· Campus President

· Executive and State Director

· Vice President

Dr. Muhammad is always working with the underserved in urban and rural areas. He has focused on the development of Black boys to men, establishing a progressive pedagogy for oppressed youth, and building progressive organizations. Dr. Muhammad also serves as Vice President of several educational, mental health and human services operations in 8 states across the US. Through this work, he continues to diligently work towards transforming lives, one community at a time.

Dr. Muhammad is also actively involved in several national and international organizations, championing an emphasis on Black and Latino youth. Dr. Muhammad holds an Ed.D in Educational Leadership from the University of Delaware.

· Dr. Muhammad supports Akoben through overall leadership, administrative oversight, client interface and providing trainings, keynotes, and consultation

· Founding Member

· Malik holds a black belt in traditional Japanese martial arts and is an aspiring guitarist

Christina G. Watlington, Ph.D

Akoben

Dr. Christina G. Watlington, a Clinical Psychologist, has extensive experience working with clients with depression, anxiety, PTSD and other related disorders. She oversees behavioral health programs for youth and adults in the community and in school based settings.

Dr. Watlington is an active blogger on mental health topics and has been published in peer-reviewed journals. She is a member of the following organizations:

· American Psychological Association (APA)

· Delaware Psychological Association (DPA)

· The National Association of Professional Women

Dr. Watlington is a recognized thought-leader in developing and training in Trauma- Informed practices, cultural competence, diversity and mindfulness.

· Dr. Watlington is the leader of Akoben’s clinical oriented services. She supports Akoben through curriculum development and providing trainings, keynotes and consultation.

· Dr. Watlington has been with Akoben since 2013

· Christina loves meditation and is an avid blogger on personal and community development

Dr. William R. Turner Jr.,

Senior Pastor of Living Word Temple of Restoration.

Bishop William R. Turner serves Living Word Temple of Restoration in a full-time capacity. Bishop Turner is a native of the Rochester area where he resides with his wife Ruth and their three children. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Nazareth College, a Masters of Arts in Theology from Northeastern Seminary, and is currently a Doctoral student in the Counseling and Human Development program at the University of Rochester. He has been in the ministry for over 28 years. He has been a youth pastor for Faith Temple of the Living God Church Rochester, New York 1988 to 1996, and Chaplain at Nazareth College of Rochester from 1994 to 1997. He also served as the Interim Pastor for Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, also located in Rochester, New York from 1995 to 1996.

In 1996 he founded Living Word Temple of Restoration Ministries. He has served as the Senior Pastor of Living Word Temple of Restoration church in Rochester, New York for over 20 years. He also oversees four other sister churches. Faith Deliverance, which he founded, located in Melbourne, Florida; New Hope Ministry located in Erie, Pennsylvania; Namuna, A nepali fellowship, located in Rochester, New York; and, Crossover International church is located in Columbus, Ohio. Bishop Turner is very active in the community serving on several boards and partnerships in the City of Rochester. He also is currently serving as an adjunct faculty member with Elim Bible Institute in Lima, NY.

M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence

The M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence is a nonprofit that works to realize the vision of its historic namesake by helping individuals and communities create public awareness of nonviolence as knowledge critical to human thriving. The M.K. Gandhi Institute collaborates with local organizations, academic institutions, students and committed peacemakers in the following areas: nonviolence education, sustainability and environmental conservation, and the promotion of racial justice. We prioritize programming for people between the ages of 12 and 24 as well as those who serve those age groups.

Bill Keller

Formerly incarcerated for 28 years (Attica and Orleans Correctional), Bill currently live in Niagara Falls, New York and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Canisus College, Buffalo, New York. He is currently studying for his Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration/Security. While incarcerated, he was trained to be a facilitator in many Self-Help programs, including the Victim Awareness Program; President of the United Men’s Organization (Inmate approved organization); Resident Director of Transitional Services; and Inmate Coordinator of the Youth Assistance Program. Since being released from prison in June 2012, Bills has spoken at many conferences in the Rochester Area. Currently, he is a Supervisor at Tim Horton’s in Niagara Falls.

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