Speaker Biographies

Patti Aldaz-Carrasco has been affiliated with CIS for over 30 years in roles with the national office and CIS of El Paso. In her most recent role, as Principal of Learning and Development for national, she leads the design of learning strategies for quality implementation of the model of integrated student supports. Her passion for educational equity and commitment to professional development guide the creation of the best-in-class learning opportunities and resources used daily by the CIS network.

Patti holds Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Public Administration degrees from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Jeanne Allen provides expert guidance in Strategy, Innovation, and Leadership in the nonprofit sector. As a BoardSource Certified Governance Trainer, she has expertise in board development & governance, as well as leadership development. You will find her either facilitating custom designed engaging board or staff retreats (virtual and in-person) for nonprofits or leading capacity-building workshops for groups of nonprofits or with individual nonprofits. Additionally, Jeanne is an Instructor in the Duke University Nonprofit Management Certificate Program where she teaches several courses: Board Development and Governance, Strategic Planning, Succession Planning, and Leadership in Nonprofits.

I will be presenting a shortened version (parent version) of Resources for Resilience (R2R). R2R is an evidence-based trauma informed care training, that I have become a certified trainer in. The training focuses much on how Adverse Childhood Experiences affects a person’s body physically, mentally, generational, and historical. The training focuses on educating individuals on real time strategies, also known as “rapid resets” as a way to help an individual come out of crisis state, such as flight, fight, freeze, shut down, collapse. In which allows a person to reconnect to their resiliency zone through co-regulation and self-regulation.

Michele is a business consultant, racial equity educator, + modern day spiritual guide for personal transformation and wellness advocate for mind, body & soul. She is the Owner of Coeur Consulting LLC, established in 2009 in NYC, and Founder of Heart, Hustle & Flow, a wellness community for healing and transformation of mind, body & soul. As the former Vice-Chair of the Western North Carolina Diversity Engagement Coalition in Asheville NC, Michele is an active member of the community and remains committed to building bridges for real conversations, authentic connections, and inclusive communities great and small. She enjoys hikes through the blue ridge mountains, Yoga and a good glass of red wine.

Growing up in New Bern, NC Tameka always knew there was something greater for her. That was in part thanks to her Parents (Eliza and James Delmar) who always taught her how to be a classy lady and to strive for greater in any situation. Tameka graduated from New Bern High School in 2000, with a B.S. degree four years later in Administration of Justice from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. She later went on to pursue her Masters Degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University in Irvine, CA. Tameka worked in the public-school systems, radio and parks recreations before pursuing coaching collegiate cheerleading as a full time job at Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC. After six years, and 3 National Championships with Methodist (4 National Championships total her first with Cape Fear Community College) Tameka started her career in radio where she used her gifts a motivator for all people. She was the morning show host of The Daily Grind on Christian 105.7 WCLN and weekend show host on the number 1 top 40 hot AC station Q98.1. Tameka started her own radio show Pink Conversations Empower. Inform. Inspire. Tameka now works with Communities In Schools at The Walker Spivey Elementary School as a Student Support Specialist. She was adopted at the age of 4 years old after being in foster care from 6mths until then. “I can now say to the woman who gave birth to me, thank you for allowing me to be adopted and all that was done to me, what she didn’t know is she birthed purpose and gave me life twice”, this taken from her highly anticipated first book “Broken For The Purpose” Tameka enjoys being behind the mic and working in her community. Working with at risk youth and young adults is her passion.

Timothy T Carmichael currently is a Lead Student Support Specialist at Communities In Schools of North Carolina. He has been a part of the company for 4 years serving the community, families and students. Throughout his experience he has been able to impact his community by his compassion for others and his commitment to being better. He serves as the assistant youth Pastor at his church as well as many other roles asked of him. He has an undergraduate degree from Fayetteville State University, currently pursuing a Masters in Marriage and family counseling/Human resources Management. As well as philosophical studies in ministry through conference studies. He enjoys quite rides on a country road, watching a good movie, spending time with family and friends, Writing screen/stage plays. He hopes that whenever his life is done, he has impacted and helped change everyone’s life he has came into contact with! While he has several scriptures only one stands out more.

Luke 12:48 “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more”.

As the Senior Director of Learning & Practice, Jessy Cuddy leads the Communities In Schools National Office efforts to engage with, support, and optimize learning from the national network of CIS affiliates across the United States. Her passion for partnership engagement and high-quality, evidence-based student supports stems from her background in social work and experiences in local, state, and national program implementation and management. Prior to joining the CIS National Office, Mrs. Cuddy was the Associate Director of Psychosocial Programs for Save the Children US. She is a graduate of Tulane University with a master’s degree in social work.

As the Senior Director of Learning & Practice, Jessy Cuddy leads the Communities In Schools National Office efforts to engage with, support, and optimize learning from the national network of CIS affiliates across the United States. Her passion for partnership engagement and high-quality, evidence-based student supports stems from her background in social work and experiences in local, state, and national program implementation and management. Prior to joining the CIS National Office, Mrs. Cuddy was the Associate Director of Psychosocial Programs for Save the Children US. She is a graduate of Tulane University with a master’s degree in social work.

I am a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, and I hold close to 20 years of professional experience servicing youth and families through arenas such as education, mental health, substance abuse prevention, and juvenile justice. I currently have the privilege of being a part of a unique partnership between CIS and the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office, which allows me to support our students and families from within the Mecklenburg County Detention Center here in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Calie Hodgson has served as a Student Support Specialist with CIS of Brunswick County since 2014. She serves at South Brunswick Middle School where she is in her second year of implementing Restorative Practices. She has her Bachelor of Social Work from UNC-Wilmington and is trained by IIRP in both Restorative Circles and Facilitating Restorative Conferences.

Mrs. Heitz has 17 years of experience in the middle school setting. She spent the first 11 years in a large city school in the Philadelphia area and the last 6 years in North Carolina and South Carolina. Mrs. Heitz has a Masters of Science in Educational leadership with a Supervisory of Curriculum and Instruction Certification. Mrs. Heitz recognized a need to help students and teachers communicate better in order to repair relationships. She was influential in implementing Restorative Practices in South Brunswick Middle School and using them in conjunction with the PBIS program.

Allison Jordan is the Director of Training for Organizational Impact for Communities In Schools NC and a certified Coach. She has extensive experience leading organizations both as the Executive Director of Children First/Communities In Schools for 11 years and through her over 17 years of volunteer Board of Director service. Allison has received numerous community awards including UNC-Asheville’s Francine Delaney Service to the Community Alumni Award in 2012; Kennon Roberson Award for Nonprofit Management Excellence in 2012; the Leadership Asheville Community Trustee Award in 2013 and the Woman Up Woman Nonprofit Leader of the Year in 2017. Allison holds a Master’s of Science in Community Leadership from Duquesne University, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UNC-Asheville, a certificate from CoachU and is Dare to Lead Trained.

Paulina Mendez, she/her/ella, is a Mexican native but longtime resident of the mountains of North Carolina. She is a graduate of UNC Asheville where she studied Political Science and is currently pursuing her Masters in Social Work. Paulina is currently working in local government as the Training Consultant for the City of Asheville's Office of Equity and Inclusion. She has a passion for equity work and would like to see the Asheville community understand and truly embrace the necessity for collective liberation which would result in equitable and inclusive policies, practices, and systems that benefit the entire community.

Peter Popovich is an instructor, facilitator and Coachsultant who is dedicated to assisting others in identifying and attaining their goals. His mission is to transform lives daily. Training, coaching and inspiring others brings purpose and meaning to his life!

With over 40 years of sales, marketing, and management experience in corporate America and as a small business owner, Peter has a broad and deep understanding of personal and professional development. His approach to education is based on the principles of continuous learning, wisdom in the room, and engagement. He has the unique ability to empathize, connect and synergize with classroom participants and clients so that they are inspired to contribute, develop clarity around goals and then engage in participation, contribution and commitment to the self-selected action steps.

Having been born in Belgrade, Serbia (former Yugoslavia), and having lived in Caracas, Venezuela for 4 years, Peter is trilingual and appreciates the value of diversity of thoughts, experiences and approaches to life. He is an avid pickleball, racquetball and badminton player with National Senior Games Gold Medals in all three sports. He is a former state tennis champion and member of the Case Western Reserve University Athletic Hall of Fame. He loves to read, study and learn continuously. He has been happily married for over 30 years to Virginia Popovich, 20-year veteran in residential real estate in Charlotte. They have a 27-year-old daughter, Natalie, an English teacher in Guilford County Schools.

Keisha Cousins Robinson has been working for Communities In Schools Cape Fear for about 5 years in various capacities. She began her career with C.I.S as an after school site coordinator at Cape Fear Middle school in Burgaw, NC. She now works as a site coordinator at Williston Middle School in Wilmington, NC. She is a graduate of New Hanover County schools and takes pride in serving the same school system that served her throughout her high school years. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology. She feels blessed and beyond fortunate to help the students in her community. This summer she had the pleasure and honor of serving as the principal of the first CDF Freedom school in Wilmington, NC.

Hilary Ozenbaugh is a Student Support Specialist for CIS Cape Fear in Wilmington, NC. She is a Pennsylvania native who moved to North Carolina with her husband and two dogs 6 years ago. During her time in Wilmington she has been involved in several local non profits with the sole goal to help cultivate a positive community for future generations. This summer she had the privilege to be the Assistant Site Coordinator for CIS Cape Fear Freedom School. This program focused on empowering youth to excel and believe in their ability to make a difference.

As Public Engagement Director, Adam oversees NC Child's efforts to build the NC Child Advocacy Network. He has two decades of organizing and advocacy experience here in North Carolina. He received his BSW from Appalachian State University and MSW from UNC-Chapel Hill. He lives in Durham with his family.

Mebane is a graduate of Davidson College. She earned her MSW from UNCW and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Her background includes time with multiple non-profit organizations in Wilmington such as the Domestic Violence Shelter, the Childrens Museum, and Smart Start of New Hanover County. Since July 2018 she has directed the New Hanover County Resiliency Task Force which works to eliminate ACEs and create trauma-sensitive, resiliency-focused systems in New Hanover County.

Greg Borom serves as the Director of Advocacy for Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County, coordinating public policy advocacy in partnership with volunteers, staff, and partner organizations. He has 28 years of experience in nonprofits working in direct services, community organizing, and policy advocacy. Greg believes that nonprofits bring an important voice to policy decisions when they take time to build advocacy capacity based in their values. Besides being passionate about expanding opportunities for children's health, education, and well-being through public policy, Greg also searches for inspiration in music, nature, and friendships.

Dr. Holly is a seasoned veteran in the field of corporate speaking, training, facilitation and consulting. She offers corporate speaking services, seminar facilitation and edutainment in the areas of leadership, professional development and technology.

Dr. Holly has worked with individuals representing a vast array of different occupations and industries. She is a sought-after speaker, trainer and facilitator known for being able to present high-level topics in ways that make the content easy to understand, to assimilate, and to act on.

Tommy C. Walls, Jr., is a native from Detroit, MI, by way of Milwaukee, WI. Walls is an innovative leader in the field of youth development and organizational leadership. Walls, is currently the Executive Director of Communities In Schools of High Point, NC. Walls, fundamental professional work values consist of social change, quality programming, strategic leadership and equity for youth and adults. Walls graduated from University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign with a Masters in Social Work, emphasizing in Advocacy, Leadership and Social Change and earned his bachelors from Marquette University in Social Welfare & Justice.

Jimmi Williams has served as Executive Director of Communities In Schools since 1994. During his tenure, the organization has grown from one, full-time staff and 200 students at four schools to a staff of 15 serving an average of 2500 students at eleven schools. Projects added during this time include: Great Leaps Reading (reading remediation for students reading below grade level), 21^st Century Scholars (helping at risk youth transition from high school to post-secondary school, employment and/or training), Success at School after school enrichment and the African-American Male Initiative.

Over more than 15 years working in libraries and higher education, including more than a decade in leadership roles, Jami Yazdani led and managed collaborative teams, staff and projects, facilitated meetings, and guided (sometimes reluctant) groups of diverse stakeholders towards consensus and positive outcomes. She founded Yazdani Consulting and Facilitation to help leaders at all levels solve management problems, achieve project success, and amplify the strengths of their team. Jami is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), holds Masters in Library and Information Science and Technology Management, and has actively served on the boards of several nonprofits and professional associations.