Production Team

Ebony Rao, PhD, MA, Ed.M., LCMHCS

Is the Sr. Health Program Manager for the Office of Violence Prevention and ReCAST II Program (Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma). ReCAST is program is a 4-year SAMHSA funded project with the purpose of building capacity for community resilience, increased access to trauma informed care, and reducing the rates of community violence. She is currently a Ph.D. student in Public Health Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.  She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with a Master of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology and a Master of Education Degree in School Counseling both from Columbia University. Prior to her work with ReCAST II, she was the Program Manager for the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program and the HOPE Initiative with Mecklenburg County Public Health. She provides training and presentations throughout the community and participates on multiple community committees and boards addressing gaps in service for those with mental illness or issues of childhood trauma. Ebony additionally advocates for support of those experiencing perinatal mood disorders.

Jessica Montana, MPH, CHES

Is a Health Program Supervisor with the ReCAST II Program (Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma) with Mecklenburg County Public Health.  She specializes in program development, community engagement, and data and grants management. Jessica received her Master of Public Health (MPH) in Community Health Education and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®). She has over 16 years of experience working with diverse populations in health care and public health systems. She has worked on multiple projects that address chronic disease, including: an Exercise is Medicine® initiative, a school garden program, an integrated health and wellness program for uninsured clinic patients, and Mecklenburg County’s Village HeartBEAT program. From 2016-2020, Jessica oversaw the Alianza Latino Drug Free Coalition. In 2018, Alianza won the CADCA Chairman’s Award for excellence in community engagement and strategic planning. Jessica is fluent in English and Spanish, grew up in New York City, and has lived in Charlotte, NC since 2014. 

Dr. Kateesha Blount, DHSc, MPH, CPH

Is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. She received her graduate training and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from Florida A&M University. She holds a Doctor of Health Science with a concentration in Global Health from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Blount has over 20 years of experience in public health and has served at Mecklenburg County Public Health (MCPH) for the past 10 years in various capacities within the organization. Her current role is the Health Program Supervisor with the Resiliency in Communities after Stress and Trauma (ReCAST II) program where she shares trauma-informed resources and training with clinicians and the larger community. During her free time, Dr. Blount enjoys volunteering with her church’s health ministry, watching the latest movies, and spending time with her husband and young son.  

Monay Miller, CCHW

Is a mission-driven professional with over 15 years of experience supporting youth and families across public health, social services, juvenile justice, and community-based programs. She is currently the Health Policy Coordinator for the Mecklenburg County Office of Violence Prevention and focuses on youth and young adult programming and initiatives. Prior to her work in Mecklenburg County, she worked as a Youth Development Coordinator with Communities in Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg at Phillip O. Berry High School. Additionally, she has worked as a life coach with The Miller Initiative, LLC, a Youth Academy Advisor for the Michigan Youth (National Guard) Challenge Program with the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and Foster Care Case Manager for the Michigan Department of Human Services.

Throughout her career she has remained committed to advancing equity, safety, and long-term wellbeing for underserved communities. With a background that blends direct service and systems-level strategy, she bring a trauma-informed, equity-centered lens to every role she takes on. She strives to build pathways that not only meet immediate needs, but also lay the groundwork for lasting opportunity and growth. She obtained her Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree from Grand Valley State University, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid, and is a North Carolina Certified Community Health Worker.  Her work in both grassroots and government settings has equipped her to lead initiatives that bridge social impact and public service—particularly in youth program development and coordination. She is passionate about creating meaningful community partnerships, developing responsive programs that foster resilience, center youth voice, and promote positive development. Her approach is rooted in relationship-building, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the complex challenges that impact young people’s lives.

Latoya Pousa

Is a Health Program Supervisor at the Mecklenburg County Office of Violence Prevention, focused on reducing homicides, gun violence, and supporting community-led solutions. As an evaluator, she supports programs in using data and equity-focused strategies. Latoya has a strong background in public health and community engagement. Her work centers on building a collaborative network of violence prevention and intervention partners as well as co-investors, using data to tell more compelling, community-centered stories, and promoting safer, healthier communities.  

Carla Carlisle

Is a passionate mental health advocate, author, and speaker committed to uplifting youth voices and building emotional resilience. She served as the Show Director for This Is My Brave: CharMeck Youth Show 2024, guiding young storytellers in sharing their powerful lived experiences through poetry, music, and spoken word. Carla first took the stage herself in This Is My Brave Boston 2023, sharing her personal journey as a parent navigating trauma, healing, and hope. Through her award-winning books My Big Notebook and My Epic Flow, and the accompanying school-based curricula and workshops, Carla helps young people build healthy coping skills and foster self-awareness. She’s led hundreds of workshops in schools, detention centers, and community settings, always centering the voices and needs of youth.

Carla’s deep alignment with This Is My Brave comes from her belief that storytelling can save lives—and that every young person deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported on their mental wellness journey.

Sylvia Stitt Smith

Is Executive Director of The Sam Stitt Foundation, founded after the loss of her youngest son, Sam, in 2019 to gun violence. Sam was 23 years old. The Foundation was established with the goals of addressing the impact of gun violence through participation in collective impact initiatives, focused outreach, education and awareness, and wellness support. 

Sylvia is a dedicated community leader and advocate, deeply engaged in initiatives addressing youth violence prevention, trauma, and mental health support. She has served prominently on the planning committee for Atrium Health’s Youth Violence Prevention Conference and participated as a panelist in its Plenary Session featuring frontline workers. Sylvia also joined a roundtable with Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss trauma and youth mental health resources. 

Certified in Social Justice and Community Organizing from Queens University of Charlotte, Sylvia volunteers with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Dept Victims Services and served as a keynote speaker for the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. She is the visionary and facilitator of the Comfort in the Cloud Grief Support Group, providing solace to those in need. 

As Community Liaison for Mecklenburg County's Way Forward Strategic Plan and a member of its Advisory Board, Sylvia contributes to community engagement and partnerships, striving for impactful change. She has facilitated with the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council (CELC) Workforce Café and interned with the Urban League of Central Carolinas' Cure Violence/Alternatives to Violence team, connecting resources for underserved populations. A founding member of the Center for Family and Community Wellness and Co-Chair of the Carolina Violence Prevention Collaborative. 

Sylvia has a BA in Communication Studies from the University of NC-Chapel Hill. She holds certificates in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University, Learning and Development from UNC-Charlotte, and is certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid and as a REAL Essentials instructor. Outside of her professional endeavors, Sylvia finds inspiration in writing and music, contributing to the North Carolina Bards Poetry Anthology 2022 with her reflective and melodic expressions.

La Becky Roe

Is an experienced educator and passionate visionary, founder of Let’s Talk About It–The Autism Center. Her award-winning organization is committed to enhancing the lives of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), while its subsidiary, Autism in Color, delivers education, training, and consulting services to executive teams, public facing professionals, and communities.

With over 20 years of subject matter expertise, La Becky applies best practices and leverages personal experience for a high value and comprehensive offering. As the parent of an adult son diagnosed with ASD, her work is fueled by a genuine desire to reduce mental health misconceptions while increasing awareness and advocacy for persons with autism. Families benefit from La Becky’s private counsel and in-home support as she customizes solutions for their challenges. Corporations and communities improve their understanding and approach to ASD through her contributions.

With an objective to develop a resource that supported the mental and emotional health of parents, in April 2023, La Becky, authored Spectrum of a Journey: A Guided Journal for the Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum. Combining her personal experience with her insights as a subject matter expert, she guides parents towards hope and a positive path forward after diagnosis. Nominated for the prestigious Who’s Who in Charlotte Award, La Becky launched the city’s inaugural Autism Resource Fair in May 2023 making ASD support services accessible to hundreds of families, educators, and communities. Expanding her organization’s scope in 2023, La Becky was also the recipient of a Mecklenburg County ABC grant which allowed her to offer services that proactively contributed to the reduction of drug and substance abuse-related mental health disorders.

La Becky holds a post graduate certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan and a Master of Science in Education, Criminal Justice & Human Services with a Concentration in Applied Behavioral Analysis and Crime Prevention. A highly sought after public speaker, she served as a featured presenter for the 2023 National ADA Symposium and has received support from the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and Charlotte Lab School among others.

Susan Crawford, MSCJ, BSJA, CDAC-i

Completed a Bachelor of Science in Justice Administration in North Carolina and has completed her Masters of Science in Criminal Justice with a focus on Public Safety and Crisis Management through Southern New Hampshire University. She started at Charlotte Rescue Mission as a technician and then Admissions Coordinator, & she worked intensively with those needing treatment for Substance Use Disorder. She is on the frontline for many struggling with addiction for those who are unsheltered, and living in extreme circumstances who need help. Her desire to provide resources created a strong connection to the treatment community in Charlotte. Her current position is Community Relations Coordinator at CRM. Susan is registered with the NCSAPPB and won Crisis Intervention Team Member of the Year in 2022, she has also completed a 9-month training for Motivational Interviewing through The Forum. She is extremely successful in partnering with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, CMPD, and others throughout the state, because she has in-depth knowledge of Detox centers and addiction treatment statewide.

Yolanda M. McCormick, MS, LCMHC

Yolanda M. McCormick, originally from Massachusetts, is an emerging leader in Charlotte. With twenty years of professional experience, she has significantly contributed to the Mecklenburg County Department of social services as a senior social worker and later as a licensed clinician at the Mecklenburg County Public Health Department focusing on child trauma and community interventions. Currently, Yolanda leads a team of eight licensed clinicians, showcasing her leadership and expertise.

She holds a Bachelor of Science from American International College, along with two master’s degrees, and is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a certified Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (TF-CBT). Outside of her professional endeavors, Yolanda values family time, enjoys music, and has a passion for scented candles. She actively volunteers and is a Board member with Money Magnets Club reflecting her strong commitment to community service.  As an alumna of Leadership Charlotte (Class 44), Yolanda is dedicated to making a positive impact through compassionate mental health counseling and community development.

Dr. Vernessa Bowles, PhD

Is employed by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as the district Mental Health Program Manager. She has been working in the field of mental health for over 20 years providing therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. She has experience in the assessment, intervention and mental health counseling of children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked in community mental health centers, school districts, and juvenile detention centers.  Dr. Bowles also operates One Touch Psychological Services, PLLC in Charlotte and surrounding areas.   

Dr. Bowles is also an accomplished author. She has written two children’s books, Gabby the Great Tries Out and Gabby the Great Goes to the Beach which are about a young girl who has cerebral palsy. Dr. Bowles is the mother of 17-year-old Trinity who triumphs over cerebral palsy. In her leisure time, Dr. Bowles enjoys listening to music, reading and traveling.

Andrea Weaver MA, LCMHC, LCAS-A

Is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate in the state of North Carolina. She graduated with her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2018 and began serving the Charlotte community soon after. She has worked with a variety of clients in both inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance use treatment since 2019. She has a passion for working with client's who have experienced trauma as well as clients living with substance use disorders. Andrea had the privilege of being a cast member for the 2018 production of This Is My Brave Charlotte and is thrilled to be a part of the team giving others the chance to share their brave.

Jennifer Moxley

Is a Communications Strategist and Videographer, and Founder of Sunshine Media Network which helps clients be the best person to tell their stories, especially by uplifting and amplifying women and minority experts and entrepreneurs. With a 25 year career in news media, she uses her video and live TV production skills and storytelling to also train, mentor, and hire other underrepresented people in the industry. She founded She Dreams In Color Foundation in 2022, after spending $8,000 out of pocket for her own life-changing mental health therapy, to help marginalized women have access to care they deserve. The nonprofit uses storytelling, interviews, and community events to support their mission of destigmatizing mental health needs and seeking care.  

Jennifer is a founding Board Member of Homes of Hope Transitional Housing, was Vice-Chair of the HUD Continuum of Care for the Piedmont region which addressed funding for homelessness, has served on boards and volunteered with countless nonprofit organizations in the region. She is a member for the #WeHearHer Advisory Council organized by the Seek Her Foundation which is a peer-led think tank, driven by research, and focused on women's mental health. 

Dena Zoumboulis

Is a Public Health Intern with ReCAST II at Mecklenburg County. She is a rising senior studying Psychology at the University of South Carolina where she is a Mental Health Ambassador. In this role, she actively works to raise awareness about mental health by sharing her personal story to a variety of organizations, sharing valuable campus resources, and collaborating with campus organizations to reduce stigma and create an environment where students feel comfortable seeking help. Dena's long-term goal is to pursue a career in the healthcare field, where she can combine my passion for psychology with her dedication to making a meaningful impact on others' lives.

Jada Davis

Is a Public Health Intern with the Office of Violence Prevention at Mecklenburg County. She is a rising junior studying Human Health Sciences with a minor in Information Technology at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Jada is passionate about working with healthcare data to improve patient outcomes and support smarter healthcare decisions. She is always motivated to learn, grow, and take on new challenges in healthcare technology.