our Team

 

Guns are not the problem, it’s the choices of the people holding the gun that is the problem. My goal is to stop our youth from thinking  killing  each  other is the answer to solving problems.

-Yvonne Brock

Yvonne brock

Founder

Yvonne D. Brock is a visionary leader and the CEO of My Choice 2 Change, a 501©(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals to find their purpose and reach their highest potential. With a belief that everyone can soar like an eagle and fulfill their dreams, Ms. Brock acts as a change agent, guiding people through transformative experiences in their lives.

With a rich background spanning over 30 years in the behavioral health field, Ms. Brock is a seasoned Co-Occurring (Substance Use Disorder & Mental Health) Professional. She holds certifications in co-occurring disorders and is a certified criminal justice professional across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and D.C. Her expertise has led to the establishment of comprehensive Behavioral Health programs, ranging from detox to outpatient services.

Ms. Brock’s credentials are extensive, including certifications in Gambling Addiction, Compassionate Care, QRP Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Program, Domestic Violence, DLA-20, and Human Trafficking. She is also a Certified Clinical Supervisor for Substance Use Disorders, showcasing her commitment to excellence in the field.

Her innovative approach integrates the 8 Dimensions of Wellness with the support of life coaches and peer specialists. Ms. Brock’s services are diverse, encompassing afterschool programs for the emotionally gifted and Community Reach initiatives, which include Wellness Emotional regulation groups and one-on-one sessions in Red Lion, Pennsylvania.

Ms. Brock’s influence extends to the working with the Summer STEAM CAMP at Crispus Attucks in York, PA, and she plays a pivotal role in providing behavioral health services to York Prisons’ Re-Entry ROC program. Her dedication to behavioral health and her engagement with the community have made a significant impact, helping countless individuals on their journey to wellness and self-discovery.

Todd Newman

COO and Director of Operations

Todd Newman is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in Behavioral Health. Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Operations at My Choice 2 Change, Todd is deeply committed to empowering individuals toward positive change and growth.

Todd’s comprehensive background and expertise make him a valuable asset in directing recovery support services, pardon coaching, and outreach efforts at My Choice 2 Change. He brings a compassionate approach and practical strategies to guide individuals toward wellness and transformation. Through his leadership and extensive knowledge, Todd continues to impact behavioral health and recovery support services significantly.

Phillip J. Lewis

JD, BCD, LICSW

Director of Clinical Services

Phillip Lewis is a highly qualified and licensed Clinical Social Worker with a comprehensive mental health and legal background. He is solution-focused, valuing the importance of a robust therapeutic relationship as a cornerstone for achieving successful outcomes. Phillip integrates humor, passion, and dedication to foster a safe yet challenging environment that motivates change. His approach to care is centered on integrative psychotherapy, customizing therapeutic methods to meet the unique needs of each individual, with a particular focus on managing anxiety, depression, complex PTSD, and sexual trauma.

With a military background, Phillip has enhanced proficiency in evidence-based interventions, strategic supervision, and leadership. He profoundly understands how physical health, environmental factors, and systemic influences shape emotional well-being, advocating for a holistic approach that includes integrative and nutritional psychoeducation. In his practice, he emphasizes skill-building and strategic adaptations to life stressors, underscoring the significance of self-care and the therapeutic journey.

Phillip’s legal training and experience in social justice counseling add another layer to his expertise, equipping him to facilitate change and advocate for justice effectively. His work is underpinned by a solid foundation in legal policy development, analysis, research, and program management, alongside considerable experience in ethics, legal research, and clinical therapeutic interventions for adults, youth, and military members. His skill set spans a broad spectrum of social work and legal skills, making him a critical thinker and problem solver.

Jenise Patterson

Vice Chair on My Choice 2 Change Board and My Choice 2 Change Coalition

Jenise Patterson is the Founder of ParentWatch Inc. (PWI), an advocacy group that works with parents and their children to ensure that their rights are protected. Ms. Patterson’s commitment to youth and activism in the community started when she established Bring-A-Parent in the mid-1970s, a referral clearinghouse for parents and students.

WORK EXPERIENCE

2016 – Present
Patterson is currently partnering with MedStar Georgetown’s pilot program, the Early Childhood Innovation Network (ECIN), a collaboration beginning in 2016 (originated by Dr. Lee Beers and Dr. Matthew Biel), helping that organization achieve its goal of successfully reaching out to Ward 8 communities to qualitatively increase utilization of medical and psychiatric services to children ages 5 and below, in a way that will institute much better and long-lasting health results for the very young of that war over time.

2006 – Present
Patterson’s organization, PWI, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) and established a Parent Advocacy Center at the Youth Services Center (juvenile detention facility) on Mount Olivet Road, NE.

2004 – Present
PWI entered into a MOU with the D.C. Superior Court. Parent Watch operates a satellite office at the Court, advocating for the best interest of children, youth, and families that become involved with the court system.

1975 – 1985
Bring-A-Parent partnered with the Metropolitan Mental Health Skill Center of the Washington School of Psychiatry (Dr. John Dillingham and Elaine Melmeade) to undertake the following initiatives:

  • Drug Mobilization: Under Dr. Gulati’s supervision, monitored the misconduct of police against drug-addicted women.
  • DC Parent Child Center: Provided parenting skills for teen mothers and fathers.
  • Community of Hope: Sponsored pre-employment training, community building, and racial healing workshops.
  • White House Cities and Schools: Participated in President Jimmy Carter’s community leaders partnership.
  • Atlanta Child Murders: Member of a national network called to action by Camille Bell, established a children’s task force.

Zanette Childs

Director of Events Management and Administration

Meet Zanette, the founder and creative force behind Events by Zanette, a luxury event planning and design company specializing in crafting unforgettable experiences for life’s most special moments. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Zanette is an expert in event planning and design and has built a reputation for delivering flawlessly executed events that exceed her client’s expectations. Her passion for beauty and creativity is evident in every event she designs, and she is dedicated to creating innovative, wow-factor solutions that reflect the unique vision and personality of each of her clients.

Zanette’s commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and personalized approach set her apart in the industry, making her the premier choice for social events, non-profit events, corporate events, conferences, and meetings. She takes the time to understand each client’s needs and preferences, providing a bespoke, personalized experience that ensures their event is everything they dreamed of and more. Whether it’s designing a luxury wedding that captures the couple’s love story, planning a corporate event that reflects a company’s brand and values, or creating a social event that celebrates life’s most special moments, Zanette brings her expertise, creativity, and passion to every project she takes on. Her goal is to help her clients tell their stories through their events and to ensure that every detail is perfect, from the venue and décor to the vendor collaboration and overall design.

Addie M. Clowney

Director Of Academic Enrichment

Addie M. Clowney is the President of Miss Addie’s Tutoring Services. She was born and raised in South Baltimore “Pigtown,” Maryland. She has over twenty-five years of educational experience in teaching and training children, youths, and adults. She served as a Girl Scouts Leader at the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland Council for eight years. She served as a Girl Scouts Trainer at the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland Council for seven years. She graduated from one of the oldest all-female high schools in the State of Maryland: Western Senior School. She enjoys passing on the legacy of how important learning is to everyone.

Ms.Clowney holds three degrees in Business Administration (D.B.A., M.B.A., and B.A.). She has completed two years of coursework in Elementary Education (K-8th grades). She is currently an Adjunct Instructor at a community college. She helps prepare adult learners to take their high school equivalency exams, so they can receive their high school diploma. She also provides one-on-one tutoring to children and adults who need assistance in understanding a specific subject or specific topic.

Zion kelly

Director of Blessed & Beloved Foundation

Zion Kelly, a native of Washington, DC, was raised in the Northeast neighborhood. He graduated from Thurgood Marshall Academy and studied at and graduated from Florida A&M University’s School of Graphics & Communication, earning a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations in the spring of 2023. Growing up in Washington, DC, Kelly developed strong community involvement and outreach skills. Tragically, at the age of 16, he lost his twin brother, Zaire Kelly, to gun violence.
Kelly has transformed his grief into a drive for activism, speaking out about gun violence and other critical issues affecting the Washington, DC, area. His efforts have earned him numerous accolades, including the PEN/Toni and James C. Goodale Freedom of Expression Courage Award, the International Peace Prize awarded to the New Founders in Chicago, and the “New Activist Award,” among others.

Kelly is the Virtual Mentoring Coordinator for a non-profit organization called College Bound. In this role, he works directly with students from the DC area, helping them gain college admission and supporting them throughout their college experience to ensure they graduate and reach their full potential. Kelly is particularly committed to College Bound’s impact on young Black male students in Washington, DC, and is enthusiastic about giving back to the program by providing the support and resources necessary to help these students succeed.

Amy Dawson

Board Secretary and Life Skills Coach for ADA Special Needs and Dementia Support

Amy Dawson will serve as a Life Skills Coach dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs, including clients with dementia, focusing on those covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In this role, Amy will provide specialized life skills training aimed at enhancing independence and overall quality of life. Drawing from her lived experience raising her 16-year-old daughter who has autism and ADHD, as well as her understanding of cognitive challenges faced by individuals with dementia, Amy will offer compassionate and personalized coaching tailored to the needs of diverse clients and their families.

Cynthia Zoe Ortiz

Women Influencers Now (WIN) Program Coach and Board Member

MC2C is proud to propose the addition of Cynthia Zoe Ortiz to the team, contributing as both a dedicated coach for the Women Influencers Now (WIN) program and a board member. With a wealth of lived experience, a bilingual capacity, and an unparalleled commitment to advocacy and recovery, Zoe embodies the resilience and leadership qualities MC2C champions.

Zoe brings unique qualifications that position her as an ideal candidate for these roles:

  • Lived Experience: Zoe’s journey through re-entry at the ROC at York Prison equips her with firsthand insights into the challenges faced by women re-entering society. This experience enables her to authentically connect with program participants, fostering trust and empathy.
  • Survivor Resilience: As a survivor of domestic violence and PTSD, Zoe embodies strength and determination. Her story of overcoming personal trauma resonates deeply with MC2C’s mission, inspiring others on their paths to healing and self-empowerment. Her role as a single parent during this shows her dedication to family.
  • Recovery Milestone: With 5 years of sobriety, Zoe exemplifies the transformative power of recovery. Her commitment to maintaining wellness serves as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of support systems and personal perseverance.
  • Bilingual Proficiency: Zoe’s ability to communicate fluently in both English and Spanish broadens MC2C’s outreach, making programs more inclusive and accessible to diverse communities.
  • Role as WIN Program Coach: In this capacity, Zoe will lead workshops, mentorship programs, and support groups, focusing on emotional stabilization, resilience-building, and life skills development. She will leverage her background to empower women in navigating re-entry, overcoming trauma, and building pathways to independence and leadership.

 

Brett Ameir Newman

Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Coordinator and Board Member

Brett Ameir Newman will hold the position of Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Coordinator and serve as a Board Member for My Choice 2 Change (MC2C). At just 19 years old, Brett brings a dynamic and youthful perspective to the organization, contributing valuable insight into the needs and experiences of younger community members. In this dual role, Brett will provide essential supervision and support for the DEN afterschool program, facilitate recreational activities, and deliver life skills training that empowers youth to grow and thrive.

Get In Touch

234.232.4416
info@mychoice2change.org

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