Dr. Linda Coles has successfully served as a principal, assistant principal and teacher at the elementary and high school levels within the Chicago Public Schools. Dr. Coles was Phi Delta Kappa’s Educator of the Year in 2000, recipient of Chicago Principals and Administrators Outstanding Leadership Award in 2001, and recipient of Chicago Teachers Union Quest Center 10th Anniversary Community Leadership Award in 2002.
Dr. Grace G. Dawson is a veteran school educator having served the Chicago Public Schools as a primary teacher, a special education teacher and a counselor She moved on to become a Parent Coordinator, a Human Relations Coordinator and the coordinator for the Severe and Profoundly Handicapped Program. Dr. Dawson has served as Elementary School Principal and Executive Director of the Division of Dropout Prevention for the Chicago Public Schools.
Dr. Noni K. Gaylord-Harden is a dynamic and nurturing facilitaor who has worked with parents and children in the Chicago Public Schools, Memphis City Schools, and the Institute for Juvenile Research at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Gaylord-Harden guides parents to solutions that are best for them.
Dr. Troy Harden has been working with youth and families, in diverse settings, for over twenty years. Dr. Harden is a practioner, researcher, advocate and trainer around issues involving youth in urban environments. He has been facilitating parental and youth workshops for over fifteen years as well as training facilitators. He is a licensed clinical social worker presently on staff at Chicago State University.
Yirser Ra Hotep teachers courses across the US and the world on Stress Management, The Science of Yoga, The African American Family, Valuing Human Difference, and Holistic Health, to name a few. He has held positions as a social worker, child welfare specialist, and substance abuse counselor. As a master yoga instructor, he presently certifies yoga instructors.
Dr. Marisha L. Humphries is a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience in assessing and treating preschool age children with behavioral difficulties. Dr. Humphries has worked with parents and school personnel to develop behavior management plans to assist in promoting childrens’ positive social and academic development. This includes facilitating ISAT workshops for parents to help them understand the test, its impact on grade promotion, and the significant impact this standardized test has on Chicago Public School high school enrollment.
Anthony Bharataji Joplin is a certified anger management counselor through the Chicago Anger Institute. He is a lead facilitator for a California State Prison program, Inside Circle, for inmates in Sacramento. Mr. Joplin is co-founder, president, and lead facilitator of The Dhyan Group, which specializes in all areas of human development, including substance abuse counseling, group and individual mentoring, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention.
Khadijah Kysia is licensed acupuncturist, board certified herbalist, and poet. She received a Bachelor Degree in Creative Writing from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and a Masters of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (Chicago). Her workshops encourage the relationship between mind-body wellness, self expression, community, and the innate potential of the body to heal itself.
Christina Padilla is an experienced facilitator who has conducted community workshops on various health topics, helping parents achieve a college education and chronic disease management. She has also been a diabetes health promoter and leader of the Chronic Disease Self Management Program.
Erminda Ruano has worked as a chemical engineer and math professor. As an engineer and administrator she has worked in the metal and food industries in Mexico and the United States. She has worked as a GED Instructor and youth leader. Throughout her academic career she has earned various honors and research grants. Her desire is to instill a love of learning and enthusiasm for math and science in youth and adults.
Constance Shabazz, M.D. has served as a primary care provider in internal medicine, as a medical director and as a chief executive officer (CEO) of a CHC. She takes special interest in people living with HIV/AIDS, substance abusers, maternal and child health, and the uninsured/underinsured. In 2001 she was selected as a Public Service Fellow by the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Patricia Walton is a certified licensed massage therapist. She has studied at the Chicago School of Massage Therapy, trained in Swedish Massage, Thai Yoga Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Reiki, Reflexology, Infant Massage, Acupressure, Aromatherapy and Palmer’s Method of seated massage. In 1995, she opened WALTON’S URBAN RETREAT, a full-service spa. Ms. Walton has gained spa experience at Mario Tricoci, Urban Oasis and the world-renown Elizabeth Arden Salon.
Teresa Zeigler is a board certified licensed acupuncturist. She holds a dual masters degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine and Chinese Herbology. She is certified in the treatment of digestive disorders, gynecological disorders, and Tui Nai Chinese Massage. She has studied extensively in Japan and at the Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center.