SBTG DMV uses a holistic approach to reentry and assisting disadvantaged communities of color that integrates seamlessly with current programs and environments seeking an ideal outcome, and provides a roadmap to useable, repeatable, and sustainable programs.  Clients will learn from caring licensed counselors, certified educators, and trust firsthand experiences to understand their situation, learn strategies to express themselves safely, and cope with stressful situations. As a result, Clients will have the tools to manage complicated feelings and negative thoughts and behaviors without being a threat to his/herself or others in society.

Joni Porter Bradley

​In November 2001, through the Federal Bond Program, Mrs. Bradley was bonded to guarantee “trust” for hire by prospective employers.  Within two (2) weeks, Barwood Transportation hired Mrs. Bradley as a call center trainer.  In 2003, Mrs. Bradley accepted a position with Suburban Floor Coverings as a data entry clerk, and, in the same year, she began attending DeVry University.  In July 2004, Mrs. Bradley accepted a position with a Federal contracting company, Data Solutions & Technology, Inc. (DST), as a General Clerk III at the United States Department of Energy (DOE). After18 months, DST promoted her to a General Clerk IV; three (3) weeks later, she transferred to DOEs Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO); and promoted her to a General Clerk V.  Ms. Bradley received DST’s “2006 Employee of the Year” award for incurring a $30,000 raise within 30 days; a first in the history of the company.  In March 2009, Mrs. Bradley accepted a permanent position with the Federal government as an Executive Assistant to the CIO. Three (3) months later, she graduated from DeVry University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Database Management.  Over the next several years, the CIO sent her on several assignments to increase her knowledge of DOEs Headquarters, Field Sites, National Laboratories, and Power Marketing Administrations.  In addition, she represented DOE on several Presidential, Congressional, and Secretarial initiatives.  March 31, 2019, Mrs. Bradley was promoted and transferred to the Enterprise Governance Office.  Mrs. Bradley enjoys giving back and paying it forward through SBTG DMV, a non-profit organization. 

Valarie porter​

​In February 2006, Ms. Porter joined the Washington, DC Ironworkers Local 5 Welding apprenticeship program and graduated as a Licensed Journeywoman Ironworker in May 2009.  During her apprenticeship and since graduation, Ms. Porter was approved for several security clearances to work on notable projects such as the Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, DC Consolidated Forensic Laboratory, and the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, to name a few.  As a skilled, African American female, Ms. Porter is a “triple threat” to her counterparts and a rare commodity in the industry.  She currently holds 30+ certifications, and in 2018 she studied in San Diego, CA, and obtained a welding certification for seismic (earthquake) construction; Ms. Porter has dominated her craft in a predominantly male industry.  On many occasions, Ms. Porter provided charitable welding services as far as Fyzabad, Trinidad. Additionally, Ms. Porter was recently offered a position with the U.S. Navy to weld Naval aircraft carriers in Solomon’s Island, MD.  Ms. Porter retired from construction in 2020, and today she enjoys giving back and paying it forward through SBTG DMV, a non-profit organization.

ROBIN NOKOMÍS MEDLEY-CLEVELAND

​Ms. Medley-Cleveland is a Life Coach, Mentor, and Advocate located in Northern Virginia, serving clients globally seeking assistance coping with life’s challenges. For over 20 years, Ms. Medley-Cleveland has provided services through The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, Soldiers Angels, Wounded Warrior Project, Yellow Ribbon Fund, Wounded Marine Career Foundation, Department of Veterans Affairs Peer Support Mentoring Program for Caregivers and Severely Injured, Ill and Wounded, The Paralyzed Veterans of America, Blue Star Families and The Urban League. Ms. Medley-Cleveland pursued her education at Coastal Carolina University, George Mason University, and Averett University.  Ms. Medley-Cleveland is passionate about working with individuals experiencing traumatic life events and seeking to embrace and or desiring to make changes to improve their quality of life and function at their highest potential. She specializes in group and individual sessions for those who have experienced a range of emotional and physical trauma, behavioral and adjustment problems, and those seeking to improve their lives and create space for growth and healthier, more positive interactions. Ms. Medley-Cleveland’s goal is to partner with individuals on their self-discovery journey as they pursue their goals.

Claudette hendricks

​In 2002 Ms. Hendricks joined the team at Ironworks Local 5 as a Journeywoman Ironworker. Ms. Hendricks began her career in welding in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she attended MATC for welding and graduated with a degree. Post-graduation, Ms. Hendricks went to Atlanta to join the Ironworkers Union. In her 23- year career as an accomplished welder, she took on many roles. In 2017 Ms. Hendricks assumed the role of Safety Manager for various companies. She obtained multiple welding certifications, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration 500 and 510 safety certifications. As an African American female, Ms. Hendricks proved she is a rare commodity in the construction industry. She has given back to her community by lending helping hands to people that needed her welding abilities. She pays it forward by assisting her male counterparts pass their welding test to advance in the field. Ms. Hendricks is proud to join the sisterhood of SBTG DMV!

roxie c. medley

Roxie Medley serves as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Piedmont, South Carolina. She is certified as a Masters’ Addictions Counselor (MAC), a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC), and a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). Roxie holds a Bachelor of Arts from The University of the District of Columbia and a Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling and School Guidance Counseling from the University of the Southwest.  Roxie’s passion is working with individuals to function at their highest potential. She specializes in outpatient mental health services, opioid dependency therapy, individual therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, and Adult clients with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and adjustment problems, such as anxiety, addiction, depression, personality disorders, and relationships issues, and stress. Roxie works with couples and families to improve communication and create or restore healthy dynamics amidst strained relationships.  She approaches therapy from an eclectic standpoint, which incorporates various therapeutic principles to meet the needs of each patient. She has experience working with Social Service & Mental Health Agencies, Intensive In-Home Therapy, and Substance Abuse.  Roxie’s goal is to walk with patients on their journey to self-discovery, which will, in turn, assist them in reaching their goals.

Mattie l. palmore

Co-Founder of the Women’s Group of Mount Vernon.  For over 30 years, Mattie has actively involved herself within the community through local governments, non-profit agencies, school systems, Head Start, civic associations, advisory boards, senior citizens, health and human services, youth organizations, and community and recreation centers. A native Washingtonian, Mattie came to Virginia in 1980 with her three (3) children due to an abusive situation. She entered the Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services Homeless Transition Program, where she and her family flourished and later became the Director of the same program that gave her family a second chance. She retired from her position at Good Shepherd Housing in January 2011.  In February 1995, Mattie accepted a position with the Supreme Court of Virginia, served as a Magistrate in Fairfax County, and retired from that position in February 2010. She is also a tireless advocate for housing for the homeless, physically and mentally challenged, youth and senior citizens, and other community issues and concerns. Advocating for affordable housing since 1994, Mattie collaborates with local organizations and churches to place clients in safe housing and assists with prevention techniques.  The Josiah Beeman Commission makes fundamental changes in Virginia’s mental health system, and Mattie was honored with her appointment to the Virginia Commission.  ​Because of Mattie’s unflagging advocacy for the elderly, mentally and physically impaired, the homeless, parolees, ex-offenders, children, and victims of abuse, she was one (1) of five (5) finalist in the Queen Latifah’s 2006 Project Confidence Award sponsored by Curvation, Inc. This award brought in much-needed funding and recognition for the Women’s Group. ​Mattie’s faith walk sustains her belief that she can do all things through Christ that strengthens her, and that life offers you a hand up and not a handout.

KATINA RENEE, THE ARTIST A.K.A PH’LO

​The beautifully multi-talented Katina ReNee is a native of Washington DC.  She is a faith-filled Christian, a licensed Aesthetician of 13 years, songstress, motivational speaker, women’s group organizer for healing sexual abuse, domestic violence, low self-esteem, spoken word poet, and actress.  Katina is a believer born to encourage and exalt by witnessing the goodness of God through performing arts.  She shares this same passion with her husband, who she most times partners with on stage.  This woman, a servant of God, has been singing and writing since childhood.  As an adult, she realized her gift lifts the name and goodness of God.  She has been a part of many choirs, praise teams, and productions, with an artist you may know, such as VaSahun Mitchell, Michael H. Reid, and William DeVaughn, to name a few.  Katina and her husband (WATER) have acted in the stage play “Secrets of the Red Envelope” with Director and Comedian Howard G., Christmas Productions, “Silent Screams,” and more.

HENRY “Ricky” LEE REYNOLD

​Ricky has a degree in Kinesiology and a Master Fitness Trainer with 30 years of experience training in Maryland and California. He was certified by the American Aerobic International & International Sports Medicine Association. Ricky keeps his certification current with continuing education on the most recent research and training techniques. One of his training programs is Variable-Intensity Interval Training which takes participants through high, medium, and low-intensity phases geared to fit all fitness levels. This type of program lends itself well to Ricky’s training philosophy; to take anyone from where they are to a healthier lifestyle is why he chose a career in fitness.

ROBERTA E. SPEIGHT

Roberta has over 14 years with working with the youth, from coaching high school track and field to volunteering, and over 5 years of counseling adults and working with mental challenges. She has served as the chair of Alexandria’s Substance Abuse Policy Committee along with volunteering at the Alexandria Virginia’s Boys and Girls Club.  Roberta (Miss Bert) also has been interviewed by Associate Press,  and WOW Magazine, and over hundreds of women have heard her speak on topics such as; The Importance of Goals, Making the Right Choices, and Building Healthy Relationships/Domestic Violence and Finding Your Greatness.  Roberta has been a presenter at Crossland High School 2001 and 2002 Career Day, and a guest presenter in the Young Pregnant Teen class at Northwestern High School in Adelphi, Maryland 2002.  She has also received accolades from Governor Parris N. Glendening, and Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend for her proposal "Making the Right Choice" which was chosen to be presented at the Winning Choices 2002 and 2003 hosted by The Maryland Abstinence Education and Coordination Program (MAECP). ​2007 - she spoke at the FCPS Middle School Leadership Conference. 2010 - Guest Speaker at the African American Advisory Committee. 2008-2010 Roberta presented Mind Over Matter, Renewing the Mind for a Healthier You and Are You Ready for Management at the Blacks In Government (B.I.G.) National Conference which had over 4,000 each year. She has been a returned Keynote Speaker for Fabulous Divas Social conferences, Keynote Speaker at 2014 -2015 Teen Summit and 2015 -Speaker at The Biggest Comeback Conference and Womenpreneur Conference.  And a guest on several internet shows Let’s Talk Issues Of The Heart and many others.  Roberta was a member of the International Toastmasters which she has won regional awards from her speeches.  2015 she was awarded “The Power of She Award” for her years of inspirational and spiritual services to the community.  Roberta is the author of two published books: Open Heart Love Poems and Inspirational Writings, and Are You Ready For Management. Her third book “Free Your Mind Change Your Life” will be out in 2019. She has earned her Bachelor degree in Christian Counseling and is studying for her Master degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.  She continues to help women growing by providing them personal and business developing programs coaching, and training. 

Sheldon R. Spivey, Founder/CEO/PRESident

​Mr. Spivey is a native of the Bronx, New York, a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, and a Qualified Mental Health Practitioner of over 25 years. He received his master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University in Chester, Pennsylvania. Mr. Spivey has worked in a variety of clinical settings, serving youth, adults, and families. As founder of Champion Mentoring Inc. He has been certified/trained in the following: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing Skills (MI), Mediation, and Conflict Resolution, to name a few. Mr. Spivey’s vision is to provide valuable vocational services and life skills services to disadvantaged and disproportionate minority youth across the Maryland and Washington, DC metropolitan areas. Mr. Spivey’s philosophy is that every person deserves an equal opportunity at success, wealth, and happiness. His vision is to propel minority youth into becoming productive members of society and create generational wealth for themselves and generations to come.

Dr. Lucretia starnes

Education
  • Doctorate, Business Administration, Self Design,  5/2021
  • Masters of  Arts,  Organizational Leadership, Campbellsville University  2012
  • Masters of Arts, Special Education, Campbellsville University, 2011
  • Bachelor of  Arts, English & Pan African Studies, University of Louisville, 2009
  • Associate Degree, Administration in Medical  & Dental Billing, San Joaquin Valley College
Affiliations
  • Tau Sigma National Honor Society, Vice-President, University of Louisville
  • National Society of  Leadership and Success, Walden University
  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.,  Mu Delta Omega Chapter, Fort Knox, KY
  • Charter Member, Chapter President, 2015-2017
  • Kentucky Education Association,  Ethnic Minority Director
  • Bardstown Education Association, President
  • Habitat for Humanity,  Bardstown , Kentucky Tri-County Area, President
  • National Education Association, Member
Occupational Summary
  • Educator,  2009 – Present
  • Automotive Manufacturing, Program/Project Manager
  • Automotive Manufacturing, Accounting & Purchasing

felicia tolliver johnson

Felicia Tolliver Johnson comes from a family of educators, with English as the area of expertise.  All of her family members have majored in or taught English at some point.  This English immersion has helped foster a sincere enthusiasm, interest, and love of the subject.  As a Language Arts (ELA) teacher, she spent the majority of her career teaching writing.  With all of her years of teaching dedicated to ELA, she developed an affinity for Writing.  Over the years, through countless training sessions and trial and error, Ms. Tolliver-Johnson developed a simplified way of teaching the Writing Process to Middle School students, which the students will apply throughout their high school and into Higher Education.  Thus, these skills are adaptable to teach to any level.
 Experience
  • In 1995, she began teaching in Hampton City Schools, located in Hampton, Va.  She taught 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade ELA. 
  • Ms. Tolliver- Johnson served as the Department Chair for ten (10) years, which allowed her to be a member of the Curriculum Development Committee, trained to create Standards of Learning (SOL) questions to create Benchmark Assessments for the district/school, and liaison and facilitator of all department meetings.
  • From 2008-2010, she worked with elementary students in the area of ELA, with the 21st Century Learning Afterschool Program (Hampton City Schools)
  • From 2002-2009, Ms. Tolliver-Johnson worked with Kiddie Kollege, a summer program designed for k-8, through Hampton University.
  • In 2013, Ms. Tolliver-Johnson began working at Francis C. Hammond in Alexandria, VA., initially as an 8th Grade ELA teacher and a 6th Grade ELA teacher.     
Education
  • Hampton University 1986 – 1990, graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminal Justice.
  • Graduate of Hampton University, in 1994, with a Master’s Degree in Middle School Education.

lauren vitello

Lauren Vitello has been an educator for 15 years, and she holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision.  She has taught in Florida, New York, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.  Her experiences have given her a depth of understanding of students of diverse backgrounds and life experiences.  She has recently worked in a secondary setting, teaching a college preparatory class for motivated students seeking the soft academic skill necessary for high school, college, and career success.

keith walker

The following is a brief history of my life in the electrical trade.  I attended Job Corp for the GED program.  The program offered a 45-day pre-apprenticeship course that I participated in since the other studies provided were six (6) months to a year.  When I completed both the pre-apprenticeship and the GED program, I received for an electrical contractor.  I humbly accepted the position.  I started as a helper.  Shortly after hard work and dedication, I enrolled in a four-year electrician apprenticeship program.  As an apprentice, I went to school at night between 6:00 pm-9:30 pm twice a week.  I went to work on construction sites during the daytime.  I was able to learn the trade from both the school and on-the-job training. After completing the program, I became a licensed journeyman electrician working on several government job sites such as NSA, Upper Marlboro courthouse, Andrews AFB, and Quantico marine base, to name a few.  After ten (10) years in the trade, I became a Master Electrician.  I wanted to give back and help move the profession forward.  Eventually, I became an instructor at IEC (Independent Electrical Contractors) to help teach future electricians.  I taught for four years while still working a full-time job as a Master Electrician.  Today I have over 20 years of experience in the electrical trade.  My experience led to a gratifying and fulfilling career.  You are constantly learning, and every day is a different task at work.