Policy Center Staff

ADVOCACY

Inderjit Vicky Basra, DSW

Position: President & CEO
Email: vbasra@seethegirl.org
: As the President and CEO of the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center, Vicky is accountable for ensuring mission focus, strategic partnerships and brand preservation. Her role includes implementing strategies for growth and improvement and she works closely with the Board of Directors to implement the strategic direction of the organization. Prior to this, as the Senior Vice President, she managed the day-to-day operations and oversaw the implementation of the agency’s strategic plan. While in this role, Vicky help the Policy Center to develop and implement the Open Doors Outreach Network, one of the many new and innovative programs at the Policy Center to address the needs of victims of human trafficking. She has extensive experience meeting needs of communities through the development of innovative programs and community engagement models. Vicky has previously been the Director of Family Preservation at Family Support Services of Northeast Florida (FSS) and the Director of Project Safe at Vanderbilt University. In March 0f 2013, she joined the Policy Center, from FSS, where, she managed a team of ten direct reports and extended team of 30 staff. As a managing entity, the role included supervising in-house programs and external contracts with six local nonprofits. Vicky previously served as Senior Vice President for the Policy Center, responsible for the growth of the Continuity of Care Model, and implementing the Open Doors Model Program on the First Coast working closely with Voices for Florida. She is a recognized and accomplished non-profit executive with more than 20 years of experience in the vast array of non-profit leadership roles. Vicky has developed multiple programs including the first advocacy program to provide services victims/survivors of intimate violence, sexual assault and stalking on Vanderbilt University’s Campus. A passionate advocate for gender equality, and girls’ rights, Vicky is a sought-after trainer, thought leader, and architect of change. She has contributed to a number of research studies analyzing the impact of trauma on girls and young women and is a frequent contributor to news media on issues related to commercial sexual exploitation, diversity and women’s leadership and the impact of trauma on girls and young women. Vicky holds a Masters of Social Work and a Doctorate of Social Work from the University of Tennessee.

Inderjit Vicky Basra, DSW

President & CEO

Lawanda Ravoira, DPA

Position: President Emeritus
Email: lravoira@seethegirl.org
: Dr. Lawanda Ravoira serves as President Emeritus and promotes the Policy Center’s mission of advancing the rights of girls, young women, and those that identify as female, especially those in the juvenile justice systems. Ravoira focuses on advocacy and public policy, sharing the local work statewide, assisting other communities working on similar issues and connecting to a broader, national network of stakeholders addressing issues of equity for girls and young women. She brings 25 years’ experience that includes providing direct services to marginalized youth in both residential and community based settings, leading reform initiatives, research, training, policy development, community organizing and advocacy. She holds a doctoral degree in Public Administration from Nova University, a master’s degree in Allied Health from the University of North Florida and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the College of Charleston.

Lawanda Ravoira, DPA

President Emeritus

PROGRAMMING

Corinne Fennelly

Position: Vice President of Regional Programming & Partnerships
: As the Vice President of Regional Programming and Partnership, Corinne leads the Policy Center’s programming team and works to build and strengthen relationships with community partners. Corinne comes to the Policy Center with a background in leadership, program development, counseling, education and training. She has earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology with a concentration in children and families from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology. Corinne has spearheaded community programs and training curriculums, working closely with County Commissioners and stakeholders to help increase children’s access to mental health services in underserved areas. Her work includes Family Guidance Center in Birmingham, AL, and early intervention programs for the Office of Children and Youth in Fulton County, within the city of Atlanta. At Georgia State University, Corinne served as Adjunct Faculty and Assistant Project Director for Best Practices Training where she designed and delivered trainings to equip hundreds of educators state-wide with tools to teach social-emotional skills in the classroom, and embed child development best practices into their daily work. She has also served as a Subject Matter Expert on child development, writing content for parent engagement curriculums for education and adult learning companies. Corinne is passionate about engaging with the community in innovative ways to increase access to quality mental health services.

Corinne Fennelly

Vice President of Regional Programming & Partnerships

Sakenia Washington

Position: Clinical Manager
: Sakenia is a Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern (RCSWI) and provides therapeutic services within our Girl Matters: In the Community program. In 2020, Sakenia was awarded the First Coast Girls Initiative Program Advocate of the Year. She brings 20 years of experience working with children and families within social service agencies, including early childhood education and other school-based programs. She worked as a Family Advocate and Prevention Specialist with Jewish Family & Community Services and as an Achievement Advocate with Communities in Schools. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Liberty University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida State University.

Sakenia Washington

Clinical Manager

Jenn Brooks

Position: Survivor Mentor I
Jennifer Brooks: Jenn is a Survivor Mentor with the Open Doors Outreach Network, providing services to women and girls ages 10-24 in North East Florida. In 2018, Jenn completed training to become and peer support specialist, and now uses her own lived experiences to support those who are navigating mental health diagnoses, substance abuse, and/or psychological trauma. In 2018, Jenn opened a women’s boutique and heard often from customers how her shop helped to build other women’s confidence in themselves. Through her own personal healing, Jenn recognized a greatness in herself and her desire to bring that feeling to other women, which led to her to the Survivor Mentor position at the Policy Center. Her compassion and drive to walk alongside girls and women through their own healing is unwavering.

Jenn Brooks

Survivor Mentor I

Stephanie Sanders

Position: Survivor Mentor I
: Stephanie serves as a Survivor Mentor in the North Coastal Florida region with the Open Doors Outreach Network, which serves survivors ages 10-24. Stephanie is trained as a Peer Support Specialist, and has a background working with and advocating for survivors with substance abuse disorders. She worked as an advocate at Beacon domestic violence shelter for 2 years before joining the Policy Center. Stephanie is passionate about helping women and children live and thrive after trauma, and is dedicated to being a soft place to land for survivors. Stephanie is a trusted hand to help lead girls and women out of darkness and into the light of a community that cares.

Stephanie Sanders

Survivor Mentor I

Sara Mayhew

Position: Survivor Mentor I
: Sara is a Survivor Mentor with the Open Doors Outreach Network, providing services to women 10-24 in Northeast Florida. Sara is studying Human Services at Florida State College of Jacksonville and will be pursuing a Master’s degree with the goal of becoming a licensed mental health counselor and continuing to work with individuals from a holistic, and trauma informed care approach. She has worked in the substance abuse field, providing case management and outreach. She enjoys building relationships with individuals and serving the community. Because of her lived experience in the judicial system and with trauma, Sara is passionate about this work and providing safe, supportive environments for girls.

Sara Mayhew

Survivor Mentor I

Kendyl Nealey

Position: Mental Health Professional
: Kendyl is a Mental Health Professional for Girl Matters: In the Community, providing therapeutic services to girls involved in the juvenile justice system. Kendyl has a master’s degree in Social Work from University of North Florida Kendyl and holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from University of Florida. She is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern. Kendyl interned with the federal public defender’s office and with the policy center Girl Matters: It’s Elementary program. She previously worked as a clinical counselor with the Children’s Home Society providing therapeutic services to children in the community, in diversion, and those involved in the foster care system. Kendyl is passionate about working to reform the criminal justice system from more punitive to more rehabilitative. She is interested in working with girls as girls' experiences in society are so unique yet connected through shared experiences. At the Policy Center, Kendyl gets to combine her passion for reform and for girls to create impactful change.

Kendyl Nealey

Mental Health Professional

Lisa Glass

Position: Regional Advocate I
Email: lglass@seethegirl.org
: Lisa Glass serves at the Policy Center as a Regional Advocate for the Open Doors Outreach Network, serving girls and young women who are victims and survivors of sex trafficking. In this role, she engages community partners to help survivors connect to housing, counseling, legal services, employment, and other services vital to their safety and wellbeing. She is a passionate advocate for fair and affordable housing for survivors and regularly speaks out against the criminalization of those who are being exploited. Lisa is a member of the International Survivor Alliance and the National Survivor Network. Lisa is committed to letting girls and young women know they are not alone in their healing journey and there are committed advocates in our community here to help them. She is a regular speaker and panelist for discussions on the issues surrounding Human Trafficking.

Lisa Glass

Regional Advocate I

Lisa Chaloux

Position: Regional Advocate I
: Lisa serves as a Regional Advocate with the Open Doors Outreach Network, which serves survivors ages 10-24. Lisa earned her bachelor's degree in Child & Family Studies from Merrimack College. Lisa also has a Florida State University professional certification in Human Trafficking Prevention and Intervention. Lisa also holds professional Certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention from Cornell University. At Merrimack College, Lisa is working toward a Master's in Community Engagement with a concentration on Social Policy. With an emphasis on trauma-informed care, Lisa has served in various capacities, offering a broad range of behavioral health services. Lisa's lived experiences have given her a passion for helping to make a difference in the lives of others and breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma. Lisa has been appointed to serve Jacksonville City Council Advisory Board on the Sex Trafficking Survivors Leadership Council.

Lisa Chaloux

Regional Advocate I

Angela Davis-Thomas

Position: Clinician I

Angela Davis-Thomas

Clinician I

Jessie Brumfield

Position: Group Facilitator
: Jessie works as the Group Facilitator for Girl Matters in the Community. She leads groups in various settings including the Duval Detention Center and the Pre-Trial Detention facility. Jessie has a Bachelor of Health Administration and worked in corporate healthcare prior to pivoting into social services. She is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at the University of North Florida and is looking forward to graduation in the spring. Jessie is passionate about justice system reform and serving girls and young women who are involved in the justice system. She has previous experience working with youth in ministry settings and through interning at the Youth Crisis Center residential shelter. Jessie is also a Registered Yoga Teacher and enjoys teaching and practicing yoga in her free time.

Jessie Brumfield

Group Facilitator

Shelby Garner

Position: Care Manager
: Shelby is the Care Manager for Girl Matters: It's Elementary, working as part of a team to provide girl-centered services to girls in Elementary schools. Shelby gained experience with the youth of Jacksonville through teaching in local Middle Schools. Shelby is a JU graduate and 5th generation Jacksonville resident on a mission to create change and build bridges by advocating for girls and creating opportunities for generations to come.

Shelby Garner

Care Manager

Brandy Finley

Position: Care Manager
: Brandy is the Care Manager for Girl Matters: In the Community, providing advocacy and support to girls in the juvenile justice system. Brandy has been working with at-risk youth since 2011. She previously managed the Community Justice Board Program, an alternative to prosecution for youth based on restorative justice in Tucson, Arizona. This work allowed Brandy a chance to broaden and promote individualized, goal driven and strength-based programming within the justice system. Brandy’s advocacy works includes working with victims of crime on local and state levels, providing support during prosecution and post-conviction. She has her Master’s degree in Community Development from Clark University.

Brandy Finley

Care Manager

Kimberly Gallon

Position: School Based Program Manager
Email: kgallon@seethegirl.org
: Kimberly is the School-Based Program Manager in the innovative girl-centered intervention programs, Girl Matters: It’s Elementary & Girl Matters: In the Middle. She supervises interns, provides training to school staff and employees, and manages the ongoing needs of elementary girls and their families. She brings to the Policy Center more than 13 years’ experience in social services, having earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Georgetown University.

Kimberly Gallon

School Based Program Manager

Amber Dufrene

Position: Mental Health Professional
: Amber currently serves as a Mental Health Professional at Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center. She is native to Jacksonville, Florida but went to college in Hattiesburg, Mississippi where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Psychology at William Carey University. She remained in Hattiesburg and earned her MSW at the University of Southern Mississippi. As an undergraduate student, she founded an HIV Support Group and AIDS Coalition, the first of its kind in Hattiesburg. She has years of experience working as a therapist for birth mothers, foster children, and their biological families at Florida Baptist Children’s Homes. She has volunteered and worked for Girl Scouts for 13 years, as a troop leader and professionally as a Membership Manager and most recently as a Community Development Manager, a position that focused on Title 1 and grant funded programs. She also has experience as both a preschool/school age teacher with traditional and unique needs students. She strives to make a difference in the lives of people from all walks of life. Her passion does not only extend to humans, she is also passionate about wildlife rehabilitation and she has been a volunteer for the Wildlife Rescue Coalition of Northeast Florida for many years

Amber Dufrene

Mental Health Professional

DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS

Stacy Ellison

Position: Vice President of Development & Communications
: Stacy currently serves as the VP of Development & Communications where she works to advance and support the work of the Policy Center through events, community engagement, multi-media communications, and advocacy. She has earned a reputation as a community advocate with a gift for truthful storytelling, highlighting the people at the heart of each issue. Stacy brings more than 20 years of non-profit and communications experience to her position, and has previously served as the Director of Operations and Programming for Generation W, the Director of Communications for the Salvation Army NE Florida Area Command, and more than a decade as a television news anchor, executive producer, and reporter. Stacy currently sits on the University of North Florida’s School of Communication’s Advisory Board, is a graduate of the WOMEN Unlimited IMPOWER program, a member of the Lead the Way Jacksonville cohort and was named a 2020 JBJ Woman of Influence. Stacy earned her B.S in Communications from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She counts her faith, family, and valued friends as the guiding lights of her life.

Stacy Ellison

Vice President of Development & Communications

Chloe Sechrist

Position: Communications Specialist

Chloe Sechrist

Communications Specialist

RESEARCH

Jada Horton

Position: Research and Grants Analyst
: Jada is a Research Assistant who assists with conducting literature reviews, data extraction and analysis, creating presentations, and report writing. Jada is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Psychological Science at the University of North Florida. Jada has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and in criminal justice with a sociology focus from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where they were a member of various research labs performing quantitative and qualitative research and completed post bachelor’s classes in the social sciences/humanities. Jada has a background as a legal assistant in criminal and civil rights law, worked at a recovery center in Virginia, and worked at a safe house for survivors of human trafficking in Colorado. Jada is trained in trauma informed care and previously worked as an advocate for youth and adults who have experienced incarceration or involvement in the justice system. Jada would like to link their experience in the field with their passion for research.

Jada Horton

Research and Grants Analyst

Rhianna Scyster

Position: Research and Policy Analyst
: Rhianna serves as the Research and Policy Analysist where she works to ensure research-based support for legislative and systems-based policy and practice recommendations to advance the mission of the Policy Center. She has earned her B.S in Special Education from University of North Florida and her M.S. in Public Policy from Jacksonville University. Rhianna brings unique experiences with youth and an advocacy-focused lenses to her position. She is committed to service through her work as the President of the Jacksonville Urban League Young Professionals and board member to three education-focused organizations. Rhianna’s strength of evaluating and implementing research, data, and policy stems from a foundational role as an educator, in service as a fellow for Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute, and as an intern under the leadership of former Duval County School Board Chairman Darryl Wille. Rhianna’s current research focuses disproportionate discipline in K-12 Florida schools. She has recently presented on the intersections of equity and policy at the WJCT TEACH conference, recognized on Florida Black Expo’s list of Top 20 Under 40, and received the Alumni Achievement Award from UNF’s Black Alumni Association. Rhianna will continue to use her voice to advocate for equitable policy practices with her role at the Policy Center.

Rhianna Scyster

Research and Policy Analyst

OPERATIONS

Stacy Sechrist, LCSW

Position: Chief Operating Officer
Email: ssechrist@seethegirl.org
Stacy Sechrist works as the Chief Operating Officer of the Policy Center in which she leads operational and administrative activities, including human resources, finance, infrastructure, and contracts management. Stacy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Life Coach with almost 20 years of experience in the mental health field, both as a direct service provider specializing in trauma, and as a manager and executive in behavioral health organizations. Her prior experience includes creating and implementing change management strategies for Florida Blue, serving as Chief Programs Officer for Child Guidance Center, and overseeing program operations and clinical services at Youth Crisis Center.:

Stacy Sechrist, LCSW

Chief Operating Officer

Cierra Terrell

Position: Operations Manager
: Cierra works as the Operations Manager of the Policy Center where she is responsible for managing all grant contract regulations and requirements. Her role also includes assisting the Chief Operating Officer in managing day to day operations. Cierra has nearly ten years of experience working with at-risk children and youth as a former educator and probation officer for the Department of Juvenile Justice. Aside from work, she has spent the last ten years volunteering in her community through faith-based and social service outreach initiatives aimed at educating, equipping, and empowering those in need. She currently serves on her church's board of directors and as a youth ministry leader. Cierra is driven by a desire to help as many people as possible in becoming the best version of themselves. Cierra holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from the University of Florida and a Master of Nonprofit Management from the University of Central Florida.

Cierra Terrell

Operations Manager

Mimi Ambrister

Position: Office Manager
: Mimi Ambrister is a Jacksonville native and Administrative Specialist. She obtained her Adobe Creative Cloud Certification in 2015 and studied Business Administration at Scottsdale Community College (Scottsdale, AZ) from 2015 to 2017. She has seven years of experience in Administration and Marketing across various fields and values solutions-based thinking. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her dog Milo or playing guitar.

Mimi Ambrister

Office Manager

Maria Hickman

Position: Staff Accountant

Maria Hickman

Staff Accountant

INTERNS AND FELLOWS

Shayla Grange

Position: Joan Amery Van Vleck Research Fellow

Shayla Grange

Joan Amery Van Vleck Research Fellow

Robin Fredsall

Position: School Based Program Intern
Robin Fredsall: Robin Fredsall is a graduate student at the University of North Florida studying Social Work.

Robin Fredsall

School Based Program Intern

Jessie Brumfield

Position: School Based Program Intern
Jessie Brumfield: Jessie Brumfield is a graduate student at the University of North Florida studying Social Work.

Jessie Brumfield

School Based Program Intern

Genesis Nahir Latorre-Cardona

Position: School Based Program Intern
Genesis Nahir Latorre-Cardona: Genesis Nahir Latorre-Cardona is an undergraduate student at FSCJ studying Human Services.

Genesis Nahir Latorre-Cardona

School Based Program Intern

Danielle Jefferies

Position: School Based Program Intern
Danielle Jefferies: Danielle Jefferies is an undergraduate student at the University of North Florida studying BSW.

Danielle Jefferies

School Based Program Intern

Brie Roberts

Position: School Based Program Intern
Brie Roberts: Brie Roberts is a graduate student at Jacksonville University studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program,

Brie Roberts

School Based Program Intern

Alyssa Brown

Position: School Based Program Intern
Alyssa Brown: Alyssa Brown is a student at the University of North Florida studying MSW Program.

Alyssa Brown

School Based Program Intern

Bethany Worley

Position: School Based Program Intern
Bethany Worley: Bethany Worley is a graduate student at Jacksonville University studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program.

Bethany Worley

School Based Program Intern

BABIES AT WORK

The Baby At Work program allows employees the option to bring their babies to work with them for the first six months.  The babies stay alongside their parents throughout the day, even attending meetings, which allows them to continue building a strong bond.  Having babies at the Policy Center increases staff morale and creates a joyful workspace. The program is reflective of the Policy Center’s values and recognizes the many responsibilities of parents in the work place.

Darby

Position: Fundraising and Communications Assistant
: Darby is the first Baby at Work in 2023, assisting the team in planning celebrations for our 10th year of service in NorthEast Florida. She truly brings the FUN to fundraising, and is using her time here to hone her communications skills, finding her voice in every team meeting. Here, you can see her sporting See the Girl apparel, always keeping our branding modern and eye catching.

Darby

Fundraising and Communications Assistant

Emma

Position: Compliance Expert
: Emma graduated from Baby at Work in 2022, where she worked diligently from her pack-and-play and baby carrier. Emma came to the Policy Center boasting an impressive background as a Baby Task Master. She thrives in a fast-paced environment and made sure no one, especially her mom, sat around on the job. Emma leaves a legacy as a compliance expert – making sure every future member of the Baby at Work program is thoroughly vetted to meet the highest standards of cuteness and smiles.

Emma

Compliance Expert

Caleb

Position: Research Analyst
: Caleb graduated from the Baby at Work program in 2022. Caleb's resume boasts an impressive reputation as a social butterfly, always initiating important conversation at team meetings. Caleb is following in his brother's footsteps and continuing his work at the daycare center where together they will partner to collect data to improve playground relations.

Caleb

Research Analyst

Alani

Position: Advocacy Intern
: Alani graduated from our Baby at Work program in 2017, where she studied advocacy and leadership. She came on board with a natural ability to make our staff smile, and underwent specialized training to shape her leadership skills, which she will continue to practice at her daycare with her new colleagues.

Alani

Advocacy Intern

EJ

Position: Research Consultant
: EJ graduated from the Baby at Work Program in 2020, graduating top of his class with a major in research and a minor in stealing hearts. EJ continues to work remotely for the Policy Center, from his new office at the daycare center, where he is going undercover to research youth trends in the community.

EJ

Research Consultant

Mila

Position: Girl Expert
: Mila was our first baby to graduate from the Policy Center's Baby At Work program. She joined the Policy Center in 2016 as a "girl-expert." While at the Policy Center she learned how to hold her head up high (literally hold her own head up) and advocate for herself. Mila is currently conducting field research at daycare.

Mila

Girl Expert
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