About Our Team
Management and Organization
Senior Management Team (SMT)
Emmanuel S. Avraham, President & Chief Executive Officer
Elianah Avraham, Senior Vice President
L. Michelle Dance, Program Manager / Trainer
Yolanda Sample, Strategic Operations & Management
Nasik Christian J. Williams, Operational Manager
Elijah Avraham, Communication - Social Media Director
Jeremiah Odeh, Lead Supervisor
Ivory Hargrove, Assistant Reviewer / Lead
Kadmiel Avraham, Business Expansion and Opportunities
Safiyya Sharif, Executive Administrator / Life Coach
Behavioral Aide Operation
Board Members:
Emmanuel benAvraham Chairman,
Elianah Avraham Vice Chairwoman,
Safiyya Sharif,
Nasik Chris J. Williams,
Elijah benAvraham,
Kadmiel benAvraham,
Yosiah Emmanuel benAraham
ABOUT OUR TEAM:
Emmanuel Shahid benAvraham, President / CEO
Mr. Avraham received his High School Diploma from Newark Central High School in
June 1979, and then attended Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey where he majored in Business with a focus on Management.
He received his certification from the American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorder as a certified addiction specialist/counselor on September 4, 1993. This certification and experience in the field enabled him to garner a dynamic ability to motivate his clients to pursue the best version of themselves possible.
His biggest challenge in life has been overcoming being homelessness at the age of 15. Sleeping in the streets of Newark, NJ and going to Central High School. His older brother Akbar Watson died May 10, 1991 in Northern State Prison. He was able to obtain heroin while serving 15 years at Rahway State Prison - he died of the AIDS virus.
His father, Imam Shahid Saladine Shabazz Almin (Frank Watson), died August 24, 1991 of the AIDS virus. He was a heroin addict. He spent most of my life having father and son talks in New Jersey Prison visiting halls. Like most kids ask their parents while they are in prison - "When are you coming home to stay.” His mother, Sakina Watson, died February 9, 1993 three months after being released from her last prison term at Edan Mahn Women's Prison (Clinton). She died also because of her heroin addiction. To which he has now written a book entitled "Why Do I Still Love My Mommy." His brother one year younger than me, Al-Tariq Watson is serving 30 years to life plus 30 years in the New Jersey Prison system; and his one and only sister Sharanda Watson went to Edan Mahn Prison for Women after my mother died. Mr. Avraham believes that his biggest honor as a human being is being a Servant to the Creator through his strong belief system.
Through his own adversity and challenges in his personal life, Mr. Avraham has persevered to use his own experiences to lead, encourage and prepare individuals to know that they can overcome anything and become successful. His interactions with those who are physically and mentally challenged empowered him to build great intrapersonal and communication skills. He understands that the obstacles and lessons in his own life have equipped to effectively serve all those who are in need. He does this with compassion and conviction.
In addition to his expertise in mentoring and guiding those who face a life of challenges on a daily basis, Mr. Avraham has successfully managed a multi –million Dollar Company with an annual yearly budget of 2 million dollar for 12 years. This organization improved the lives of its clients and their families on an immeasurable scale.
Utilizing this experience, Mr. Avraham continued in his passion to help people as he became the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Human Excellence Resource Group (The H.E.R. Group, LLC), which provides social services to various individuals who need a helping hand, a listening ear and inspiring words to elevate them to their next level of success. Mr. Avraham is a man, husband, father and mentor to many who know how to meet difficulties head on, and surpass them with victory.
Elianah Connie Avraham, Vice President Operations / Chief of Staff
Recruited, supervised and evaluated office and field coordinators. Controlled operations in absence of CEO. Directed all administrative and project support efforts. Visited various government officials and institutions to make presentations and finalize negotiations. Able to train and maintain an enthusiastic, productive staff. Facilitate groups among participants in institutions, halfway houses and juvenile centers.
Perform a variety of key management functions, addressing inquiries of current and potential clients. Coordinate implementation of new client relationships. Coordinate Human Resource activities. Arrange for keynote speakers at various classes and graduations.
• Initiated and sustained communication with clients to ensure mutual understanding and agreement on project requirements. • Assigned work, monitored progress and resolved problems. • Scheduled and conducted meetings to review all phases of projects with assigned staff. • Made recommendations on improvements as appropriate. • Promote positive change among individuals through life skills training • Manage approved budgets and arrange for necessary resources. • Provide periodic status reports to senior management and state officials. • Monitor payroll. • Travel to, coordinate and supervise administrative procedures for satellite offices. • Coordinate and host successful board meetings by preparing meeting agendas and carefully monitoring all action items.
L. Michelle Dance, Program Manager / Trainer
Education: |
Educational Specialist Degree: August 2002 Concentration: EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP TROY STATE UNIVERSITY, PHENIX CITY, AL
Master of Arts Degree: May 2000 Major: COUNSELING AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Concentration: SCHOOL COUNSELING CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY, ATLANTA, GA
Bachelor of Arts: May 1990 Major: ECONOMICS Minor: MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION SPELMAN COLLEGE, Atlanta, GA
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OBJECTIVE: |
To be an educational leader and change agent in the arena of human development and education.
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Yolanda D. Sample |
EDUCATION:
Bachelors of Social Work - BSW Mississippi Valley State University- Itta Bena, Mississippi -May 1995
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Management Intensive 1 Certificate Clayton State University. - Aug 2004
Management Intensive 2 Certificate Clayton State University – Sept 2004
TRAINER, MANAGEMENT, PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE:
• Dedicated professional with over 22 years of combined training and management/supervisory experience
• Diverse team leader with progressive accomplishments in training/staff development, program development
& management, human resources, and promotion of organizational programs & services
• Departmental liaison and representative to various organizations and community partners
• Goal oriented individual with ability to strategically plan and implement various lines of service, in addition
to organization and completion of projects within specified timelines and budget allocation
• Creative self starter with strong people skills and leadership ability
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
TRAINING AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Based on program development, and staffing trends strategically plan and organize trainings, which include: curriculum development and presentation of training modules for staff, writing, editing and proofreading; implementing special projects; documentation; presentations and workshops; promoting the services of organization, providing technical support; analyzing and providing on-going support and advice on a variety of issues. Developed training calendar based on performance gaps and refresher training as needed.
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Plan, organize and manage overall services which include: Personnel, budgeting, audit compliance, staff development; developing strategies and solutions; monitoring performance of units and ensuring goals and objectives are met while maintaining quality service; research and communicate information for personnel, administrative and policies and procedures compliance; implementation and coordination of projects, review of statistics and provision of statistical data and outcomes; monitor division policies and convey information on updates of laws and procedures; attend meetings as representative of division/department and facilitate meetings with interoffice staff and community partner agencies.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Fulton County Schools-Sandy Springs
Aug 2015 - present
Southwest Key Programs- Austin, TX
Program Manager Dec 2012 - Jan 2015
Fulton County Schools (Title I) - Hapeville, GA
Independent Contractor March 2011 - June 2012
Office of Workforce Development – Atlanta, GA
WIA Coordinator Specialty Coordinator GoodWORKS!
Coord.
Personal Advisor Jan 2001 - March 2011
Department of Family and Children Services-Atlanta, GA
Training Supervisor
Quality Assurance Specialist Error Control Specialist
Sr. Case Manager Dec 1995 - Jan 2001
Ivory Hargrove, Assistant Reviewer / Lead
Dedicated in the field of Social Work or Human Services to expand and fully utilize my training, skills and knowledge in helping people.
EDUCATION:
University of Rutgers
Master of Social Work 2019-2021
University Of Rutgers 2017-2019
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
Atlantic Cape Community College 2015-2017
Associates in Liberal Arts
CATHY MANN, Assistant Reviewer/ Lead
PROFILE:
Experienced in the field of Social Services. Skills: Case Management; Individual/Group Counseling; Intake Assessments/Discharge Planning; Conflict Resolution and Life Skills. I am detail and result oriented, possessing the ability to work independently and multitask. Excellent communication skills, verbal and written. Knowledge of HIPAA laws. Ability to adhere to polices and procedures. Strong work ethic, responsible, and empathetic.
EXPERIENCE:
MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST II RUTGERS UNIVERSITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE (UBHC) PISCATAWAY, N.J. 2015-2021
N.J. Addiction Access Center; Call Center hotline for individuals seeking Substance Abuse treatment. Complete intake assessment; discuss treatment options/needs; make referrals to state approved providers. Enter detailed data into Client's NJSAMS file; Verify Medicaid coverage in NJMMIS; Assist family/friends with resources for those dealing with a love one suffering from the disease of addiction. Together with Social Workers/Discharge Planners within NJDOC schedule intake appointments with Substance Abuse providers, for soon to be released incarcerated individuals. Adhere to HIPAA laws. Knowledge of current state initiatives and designated state providers/admissions criteria; knowledge of health insurers (state/private).
YOUTH WORKER N.J.JUVENILE JUSTICE COMMISSION HOPEWELL N.J. 2013-2014
Doves Residential Community Home for adjudicated females. Substance Abuse and Behavior Modification program. Supervise residents; individual/group counseling; conflict resolution and mentoring.
Participation in Treatment Team and New Freedom group counseling. Dispensing of prescription/over counter medications in accordance with NJ JJC policies and procedures. Assist residents with educational needs. Plan and execute off unit outings for residents; sort and inspect incoming/out going mail.
CASE MANAGER KINTOCK GROUP NEWARK, N.J. 2012-2013
Day Reporting Center (DRC) program for NJ State Parole Board parolees.
Case Management of twenty-five to thirty Clients. Complete intake assessment to determine program eligibility; develop Comprehensive Treatment Plan/individual counseling.
Administer LSI-R (Level of Service Inventory -Revised) to determine Client's level of supervision and treatment needs. Develop Discharge Plans; weekly meetings Parole Officers. Facilitate groups in accordance with program curriculum. Educate clients to re- entry resources within the community. Assist Clients with transportation needs. Continual update of Client files.
DIRECTOR CONNECTING COMMUNITIES AND FAMILIES ATLANTA GA. 2009-20010
Provide Life Skills and Job Readiness services to individuals referred by Fulton County Department of Children and Family Services. Intake assessments; Life Skills training; Employment readiness workshops. Prepare attendance and employment reports; provide employment leads; outreach to prospective employers. Mentoring also scheduling wrap around services for Clients.
EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AT RUTGERS UNIVERSITY NEW BRUNSWICK
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
LIFE SKILLS COORDINATOR PROJECT USE TRENTON N.J. 2007-2009.
CLINICAL COUNSELOR I/II GATEWAY FOUNDATION YARDVILLE N.J. 2003-2006
CHRISTIAN JOHNSON-WILLIAMS, Assistant Reviewer
EDUCATION:
BACHELOR OF ARTS, ENGLISH (2004), ENGLISH MAJOR,
MOREHOUSE COLLEGE, ATLANTA, GEORGIA
Jeremiah Odeh, Lead Supervisor
EDUCATION:
Associates Degree in Fashion Design and the arts • 2004 • Bauder College
Ministerial ordination for the clergy • 2014 • N.F.L | Devoted Believers
With more than 15 years of experience in social service, youth mentorship, and advocacy; who serves as a catalyst to cultivate leadership within our youth and community.
- • Community Outreach / Spiritual Counseling / Operations Management
- • Project Management / Mentorship
HAJJA SAFIYYA SHARIF, M. Div.
Administrative Assistant / Life Coach
EDUCATION:
Graduated Central High School, Newark, NJ
Essex College of Business, Newark, NJ
Shaw University, Raleigh, North Carolina
Undergraduate Studies, Behavior Science/Public Admin.
Graduate Studies, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ
Summer Non-Profit Management
Adkins Life Skills Certification, New York University
Licensed Insurance Agent – State of NJ/NY
Notary Public – Essex County/NJ
United Way Project Leadership Fellow, Rutgers University
University Center for Strategic Urban Community Leadership
Masters of Divinity Degree – Seminary
BEHAVIORAL AIDE / LIFE COACH Behavioral Aide provides support services to include supervising, behavioral management, and transporting/escorting children, adolescents and teens as required through approved authorizations from the social services, individuals, etc. Under general supervision, provides one-on-one behavioral interventions with children and youth receiving specialty behavioral health services in the client’s home/residential placement/school or during community outings; performs related work as assigned. Provides one on one direct behavioral intervention with children/youth. Serves as a positive role model for the child/youth. Provides time-structuring activities. Provides immediate behavioral reinforcements. Provides appropriate time-out strategies. Provides cognitive behavioral approaches, such as cognitive restructuring. Collaboration with and support for the family caregivers’ efforts to provide a positive environment for the child/youth. Assists the child/youth to engage in, or remain engaged in, appropriate activities. Helps to minimize the child/youth’s impulsive behavior. Helps to increase the child/youth’s social and community competencies by building or reinforcing those daily living skills that will assist the child/youth in living successfully at home and in the community. Assists in developing the child/youth’s ability to sustain self-directed appropriate behavior, internalize a sense of social responsibility, and/or enable participation proactively in community activities. Ensures safety of client at all times during the provision of Behavioral Services; remains responsive to the client’s needs. Reports incidences of suspected of child abuse in compliance with mandated reporting requirements. Communicates professionally with clients, parents, and guardians. Maintains accurate, complete, and correct progress notes and other written records in accordance with program policies. Submits notes within the timeframe stated in program policies. Complies with guidelines and policies. Follows program policies and procedures. Ability to work a varied schedule, including evenings, weekends, and early mornings.
THE HER GROUP INSTRUCTORS:
The heart of our Human Development Program success is our unique staff.
They comprise individuals who have experienced the same circumstances as the youth/adults to be serviced. They have walked in their shoes. It is essential that instructors maintain a standard of empathy and understanding in order to affect the success that is inevitable.
Our instructors have a genuine regard for our youth/adults and know that one must maintain feelings of respect for their feelings, positive expectations, discipline (training that develops self-control, efficiency and character), attention, compliments and consistency is critical to their ultimate success.
Instructors are certified in The H.E.R. Group philosophy and methodology. Instructors are responsible for providing quality human development instructions to participants.
Instructors are responsible for ensuring that the participant is challenged and experiences a meaningful lesson during the workshops and or training sessions.
The Instructors will ensure that the program reflects and meets the needs of the participants and will adhere to the curriculum as outlined in the curriculum manual and company guidelines.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Provide appropriate, intellectually stimulating instruction in each session by taking into account the unique abilities of each participant.
2. Monitor the behavior of the clientele.
3. Coordinate with the participating organizations and agencies to ensure a successful operation.
4. Be present to consult with various agencies and or clientele family members.
5. Submit reports in a timely manner.
6. Submit a final performance review for each clientele prior to the closing ceremony.
7. Attend Final Program Ceremonies.
These responsibilities apply only to our certified instructors.
The instructors are responsible for training 18- 32 participants per class during the 2 hours per day, 5 days per week, 6-8 weeks of training.
Instructors are certified trained to safeguard the process and promote interaction within the groups without passing judgment or imposing personal values and opinions. The instructors must also deal with high levels of anger and frustration from the participants.