Meet The Team

Program Facilitator

Kae'Chauna Houston

Kae’Chauna Houston is an Upstate New York native who has a vast background in mental health support and education. She brings a unique blend of professional training, lived experience, and authentic voice to every space she steps into. As a supervised master’s level counseling trainee and certified therapeutic life, relationship, and academic coach, Kae’Chauna creates work that centers healing, growth, and empowerment, especially within BIPOC communities. What sets her apart is her approach—She doesn’t show up with fluff or gimmicks. Kae’chauna shows up with raw honesty, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to making sure people feel seen and heard. Whether it’s through coaching, counseling, or workshops, her focus is on impact, not performance. Her belief is "your journey to prosperity begins with you" and by showing up daily, you are one step closer.

Program Facilitator 

Roshawn Kershaw

Roshawn Kershaw is a passionate leader in higher education, dedicated to empowering the next generation of professionals through experiential learning, leadership development, and community-building. As the Assistant Director of Experiential Programs at the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, Roshawn plays a key role in shaping dynamic, real-world learning opportunities that help students grow both personally and professionally. 

Through her thoughtful programming and mentorship, she supports students in exploring their career paths, refining professional skills, and forging meaningful connections across the Whitman community. 

Originally from New York City, Roshawn gained a new love for Central New York. She graduated as Salutatorian of her class at the former Cazenovia College earning a Bachelor's of Science in Human Services and went on to earn her Master's of Public Administration at Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

Program Facilitator 

Terrian Garvis

Terrian Garvis (he/him) serves as Assistant Director at SUNY Oswego, where he brings people together to expand connections and opportunities. He works closely with students, faculty, and staff to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and he leads conversations on microaggressions, identity, and meaningful dialogue. He also partners across campus to deepen understanding of identity‑based and religious observances.

At the heart of everything he does is a deep love for the betterment of Black men's social and mental capacities. Terrian is committed to creating spaces where Black males are affirmed, supported, and celebrated, and he pours his energy into mentorship and connections that uplift their voices and experiences.

Outside of his role, Terrian is an active member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., and enjoys thoughtful and fun experiences such as yoga, ziplining, and traveling.

Social Media & Communications Manager

June Young

June Young is a dedicated educator, community leader, and advocate for rest as a radical pathway to healing and collective wellness. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Black Women Rest, a nonprofit organization that curates transformative spaces for Black women to rest, reconnect, and restore through intentional programming, community gatherings, and holistic wellness initiatives.

June holds a Master of Arts in Teaching Science from Colgate University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Howard University. She is also a certified yoga teacher and Reiki practitioner, weaving somatic and energetic healing practices into her community wellness work. With a background in education, STEM, and holistic healing, June has served in various capacities—from classroom instruction and academic intervention to workforce development. As a military spouse, she has engaged with communities across the country, carrying her commitment to equity, education, and collective well-being wherever she goes.

Program Facilitator

LaToya Jones

LaToya Jones, BSHSA, MPH, is a doctoral student in Organizational Leadership and a

mission-driven executive, health equity strategist, and disability advocate with nearly 30 years of

experience leading initiatives at the intersection of public health, organizational leadership, and

community engagement.

She is the Founder & CEO of LaToya Monique LLC, a consulting and leadership firm established

in 2017, and the Founding President of The Joe Family Foundation for Disability Advocacy, Inc.

Through these two organizations, LaToya demonstrates her capacity for executive leadership,

brand development, and sustainable growth. LaToya Monique LLC is built on three pillars:

strategic consulting, leadership coaching, and healing-centered equity initiatives. Its newest

offering, RECLAIM: Leadership After Trauma, is a healing-centered leadership experience

designed for professionals navigating bias, burnout, and complex workplace challenges.

Currently pursuing her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in

Organizational Development, LaToya’s doctoral research focuses on the gender pay gap, equity

in executive leadership, and the wellness of women of color in the workplace. She also teaches

Social Determinants of Health in higher education, equipping the next generation of healthcare

professionals with tools to address systemic inequities in clinical and community practice.

LaToya is a mental health champion and a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, certified by the

National Council for Mental Wellbeing. She integrates this expertise into her leadership

development and training work, equipping individuals and organizations to recognize and

respond to mental health challenges with empathy and skill.

She is a 2023 graduate of Leadership Greater Syracuse, the Essential Conceptions Leadership

Experience, the Leadership Classroom, and the Gifford Foundation’s Nourishing Tomorrow’s

Leaders program. She also serves in regional governance roles, including Chair of the Health

Equity Committee at the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York, Tri-Chair of the

Central New York Health Equity Task Force, a member of Crouse Health’s Diversity, Equity,

Inclusion, and Belonging Advisory Board, and a board member of Leadership Greater Syracuse.

Her leadership is grounded in compassion, lived experience, and the belief that healing and

leadership are deeply connected.

Program Facilitator 

Elijah Haskins

My name is Elijah Haskins, and I’m a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Specialist at Helio Health. With 3.5 years of experience in the field of substance abuse and mental health, I am also a CASAC Trainee, nearing the completion of my certification. I am thrilled to join the Half Hood Half Holistic team and contribute to its mission.

Administrative Assistant 

Donja Carpenter

Donja Carpenter is a dedicated virtual assistant, where she thrives on creating meaningful connections and fostering community growth. With a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Liberty University, Donja brings a deep understanding of human behavior and development to her work, enriching her ability to support diverse teams and projects effectively.

From Central New York, Donja enjoys hiking and visiting the water surrounding the city while finding good food to try!

Now joining the Half Hood Half Holistic team, Donja is eager to combine her expertise and passion for collaboration to help continue the mission and strengthen the community.

Program Facilitator

Serina Elliot 

Serina Elliott interned at Half Hood Half Holistic from 2024–2025 and earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Syracuse University in 2025.

Serina currently works full-time as a care manager. Through her work with Half Hood Half Holistic, she has facilitated and participated in virtual events, including Tribe Check-Ins and Self-Love Sundays. She also facilitates community-based group sessions, including work within an Onondaga County detention center and in collaboration with community organizations partnered with Half Hood Half Holistic.

Driven by curiosity and a desire to learn and connect, Serina values pushing herself beyond her comfort zone. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family and being outdoors during the summer.

Program Facilitator

Jasmine Thompson

Jasmine Thompson, MSW, is an elementary school-based therapist specializing in social and emotional development. She is deeply committed to empowering folks of color in their healing journeys and unapologetically advocates for mental health access and equity within the Syracuse community. As a facilitator for Half Hood Half Holistic, she creates transformative spaces rooted in authenticity, accountability, and holistic healing. To Jasmine, this work is about honoring your roots, reclaiming your narrative, and doing the intentional work to grow.