Meet The Team

BOARD MEMBERS:

	Donna-maria Harris Program Manager, Marketing/Communications Director Donna-maria is the TeenFest Foundation founder. In 2004 she combined her love of performing arts with her passion for teen social and health issues and the concept of TeenFest was born. What began as an idea for a traveling teen theater troupe performing original anti-drug skits quickly morphed into a performance art talent showcase with all acts having an anti-substance or anti-violence theme. TeenFest Foundation was born one year later. The goal has always been to empower teens to relay the key messages using their own creative voices, thereby delivering life-saving information to their peers. In her professional life, Donna-maria is a communications specialist and award winning journalist with more than 20 years’ experience in broadcast media as a manager, producer and on-air talent. Currently, she works as a sustainability engagement manager, overseeing marketing and communications, building partnerships, and developing collaborative opportunities focused on energy management and renewable energy, electric vehicle infrastructure, environmental responsibility, economic development and social equity. Donna-maria is a graduate of North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.
	Dr. Jennifer Rounds-Bryant Executive Director Dr. Jennifer L. Rounds-Bryant is a licensed practicing Clinical Psychologist in North Carolina, with 17 years of experience in the research and treatment of substance abuse and dependence. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1995.  Her career has been that of the scientist-practitioner psychologist, working at research institutes, in community-based treatment programs, and for both Federal and state prison systems doing both research and treatment with substance abusers. Despite her specialization in substance abuse and dependence, Dr. Rounds-Bryant views herself as an adult clinical generalist, with an interest in all forms of adult psychopathology and human behavior. Toward that end, she is the author of the book series “5 Ugly Facts About Human Behavior” (www.5uglyfacts.com). Dr. Rounds-Bryant’s current role as Faculty at both Capella University and the University of Phoenix adds the third dimension of educator to her experience as a scientist-practitioner.
	Stephen Evans Technical Manager Stephen W. Evans is a graduate of Central Carolina Community College with a degree in Broadcast Communications and has more than a decade of experience as a broadcast engineer with a passion for television productions & promotions. His 14 years of experience as a YMCA counselor drives him to help steer youth in a positive direction. Stephen has been associated with TeenFest since 2007, overseeing logistics and serving as stage manager for the TeenFestival talent showcase competitions. He makes sure that TeenFest Foundation events and performances are logistically and technically solid, that the right message is conveyed to the best of each performer’s abilities, and that all shows begin and end on time.
	Timothy “Timmay Rajah” Caldwell Audio/Video & Artist Development Coordinator Tim joined the TeenFest Foundation family in 2008 as lead member of positive rap group Leviticus, an anchor act with the TeenFest Performance Troupe. Over the years he expanded his role to produce music and videos, develop promotional materials, mentor other talent, serve as a talent coach and youth adviser. Tim is a City of Raleigh Firefighter and founder of Boom Effect Productions. He is an outstanding example of TeenFest Foundation’s mission to help teens become leaders and peer advocates focused on substance abuse prevention and violence reduction. His dedication and commitment to the organization and TeenFest Foundation tenets forged a natural path to his current position and role as a board member (since 2014).
	Christopher Benjamin Director of Security & Concierge Services Christopher Benjamin has supported TeenFest Foundation since the first TeenFestival event in 2005, ensuring the safety and professionalism of the annual events. He is CEO of C&A Security and Concierge Solutions and founder of Pay It Forward community organization that organizes a monthly community feeding of the homeless population. Chris extends his professional experiences and services to TeenFest Foundation and board member (since 2014).
	Reginald Caldwell Board Member At-Large Reginald Caldwell has supported TeenFest Foundation since 2007, first as manager of Leviticus and then as TeenFest Foundation Audio Manager. He ensures that all TeenFestival events and performance troupe outings have optimal sound. Reginald is an accomplished musician and founder of Reggie’s NuVibe Band which travels and performs throughout the country. He is based in Raleigh, NC.

 

TASKFORCE MEMBERS:

	Jared Caldwell – Member since 2008; member of the TeenFest Performance Troupe; former TeenFest winner; TeenFest auditions judge; contributor to TeenFest TV and TeenFest Radio; member of Leviticus (click TF Radio button below to hear Leviticus’ performances); attends East Carolina University			Au’Brie McKoy-Marshall, MS-Couseling – Member since 2009; develops the curriculum for the Elementary Age workshop; co-facilitates the Elementary Age workshop; contributor to TeenFest TV; TeenFest auditions judge; Mental Health Clinician-Intensive In-home Team Lead
	Jafar Cooper, B.Ed – Member since 2007; co-facilitates the Elementary Age workshop; TeenFest Auditions judge; educator – Durham Public Schools			Karee Redman – Member since 2009; Adult workshop facilitator; Substance Abuse Prevention specialist
	Edward Garnes Jr., M.Ed – Member since 2006; Judge consultant; founder of From Afros to Shelltoes; music journalist; motivational speaker			Regina Stepney – Member since 2007; TeenFest auditions judge; former TeenFest winner; coordinates competing teen acts; attends NC State University
	Matthew “16” Grady – Member since 2008; created theme songs for TeenFest and TeenFest TV; member of TeenFest Performance Troupe; auditions judge; contributor to TeenFest Radio; co-founder M16 and the Full Moon Wolves. Click TF Radio buttom below to hear Matthew in action.			Shenekia Weeks, M.S.W. – Member since 2009; Teen workshop facilitator; Gang Prevention Specialist
	Lennis W. Harris, Sr. – TeenFest Foundation founding member (2004); TeenFest Safety Director; Durham City Fire Inspector/Investigator