At Bernadette’s House, our strength is in our people. From board leadership to program coordinators,
each team member plays a vital role in empowering girls ages 8–17 to believe, blossom, and soar
each team member plays a vital role in empowering girls ages 8–17 to believe, blossom, and soar
Executive Leadership
Tanya Martin Johnson
CEO + Meet Tanya
Tanya Johnson Martin brings over 30 years of experience in education and advocacy to her role as CEO of Bernadette’s House. A native of Pikesville, MD, Tanya has spent her career championing equity, fairness, and human rights—particularly for middle and late-aged children. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Morgan State University, along with two master’s degrees: one in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola College and another as a Reading Specialist. Tanya has served in leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels. Her lifelong passion for education and justice continues to inspire her mission to build a more inclusive and empowered future for girls and families through Bernadette’s House. 
Terri Fuller
VP, Programming & Impact + Meet Terri
Terri Fuller is a dedicated educator and leader with more than two decades of experience in teaching, coaching, and school leadership. She currently serves as Principal at Plummer Elementary School in Washington, DC, where she focuses on mentoring teachers, strengthening family and community partnerships, and creating learning environments where all children can thrive. With a career spanning classroom teaching, instructional coaching, and district-wide leadership, Terri has guided measurable gains in literacy and math achievement, teacher development, and student engagement. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Howard University, building on advanced degrees from Georgetown University, Trinity Washington University, and Bowie State University. Beyond her professional achievements, Terri is passionate about volunteering and working with youth. She believes in the power of mentorship, positive role models, and community service to open doors for the next generation. At Bernadette’s House, she brings her expertise and her heart for service to help design programs that inspire girls to believe in themselves, blossom in their gifts, and soar into their futures. |
Syvella Brantley
President, Executive Board + Meet Syvella
Syvella Brantley has been part of Bernadette’s House since its founding 13 years ago, playing a key role in filing the Articles of Incorporation and completing the 501(c)(3) application that established the organization. Over the years she has contributed in many capacities, and today, serving as President of the Executive Board, she sees her leadership as a full-circle moment in a journey of service. A seasoned Digital Project Manager and entrepreneur, Syvella has delivered more than 100 websites and led creative, technical, and marketing initiatives for businesses and nonprofits. She is the founder of Blue Butterfly Marketing, where she combines expertise in project management with creative strategy to help organizations grow their presence and impact. Syvella holds a Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning with Technology and a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Ashford University. She is also pursuing her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Passionate about working with youth, education, and community service, Syvella brings both professional skill and heartfelt commitment to Bernadette’s House. She believes in the power of mentorship and opportunity to inspire girls to believe in themselves, blossom in their gifts, and soar into their futures. 
Karen Monasingh
Executive Secretary + Meet Karen
Karen Monasingh is an experienced administrative and operations professional with over 13 years of expertise supporting nonprofits, schools, and businesses. Known for her strong organizational skills and ability to bring structure and clarity to dynamic environments, Karen has successfully managed projects, streamlined processes, and supported executive teams in achieving their goals. Her diverse skill set spans online marketing, project coordination, and community outreach, making her a trusted leader and collaborator. As a devoted homeschool advocate, Karen has homeschooled her three children and continues to champion the value of flexible, individualized education. She has served as Project Manager for SHABACH Ministries Homeschool, where she supported families and coordinated programs to ensure youth had access to enriching learning experiences. Passionate about empowering young people, Karen brings both professional excellence and personal dedication to her role at Bernadette’s House. She believes in the power of mentorship, education, and faith-driven service to equip the next generation of girls to thrive with confidence and purpose. |
Kendall Smith
VP, External Affairs + Meet Kendall
Kendall Smith, Ms. Maryland Black United States® 2026, began her pageant journey after meeting Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron while competing as a Top 12 finalist for Miss Dance of the United States. Inspired by that encounter, she went on to hold five Miss America Organization titles, earning multiple Top 10 placements, Talent Preliminary Awards, and placing 2nd Runner-Up to Miss Maryland in 2015. Today, Kendall serves as Local Executive Director of the Miss Montgomery County Scholarship Organization, where she has guided numerous winners and finalists over the past eight years. She is the creator of F.I.E.R.C.E. — Fostering achievement through Inspiring, Empowering, Reaching goals, Creating opportunities, and Executing a plan by way of mentorship — and partners with organizations such as Preemies Today, March of Dimes, STEM-ING, Girl Scouts, Ronald McDonald House, and She Votes Inc. She also serves as a mentor through Community Bridges. Beyond her community work, Kendall is a Flight Attendant for a major U.S. airline, traveling both domestically and internationally while sharing her light with others. Through her reign and beyond, she is committed to empowering the next generation — crown or no crown. 
Cynthia Pines
Treasurer + Meet Cynthia
Cynthia Pines joined Bernadette’s House in 2024, bringing with her over 20 years of progressive experience in project and program management across both the public and private sectors. She has successfully led complex initiatives, established project management frameworks, and overseen multi-million-dollar budgets with precision and accountability. Known for her ability to bridge strategic vision with practical execution, Cynthia is committed to driving measurable outcomes and lasting impact. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in E-Commerce, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP). Cynthia is also a licensed insurance broker and a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®) candidate. Beyond her corporate and consulting experience, she is the Founder of The Wealth Depot, where she helps everyday people strengthen their financial literacy and build generational wealth. Cynthia embraces the proverb “it takes a village” and is proud to be part of that village at Bernadette’s House. She brings her leadership expertise, dedication to mentorship, and passion for community uplift to help nurture and inspire the next generation of young girls. |
Committee Chairs & Directors
Ravenna Chase
Programs & Impact Chair & STEAM - Program Coordinator + Meet Ravenna
Ravenna A. Chase is a dedicated technologist with over thirty years of experience and a passion for leveraging her skills to improve lives and strengthen communities. As a Computer Scientist at the Defense Information Systems Agency, she brings extensive experience in systems engineering, project management, and technical oversight to support critical initiatives. Her background includes significant work in healthcare IT, including developing a cancer screening system for the State of Maryland and maintaining the National Cancer Institute's State Cancer Legislative Database for many years. Ravenna is known for her analytical abilities, her meticulous attention to detail, and her commitment to delivering high-quality results. Beyond her professional role, Ravenna is deeply committed to service. She has served on the boards of IT associations like the Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) and the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP). Recognizing the importance of preparing the next generation, she also served on the Johns Hopkins University Curriculum Development Center Program advisory board, contributing to the development of a Healthcare IT curriculum for community colleges. Ravenna is also a strong advocate for STEM education, volunteering her time to inspire and encourage young people to pursue careers in science and technology. She actively participated in events that challenge younger generations to work collaboratively through problem-solving. With dual Master's degrees in Information Technology and Business Administration, she is committed to continuous learning and applying her knowledge to make a meaningful impact. 
Sara Foster
Community Engagement Director Meet Sara
Sara has a passion for youth development, community service, and mentorship. With a strong background in tech and her current experience as a nonprofit recruitment manager, she brings several transferable skills to Bernadette's House. Sara joined the organization in 2025. |
KèIra R. Brown
Programs & Impact Co-Chair & Blossom Mentoring Coordinator + Meet Keira
KèIra R. Brown is originally from sunny Los Angeles, CA, and now based in the DMV. Keira R. Brown is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, former foster youth, and passionate advocate for equity and empowerment. She currently serves as Vice President of Policy and Performance Management at the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, where she leads transformative initiatives that shape housing policy and strengthen resident-agency relationships. Alongside her leadership role, KèIra owns and operates The Kindness Korner, a part-time private practice that offers therapy and empowerment services designed to support individuals in navigating life’s challenges with resilience and compassion. KèIra holds a Master of Social Work from Western New Mexico University,a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in Africana Studies from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Social Work at the University of Kentucky, with a focus on administrative leadership. Deeply inspired by her own journey as a former foster youth, KèIra has built her career around giving back the same support and opportunities that once helped shape her. She is also a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., initiated in Fall 2015 through the Omicron Rho Chapter at California State University, Dominguez Hills, where her commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, and service further enhances her impact in both professional and community spaces. Beyond her professional work, KèIra is an avid world traveler, concert connoisseur, and lover of cultural exploration, always bringing a blend of fun, authenticity, and dedication to every space she enters. |
Dr. Courtney Gibbs
Volunteer & Mentor Chair & Blossom Mentoring Director + Meet Courtney
Dr. Courtney Gibbs is a native of Dallas, Texas, and a proud HBCU graduate of both Clark Atlanta University and Howard University. She is a dedicated education leader and serves as the Connected Schools Manager for the District of Columbia Public Schools at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School. In her role, Dr. Gibbs coordinates school-community partnerships, leads family engagement initiatives, and connects students and families with essential community resources and support services. Dr. Gibbs earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Howard University, where her dissertation focused on the experiences of school-community partners implementing social-emotional learning (SEL) programs in secondary schools throughout DC Public Schools. Deeply committed to equity and the well-being of students, she works tirelessly to create environments where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered to pursue their goals. Outside of her educational and professional endeavors, Dr. Gibbs enjoys traveling, discovering new restaurants, and exploring new hobbies around the city. |
Program Coordinators & Staff
Mellina Stephens
Financial Literacy - Program Coordinator
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Naomie Church
Communication / Development Chair
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Honorary Directors
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Andrea L. DiCarlo-Cohen, PhD
Andrea Cohen has been a dedicated supporter of Bernadette’s House for seven years, including three years as President (2022-2024). A scientist by profession, she continues to share her expertise and passion by serving on the Fundraising Committee Grace Saunders, PhD Adjunct Instructor, Criminal Justice, Founding President, 2012-2014 Janice Wright, MA Chaplin Assistant, Author, Poet, Speaker |
