THE TEAM

Dr. Daphne C. Watkins is a University Diversity and Social Transformation Professor and Professor of Social Work at the University of Michigan. For two decades, has studied race, gender, and mental health over the life course. In addition to the YBMen Project, Dr. Watkins is the Founding Director of the Gender and Health Research (GendHR) Lab and the Certificate Program in Mixed Methods Research at the University of Michigan.

Keith has dedicated his 10+ year-long career to leading systems and narrative change efforts rooted in the healing, growing, and thriving of boys and young men of color. He has both passion for and expertise in working with organizations committed to reflective, healing-centered and culturally sustaining work culture. As Managing Director, Keith is supporting the expansion of YBMen’s transformative journey not only to show what is possible for young Black men and boys but, in doing so, reimagine healing, growing, and thriving for us all.

Dr. James Ellis is an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan who investigates relationships between education pipeline experiences and racial-ethnic and low-income student pathways to college enrollment and degree completion. His scholarship examines the nexus between college readiness program participation, developmental approaches to college readiness, social support from peers and adults, and racism and discrimination in education settings.

Sharon Norris-Shelton has an extensive background in developing and directing programs to increase academic learning opportunities for K-12 students and early-career scholars from historically underrepresented communities. She has also co-directed a multi-million dollar funded program to identify strategies that improve life outcomes for boys and men of color. Sharon has Bachelor's and Master's degrees in business and administration.

Dr. Charles Graham, Jr. is a Psychiatric Clinical Social Worker and Psychologist at the University of Michigan and an Assistant Professor at Eastern Michigan University in the Department of Social Work. He received BA degrees in Social Welfare and Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and Masters and PhD degrees from the University of Michigan in Social Work and Psychology.

Paul Jacobs is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan. To date, he has worked extensively with boys and young men of color on issues involving their emotional health and developmental transitions.

Brittany Ribeiro Brown is a joint Ph.D. student in social work and psychology at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on the impact of racism on health and well-being. She is interested in racial identity development, critical consciousness, racial vigilance, and appropriated racism related to racial health disparities.

Keion Harris is a senior at the University of Michigan, who will soon earn a BA in Psychology. He plans to pursue his PhD in a mental/public health related field. Keion aspires to have a career in academia and research tackling many issues such as health disparities, inequalities and social determinants of health in underserved communities.

Jessica is a MSW candidate in the University of Michigan School of Social Work. She has also worked in nonprofits like The Aspen Institute and Council of Chief State School Officers, where she oversaw a range of projects from planning and design through implementation to support education providers. Jessica is a lifelong learner and passionate about building creative, inclusive and diverse spaces where every person feels they belong.

Kiyoshi Shelton earned his B.A. in Communications with a minor in African American Studies from Eastern Michigan University. For the past 10 years, Kiyoshi has worked in various leadership roles as a teacher, coach, and mentor for youth and musicians.

Dr. Ed-Dee G. Williams is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan School of Social Work. He received his BA in Sociology, MSW, and Ph.D. in the joint program in Social Work and Sociology, all from the University of Michigan. While pursuing his MSW, Ed-Dee worked with youth offenders who had experienced severe emotional and physical abuse using therapeutic interventions to help guide their paths during their transition out of residential juvenile facilities.

Dr. Natasha Johnson is a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow. Her research interests are examining protective factors associated with socially and economically disadvantaged populations in an agenda to promote the improvement of mental health, academic success, civic engagement, and self-efficacy. Dr. Johnson earned her Bachelor's Degree from Spelman College and her MSW, MA, and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan.

Dr. Nkemka Anyiwo is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania. She earned her PhD in the joint program in Social Work and Developmental Psychology at the University of Michigan. Her research examines how Black adolescents receive and interpret messages about their race and gender from media, families, and schools, and the implication of these messages on their psychological well-being.

Dr. Janelle Goodwill is an Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago. Her research interests include exploring the mental health needs and well-being among Black men, focusing on matters related to depression, suicidality, and spirituality. Dr. Goodwill earned her Bachelor's Degree from Michigan State University and her MSW, MA, and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan.

Dr. Allura Casanova is a Visiting Assistant Professor who earned her Ph.D. in Psychology and Women's and Gender Studies at the University of Michigan. She is an interdisciplinary researcher who focuses on how masculinity shapes marginalized cis-gender men’s understanding of manhood and how gender influences their experiences of sexual harassment, discrimination, and mental health. More specifically, she looks at issues related to men that are often overlooked due to assumptions and preconceived notions about how men are expected to act.

Reginald Hammond, Jr. obtained his Bachelors of Science in Movement Science at the University of Michigan in 2014. Throughout his undergraduate experience, Reginald has provided student support in various leadership roles. He has developed a passion for dissipating the stigma associated with mental health. Reginald is currently a graduate student in the Higher Education and Student Affairs program at Eastern Michigan University.