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Tamika Thomas is a dedicated drug and alcohol counselor who has devoted over 15 years of her life to working in prevention and early intervention programs aimed at helping young people make positive choices. Tamika began her career as a counselor in her early 20s,graduating from Intercoast College obtaining a certificate as a drug and alcohol counselor. She then did her inter hours at Vista Guidance center and since then, she has been committed to guiding and supporting young people through the many challenges they face.
Tamika is a highly trained counselor who has worked with young people from all walks of life, and she has helped countless individuals overcome substance abuse and addiction. Her approach is grounded in compassion, and she takes great care to create a safe and supportive environment where young people can feel comfortable sharing their struggles and working towards recovery.
Tamika believes that every young person deserves the opportunity to live a happy and healthy life, free from the harmful effects of drug and alcohol abuse. Her tireless dedication to this mission has earned her the respect and admiration of her peers, as well as the gratitude of the many young people whose lives she has touched.
Stephanie is originally from Puerto Rico and moved to Lancaster, PA in January of 2014. She has been in the field of restorative practices since 2017. For four years, she worked in a charter school as a restorative practices coordinator. With the support of the school principal she was able to create a plan to improve behaviors, reduce suspensions, and build stronger relationships between staff and students. By working with low income inner-city students, she was able to identify the gaps of the educational system. Her implementation of restorative practices led her to discover that even the students classified as “problematic” could become great leaders. She gave the students the space to cope with negative behaviors and taught them how to better communicate, which yielded noticeable shifts in their conducts. Her relationship with students builds on her desire to be a youth mentor as she advocates for what they need to positively redirect them .
As a latina, that also was raised in the projects, she understands the importance of trust and opportunities. She believes that students will only give you the best version of themselves when they completely trust you. She believes that:
“When students trust you, you will have the opportunity to build relationships, truly know the students and have experiences that you never imagined you could have with them”.
Steph’s Vision is created with the mission to serve our communities by developing strong relationships within school, organizations, and workplaces. Her vision is to use individual values, emotion coping tools and restorative knowledge to create safe and healthy environments.
Jeo Ramos is a dynamic life speaker, motivational bridge builder, and rapper deeply passionate about the stories that shape individuals. His journey is a testament to triumph over adversity, transforming his own life by helping others discover their greatness. Jeo’s mission is to empower youth across all avenues, whether through his inspiring speeches, poetic expressions, or restorative practices. He believes in highlighting the truth, beauty, and goodness within every individual, especially our youth, guiding them to become their best selves.
Hip-hop culture has profoundly influenced Jeo, teaching him to value every person as significant. As a storyteller and spoken word artist, he champions family values and emphasizes the power of addressing emotional wounds, establishing boundaries, and nurturing a positive self-image. Jeo Ramos is dedicated to guiding others on their journey of self-discovery and renewal, encouraging them to see the greatness within themselves and embrace their unique role in the world.
Johnny Vega was born into a home in the Bronx, New York, where gang violence was the norm. When he was five years old, his mother and stepfather moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania to get him away from the drugs and gang violence so that was so prevalent in New York City.
Growing up, Johnny played sports and earned good grades, although he was attracted to the “street life.” By the time he was 20 years old, he was an influential gang leader and top-tier drug dealer. That all changed when the day Federal Agents arrested him. As a result of that arrest and subsequent conviction, he spent ten years in federal prison. In 2008, Johnny was released from prison and began his mission to make a positive difference in his community.
The mentoring programs and project-based curriculums he created are used in several cities in Pennsylvania. Along with his many awards, Johnny received an honorary Doctorate for his efforts in positively impacting youth. Johnny’s greatest reward is being able to influence others so they won’t travel the same destructive path he traveled. He encourages people, young and old, to make better choices.
John Nieves, also known as “DJF8TH,” is a seasoned Deputy Sheriff serving Lancaster County in Pennsylvania. With two decades of experience, he has mastered various skills and roles.
As a DJ, John has graced stages across the East Coast and beyond, performing in concerts, fairs, stadiums, and alongside renowned artists. His expertise lies in mixing music and engaging crowds to create memorable experiences.
In the realm of dance, John has contributed significantly as an instructor at a leading dance studio. Under his guidance, the studio has achieved remarkable success with six national championships and one world championship. John’s passion for HipHop extends to his work with students of all ages, fostering a positive culture and inspiring change.
His crew competes nationally, reflecting John’s commitment to excellence and artistic expression. Beyond entertainment, John and his team prioritize academic achievement and life skills development, particularly during standardized testing periods.
Dominique Miller-Shell also known as Coach Dom. Is currently a Musical Lyricist/ DJ / Spoken Word Artist that resides in Lancaster City, Lancaster Pa. He has been honing his crafts now for 10 plus years.
As a DJ and Spoken Word Poet, he has toured up and down the east coast and beyond, performing in multiple concerts, fairies, stadiums, and for various famous artists. He specializes in captivating his audience and moving a crowd.
As a Poet he has been teaching at a professional level and also working with our youth. He has captured many awards and has been honored on numerous occasions. He has been teaching at elementary, middle, and high schools in preparation to help others develop the best version of themselves and enjoys spreading the culture of HipHop along with a positive message to inspire hope and change in other’s lives. He works with Team Choices, and travel all over the country.
Tyquan Wright, also known as DJ OO (pronounced double O), hails from Lancaster, PA, where he was born and raised. He pursued his education at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, graduating with an associate’s degree in business administration. Following his academic journey, Tyquan embarked on a fulfilling career centered around coaching and mentorship.
With a passion for youth development dating back to 2005, Tyquan Wright dedicated nearly two decades to coaching young individuals at various levels. His extensive experience in education and advocacy is evident through his role as a paraeducator in the School District of Lancaster for over 10 years, coupled with more than 15 years of service as a before and after-school supervisor for the Lancaster Recreation Commission.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Tyquan is deeply passionate about sports, music, and nurturing the potential of the next generation. His commitment to empowering youth and creating positive impacts within his community underscores his dedication and leadership in education and youth advocacy work.