Speakers and Presenters
Domestic Violence and Mental Health Summit 2025
Bridging the Gap in Community Connections
to Support Children and Families
Thursday, June 5, 2025 • 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Hybrid Event
Host/Moderator
Tonya Rivens
Tonya Rivens is an award-winning Journalist with more than 30 years in radio, ten years in television and is a feature writer for a monthly publication. Tonya received…
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Charles Eugene Thompson
Dr. Charles Eugene Thompson is a native of Queens, New York. He is also a second-generation pastor. Dr. Thompson grew up doing whatever the church needed…
Chaplain Harry Burns
MA, BCC
Chaplain Burns, is a Chaplain at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C. He has also served as a Community Engagement Specialist with the…
Irish Jean Benton
Irish is the founder of H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Evolve) Coaching and Counseling Services. She is the mother of three children and grandmother of …
Mark Jerrell
Mark Jerrell serves as chair of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners and represents District 4, which comprises the eastern part of Mecklenburg County. He was…
Pamela Blount
Pamela Blount is a native of Peachland, NC in Anson County. She is a certified speaker & advocate with the Mecklenburg County Speakers Bureau in Charlotte, NC. Pamela…
Rev. Dr. Claude Ellis Forehand II
Dr. Forehand is a native of Lakewood N.J. He completed his undergraduate studies in Business Administration and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1995 from…
Yasin Holland
Yasin Holland is a Victim Advocate at Safe Alliance. He works in Lake Norman where he provides support, education, empowerment, and resources to survivors of Sexual…
Rev. LeDayne McLeese Polaski
Rev. LeDayne McLeese Polaski has been the Executive Director of MeckMIN (Mecklenburg’s Metropolitan Interfaith Network) since October 2019…
Rev. Beverly Burns
Rev. Beverly Burns is a native of New Bern, N.C. Rev. Burns earned an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education from Central Piedmont Community College in…
Keldrick Wilson
Keldrick Wilson is a Child Protective Services investigator for Catawba County Department of Social Services. He is also an employee at the Alexander…
Joseph Graham Jr.
Joseph Graham Jr. is the Faith and Wellness Program Facilitator responsible for program coordination and development for faith and mental wellness, capacity building…
Jason Accashian
Jason Accashian is a father of 3 children and a domestic violence survivor. He was born in Richmond VA and raised by his mother and grandparents. Jason is currently…
Sydney Giesey, MSW, LCSW-A
Sydney Giesey, MSW, LCSW-A, is a Domestic Violence Counselor at Atrium Health’s Domestic Violence Healthcare Project (DVHP), with nearly a decade of…
Crystal Gatewood
Crystal Gatewood is a licensed clinician and Domestic Violence Liaison at Mecklenburg County’s Community Support Services. She provides Domestic Violence counseling…
Jennifer M. Thomas, PhD
Dr. Jennifer Thomas serves as the Chief Psychologist for Assessment Services at Teen Health Connection in Charlotte, NC. Teen Health Connection is a leading provider…
Anabel Paniagua-Doyle is a dedicated advocate for underserved communities, with extensive experience in human services, finance, and education. Most recently, she served…
Rev. Dr. Sandra H. Gripper is was ordained in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and is currently a retired pastor after 33 years. She holds a Doctor of Ministry from…
Brent W. Jones
Brent W. Jones is Executive Director of Service & Outreach at StoneBridge Church Community in Charlotte, North Carolina. He received his BA in international relations from…
Spencer Merriweather is District Attorney for Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, after having been appointed in 2017 by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper and elected to full terms…
With nearly 20 years of dedicated experience in the human services field, Lisa McLaughlin has passionately worked to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and…
Honarable Tyyawdi Hands
The Honarable Tyyawdi Hands known as Judge Ty Hands is a devoted mother, committed community servant and race equity change agent. Born and raised in Las Vegas…