Focus 2025 Presenters
Keynote Presenters, Panelists, and Facilitators
Sheryl Recinos, MD
Dr. Sheryl Recinos is a family medicine hospitalist physician, an accomplished author, and a dedicated advocate for youth in crisis. Her journey is one of resilience and determination, shaped by her own experiences navigating homelessness as an adolescent. At just five years old, she attempted to run away for the first time, and by the age of 13, she had fled from North Carolina to California, seeking safety on the streets of Hollywood. Despite facing numerous hardships—including incarceration in a maximum-security juvenile facility—she persevered, ultimately finding stability when she became a mother at 19.
Determined to build a better future, Dr. Recinos pursued higher education while experiencing homelessness. She graduated from high school, enrolled in community college, and later transferred to UCLA. After earning her degree, she spent eight years teaching high school biology and chemistry while simultaneously completing a second bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education. At 31, as a mother of three, she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a physician and enrolled in medical school.
Today, Dr. Recinos is the author of multiple books, including the award-winning memoir Hindsight: Coming of Age on the Streets of Hollywood, which provides a powerful account of her experiences as a homeless youth. She is also the first alumni board member at My Friend’s Place, a Hollywood-based organization supporting young people experiencing homelessness. Through her advocacy and storytelling, she works tirelessly to amplify the voices of marginalized youth, ensuring they receive the support and resources they deserve.
Lexi Higgins
Truckers Against Trafficking
Lexi Higgins serves as the Director of Industry Engagement at Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), where she leads efforts to educate and mobilize professionals in the motorcoach, transit, and school transportation industries to combat human trafficking. In this role, she oversees TAT’s Bus Program, equipping industry members with the knowledge and tools to identify and respond to trafficking situations. She also directs TAT's Youth on Transportation Initiative, bringing together key stakeholders to safeguard young people from trafficking and exploitation as they navigate their daily lives.
Higgins holds a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from the University of Washington. Her background includes roles with the Association of Junior Leagues International and the University of Washington Women’s Center. Additionally, she served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala, where she collaborated with a local nonprofit to train and support rural women’s groups. Through her leadership at TAT, she remains committed to leveraging partnerships and educational initiatives to protect vulnerable populations and disrupt trafficking networks.
Darla Bardine
National Network for Youth
Darla Bardine is a dedicated advocate and leader focused on reshaping policies and systems to improve outcomes for young people and families experiencing homelessness, poverty, violence, and exploitation. Since joining the National Network for Youth (NN4Y) in 2013 as Policy Director and later advancing to Executive Director, she has played a pivotal role in revitalizing and refocusing the organization’s mission. Combining her expertise as a public interest attorney with a deep commitment to social justice, she has driven NN4Y’s efforts to create systemic change at the national level.
Under Bardine’s leadership, NN4Y has embraced a comprehensive, intersectional approach to preventing and ending youth homelessness. She has forged strong partnerships with key service providers and has prioritized the inclusion of young people with lived experience in policy development. Her efforts have led to the establishment of NN4Y’s National Youth Advisory Council, the Policy Advisory Committee, and the annual National Summit on Youth Homelessness, significantly enhancing the organization’s reach and impact.
Before her tenure at NN4Y, Bardine distinguished herself as a grassroots organizer and policy advocate. She led the Fight Child Exploitation in Tourism Initiative in South Africa and championed transformative policy changes in the United States, particularly for families disproportionately impacted by the legal system and child welfare system. Her advocacy contributed to securing federal assistance for these families and ending the practice of belly shackling incarcerated pregnant women.
Bardine holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Pennsylvania State University, an M.A. in Nonprofit Management from the University of Roehampton, and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. Through her leadership and advocacy, she continues to drive impactful policy change to protect and support vulnerable youth and families.
Workshop Session I Presenters
Dr. Jimmy Davies
Every.Black LLC
Dr. Jimmy J. Davies is the founder of Every.Black, LLC, a company dedicated to educating and inspiring individuals to create wealth through entrepreneurship. Holding an honorary doctorate from the National Beauty Culturists' League, Inc., as well as a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics with minors in Physics and Land Surveying/Topographical Drafting from Ferris State University, Davies has combined his technical expertise with a passion for business and innovation. Through Every.Black, Davies fosters a global network of entrepreneurs, providing resources, education, and mentorship opportunities. The organization operates as a membership-based platform where entrepreneurs connect via weekly virtual mastermind meetings, engage with guest speakers, and discuss business strategies. With chapters spanning the Caribbean and Africa, Every.Black amplifies opportunities for its members through trade show promotions, social media visibility, a downloadable directory, and email outreach. Additionally, Davies leads AI and technology training through ComputerClasses.Black and facilitates entrepreneur-focused podcasts on Entrepreneurship.Black, hosted by Every.Black members.
As co-founder of the Black AI Consortium, Davies plays a pivotal role in fostering a community focused on artificial intelligence innovation, education, and application. The accompanying podcast provides a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration in the evolving field of AI. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Davies was commissioned to produce the Dr. Joe L. Dudley, Sr. Legacy Project, documenting the legacy of the renowned businessman and humanitarian, a co-founder of the DudleyQ+ brand. The project is available at JoeLDudleySr.com.
His career includes leadership roles such as president of the Raleigh/Durham Chapter of the S.B. Fuller & Joe L. Dudley, Sr. Mastermind Business Meetings, an initiative rooted in business education and networking. Davies also spent 15 years as a FileMaker database developer, contracting for companies including Apple, Design Masters Associates, Right Minds Marketing Agency, and Child Care Services Association. As the founder of MacMasters Computer Services, Davies conducted computer training workshops in over 40 cities across a dozen states, training more than 10,000 individuals on Macintosh software. His extensive client list includes NASA/Langley Research Center, all branches of the U.S. military, General Electric, Duke Medical University, and SunTrust Bank.
Davies is a recognized speaker and panelist on technology and entrepreneurship, having presented at conferences such as the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Apple’s MacWorld, and the Sickle Cell Anemia Conference. He was also contracted by Apple Computer, Inc. to establish and manage the African American Information Network (AAIN) on eWorld, an electronic bulletin board service focused on African American interests.
His professional contributions extend to founding multiple organizations, including The Association of Macintosh Trainers, which promoted high-quality Apple Macintosh support and The Association of Database Developers, an internet-based network providing expert database development assistance.
Additionally, Davies has served as an adjunct computer instructor at Tidewater Community College-Chesapeake Campus and Thomas Nelson Community College in Virginia. He has also contributed as a technology columnist and writer for EmergeNC, the "Oyster Pointer" business magazine, and "MultiCultural Review", and has been a technology expert resource for Black Enterprise Magazine.
An avid traveler, Davies has explored East Africa and Asia extensively. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., the U.S. Chess Federation, and, most importantly, is a proud father and grandfather.
Quote: “When there is change, there is opportunity. Since change is constant, there is always opportunity.” – Dr. Jimmy J. Davies
Melanie Soldevilla
CDS Family and Behavioral Health Services
Melanie Soldevilla is a dedicated professional with a diverse background in marketing, business, photography, and mass communication. As an Outreach and Safe Place Specialist with CDS Family & Behavioral Health Services, Inc.’s Interface-East Youth Program in Palatka, FL, she utilizes her broad skill set to expand awareness and accessibility of Safe Place services in Putnam County.
A U.S. Navy veteran, Soldevilla brings strong communication and organizational skills to her role, ensuring that Safe Place locations remain available and responsive to youth in need. Her commitment to community well-being is evident in her efforts to promote program services and foster connections that enhance support networks for young people. Through her work, she continues to advocate for safety, outreach, and access to critical resources for youth in crisis.
Mahogany Smart
ACH Child and Family Services
Mahogany Smart is a dedicated advocate for youth in crisis, bringing over 16 years of experience in the behavioral and mental health field. She has been a vital member of ACH Child and Family Services for more than three and a half years, initially serving as a Residential Team Supervisor for the Independent Living Program (Morris Home) before transitioning to Shelter Outreach Coordinator. She now leads efforts as the Safe Place Coordinator, ensuring young people have access to immediate safety and critical resources.
Smart holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration and possesses extensive expertise in crisis intervention, youth advocacy, and community outreach. Originally from Mississippi, she spent four years in Atlanta before settling in Texas in 2019.
Passionate about creating lasting change for vulnerable youth, Smart values Safe Place’s role in connecting young people to life-changing support. She remains committed to ensuring that every youth in crisis has access to the care, stability, and resources needed to thrive.
Judith F. Clark
Hawaii Youth Services Network
Judith Clark, MPH, serves as the Executive Director of Hawaii Youth Services Network (HYSN), a statewide coalition dedicated to supporting youth-serving organizations and strengthening capacity in the Pacific Islands. Under her leadership, HYSN fosters partnerships and collaborations that enhance services and resources for young people across the region.
Recognized for her dedication to youth advocacy, Clark was honored as Hawaii’s Outstanding Advocate for Children and Youth by the Hawaii Legislature. Through her work, she continues to champion policies and initiatives that create safer, more supportive environments for youth in need.
Laurie Padilla
National Safe Place Network
Laurie Padilla, EMBA, is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Safe Place Network (NSPN). With a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), she brings over 37 years of experience in the Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) sector and 30 years of executive leadership in local and national agencies. Her extensive background includes more than 24 years in providing financial oversight of federal grants from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), allowing her to lead impactful initiatives that strengthen communities. Padilla's expertise encompasses program development, capital campaigns, and special events, along with board and volunteer management at various levels. Her professional experience includes assessment and evaluation in child abuse and neglect, RHY, and domestic violence (DV), as well as prevention and intervention education. She has chaired national conferences and successfully completed the New Strategies Pro-gram for Nonprofit Executives at Georgetown University. In her role as CEO, Padilla oversees the management of NSPN, guiding the team in developing innovative programs that effectively assist youth in crisis. She is instrumental in shaping and communicating the organization's vision for growth and impactful service delivery. Through her advocacy work at local, state, and national levels, Padilla actively promotes youth policy and expands organizational partnerships with national, regional, and state youth service networks, fostering collaboration to enhance community resilience. Padilla ensures compliance with grant requirements and provides oversight of all programmatic, financial, and administrative matters. She maintains an engaged and active board of directors, contributing to the organization's mission and strategic goals. With a deep understanding of national trends in youth services, she has successfully secured funding and demonstrated effective financial management.
Recognized for her ability to establish and nurture partnerships, Padilla's leadership has led to stronger, more resilient communities that support vulnerable youth. Dedicated to youth safety, she is unwavering in her commitment to providing essential resources and support, ensuring that young people have the opportunities and assistance they need to thrive.
Erin Strohbehn
Youth in Need
Erin Strohbehn, MSW, LCSW, has over 20 years of experience working with young people experiencing homelessness and those involved in the child welfare system. She holds a Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis and dual bachelor's degrees in Social Work and Criminal Justice from the University of South Dakota.
As the Senior Director of Youth Programs at Youth In Need, Strohbehn oversees the organization’s housing programs, including Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living, and Rapid Rehousing. In addition to her leadership role, she contributes to national efforts to support youth in crisis as a member of the National Safe Place Network (NSPN) Advisory Board Membership Committee. Through her work, she remains committed to ensuring young people have access to safe housing, resources, and support systems that promote long-term stability and success.
Sydney Foster
Immerse Arkansas
Sydney Foster, LMSW, is a nonprofit development professional with nearly a decade of experience in grant writing and management, program evaluation, and fundraising. As the Director of Grants & Impact at Immerse Arkansas, she has played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s fundraising capacity, growing its annual budget from approximately $1 million to over $7 million. She believes that with a strong focus on relationship-building, strategic planning, and mission alignment, fundraising can be a rewarding and impactful endeavor.
Foster is also a dedicated advocate for youth, serving as a National Safe Place Network Advisory Board Member. She resides in Northwest Arkansas, where she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and toddler, as well as exploring local coffee shops.
Workshop Session II Presenters
Belinda Gates
Compass Enterprise LLC
For the past 14 years, Belinda has worked with numerous nonprofit organizations and corporate clients, specializing in executive coaching, team development retreats, and leadership development programs. She has also been a featured speaker at conferences across the United States, presenting on topics such as leadership, defining and achieving success, and productivity. Through her work, she empowers individuals and teams to maximize their potential and drive meaningful impact within their organizations.
Tammy L. Hopper, MSW, CYC-P
National Safe Place Network
Tammy L. Hopper, MSW, CYC-P, brings almost 40 years of experience as a professional youth care worker and clinician to her presentations and partnerships with organizations. Tammy’s role as the Chief Strategic Initiatives Officer within National Safe Place Network includes development and support for national initiatives and partnerships. She has served as the Chair of the National Council on Youth Policy, the Director of Public Policy for the National Network for Youth and spent 20 years as a member of the National Safe Place Advisory Board. Tammy has conducted training in 42 states over the past 35 years and is recognized as a expert facilitator of group process. Tammy is a certified trainer in trauma-informed care, Youth Thrive, Families Thrive, Child and Youth Care Foundations Training, and others. Tammy has contributed to curricula for training on human trafficking, trauma-informed care, understanding evidence-based practices, developing outcomes, and positive youth development. Tammy was also on the subject matter expert team that developed the national certification exam for grants professionals. Tammy is an advocate and enthusiastic believer in youth development and is committed to working with individuals and organizations that embrace the power and promise that comes from partnering with youth.
Alyce F. Brown
Backing Small Consulting LLC.
Alyce F. Brown is an accomplished grant writer and nonprofit leader with a proven track record of securing millions in funding for community development initiatives and nonprofit organizations. As the founder of Backing Small Consulting LLC, Brown specializes in leveraging artificial intelligence and strategic grant approaches to maximize funding opportunities for nonprofits.
Brown has led workshops at federal, state, and local levels, including conferences for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO). Through their expertise, Brown equips organizations with the tools and strategies needed to enhance sustainability and expand their impact.
Marnie Regen
Larkin Street Youth Services
Marnie Regen joined Larkin Street Youth Services in 2019 and currently serves as the Division Director of Government Relations, where she oversees the organization’s portfolio of local, county, state, and federal contracts. She also leads policy and advocacy efforts focused on addressing homelessness and poverty, actively participating in several local, regional, and national coalitions.
With a career dedicated entirely to the nonprofit sector, Regen has worked across social services, environmental justice, and education equity. She began her professional journey as a Research Analyst in the field of substance use and drug policy. In addition to her role at Larkin Street, she serves as the chair of the Board of the Gubbio Project, a drop-in space and service provider for homeless adults in San Francisco’s Mission District.
Outside of her professional commitments, Regen volunteers on bicycle advocacy initiatives and enjoys spending time outdoors with her son.
Raionna Thompson
Larkin Street Youth Services
Raionna Thompson, an Oakland native, is a passionate advocate for youth experiencing homelessness. For the past four years, she has been a vital member of Larkin Street Youth Services, using both her lived experience and advocacy skills to drive meaningful change. In her current role, she supports staff in providing critical services to youth receiving Direct Cash Transfers while continuously refining programs to better meet the needs of those served.
Thompson is committed to integrating evidence-based practices with a feedback-loop approach, ensuring that services evolve in response to the shifting needs of vulnerable youth. Her true passion lies in learning and applying knowledge to create a lasting impact on her community, fostering opportunities for young people to achieve stability and success.
Courtney Brown
Larkin Street Youth Services
Courtney Brown serves as the Division Director of Youth Development at Larkin Street Youth Services, bringing over a decade of experience in social services. Her career began in 2011 as a volunteer at a suicide hotline, and she has since held roles as a Hotline Director, Associate Director of Support Services for a permanent supportive housing program, and now oversees engagement programs at Larkin Street.
Brown’s dedication extends beyond her professional roles, as she has volunteered with the San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s needle exchange, Zen Hospice Project, Laguna Honda Hospital’s No One Dies Alone program, and Josie’s Place, where she facilitated grief groups for young people. Her passions include suicide prevention, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing, all of which shape her commitment to supporting youth and fostering a community of care.
Valerie Perez
Homeless Services Network of Central Florida
Valerie Perez, MBA, serves as the Project Coordinator at the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida. With over 13 years of experience in the homeless response system, she has established herself as a dedicated community advocate and leader. Throughout her career, Perez has been committed to amplifying the voices of unhoused youth and young adults, working to strengthen and enhance the homeless response system in Central Florida.
Workshop Session III Presenters
Christian Gozé
Homeless Services Network of Central Florida
Christian Gozé is a Youth Coordinator at the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, bringing 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Having worked with diverse populations, he has witnessed firsthand the challenges of authentic inclusion between clients and service providers. In 2021, a series of experiences led him to explore the complexities of inclusion versus integration, examining societal norms and personal biases. In 2022, he earned a diploma in Diversity & Inclusion in the workplace from ESSEC Business School, further deepening his expertise in fostering equitable environments.
Sarah Roethlinger
Youth Focus
Sarah Roethlinger serves as the Executive Director of Youth Focus, an affiliate of Alexander Youth Network in Greensboro, NC. She began her journey with Youth Focus in 2011 as a counseling intern in the outpatient office, later providing mental health therapy across outpatient, day treatment, and residential settings. From 2015 to 2019, she served as the Supportive Housing Director, overseeing multiple programs supporting youth experiencing homelessness, including Act Together (BCP), The Transitional Living Program (TLP), and My Sister Susan’s House (MGH).
A rostered Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, Roethlinger applies her expertise to support both youth and staff in creating safe, healing environments. Since becoming Executive Director in 2019, she has spearheaded a thriving community engagement program that has significantly increased volunteer participation, enhanced public awareness, and expanded donor-based funding.
Roethlinger has served as Board Chair of the Guilford County Continuum of Care and remains active on its Executive Committee, advocating for individuals experiencing homelessness. Beyond her professional work, she volunteers at Northern Elementary, coaches cheer for the Northern Guilford Youth Football League, and supports local nonprofits through GRAWL (Greensboro Arm Wrestling League). A Greensboro native, she resides with her husband, Erik, their two children, Vera and Parker, and their pup, Penny. The family enjoys exploring local trails and discovering the best vegetarian and pescatarian cuisine in the area.
Che Latchford
Florida Network of Youth and Family Services
Che Latchford serves as the Director of Implementation and Impact at the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services, overseeing the statewide implementation of evidence-based SNAP® programming across 21 sites and 18 agencies. He also supports the development and refinement of policies, procedures, and practices for all Network services.
With more than 20 years of experience in clinical, leadership, and governance roles, Latchford has developed extensive expertise in serving parents, youth, and children. His work centers on program management, project development, and service expansion, ensuring effective implementation and evaluation of youth-focused initiatives.
Latchford is also the co-founder of BridgeBuilders Canada, a knowledge investment company dedicated to leveraging public and private sector approaches to strengthen communities and foster sustainable growth. His passion lies in bridging gaps, bringing people together, and designing innovative solutions that enhance both organizational and community capacity.
Lauren Maldonado
Florida Network of Youth and Family Services
Lauren Maldonado, LCSW, has dedicated 20 years to working with youth and families across a variety of professional settings. She holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology and a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Florida State University, followed by a Master of Social Work (MSW) in 2007. She became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2010.
Maldonado’s early career involved work in after-school and summer camp programs, as well as serving as a Trainer and 24/7 crisis counselor at 2-1-1. She has provided care in crisis stabilization units for adults and children facing psychiatric emergencies and has worked extensively with youth and families in home, school, and community-based settings. As the Statewide Reform Coordinator for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), she piloted evidence-based interventions for youth within the juvenile justice system. Her experiences in crisis response and trauma-informed care have shaped her commitment to advocating for accessible, early intervention services.
Since 2015, Maldonado has served as the Clinical Program Manager at the Florida Network of Youth & Family Services. She leads the statewide implementation of the SNAP© (Stop Now and Plan) Program for boys and girls ages 6-17, providing clinical oversight, consultation, technical assistance, and training for SNAP© staff. Additionally, she supports all Children in Need of Services (CINS) and Families in Need of Services (FINS) programs within the Florida Network, ensuring high-quality services for youth and families across the state.
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