Founder & Executive Director
Kawanna Ward,​ DCC, LCSW, CSAC, CSOTP, RPT-S

Dr. Ward is a Doctor of Christian Counseling, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider, and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. 

Since 1997, Dr. Ward has been committed to providing effective mental health and substance abuse treatment services to underserved populations.

Dr. Ward is a proud member of the Suffolk Rotary, Portsmouth Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a Board Member of the Suffolk YMCA, and an active philanthropist in her community. She is also the CEO/Senior Clinical Director of Providence Psychological Services, Inc.

BOARD MEMBERS

Chairman
Renee L. White, BSW, C-CDF

​Mrs. White holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia and is a Certified Consumer Directed Facilitator. She has more than 20 years of experience in the field of social work, with a career focus in case management, adults with disabilities, seniors, and prison re-entry.

​Mrs. White is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Treasurer
Lateacia Sessoms, LPC, RPT

Mrs. Sessoms, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. As a native of Suffolk, VA, and the proud owner of Connecting Communities, LLC, Mrs. Sessoms is a passionate leader in the community with more than 15 years of professional clinical experience serving underserved individuals, families, and communities.

Secretary
Renee T. Sandifer, BS, QIDP, QMHP

Mrs. Sandifier is a native of Norfolk, VA and a graduate of Old Dominion University. She has more than 15 years of experience with the Intellecutal Disabilites (ID) population and is the proud owner of Essential Family Services where she assists individuals with ID in reaching their full potential.

Larry Brunson, MBA

Mr. Brunson serves as the Workforce Development Center coordinator for the city of Suffolk, and is also on the board of directors of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP). Mr. Brunson is a Certified Workforce Development Professional holding a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in project management and human resource management.

Vernon Ward

Mr. Ward is a retired employee of the Commonwealth of Virginia after 35 years of service. He is a servant leader who is dedicated to serving the underserved. Mr. Ward spends his retirement volunteering and serving the underserved.

Virginia Ward

Mrs. Ward is a retired "stay-at-home grandma" and professional volunteer. As a native of a rural underserved area, she is passionate about meeting the needs of marginalized individuals, families, and communities.

LaToya Shine-Mason, MBA

Ms. Shine-Mason holds a Master of Business Administration focusing on marketing, advertising, and public relations. She has over 20 years of experience working with community service organizations. Ms. Shine-Mason is a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Mocha Moms,Inc., and is a member of the Board of Trustee of Nansemond-Suffolk Academy.