Meet the Board of Directors
_edited_edited.png)
Sharon Harris
Executive Director/Founder
Sharon Harris: A Woman of Compassion and Determination
Sharon Harris is a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother with a heart committed to making a difference. With extensive experience in retail management and a successful career at the post office, Sharon has demonstrated exceptional work ethic and leadership skills.
Her journey took a meaningful turn when she devoted herself to a residential treatment center and emergency shelter for foster children. Over 13 years, alongside her husband, she opened their home to foster children of various ages, recognizing a growing need for specialized care for teenage girls.
Driven by her compassion and desire for lasting impact, Sharon became a founding partner of "She Can," a residential treatment center for girls in foster care. Recognizing another unmet need, she established "Her Heart Can," a resource center specifically for pregnant teenage girls in foster care, where she serves as founder and executive director.
Her Heart Can provides support, mentorship, and parenting resources for teenage mothers, embodying Sharon's vision of a safe and nurturing space for these young women and their babies.
Sharon's life's work reflects her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on others. Through her various initiatives, she continues to inspire with her resilience, compassion, and belief in the power of individuals to make a difference.
​
_edited_edited_edited.png)
Catina Reed-Wyatt
Executive Resource Advisor
Catina Reed-Wyatt has been appointed as an executive board member for Her Heart Can. With years of experience as a daycare owner and foster parent, Catina has been deeply involved in serving our community. In her previous roles, she successfully established a group home for foster children and facilitated their adoption into permanent families through her networking efforts. Catina has consistently advocated for the educational well-being and overall care of all the foster children under her care, ensuring that they were equipped with the necessary support even after leaving her home. Through her empathetic approach towards children in care, Catina will not only bring valuable insights to Her Heart Can but also serve as a significant resource for the community and its leaders.
.png)
Damon Ousley
Executive Outreach Advisor
Damon Ousley, a seasoned entrepreneur in the real estate development and investment sectors, is known for his role as a dedicated father and his extensive experience in navigating diverse community challenges. Hailing from Oklahoma, Damon embodies the spirit of a true country boy with a passion for business and a strong commitment to philanthropy. His valuable insights and guidance will now be channeled into his new role as an executive board member at Her Heart Can, where he will play a key role in steering the organization towards continued growth and success.
​
​
Dr. Brendan Bickley
Executive Treatment Director
Dr. Brendan Bickley (PsyD, MA, CADC II, CCS, ICDC) began working in substance use disorder treatment in 1997 when he created the first program to ever combine college with addiction treatment at a treatment facility in Orange County, CA. Dr. Bickley is considered the foremost expert on treatment program and facility design, having created, or re-designed over 15 facilities across the U.S. He has held the titles of Clinical Director, Executive Director, COO, Business Development Director, VP of Clinical Development, and CEO.
​
Dietrich Jackson
Executive Director
Dietrich Jackson has been a licensed Foster Mother for 15 + 5 years. Her passion is children. Dietrich is known to most as Mama T. She also works with the youth dept at church. Dietrich is an Advocate and mentor to all the children who cross her path. She worked hard to make sure the kids knew they were loved and cared for. She tried to build up their self-esteem and let them know the sky was the limit.
​
Maniya Arrington
Medical Services Director
Maniya Arrington joins the Her Heart Can board with expertise in maternal public health advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and marketing strategy. With over 10 years of experience in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, she has focused on supporting women and mothers through pre/postnatal care, style empowerment, and public health initiatives. She also provides creative assistance to various companies and owns the fashion Femtech and wellness brand Mère.
Maniya is dedicated to breaking barriers and inspiring a more compassionate and humane model of care for mothers, babies, and families. Inspired daily by her husband of 17 years and their two daughters, she enjoys laughing, reading, and writing Christian devotionals to help women find freedom and walk upright with God.
​​
​
Ana L. Castro
Education Director
Mrs. Castro received a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Bilingual Education, a Master of Education in Counseling and Guidance, and later the principal certification. She is currently working on a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision. With a total of 29 years of
educational experience, she served as an elementary teacher for six years, a counselor for nine years in
elementary through high school grades, and a school principal
for 14 years.
Antonio Porter
Treasury Director
Antonio has 10 years working with at risk males. During this time, Antonio has learnt the different types of traumas a child can experience in their life. Through fostering, Antonio has learned that every child is different and has different challenges. He has worked hard to make sure these young males can have a successful adult life. Antonio works hard at everything he does, and he will not give up. ​
Ale McComic
Marketing Director
Ale studied International Business Management & Marketing. Currently a director of education at Winnsboro Center for Arts. She volunteers for REMAR in EI Salvador. She is also a sponsor for Family Legacy Africa Missions. She has 15+ years first hand experience with special ed, group homes and mental facilities in Germany and the USA.
La Shaytra Heard
Infant Education
Coordinator Secretary
La Shaytra extensive experience in correctional facilities, she has observed the profound challenges faced by individuals with troubled childhoods. As a single mother of two daughters, her commitment extends beyond her personal life into her professional endeavors, where she nurtures infants in a childcare sector and supports girls with behavioral issues in a residential treatment center.
Dr. Sylanda McKinnor
Business Director
Dr. Sylanda McKinnor, DBA, is the dynamic founder and CEO behind NTL Business and Elder Care Mediation Services. She has an impressive tenure of over 15 years as a distinguished business educator and mediator. For the past nine years, Dr. McKinnor has been an Adjunct within the business department at Ivy Tech Garatoni School of Entrepreneurship. She has been instrumental in shaping the minds of aspiring entrepreneurs, instilling in them the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the competitive business landscape. Additionally, her steadfast commitment as a member of Score Indy for the past six years has further amplified her impact, providing invaluable guidance and support to budding entrepreneurs in honing their business strategies. Having navigated various governmental spheres, including state, county, city, and federal levels Dr. McKinnor possesses a profound understanding of business protocols, honed through years of hands-on experience. This wealth of expertise enriches her mediation practice, ensuring clients receive comprehensive and insightful guidance tailored to their unique needs. Dr. McKinnor's commitment to community welfare is not just a passion but a shining example of hope. Her founding of Never Too Late Youth and Family Services, a 501(c)(3) organization that has served the Chicago metro area for 17 years, is a testament to her unwavering dedication to uplifting and empowering individuals from all walks of life. Her impressive credentials and accomplishments do not merely define Dr. McKinnor's remarkable journey but also her unwavering commitment to ensuring the peace of mind and success of those she serves. Her profound passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of business affairs is a testament to her enduring impact and dedication to fostering positive change in others' lives.
​​