CEO/Founder, Value Your Vibes, New Orleans, LA
After receiving her Bachelor’s in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Master’s in Genetics from The George Washington University, Janine began teaching high school general science and Career & Technology Education (CTE) courses in biotechnology in Baltimore City. She assumed the role of Department Head and developed the curriculum for the CTE department. She also became the Technology Coordinator for the school, where she developed and conducted all professional development in the use of technology in the classroom. During that time, she earned a Master’s in Educational Technology Leadership and a certificate in School Administration and Supervision from Johns Hopkins University in partnership with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). She progressed to the University of Maryland where she assumed the role of Instructional Technology Specialist and oversaw all outreach efforts such as face-to-face and online software training. After leaving that role, she became the Program Coordinator and Curriculum Designer for the Continuing Umbrella for Research Careers (C.U.R.E.) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, which was funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). She also served as a mentor for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) E-Learning Institute Fellowship, which is designed to cultivate the skills of public health training professionals with limited experience designing or developing e-learning products. She now serves as the Manager of Instructional Training and Lead Instructional Designer for the Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center at Tulane University. She is also the owner of DesignZ by Destiny and J-9 Learning Solutions.
Owner, Prince of Peace Kids, Inc., Baltimore, MD
Kathy Edwards (“Lady E”) has over 15 years of experience in childcare, specializing in the developmental needs of children ages 0-12. She is the author of the children’s book entitled “Listen I Can Read By Myself”, which encourages parental involvement in their children’s reading, growth, and comprehension. Lady E has managed her own daycare program Prince of Peace Kids, Inc. since 2008 and is looking forward to her upcoming retirement.
Prior to founding Prince of Peace Kids, Inc. Lady E had a successful career, spanning 30 years, as a Customer Service Specialist at Verizon. She graduated from the University of Phoenix in 2003 with her B.A. in Business. Her hobbies include photography and travel.
Mental Health Clinician, Boston, MA
Anita Mortley is a native of Brooklyn, New York, was raised in Boston, Massachusetts, and cultural background from the Caribbean island, Trinidad and Tobago. Anita has many roles as being an entrepreneur, mother of 2 boys, author of The Magic of Kindness, and a Mental Health Clinician in Boston elementary schools.
As a clinician she has an intimate understanding of human behavior and uses her training and knowledge to respond to people with a variety of mental health needs—individuals, families, groups, and systems—in a variety of settings. The main scope of her work is administering and evaluating psychological tests and preparing reports. Anita provides individual and group counseling as appropriate and assisting students with the development of goals and action plans. I love the mission of Value Your Vibe and happy to be a part of the team.
Behavior Intervention Specialist, Brooklyn, NY
Cara Millington is a Behavior Intervention Specialist with 20 plus years of experience working for non-profit organizations in the greater New York City area. She also has 7 plus years as a Psychotherapist who specializes in psychiatric and developmental disabilities. Cara completed her B.A. at Oswego State University before furthering her education by completing her graduate studies at The Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies at Adelphi University. Cara believes counseling is the core for building a solid relationship with her clients. She utilizes various methods to explore their dreams, and thoughts through mindfulness. This approach assists each client in developing ways of coping creatively.
In her spare time, Cara is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, Kappa Epsilon Zeta chapter who serve the community in the Bronx, New York. She volunteers her service to educate the public, support
organized charities and promote legislation for social and civic change. The majority of her time is dedicated to her son who is an active member of his High School Varsity Track Team.
Director of Client Services, New Orleans, LA
Ericka Stewart-Bridges is the Director of Client Services for Ryan White Social Services Dept. with ten years of experience at Priority Health Care Marrero location. Born and raised in New Orleans, La. she received all of her primary and secondary education courses from Orleans Parish schools and a Bachelor of Science/Public Health Degree from Dillard University. Ericka joined Zulu’s “Postmaster General” Krewe where she holds the Lieutenant position for 15 yrs.
Ericka is a powerful force in the workplace and uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard to reach their personal and career goals. Nevertheless, Ericka aims to improve her client’s quality of life, often by assisting them in achieving self-independence. “I am eager to take on the responsibilities of Director of Client Services and will remain person-centered while working within the department and with others in the organization,” Stewart-Bridges said. “I continue to be motivated and am ready to see the departments’ initiatives succeed by prioritizing needs, goals, and objectives for the team and our clients,” she added.
Ericka is inspired daily by God, prayer, her husband, and immediate family. In her spare time, Ericka loves to create exquisite cuisine for the members of her department, schedule trips with her husband of 10 years, and meet with Zulu Krewe members to plan yearly events.
Owner, Aury's Little Achievers, New Orleans, LA
Auryana Thompson is the owner and director at Aury’s Little Achievers LLC. She has worked with children and families for over fourteen years. She earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and is graduating with a B.A. in Child Development and Family Studies from Southern University at New Orleans in December 2024. She has a certification in Infant and Toddler Curriculum & Development Care. She has also worked as an infant teacher at Celebration Church Westbank and moved into an assistant position in the youth program under Pastor Claude Williams. Future goals include opening a center that service children with learning disabilities and assisting families through parenting classes and family workshops. Her hobbies included traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Love these! So excited to have emotion images that look like my kids AND are in Spanish!
I love it. African American kids need to see more representations of kids that look like them.
We got these for my daughter, so she could help us know her feelings when she can't tell us. She loves them and has uses it often since school has ended for the summer.
Great quality and helpful reminders for young people. Ideal for culturally responsive classrooms. I highly recommend.
