2026
Homeless Care and Reentry Solutions National Symposium
August 7, 2026
Advancing Solutions in Elder and Youth Homelessness, Workforce Development, Community Health, Substance Use Recovery, Peer Support, Tribal Behavioral Health, and Community-Based Care Systems
Location: California State University, Dominguez Hills | 1000 E Victoria St Carson, CA 90747
About The Event
Join us for a premier interdisciplinary symposium bringing together clinicians, nurses, social workers, CNAs, case managers, administrators, reentry professionals, justice-involved service providers, Community Health Workers, Substance Abuse Workers, peer support specialists, youth-serving organizations, Tribal/Native-serving providers, workforce partners, and community-based organizations.
Together, we will advance practical solutions in homelessness, housing stability, reentry support, elder and youth homelessness, behavioral health, substance use recovery, workforce development, and whole-person care, with Continuing Education (CE) credits available.
AGENDA
*Subject to change
Friday • August 7th
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Registration & Check-In
Location: CSU Dominguez Hills - Loker Student Union - Level II: Dominguez Ballroom Foyer
Join us for an early coffee networking morning at Loker Student Ballroom Foyer
9:00 AM – 9:20 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks
Opening Keynote: Data, Impact & The Future of Homeless Care
Location: CSU Dominguez Hills: Loker Student Union | LSU Dominguez Ballroom
9:20 AM - 10:20 AM | Opening Plenary Session
Opening Plenary by Dr. Ricardo Izurieta, MD DrPH MPH DTM&H, Chair School of Public Health and Health Sciences, California State University DominguezHills
Homelessness and Health Care
Panel: Mental Health Services for People Experiencing Homelessness: Challenges, Innovations, and Future Directions
Presented by: CSUDH School of Public Health and Health Sciences
Location: CSU Dominguez Hills: Loker Student Union | LSU Dominguez Ballroom
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM | Concurrent Sessions
Concurrent Sessions:
Administrative Track
Program Compliance
Presented by Ms. Kenya Renee' Gary, Ruth’s House Transitional Living for Women, Founder & CEO, The Vision Firm, Founder & President, (TGSA Foundation)
Location: LSU Meeting Room 324
Clinical Track
Burnout Prevention, Boundaries & Resilience in Trauma-Informed Care
Presented by Dr. Tedman Cheung is the Senior Clinical Director at Amity Foundation
Location: LSU Meeting Room 325
Direct Care | Workforce Track
Before the Response: Turning Crisis Protocols into Daily Practice
Presented by Mrs. Amaris Osiris Amezquita Norice, Founder and CEO, B.R.O.W.S. Inc.
Location: LSU Meeting Room 320
Peer Support Track
Peer Support in Homelessness, Reentry & Recovery: Lived Experience as a Pathway to Stability
Presented by Pastor Troy F. Vaughn, President & CEO of Christ-Centered Ministries
Location: LSU Meeting Room 326
Reentry Support Track
Reentry Beyond Release: Specialized Treatment for Optimized Programming (STOP): Treatment, Housing, and Reentry Services for CA Parolees
Presenters: Barry Lindstrom, Amity Foundation Vice President of Operations | Jason Edmonds, Whole Systems Learning | Reinaldo Henry-Ala, Executive Director, Whole Systems Learning | Clinton D Drummer, Executive Director/Prison Programs Director at Financial Liberation Training Academy | Dr. Katina Holliday, CEO Holliday’s Helping Hands
Location: Loker Student Union | LSU Dominguez Ballroom C
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM | Lunch & Networking
Networking Lunch
Location: CSU Dominguez Hills - Loker Student Union - Level II: Dominguez Ballroom Foyer
Grab & Go Lunch will be provided
12:45 PM - 2:00 PM | Concurrent Sessions
Concurrent Sessions:
Clinical | Nursing Track
Beyond the Chart: The Full Scope of Nursing Documentation
Presented by Philisha Polk, RN, Nursing Supervisor at Serenity Recuperative Care
Location: LSU Meeting Room 325
Tribal Behavioral Health & Community Wellness Track
Healing-Centered Approaches to Substance Use, Trauma & Housing Instability in Native Communities
Presented by Dr. Hilda Sandoval,PhD., LMFT Executive Director of Healthcare, United American Indian Involvement (UAII)
Location: LSU Meeting Room 326
Elder Care | Support Track
Aging, Dementia & Homelessness: Supporting Older Adults with Complex Care Needs
Presented by Lori Winchell, DrPH, APRN-FNP-C, Associate Professor, Graduate NP/DNP tract, St. Catherine University
Location: LSU Meeting Room 320
Reentry Support Track
From Custody to Community: Building Integrated Reentry Pathways Through Care, Recovery, Housing, and Opportunity
Presented by Robert Robinson, MBA, Justice Program Director at Los Angeles County Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD)
Location: Loker Student Union | LSU Dominguez Ballroom C
2:10 PM - 3:25 PM | Concurrent Sessions
Concurrent Sessions:
A.I. | Innovation Track
From Paper to Platform: AI in Homeless Services + HOPE System Overview
Presented by Joe Cunningham, Founder | DreamLogic Solutions LLC
Location: LSU Meeting Room 324
Clinical | Nursing Track
The Evolution of Infectious Disease Control
Presented by Theresa Perkins, LVN, HHH School of Nursing Instructor
Location: LSU Meeting Room 325
LIVE Case Study | Care Track
De-escalation & Crisis Response: Live Case Studies
Presenters: Dr. Katina Holliday, CEO Holliday’s Helping Hands | Rachelle McClendon-Alexander, Director of Training & Client Engagement | Brandon Wimberly, Director of Facilities | Bill Valdez, Director of Behavioral Health, Holliday's Helping Hands
Location: Loker Student Union | LSU Dominguez Ballroom C
Tribal Workforce & Economic Mobility Track
Workforce as a Pathway to Stability: UAII's Native Workforce Program Experience
Presented by Cristina Ramos, Co-Workforce Manager, United American Indian Involvement (UAII)
Location: LSU Meeting Room 326
Public Health & Integrated Care Track
Health Equity: Homelessness, and Systems Change: Advancing Fair Access to Care
Presented by Lori Winchell, DrPH, APRN-FNP-C, Associate Professor, Graduate NP/DNP tract, St. Catherine University
Location: LSU Meeting Room 320
3:35 PM - 4:30 PM | Closing
Closing Keynote & Special Presentation, End of Event Remarks
Location: Loker Student Union: LSU Dominguez Ballroom
Keynote Speaker: Jamil Hardwick, Founder of Renewed Homeless Kids Charity, Entertainment Executive, Producer and Entrepreneur
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Networking Reception
Networking Reception
CSU Dominguez Hills - Loker Student Union - Level II: Dominguez Ballroom Foyer
*Exclusive access included with premium registration tiers
Training ProgramsBegin your work today.
What’s Included
Access to all symposium sessions
Full-day program participation
Evidence-based sessions and breakout tracks
Clinical, administrative, and wraparound service training
Opportunities to connect with professionals across healthcare, housing, and community systems
*LIMITED AVAILABILITY
What’s Included
Access to all symposium sessions
Continuing Education (CE) Certification (ANCC, ASWB, IACET )
Networking Lunch
Networking Reception
Evidence-based sessions and breakout tracks
Clinical, administrative, and wraparound service training
Opportunities to connect with professionals across healthcare, housing, and community systems
What’s Included
Access to all symposium sessions
Networking Lunch
Networking Reception
Evidence-based sessions and breakout tracks
Clinical, administrative, and wraparound service training
Opportunities to connect with professionals across healthcare, housing, and community systems
Homelessness beyond just the lack of housing
Key Trends & Data (Early 2026):
Scale: Over half a million people are officially recognized as experiencing homelessness on any given night.
"Shadow" Population: An estimated 4 million-plus people live in a "spectrum of insecurity," including cars, motels, or doubled-up with others, often not counted in official data.
Demographics: While 66.7% are single individuals, families are increasingly impacted, and homelessness among women has increased by over 12% since 2022.
Regional Trends: High rates of homelessness persist in California, with significant increases in Colorado (+85%) and California (+59%) in recent years, though some states (e.g., Connecticut) have seen decreases.
Causes and Factors:
Housing Costs: The primary driver is the lack of affordable housing, with only 35 affordable rentals available for every 100 extremely low-income households.
Economic Factors: A "stagnant" economy at the lower end, rising child care costs, and the end of pandemic-era federal relief funds have worsened the situation.
Health Crisis: The rise of severe addiction, particularly fentanyl, is creating a growing crisis in urban encampments.
Policy and Response:
LA Crisis: In Los Angeles, despite initiatives like Mayor Karen Bass's "Inside Safe," up to 40% of participants have returned to the street.
Federal Policy: Recent proposed federal budgets have suggested scaling back assistance, raising risks for people with disabilities and older adults in supportive housing.
Impact on Individuals:
Health: People experiencing homelessness die nearly 30 years younger than the average American, with dangers worsened by extreme weather.
Hidden Population: Millions are classified as "working homeless," unable to afford traditional housing and forced to live in cars.
There are currently two major contributors to the housing and homelessness crises: a lack of low cost housing nationwide and the limited scale of housing assistance programs. Nationally, the cost of rental housing greatly exceeds wages earned by low-income renter households.
22%
According to HUD data for January 2024, approximately 771,000 Americans experienced homelessness, representing a rate of about 22.7 people for every 10,000 in the population, a 18% increase from 2023. This marks a record high since reporting began, with significant concentrations of unsheltered individuals, particularly in California.
INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKERS
Katina Holliday
FNP, Founder & CEO of Holliday’s Helping Hands
A leading visionary in California’s fight against the homeless crisis, founder and CEO of Holliday’s Helping Hands, Katina Holliday’s avant-garde approach to reducing homelessness has helped hundreds of families and individuals find traction in getting off the streets.
Starting in 2018 with one interim housing site and handful of staff, Katina knew from having seen the vicious cycle of homelessness up close that it would take more than a cot and a sandwich to make a sustainable difference. Determined to create a path toward permanent housing for HHH clients she developed a dynamic multilayered program that is growing exponentially throughout Los Angeles County, “building communities one family at a time,” she says.
Jamil Hardwick is an entertainment executive, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist known for building impactful partnerships at the intersection of culture, storytelling, and social impact. His work spans entertainment, wellness, sustainable development, and community-focused initiatives rooted in resilience and renewal.
A graduate of Morehouse College and former student-athlete at University of Georgia, Jamil began his career managing talent including Michael B. Jordan and Omari Hardwick. He later founded a successful product placement agency connecting major brands with television, entertainment, and celebrity partnerships.
Today, Jamil serves as Head of Talent Relations and Brand Manager for Actively Black, leading culturally impactful collaborations with global brands, athletes, and entertainment icons.
He is also the Founder of Renewed Homeless Kids Charity, focused on supporting unhoused youth through outreach, empowerment, and community resources. As a speaker and leader, Jamil inspires audiences through conversations on purpose, resilience, leadership, and creating meaningful social impact.
Jamil Hardwick
Founder of Renewed Homeless Kids Charity, Entertainment Executive, Producer and Entrepreneur
Pastor Troy F. Vaughn
President & CEO of Christ-Centered Ministries
Pastor Troy F. Vaughn is the President & CEO of Christ-Centered Ministries, and a nationally recognized leader in homelessness prevention, reentry support, and community transformation that he and his wife, Pastor Darlene Vaughn co-founded in 1999.
A survivor of 7 years of homelessness on Skid Row, Pastor Troy’s journey from brokenness to purpose fuels his mission to help others rebuild their lives.
He is also the CEO & Co-Founder of the Los Angeles Regional Reentry Partnership (LARRP), bringing together over 600 agencies to strengthen housing, employment and advocacy systems; influencing significant reform in public policy and service delivery. Pastor Troy also serves as the Senior Pastor of Restoration Family Worship Center in Inglewood, California.
Pastor Troy holds advanced degrees in law, business, policy, theology, and nonprofit leadership. He has been honored for his work at local, state, and national levels, and is a recipient of the US President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for volunteer service. His life stands as a testament to one truth: no story is beyond redemption.
Dr. Ricardo Izurieta
MD DrPH MPH DTM&H, Chair School of Public Health and Health Sciences, California State University Dominguez Hills
Ricardo Izurieta, MD, Dr.PH, MP, DTM&H, is Professor and Chair of the School of Public Health and Health Sciences in the College of Health, Human Services and Nursing at California State University, Dominguez Hills. He earned his MD from the Central University of Ecuador and completed postdoctoral training in public health and tropical infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Emory University, and Universidad Cayetano Heredia in Peru.
Dr. Izurieta has held major public health leadership roles, including National Director of Ecuador’s Cholera Control Program during the 1991 Latin America cholera epidemic and Chief of Epidemiology and Director of the Vaccine Center for the Armed Forces of Ecuador. He has served as a fellow with USAID, PAHO, ORISE/CDC, and the Gorgas Memorial Institute, where he was elected Vice President and currently serves as Latin American Liaison.
He has reviewed for NIH, CDC, NSF, and the Wellcome Foundation, and has advised international health initiatives with PAHO, UNICEF, the United Nations Global Water Pathogens Project, and IANAS. Most recently, he was appointed to the United Nations Pandemic Fund Governing Board Task Force for 2024–2026 and serves as President of the American College of Academic International Medicine.
Theresa Perkins
LVN
HHH School of Nursing Instructor
Dr. Tedman Cheung
Clinical Director, Amity Foundation
Tedman Cheung is the Senior Clinical Director at Amity Foundation, an organization serving the reentry population for the last 40 years. For the past 20 years, Tedman Cheung has been focused on connecting vulnerable populations to mental health services on a micro and macro level.
Tedman Cheung currently oversees the Office of Diversion and Reentry program at Amity, which provides wrap-around services such as supportive housing, mental health services, crisis intervention, and 3 substance abuse treatment. Tedman Cheung's goal is now focused on developing the clinical workforce needed to properly address the multitude of issues that the justice-involved population faces, in order to help individuals break out of their cycle.
Lori Winchell, DrPH, APRN-FNP-C,
Associate Professor, Graduate NP/DNP tract
St. Catherine University
Joe Cunningham
Founder, DreamLogic Solutions LLC
Joseph Cunningham is the lead developer and systems architect behind the HOPE Client Database (HCD), a HIPAA-compliant case management platform now live and in daily use at Holliday's Helping Hands and being deployed at Serenity Recuperative Care, supporting staff through the full client journey — from intake and referrals through assessments, care plans, medical information, and case management. With a background spanning software engineering, cybersecurity, and IT operations, Joseph's work focuses on the intersection of healthcare data compliance, practical software engineering, and the operational realities of community-based organizations serving people experiencing homelessness.
Amaris Osiris Amezquita Norice
Founder and CEO, B.R.O.W.S. Inc.
Amaris Osiris Amezquita Norice is the founder and CEO of B.R.O.W.S. Inc., a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to restoring dignity and empowering women and girls through holistic beauty services, trauma-healing practices, self-love, and personal development.
Through the organization’s flagship initiative, The B.R.O.W.S. Project, Amaris supports individuals impacted by trauma, homelessness, incarceration, and other significant life challenges. The program creates a compassionate and supportive environment where participants can strengthen their confidence, restore their self-esteem, and develop practical tools for healing and successful reintegration into their communities.
Before transitioning into her current leadership role, Amaris served as Associate Program Director of the Department of Mental Health program at Holliday’s Helping Hands. In this position, she provided leadership in trauma-informed care, policy integration, staff development, and operational consistency across multiple levels of the organization. She also supported the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and professional trainings designed to strengthen staff confidence and improve the quality of care provided to clients.
As a licensed aesthetician, certified life coach, and trauma-healing practitioner, Amaris brings a distinctive person-centered approach that integrates emotional intelligence, self-regulation, holistic wellness, and practical application. Her work equips women, individuals, and professional teams with the tools needed to navigate high-stress environments with clarity, compassion, confidence, and discipline.
Barry Lindstrom
Vice President of Operations, Amity Foundation
Mr. Lindstrom currently serves Amity Foundation as a Vice President of Operations and has been working in Teaching and Therapeutic Communities and the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) field for over 35 years. Mr. Lindstrom has been a Director and Administrator of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) In-Prison and Reentry non-profit contracted projects for 24 of those years. Barry and his team serve as a state-wide liaison with and between the CDCR and the Specialized Treatment for
Optimized Programming (STOP) reentry contractors throughout California, and provides oversight of STOP Area 5 serving State Parolees in Los Angeles County. STOP Area 5 subcontracts with 39 different community-based agencies/businesses at 93 locations. Barry also oversees many other Justice Involved (JI) reentry projects as part of his duties. Mr. Lindstrom is currently a Licensed Independent Addictions Counselor (LIAC) in Arizona and a Certified Addictions Specialist in California.
Rachelle McClendon-Alexander
Director of Training & Client Engagement, Holliday’s Helping Hands
Rachelle joined Holliday’s Helping Hands in 2020 as Director of Training, where she leads professional development programs for staff and clients with a focus on practical skills, workforce readiness, and long-term growth.
Drawing from her background as a principal, assistant principal, and science teacher in South Los Angeles, Rachelle brings a strong education and leadership lens to her work. She also directs the Shine Ambassador Worksource Program, helping clients build confidence, strengthen workplace skills, and move toward their professional goals.
Rachelle is a graduate of Spelman College and holds teaching and administrative credentials, along with a Master of Science in Educational Administration. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and serves as California State Chaplain for the Farwest Region. A national community advocate, engaging speaker, and experienced emcee, Rachelle brings passion, purpose, and inspiration to every audience.
Jason Edmonds
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS,
Whole Systems Learning
Jason Edmonds is Director of Business Development and Communications at Whole Systems Learning, where he supports creative workforce development, media training, and career pathways for youth and returning citizens. Through Whole Systems Learning, he has helped design and lead a 12-week audio and video training program that introduces participants to production fundamentals, storytelling, and practical career skills.
Jason brings a strong background in music, media, communications, and social impact. His work focuses on using creativity, culture, and technology to help individuals build confidence, develop marketable skills, and access new opportunities.
Robert E. Robinson Jr., MBA
Justice Program Director
Los Angeles County Justice, Care and Opportunities Department
Robert E. Robinson Jr. is an executive leader with more than 15 years of experience advancing youth development, equity, and systemic change across nonprofit, public, and higher education sectors. As Justice Program Director with the Los Angeles County Justice, Care and Opportunities Department, he brings deep expertise in program leadership, grant management, cross-sector partnerships, and trauma-informed, culturally responsive service models.
Throughout his career, Robert has led multi-million-dollar initiatives, supported grants totaling more than $30 million, and helped expand opportunities for marginalized youth and vulnerable populations. He is committed to creating pathways that promote stability, opportunity, empowerment, and long-term impact for justice-involved and at-risk communities.
Dr. Lori Winchell is an Associate Professor in the Graduate NP/DNP Track at St. Catherine University, where she has taught in the graduate nursing program since 2019. She began her nursing career with a BSN and Public Health Certificate from California State University, Long Beach, and later earned a Master of Nursing in Primary Ambulatory Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, with a minor in Nursing Education from UCLA.
Dr. Winchell has practiced as a Family Nurse Practitioner for more than 40 years across primary care settings including rural health, jail medical services, home health, and outpatient county clinics serving at-risk populations. She also brings extensive experience as a classroom and clinical educator, preceptor for nurse practitioners and community health students, and public health leader. In 2011, she earned her Doctorate in Public Health–Preventive Care from Loma Linda University and later served as Health Promotion Disease Prevention Program Manager for the Veterans Administration in Southern Nevada.
Cristina Ramos
Co-Workforce Manager
United American Indian Involvement (UAII)
Cristina serves as the Interim Co-Workforce Manager and brings over 20 years of experience in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programming and workforce development. She is deeply committed to supporting the Native community through meaningful career advancement and economic mobility initiatives. Cristina’s extensive expertise plays a key role in strengthening, expanding, and sustaining impactful workforce development efforts.
Kenya Renee’ Gary
Founder & CEO, The Vision Firm
Founder & President, Tanner Gary Saving Artist Foundation (TGSA Foundation)
Kenya Renee’ Gary is an executive leader, Quality Assurance and Compliance Consultant, nonprofit executive, and nationally recognized speaker with more than 20 years of experience advancing operational excellence, regulatory compliance, quality improvement, and organizational development across healthcare, behavioral health, social services, and nonprofit organizations.
As Founder and CEO of The Vision Firm, Kenya provides executive consulting to organizations seeking to strengthen compliance, improve operational performance, prepare for regulatory audits, and implement sustainable quality management systems. Her expertise spans Quality Assurance, Executive Compliance, risk management, policy and procedure development, corrective action planning (CAPA), organizational development, grant readiness, and executive leadership strategy.
Her commitment to leadership and public service has earned numerous honors, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Congressional Recognition, Texas State Recognition, and multiple community leadership awards acknowledging her commitment to excellence, innovation, and community impact.
Kenya holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theology and Biblical Studies and professional certifications in Lean Six Sigma, Quality Control, Organizational Development, and Oracle SQL.
Dr. Hilda Sandoval
Executive Director of Health Services at United American Indian Involvement, Inc.
Dr. Hilda Sandoval is the Executive Director of Health Services at United American Indian Involvement, Inc., where she leads healthcare strategy, operations, and program development in support of holistic, culturally responsive care for Indigenous communities.
Dr. Sandoval holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. With over two decades of clinical and leadership experience, her work spans from direct care, program oversight, leadership development, and organizational capacity building. She has also developed innovative media and research initiatives that advance social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Elder Kevin Hale, ASW
Member of the Navajo Nation, of the Red House Clan, born for the Salt Water Clan
Kevin Hale, a member of the Navajo Nation, of the Red House Clan, born for the Salt Water Clan. Kevin is a life-long resident of Los Angeles County and an active member of the American Indian community in Southern California. He received his Addiction Studies CAADE Certificate and AA Degree in Behavioral/Social Sciences at Pierce College and transferred to UCLA where he received his BA Degree in Sociology with a minor in American Indian Studies. Hale continued his education at UCLA and earned a Master of Social Welfare degree in June of 2018.
Hale worked as a Substance Abuse Counselor for 4.5 years at Grandview Foundations Inc. until his final quarter in the MSW Program. Hale’s employment at United American Indian Involvement allows him to continue to enhance his substance abuse counseling and social work skills as it is presented through the American Indian cultural lens and White Bison’s Wellbriety Program.
After work hours, he and his family help facilitate the Youth Drum and Dance Workshops at UAII by teaching drumming and singing, sewing dance regalia, and teaching various powwow dance styles to the youth who wish to participate in powwow activities. Hale is honored to give back to his community as a clinical therapist, substance use counselor and mentor for the American Indian community.
Courtney Linsey
Creative, educator, and faith-driven storyteller,
Program Director at Harambee
Courtney Linsey, known artistically as SuNWhoa Love, is a Pasadena-based multidisciplinary creative, educator, and faith-driven storyteller. Through music, film, and live production, his work explores identity, grace, and purpose.
He is the founder of Shine Like Whoa, an initiative dedicated to merging artistic excellence with youth development and cultural impact. His creative portfolio includes COURT, a conceptual album centered on redemption, Bethlehem, a live stage production celebrating the birth of Jesus, and One Red Cent, a children’s book affirming worth and identity. He has also delivered a TED Talk exploring the intersection of creativity and grief.
He has served as a teacher, youth leader, and mentor across multiple Pasadena Unified School District spaces, and currently serves as Program Director at Harambee, where he leads youth-centered programming that integrates arts, culture, and education.
He remains committed to investing in people and spaces that inspire transformation and lasting impact.
Dameion Williams
CEO, Founder
DW's Transitional & Group Home Furnishings
After more than 20 years in the furniture industry, God placed it on my heart to take a leap of faith and start my own business. Eight years later, I’m grateful every day that I listened to that calling.
DW’s Furnishings was created with purpose. We focus on furnishing transitional and group homes because this mission is personal to me. As a father of a son with disabilities, I understand the importance of safe, stable, and supportive environments. That experience shaped my heart for serving individuals and families who need comfort, dignity, and a place where they can begin again.
Growing up in the streets of Compton, I know what it means to face challenges, to feel overlooked, and to need a second chance. By the grace of God — and through the prayers of those who believed in me — I was able to rise above my circumstances.
God gave me another chance at life, and I’ve made it my mission to be a blessing to others. That purpose drives everything we do at DW’s Furnishings. We don’t just provide furniture — we help create spaces where hope can grow and new chapters can begin.
Philisha Polk
Nurse Supervisor
Serenity Recuperative Care
Philisha Polk-Jefferson is a Nurse Supervisor recognized for driving clinical compliance and elevating nursing documentation practices across healthcare settings. With over 15 years of experience across diverse specialties, from hospice to acute care, she brings a well-rounded clinical perspective and currently thrives in homeless healthcare.
She supports multi-site teams and implements processes that improve audit readiness, documentation accuracy, and accountability. She is currently furthering her nursing scope by pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and continues to expand her influence in executive nursing leadership.
Theresa Perkins, LVN is an experienced nurse educator and clinical professional whose healthcare career spans more than three decades. She has worked in medical-surgical nursing, spinal cord surgery, correctional healthcare, and hospital-based patient care throughout Southern California.
Theresa later expanded her impact through nursing education, serving as an LVN and clinical instructor before joining Holliday’s Helping Hands School of Nursing in 2023 as a CNA instructor. In this role, she prepares future nursing assistants with the clinical skills, professionalism, empathy, and integrity needed to provide high-quality patient care.
Her commitment to healthcare began during high school through early CNA training and work in a women’s health clinic. Today, she continues to inspire students by combining extensive clinical experience with a passion for teaching, mentoring, and compassionate care
Kevin Choi
CEO of the Harm Reduction Center
Kevin Choi is the CEO of the Harm Reduction Center, after working in the healthcare industry since 2015. He was born in Los Angeles, CA, and moved on to receive his BA in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Kevin is focused on administrating contracts with insurance companies, nonprofits, state entities, and local entities, and recently has undertaken a public-private partnership with the Department of Children and Family Services in Palm Beach County and Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network to create the CONNECT program, which is a clinical care coordination program that is dedicated to focusing on the highest risk individuals and getting them to a place of stability. Kevin is a proud husband, son, brother, and friend who is passionate about being a good man and supporting those around him who are working towards the same end goal–making the world a better place.
Steven Choi
CEO of Integrative Health Data Insights (IHDI)
Steven Choi is the CEO of Integrative Health Data Insights (IHDI), a public health software as a service, and views IHDI as a culmination of his vast schooling and lifework; he has been involved in the healthcare industry in some capacity across multiple sectors since 2010.
Steven was born in Los Angeles, CA, earned his Eagle Scout during the fall of his senior year in high school, received his BS and BA in Psychobiology and Korean from UCLA, his MD from the University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts, and his GradCert in Medical Anthropology from Creighton University; he has also studied public health, health informatics, biomedical data sciences, clinical research, machine learning, and Python through structured and unstructured learning modalities and on-the-job learning throughout the years. Steven is a proud son, brother, friend, and husband whose relentless curiosity about the commonality of people, cultures, and the world around him drives his work and way of being.
Joe Bohn, PhD, MBA
Strategic Advisor
Harm Reduction Centers
Joe Bohn, PhD, MBA, is has a background in public health education, behavioral health advocacy, healthcare, and the US Navy civil service. His practice and academic experience has enabled him to lead and or facilitate interdisciplinary initiatives such as starting outreach efforts for the Zero Suicide Partnership of Pinellas in 2022 and driving early collaboration to start the Zero Suicide Hillsborough Alliance and its Hope and Action Coffee Social initiative for veterans and first responders. Joe has taught at the undergraduate, masters and doctoral level and holds a PhD in public health, MBA in healthcare & economics, and BS in accounting from the University of Louisville. Dr. Bohn is currently supporting the CEO of Harm Reduction Centers as a Strategic Advisor with advising on program start-up, operational and partnership planning related to addiction recovery programs along with supporting the CEO of Visor Health with educational and research partnership planning.
Dr. Bohn also served as a public health faculty advisor to the University of South Florida’ Street Medicine Team. Participated in street walks through downtown Tampa checking on health of unsheltered residents. Dr. Bohn’s focus was on social determinant needs of the unsheltered and coaching medical and public health students on the importance of these issues.
Brandon Wimberly
Director of Facilities
Holliday’s Helping Hands as
Brandon is Holliday’s Helping Hands as Director of Facilities in having worked with Los Angeles County’s homeless population for 7 years, he is responsible for overseeing a smooth 24/7 operation of all HHH’s facilities. With a background in educational leadership and critical thinking skills, Brandon deploys these assets daily in managing his team of dedicated of professionals. Together, they ensure all physical aspects of the facilities comply with county and state standard, plus meet or exceed HHH’s strict expectations for all plumbing, electricity, A/C, heating and appliances to be in excellent working condition.
Frequently spotted at various HHH sites, Brandon and his team are committed to making sure the outside reflects the amazing transformations going on inside, and part of that is modeling what it’s like to be a good neighbor with trimmed, clean lawns.
In addition to enjoying time with family and friends, Brandon brings his passion for football into the local community, having once played in the NFL he volunteers as a coach for a Pop Warner football team.
Brandon has a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.
Our Impact
This symposium is designed to strengthen the healthcare and community workforce, improve coordination across systems, and support long-term, sustainable solutions to homelessness and reentry support.
Get in Touch
Whether you have a question, an idea, or just want to say hello, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help.