Our Spring Cohort of the Community Justice Fellowship Program kicked off at the beginning of the month! We are excited to welcome these passionate leaders into the work that we do and we can’t wait to see how they will use the skills they gain in this fellowship to bring positive change to their communities. Take a look below to meet our new Savannah fellows.
Mesha Robinson
Mesha Robinson is currently the Early Newborn Hearing Detection and Intervention Coordinator for the Coastal Health District. Aside from her regular Coastal Health District duties, she is a believer in promoting Health and Wellness along with Employee Communication throughout the District. Mesha serves as a True Colors Facilitator and Lifestyle Coach for the Diabetes Prevention Program, which is a year long CDC education program designed to help those who are prediabetic or at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. As a part of the 9to5 fellowship, she hopes to gain knowledge to empower the community focusing on economic equality for women.
Frances Gillison
Frances Gillison is a Savannah Native. She resides in Savannah with her 7-year-old daughter, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Savannah State University and has 7 plus years of being involved in the Domestic Violence Movement and Community Advocacy. Frances started as an intern at SAFE Shelter, Volunteered with Greendbrier, worked as a Prevention Specialist at Rape Crisis Center and now she is the Community Outreach Coordinator for SAFE Shelter, she is dedicated to serving overcomers, she excels at connecting with community members, collaborating with service providers, implementing outreach plans, developing compelling presentations to community groups and her daughter Braelynn Walker is her motivation. One of her favorite quotes is “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” by Maya Angelou. While Frances is aware there are many matters in our community and one individual is typically faced with one or all, she is dedicated to serving others.
Andrea Hall-Houston
Andrea Hall-Houston is a Savannah native. She is currently a Covid-19 Response Team Supervisor with the Georgia Department of Public Health, CEO/Founder of Jus-Trin Consulting Service, LLC, and Business Development Consultant for a workforce development company.
Ms. Hall-Houston is a former Facilitator of the Healthcare Administration /MBA program at South University. In 2017, Ms. Hall-Houston accepted an appointment to a three-year term as commissioner with the city of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs Commission until 2023. Ms. Hall-Houston earned a Master of Public Administration degree in 2012 and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 2008 from Savannah State University. She is currently a doctoral (Ph.D.) candidate pursuing a degree in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology. Ms. Hall-Houston serves on several advisory boards and in 2019, the National Society of Leadership and Success (Sigma Alpha Pi) invited her to join their national society. Membership into the Society is by invitation only. Ms. Hall-Houston enjoys advocating for all people.
Miriam Munn
Miriam Munn is a native from a small town in NC. She moved to Savannah with her three sons in August 2011. Munn has been employed with the Savannah Chatham County Public School System since August 2014 and also works part-time. Munn serves on several boards throughout the city and loves volunteering in her community. Her passion for children and the elderly are at the top of anything she does. She has several certifications and numerous other accolades for her service in the community. She is excited to be a part of the CJFP so that she can continue to serve her community and the citizens that need her the most.
Amii Best
Amii Best is a native of Savannah, Georgia. She is a proud graduate of South Carolina State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education. After teaching for several years, she returned to school to obtain her Masters and Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology from Georgia Southern University. Amii is currently a School Psychologist with Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. Amii works with various public service organizations. She is a member of the Savannah Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and The Savannah (GA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. During her free time, Amii enjoys reading books, spending time with family and friends, and walking her 13 year old dog, Lola Bean.
Leslie M. Reaves
Leslie M. Reaves is the Owner and Certified Facilitator of Journeys Intervention Strategies, LLC. Leslie oversees the direction and operation of all intervention services and court-mandated programs in the areas of Family Violence, Anger Management, Parenting, and much more to come. She began appreciating her strengths and impact as a facilitator while teaching brain development and parent/child communication classes with Parent University which, in turn, helped prompt her journey. Prior to pursuing endeavors as an entrepreneur, Leslie has worked in the social services arena for a combination of 10 plus years ranging from foster care case management & youth intervention services to home visiting & child development. In 2014, she earned her Bachelors of Science Degree in Human Services from Columbia College. Afterwards, she completed her Masters of Science in Human Services Administration in 2019 from Saint Leo University receiving honors and accolades in both the graduate and undergraduate programs. Leslie is a recent graduate of the 13th class of the Neighborhood Leadership Academy hosted by StepUP Savannah. Moreover, she is currently in the process of becoming certified as a Civil Mediator with the Mediation Center. Leslie strives to be a conduit of positive change, hope, and transformation, bringing laughter, love, and joy to others.
Schenelle Johnson
Schenelle Johnson is an author, minister, a community peer/business educator, She educates, inspires, and encourages all to excel in excellence in all areas of our lives personal and business. Her latest book is Restorative Life: Finding Peace Within.
Schenelle encourages entrepreneurs to be well educated in understanding business credit and understand the funding options available from startup to seasoned business owners. She helps entrepreneurs understand the importance of building the right business credit for their industry and business needs. Schenelle also hosts a youth entrepreneurship program, JER Kidpreneur Biz Club. Helping community youth learn to earn which provides an opportunity for exploration in business and the arts. As much as Schenelle loves traveling and entrepreneurship; crafting is her favorite pastime. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and tribe.
Jalecia Quarterman
Jalecia is a 26 year old Savannah native. She is a daughter, sister, aunt, niece and friend. She has always had a passion for social justice, youth empowerment and community collaboration. She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Psychology and minored in Childhood and Family Development. While at school she volunteered at after-school youth centers such as the Boys and Girls Club and Cone Hall. After graduating she worked for City Year Orlando with AmeriCorps. There, she was a Student Success Coach and partnered with teachers to help support students in the classroom. She developed lesson plans catered to the interest of the students, tracked their attendance and facilitated lunch check-ins focused on social-emotional development. Jalecia graduated from City Year in 2019 and was promoted to Team Leader. Unfortunately, due to life events Jalecia moved back to her hometown in 2020. After being home and regaining her connections back with her city she became inspired to restart her grassroots in Savannah. She is currently a part of DEEP Center’s Youth Community Organizing Committee as well as the Savannah Community Justice Fellows Program. She is excited to be back in her community and cannot wait to make a real impact!
