Meet Our Team

Joy Nelson Thomas
Founder & Executive Director
Read Joy's Bio
Joy holds a B.A. from Salem College and is a certified Life Coach through an ICF (International Coach Federation) recognized institution. She also is certified in safe-talk and suicide prevention. Joy’s ‘why’ in life is: “impact every girl that comes in her life in some way.” Joy feels it’s our responsibility to be the change we want to see in our community, not just talk about it.
Joy has been selected as a 2021 Triad Business Journal C-Suite winner, 2018 Women of the Year through ABWA (American Business Women’s Assoc.), a 2019 Wonder Woman of the Year through Yes! Weekly, given “Hidden Figure Recognition” by The Acey Group and featured in many publications. She serves on boards/committees of the African American Leadership Society; the Clinical Translational Science Institution at WFU School of Medicine; Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods; Association of Fundraising Professionals; and Winston-Salem Fashion week.
When Joy is not working to change a girl, a community and the world, she’s spending time with he husband Jasper and her son JT.

Britney Dent
Director of Programs
Read Britney's Bio
Britney is a teacher, life coach, mother, and pastor’s wife. She grew up in the small town of Selma, North Carolina as a preacher’s kid and earned a degree in Sociology and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. A public school teacher since 2011, Britney is also life coach for teens and parents of teens, coaching them to make the best choices for their health, academics, and relationships. Britney enjoys meeting new people and encouraging people to keep going even when the going gets tough.

Karen Harris, LCMHCS, LCAS-A
LEAD Facilitator & Family Liaison
Read Karen's Bio
Karen has more than thirty years of experience working with teens and families. She is passionate about helping others overcome their challenges and realize their full potential. Karen holds a master of arts degree in public affairs, a master of science in counseling and a bachelor’s degree in sociology. She is a licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor, a licensed clinical addiction specialist and she holds a National Boards certification in school counseling.

Caprina Rogers
Volunteer Coordinator & Administrative Support
Read Caprina's Bio
Caprina has worked as a leader and trainer in customer relations for an eminent utility company; coaching mentoring and encouraging teams to perform at their best. Her involvement in community service opportunities as a child sparked her passion for helping others. She strives to be a person that advocates for others while inspiring them to live their most authentic life. In her free time, Caprina enjoys photography, supporting local arts, learning about wellness, and being in nature.

Shonette Lewis, Ed.S.
LEAD Facilitator
Read Shonette's Bio

Denise W. McCoy
LEAD Facilitator
Read Denise's Bio
Denise has called Winston-Salem home since relocating from Iredell County in 1997. She has a passion for advocating and empowering others. After working in law enforcement, Denise made a career change to education. She now has more than 36 years of experience as a facilitator, trainer, parent educator, mentor and program coordinator. Denise is committed to working with families, children, and communities to achieve a goal of moving “Forward together, not one step backwards.”