Carolyn Caprioni, RN, BSN
VP of Quality Improvement
ccaprioni@yapinc.org
856.986.0473
Carolyn Caprioni came to YAP in 2003 with 20 years of psychiatric-mental health nursing experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in the science of nursing with Registered Nurse and Registered Forensic Nurse licensures. Carolyn ensures that YAP's Mid-Atlantic Region programs adhere to contractual regulations as well as Council on Accreditation standards of quality care. She has developed and implemented an exemplary QI program in NJ and was an integral part of getting YAP’s Integrity Compliance Program off the ground as well as the significant expansion of NJ’s Behavioral Health programs.
In addition, she acts as the Mid-Atlantic Region liaison on YAP’s Integrity Compliance, Safety, and Employee Insurance committees. In addition to her work with YAP, Carolyn worked as a Forensic Nurse working with victims of sexual assault. In her spare time she enjoys a lifelong commitment to learning and is currently preparing to sit for the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality exam.
Lynette Connor
Executive Vice President - Mid Atlantic & Southeast
lconnor@yapinc.org
856.397.5757
Lynette Connor has accumulated more than 25 years of working experience in the social services field and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker by the state of New Jersey. She is a Diplomate in Clinical Social Work and a Qualified Clinical Social Worker. Prior to joining YAP, Lynette worked for a variety of institutions, including: SJ Behavioral Health Resources, Rancocas Associates, Family Service of Burlington County, South Jersey Counseling Service, Family Preservation Services at Family Counseling Service, and the New Jersey Department of Corrections. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, as well as the Academy of Certified Social Workers. Lynette received BS and MSW degrees from Rutgers University.
Craig Jernigan
Regional Director - DC, MD
cjernigan@yapinc.org
443.248.4878
Saul Villar
Regional Quality Improvement Directory - MARSE Region
svillar@yapinc.org
848.336.1066
Saul Villar is a Licensed Social Worker with 5 years of clinical experience and an 8-year proven track record in Quality Improvement within the non-profit sector. Saul has leveraged this experience to enhance agency processes through the strategic use of software solutions and data-driven decision-making, drawing on established expertise in data manipulation and visualization techniques. Since joining Youth Advocate Programs in June 2023, Saul has actively contributed to various national and regional projects, including Drive to Digitize, Special Incident Process, and Overtime Reduction initiatives. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement, Saul plans to pursue Six Sigma Black Belt certification while contributing to YAP’s mission, further enhancing process improvement expertise and promoting increased organizational efficiency.
Renise Welbon
Regional Director - DE/PHL
rwelbon@yapinc.org
Renise Welbon is Regional Director for the Philadelphia/Delaware regions in YAP's Mid-Atlantic Region. She comes to YAP with over 20 years of experience working in the fields of behavioral health and counseling, education and school-based services, and social services for children and adults. She graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish, and from the University of Delaware with a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Student Personnel Administration. She is certified as a trainer in Crisis Prevention & Intervention and is also a Certified Investigator for the Intellectual DisAbility service system in Pennsylvania. Renise has three children and lives in Delaware County with her husband and two youngest daughters. She is a DIE-HARD Philadelphia Sports fan, but partial to the EAGLES, SIXERS, and UNION teams. She sings with an acapella gospel group and has written and produced several songs and CD's along with members of the group. She believes she will be able to continue to make a positive impact on the lives of children and their families through her work at YAP.
Tekoa Summers
Executive Vice President - West
tsummers@yapinc.org
Jamaal Crawford
Vice President - Midwest Region
jcrawford@yapinc.org
502.398.7889
Jamaal Crawford is a Kentucky native, born and raised in Louisville. Jamaal has 14 years' experience working in residential and psychiatric facilities with high risk youth and youth involved with chemical dependency.
Jamaal came to YAP as an Advocate in July 2017 when the program started. Jamaal was able to quickly transition into the Program Director of Louisville beginning December 2018. In that role, Jamaal continued to develop relationships with community resources, referring authorities, and youth/families. Jamaal then became the State Director of KY, overseeing programs that served program participants in both Louisville and Lexington. Now Vice President of YAP's Midwest Region, he oversees IN, OH, MO, IL, and WI.
E'Ron Leveston
Regional Director - IA, WI, IL
eleveston@yapinc.org
Estrella Griggs
Regional Director - Santa Fe Youth Services
egriggs@yapinc.org
Monique Robbins
Regional Director - IL - C2C
mrobbins@yapinc.org
Marlon Rucker
Regional Director - IL
mrucker@yapinc.org
Jessica Carlton
Executive Vice President - Northeast/BH
jcarlton@yapinc.org
412.215.5357
Jessica Carlton-Humenik is Executive Vice President of Northeast and Behavioral Health programs. Jessica began work with YAP in 1997 in Allegheny County as a Therapeutic Staff Support while attending graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh. After earning a graduate degree, she continued her work with YAP as a Behavioral Specialist Consultant, focusing her time with children on the autism spectrum, and those with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. Jessica continued her professional development toward leadership, accepting the position of Assistant Director in Allegheny County for several years, followed by the Director's position. In 2006, Jessica was promoted to the Director of Autism and Developmental Disabilities Program for Pennsylvania, supporting rapid development in behavioral health services across Pennsylvania. In 2012 Jessica was promoted to Vice President of Pennsylvania and Ohio programs.
Through her work with YAP, Jessica has collaborated with Allegheny County Office of Children, Youth and Families to initiate a Truancy Advocate Program which now offers services throughout the Pittsburgh public school system. In addition to her work at YAP, Jessica has worked as an outpatient therapist with both children and adults, specializing in anxiety and depression. She also has served as a Field Instructor for the University of Pittsburgh, Carlow College, Millersville University & Waynesburg University.
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Elizabethtown College and earned an MSW at the University of Pittsburgh. She has been a licensed social worker since 1997.
Ed Harmon
Regional Director - PA
eharmon@yapinc.org
Michelle Heim
Regional CQI Director
mheim@yapinc.org
610.655.5413
Michelle has been employed with Youth Advocate Programs since 2005. Prior to joining YAP, she received an undergraduate degree from Kutztown University. While earning her bachelor's degree, she started a new degree program that included receiving a paralegal degree from Lehigh Carbon Community College along with a bachelor's in psychology. She then went on to receive agraduate degree in Counseling Psychology from Kutztown University. Michelle has a background providing outpatient individual and group therapy and has facilitated workshops on the Autism Spectrum at conferences across the United States.
Michelle's early work at YAP included behavioral consultations, mobile therapy, and training. She has transitioned to Quality Improvement and sat for her CPHQ exam in 2023. Michelle is certified in Discovery, as a Communication Mentor, and is ODP certified in Quality Management. She also completed trainings through Lakeside Global. Michelle works on YAP's national reaccreditation with the Council on Accreditation and works closely with the YAP programs Australia.
Jennifer Hill
Vice President - PA
jhill@yapinc.org
570.396.2600
Jennifer Hill has worked for YAP since 2000, beginning her work as an Advocate and a TSS. Jennifer received a Master of Science in Counseling from Summit University in 2007. For the next twelve years she worked as an MT and a BSC, specializing in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. In 2017 Jennifer became Northeast Area Field Support Coordinator and Trainer for YAP. In 2010 she became a member of the NBCC and in 2014 became an LPC. In addition to her employment at YAP, Jennifer has worked in private practice and was the Clinical Supervisor of The Love Life Marriage and Family Center.
Dawn Hennessey
Regional Director - PA
dhennessey@yapinc.org
Susan Hurd
Regional Director - PA
shurd@yapinc.org
Dana LaCoss
Regional Director - NY/CO/MI
dlacoss@yapinc.org
315.854.2562
Dana LaCoss joined YAP in 2007 as an Advocate. She quickly climbed the ladder to assistant director with the NY St. Lawrence County team in 2008. Shortly after that she was promoted to Program Director and then Executive Director until becoming Regional Director in August of 2019. Dana was an active leader in creating and making the 0-5 parenting program such a success.
Dana grew up in St. Lawrence County NY and is raising her twin children there. She received Bachelor of Arts and Master's degrees from the local State University at Potsdam College. She was determined to become a local elementary teacher, but knew she needed to find a different career if she was going to make more of an impact on youth that she served in the classroom. She has obtained various certifications and training around the science of addiction, foster care and is part of a trauma informed team in her county.
Dana is part of YAP's NY leadership team and oversees programs in NY, MI, and CO. She has hopes to continue expanding YAP all over the country and reaching as many families as YAP can to support their needs.
Casey Lane
Vice-President - MI, NH, NY, RI
cflane@yapinc.org
315.212.7338
Casey started his career at YAP in 2003 as an Advocate in Franklin County, NY, and shortly after was promoted to Assistant Director of the Franklin County Family Resolutions Program, doing Family Group Conferencing. In 2004 Casey was promoted to Director of St. Lawrence County Family Resolutions Program. It is here that Casey refined his skills and soon became known as the “reunification specialist." He was called upon many times to work with others to teach those skills and help bring many kids back home to their community. Casey has dedicated his career at YAP to reunifying youth and their families from out-of-home placements. Casey currently is Vice President of YAP's Northeast region and oversees programs in NY, RI, CT, MI, ME, and NH.
Casey is an avid outdoorsman, and an avid fan of Syracuse basketball and football teams… Go “Cuse”! He is also trustee at his local church, in Malone NY.
Adam Santacroce
Regional Director - NY/RI
asantacroce@yapinc.org
845.527.4967
Adam is a NY native and resides just outside of NYC with his wife Betsy, daughter Isabella, and son AJ. Adam attended SUNY Oneonta where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. He earned a Master of Counseling and Development degree at L.I.U. CW Post. Adam is a former guidance counselor and holds a permanent certification in education.
In 2011 Adam became an Assistant Director for YAP’s OCFS Reunification Program. In 2013 he became NYS Regional Director and opened YAP’s Prevention/Reunification Program in Chemung County, which grew to include a school-based Advocate component and is part of a five-state federal mentoring grant. Adam is an advocate for continuous training and has completed Child Abuse & Violence Workshops, Section 504 in NY: ‘A Closer Look’, Gang Intervention & Prevention, Advanced Youth Development, ADHD: Understanding and celebrating the gift, and Teen Suicide Prevention.
He oversees YAP's South Bronx AIM Program, NYC Host Homes Project, as well as Ulster County, Orange County and Schenectady County programs. Adam is an active board member for the YAP Endowment Fund, which supports current and former youth and families in pursuing college or vocational schools to advance their skills and economic opportunities.
Regina Scarmack
Regional Director - PA
rscarmack@yapinc.org
Regina Scarmack is Regional Director for Western Pennsylvania programs for Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. Regina began work with YAP in 1995 in Mercer County as a Therapeutic Staff Support while attending graduate school at the University of Slippery Rock. After earning her graduate degree, she continued her work with YAP as a Behavioral Specialist Consultant/Mobile Therapist, focusing her time with children on the autism spectrum, and those with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. Regina continued her professional development toward leadership, accepting the position of Assistant Director in Mercer County for several years, followed by the Director's position overseeing both Mercer and Crawford County. In 2020, Regina was promoted to the Regional Director for Western Pennsylvania, extending growth in truancy and YAPWORX® programs throughout Western PA. Through her work with YAP, Regina has collaborated with County MH/ID agencies and Office of Children, Youth and Families to initiate ID/MH, Advocate and Truancy Program which offers services throughout Western PA. In addition to her work at YAP, Regina has worked as an outpatient therapist since 2004 with both children and adults specializing in anxiety, depression, and cognitive behavioral therapy
Kasey Young
Regional Director - NY/NH/ME
kyoung@yapinc.org
Kasey joined YAP in 2007 as an Intensive Family Coordinator in Essex County NY. Shortly after she moved into the position of Director of Clinton County, NY where she stayed for almost 15 years before being promoted to YAP Regional Director of New York and Maine in November of 2022. Kasey has supervised programs of prevention, reunification, detention alternative, and 0-5. Kasey is trained as a facilitator of the Not a Number curriculum for sex trafficking through Love146.
Kasey earned her Bachelor's and Master of Science degrees from SUNY Plattsburgh. She had pursued a career in teaching before landing the job with YAP and finding her passion for advocating for youth through the mission of the program.
Kasey grew up and resides in upstate NY with her daughter. She is the Vice President of her local school board and continues to advocate for students through her work on that board.
LaVeisha Cummings
Vice President - Southeast
lcummings@yapinc.org
312.433.6179
LaVeisha Cummings is Vice President for YAP's Southeast region. LaVeisha joined YAP in 2011 as Program Director for Chatham County-YAP located in Savannah, GA. In her current role, LaVeisha provides operational support and training to programs located in FL, GA, & SC.
LaVeisha received a Bachelor’s degree in Speech & Theatre from Albany State University, a Master’s degree in Counseling & Psychology from Troy University and a Doctorate degree in Christian Counseling from Jacksonville Theological Seminary. LaVeisha is a published author and playwright. She brings to YAP a wealth of experience in both residential and community-based programs working with youth considered at-risk.
Vivian Davis
Regional Director - AL, VA
vdavis@yapinc.org
Felicia Wells
Regional Director - FL
fwells@yapinc.org
Kimberly Brandon
Vice President
kbrandon@yapinc.org
817.905.3826
Naomi Chargois Edwards
Southwest Regional BH Director
nchargois@yapinc.org
281.627.8364
Naomi Chargois Edwards is YAP’s Southwest Regional Director of Behavioral Health Services. She joined YAP as a Community Living Support in 2014 and has served as Assistant Director and Program Director of Behavioral Health Services. Naomi’s primary focus was to oversee the provision of intensive specialized services to children and youth with serious emotional disturbances in Fort Bend, Gulf Coast, and Harris County. She brought to YAP a background of individual and group behavioral health services as well as a vision and purpose to empower youth and inspire future leaders.
In her current role, she is focused on ensuring quality behavioral health services are provided to children and youth, influencing teams, increasing collaboration, and building leaders.
Naomi earned a Bachelor’s in psychology from Alabama State University and a Master’s in marriage, couple, and family therapy from Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi. In her spare time, she enjoys creating memories with family, engaging in community outreach, and volunteering in her local Children’s Ministry.
Kevin Faulkner
Southwest Director of Business Operations - AZ, CO, KS, LA, NV, TX
kfaulkner@yapinc.org
214.883.2304
Kevin Faulkner joined the YAP team in 2001 and serves as Southwest Director of Business Operations. In this capacity, he maintains oversight of financial, contractual and operational areas of the programs that provide a range of community-based services for children, youth and families throughout the Southwest region.
Talvin Paul
Vice President
tpaul@yapinc.org
832.289.4622
Talvin has more than 26 years of experience in the field of social service in the Houston TX area. He developed a strong clinical background during his early years at MHMRA. He later blended that experience with 12 years of criminal justice experience. Talvin developed several programs for special needs offenders within the community supervision and corrections department. He was also recognized for his innovative approach to working with multi-needs, at-risk youth offenders through the Vital Issues Program (VIP). As a result of his success, he received the TCA State award. He has been active in community-led programs that focus on reducing crimes in high crime neighborhoods. He also taught Introduction to Mental Health Mental Retardation, Suicide Prevention and Cultural Diversity at the University of Houston's Corrections Academy.
Talvin’s professional history reflects his dedication to advocacy for children and special needs offenders. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Grambling State University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Prairie View A & M University. He is a Licensed Social Worker, a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, and a Licensed Child Care Administrator.
Lori Burrus
National Coordinator of Developmental Disabilities Programs
lburrus@yapinc.org
717.269.7969
Lori Burrus has been working in various management positions in the developmental disability community for over 34 years. She has overseen licensed residential programs, life sharing and home and community services. In her time at YAP, she has developed programming for youth and adults with disabilities through partnerships with health and employment systems. She attended Kutztown University and earned a degree in social welfare.
Lori loves her family and church family and her long-term goal is to return to Southern Italy.
Jennifer Drake
Vice President Behavioral Health Services
jdrake@yapinc.org
973.670.7495
As Vice President of Behavioral Health Services at Youth Advocate Programs, Inc., Jennifer oversees YAP behavioral health programs throughout the country. She worked at YAP as an Advocate, outpatient therapist, and intensive in-home therapist before assuming the National Director role in 2013.
Jennifer has worked with young people in mental health, youth justice and child welfare systems for over 15 years and has extensive training working with youth who have experienced child sexual abuse and other tragedies. Jennifer has served as an expert witness for the State of New Jersey and has published articles in the Journal of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences and the New Jersey Journal of Professional Counseling.
Jennifer graduated summa cum laude with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2003. She holds a Juris Doctor from Rutgers University School of Law, where she graduated cum laude in 2013. Jennifer is a Licensed Professional Counselor and attorney in the State of New Jersey.
Michael Garrigan
mgarrigan@yapinc.org
610.704.4620
Michael Garrigan has over 35 years of experience in social services. Mike joined YAP in 1992, serving first as Director and then Regional Director of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Ohio. Currently Executive Vice President, he develops and supports programs in six states as a member of YAP’s Southeast leadership team.
Before joining the YAP team, Mike worked extensively with at-risk youth in Northeastern Pennsylvania. His professional history includes positions as Educational Coordinator, Foster Care Manager, Independent Living Coordinator and Job Coach. He has served on the Board of Directors of YAP, the CAASP Advisory Board, PA Council of Children's Services, Northampton County Partnership, Northampton/Lehigh Counties Community Network, and the PA Community Provider's Association. Mike graduated from Kutztown University with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice/Social Work and engages in continuing education in the fields of education and business administration.
Mike was a member of YAP’s original board of directors, and now sits on the Health Insurance Committee, National and Regional Leadership Teams, and the Endowment Board. He is active in his community, serving as a youth mentor and coaching high school basketball and softball for 16 years.
Dina Harris
VP Program Operations
dharris@yapinc.org
With a career spanning nearly three decades, Dina is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in program operations, quality improvement, and community development. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to enhancing organizational effectiveness through innovative strategies and dedicated leadership. In past roles, Dina provided oversight to outcome measurement and contract compliance processes in YAP’s West Region. Within other human services organizations, she held major roles in non-profit development and educational programming.
Dina’s career fuels her expertise in program operations, quality improvement, and development. It also positions her as a leader committed to making a significant impact.
Greg Hollback
VP Philanthropy
ghollback@yapinc.org
Greg Hollback, YAP’s Vice President of Philanthropy, manages a team responsible for individual donations, corporate and foundation relations, and major gifts. Greg is a seasoned professional in philanthropy and organizational leadership. In addition to his eight years of experience in philanthropy, he brings a background of teaching with a passion for helping youths succeed.
He has served in many philanthropy roles, most recently as Director of Individual Philanthropy at ZERO TO THREE: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. Greg holds a Master of Sports Administration from Ohio University and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and holds leadership certificates from Cornell University and the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Originally from southern Ohio, he now resides in Daytona Beach, FL. Greg and his wife Samantha have two adopted daughters, ages 5 and 7, who love following the US national women's gymnastics team and the Gators gymnastics team. The family enjoys traveling to watch gymnastics events and spending weekends at the beach.
Chantal M. Jones
VP Research & Evaluation
cmjones@yapinc.org
Cliff Kubiak
Chief Information Officer
ckubiak@yapinc.org
717.232.7580 x1209
Cliff Kubiak joined YAP in 1992 as Program Director of the Philadelphia In-Home Detention Program. In Philadelphia, he implemented the Pre-Hearing Intensive Supervision Program which still serves youth and families. He was also instrumental in opening other programs for at-risk youth in some of the most difficult high schools in Philadelphia.
Cliff moved to YAP’s Support Center in Harrisburg to help design and implement the company's internal auditing department. In 1999 he was given the additional responsibility of supervising YAP’s Monitoring, Reception and Information Technology (IT) departments. He led the team that installed the Microsoft network and e-mail systems that form the foundation of YAP's communications system. His department has also worked closely with the HR and Fiscal departments to implement software which has improved their ability to perform their daily responsibilities and reporting.
In 2006, Cliff was appointed Chief Information Officer and was named to the Senior Management team. In addition to his daily duties, Cliff serves as a member of the Health Insurance Committee, YAP Autism board, Integrity Compliance and PQI committees, senior management and as an advisor to the COA implementation group. Cliff has also coached his children's sports teams and served as a volunteer firefighter. He holds an associate’s degree in Computer Science Community College of Philadelphia, and is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer--MCSE, LaSalle University, Business Management.
Diana Matteson
Director of International Programs & Development
dmatteson@yapinc.org
202.308.7508
Diana Matteson, Director of International Programs and Development for YAP, Inc., has over 20 years of experience in human services in direct practice, teaching and development. She holds a Master's in Art Therapy and a B.A. in Psychology from The George Washington University. Diana's graduate thesis focused on the role of art and storytelling in the grief process for young people living in street situations and adults living with HIV/AIDS. Diana served as a Peace Corps Volunteer and has devoted her career to social justice work.
Diana is bilingual - proficient in Spanish and English. She has represented YAP at international conferences and led educational workshops in nine different countries on clinical practice and effective interventions with marginalized youth and families. In her position as YAP Director of International Programs and Development, Diana coordinates training, technical assistance and consultation with YAP partners in Latin America, Europe, Australia, Africa and Asia and seeks new growth opportunities for YAP International. Diana creates youth and professional exchanges for YAP youth and staff including leading youth delegations to international street soccer tournaments in Brazil and Argentina.
Ryanne Persinger
National Director of Communications
rpersinger@yapinc.org
Ryanne Persinger is an experienced journalist with a broad range of communications experience. Prior to joining YAP in 2021, she was a marketing and communications coordinator at a technical college. She also worked as a media specialist for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and taught mass communications at a small private liberal arts college in South Carolina. Ryanne’s work has appeared in newspapers in Charlotte, Philadelphia, and in Visalia and Tulare, communities in her home state of California. She is a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University and earned her master’s degree in journalism from Florida A&M University.
Timothy Ragland
National Director of Policy and Governmental Affairs
tragland@yapinc.org