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Upcoming Trainings

13
What About Us? We Grieve Too
Roberta’s House | Morgenthaler Theater
Presenter: Dorenzer Thomas

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14
How Grief Impacts Physical Health
Roberta’s House | Morgenthaler Theater
Presenter: Gregory Branch, M.D.

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15
Emotional Intelligence for Service Providers
Roberta’s House | Morgenthaler Theater
Presenter: Pierre Wright, Ph.D.

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16
How Community Schools Can Support Grieving Families
Roberta’s House | Morgenthaler Theater
Presenter: Roclande White, Ed.D.

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17
Seeing Clearly: Coping with Grief through Vipassana Meditation
Roberta’s House | Morgenthaler Theater
Presenter: Roclande White, Ed.D.

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Faculty

Coleen Reyes, Ed.D.
Director, Roberta’s House Learning Institute

Dr. Coleen Reyes is an accomplished leader in education and nonprofit management. With a diverse background as a former executive director of a nonprofit organization, teacher, school administrator, and professional learning facilitator and developer, Coleen has successfully led professional development initiatives for thousands of individuals.
 
Currently, she focuses on supporting organizations like Roberta’s House in designing and implementing professional learning activities that foster authentic adult learning, reflection, growth, and meaningful connections. As a coach, Coleen continues to assist teams in analyzing data, refining practices, and training facilitators and leadership developers to enhance organizational effectiveness.
 
Dr. Reyes’ academic journey began at Howard University and culminated with an Ed.D. in Education Leadership and Administration from George Washington University. She is a firm believer in the transformative power of leadership and learning within nonprofit organizations to drive systemic improvement and positive societal change.
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Rhianon Brady, LCPC, CGP, C-DBT, CCTP
Training Clinician

Ms. Rhianon Brady is a dedicated mental health clinician at Roberta’s House, a family grief center, where she is committed to supporting individuals and families through their grieving process, recognizing grief as a critical public health concern. She earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Loyola University Maryland and holds certifications in grief, trauma, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
 
Additionally, Ms. Brady is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which she utilizes in her work with individuals experiencing complex trauma. She has extensive experience providing therapeutic counseling services to children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups across various settings, including residential programs, schools, community organizations, and private practice. She is passionate about ensuring that quality grief support is accessible to all communities, regardless of privilege or access to resources.

Gregory Wm. Branch, M.D., MBA, CPE, FACP
Vice President, Roberta’s House
Faculty Presenter

Gregory Wm. Branch is a native of New York City and a Magna Cum Laude graduate from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, where he was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He completed residency training at the renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital in the William Osler Internal Medicine Residency Program.

Nationally recognized as a Certified Physician Executive, Dr. Branch also holds an MBA from the University of Baltimore Merrick School of Business. He serves on the faculty at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Additionally, he is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Dr. Branch is an internationally recognized Fellow of the American College of Physicians.

With over 35 years of medical practice, Dr. Branch has held numerous significant positions, including Director of Health and Human Services and Health Officer for Baltimore County, Lead Physician and Medical Director of Laboratory Services at the Johns Hopkins Medical Services Corporation, and Chief Medical Officer of Gerald Family Care in Washington, DC. He has also served as Medical Director at Baltimore Medical System and Chief Medical Officer for Maryland Physicians Care (Medicaid) and the Maryland Health Insurance Program.

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Roxanne Fuentes, LCSW-C, MSW, RPS, SAP, ACS
Training Clinician

Roxanne Fuentes is a classically trained clinician with a holistic approach to treatment, emphasizing the importance of addressing the whole person as a unique individual. With over 16 years of experience living and working in Maryland, Ms. Fuentes has cultivated a diverse and extensive background in the field of social work.
 
Ms. Fuentes serves as an adjunct professor at Morgan State University’s School of Social Work, demonstrating her commitment to education and the advancement of her field. Beyond her academic contributions, she is also actively involved in the community, including officiating women’s high school basketball.
 
Throughout her career, Ms. Fuentes has held both administrative and clinical roles across various treatment modalities, including substance abuse, mental health, residential treatment centers, and family and children services. Her experience is enriched by her time spent living and working in two major cities facing similar societal and socio-economic challenges, providing her with a broad perspective on urban issues.
 
Her areas of expertise include Women and Wellness, Adolescents, Trauma, Substance Abuse, and Urban Trauma. Additionally, Ms. Fuentes is an approved Supervisor for the Maryland Board of Social Workers and the Board of Professional Counselors, further solidifying her role as a leader and mentor in the field.

Matila S. Jones, II, MS, HS-BCP
Training Clinician

Ms. Jones recently joined Roberta’s House and serves as our Executive Director. Ms. Jones is a distinguished human services practitioner and executive with over a decade of experience delivering, coordinating, and managing community service programs. She holds a BA in African Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MS in Human Services Administration from Coppin State University and the University of Baltimore. Additionally, Ms. Jones is certified in parent education, literary science, and early childhood care.
 
Ms. Jones has an extensive background in professional training development for both non-profit and government sectors, focusing on early childcare and child welfare. She has overseen various community programs, contributed to academic research, and appeared as an expert guest on news outlets such as FOX45 and WBAL. Her career reflects a deep commitment to community service, aligning seamlessly with the mission of Roberta’s House.
 
Known for her exceptional leadership in building high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, and leading organizational change, Ms. Jones is poised to impact Roberta’s House significantly. Her expertise in driving excellence and cultivating a cooperative culture will be instrumental in advancing the organization’s mission. By providing essential support and education to those experiencing grief and trauma, her work will benefit both communities and healthcare professionals who serve bereaved individuals.
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Annette R. March-Grier, RN., C.F.S.P.
President & Co-Founder, Roberta’s House
Faculty Presenter

Annette R. March-Grier is a distinguished healthcare professional and community leader , known for her unwavering commitment to grief support and family care. In 2007, she co-founded Roberta’s House, a grief support center inspired by her experiences as a registered nurse and her family’s legacy in funeral services. Under her leadership, Roberta’s House has become a lifeline for those facing loss, particularly in underserved communities, where the need for such support is often overlooked. Her work has earned her national acclaim, including recognition as a CNN Hero. She also serves on various boards and community initiatives, further broadening her impact.

Ms. March-Grier’s educational background is diverse and robust. She holds a Nursing degree from the University of Delaware, which provided the foundation for her healthcare career. She furthered her expertise by studying mortuary science at Catonsville Community College, enabling her to merge healthcare with compassionate grief support. This unique combination led to the establishment of Roberta’s House.

As President and Co-Founder of Roberta’s House, Ms. March-Grier has demonstrated her leadership and vision by expanding the organization’s reach beyond Baltimore. She opened a second office in Prince George’s County, Maryland. This strategic move allows the organization to serve more communities and offer comprehensive bereavement programs, including counseling, peer support, and education.

In recognition of her contributions, Ms. March-Grier received the National Caring Award in October 2016, which includes her induction into the Caring Hall of Fame located in the Frederick Douglas Museum on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Additionally, she received the 2023 Faith in Baltimore Award and the 2015 Mother Caroline Friess Service Award. In 2024, she was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG), where she will further influence national strategies for supporting grieving children and their families.

Presenters

Aniah Brewer
Presenter

Aniah Brewer is an exceptional senior at Coppin State University, where she is working towards a bachelor’s degree in social work. Her academic achievements and involvement in various organizations truly set her apart. As a Presidential scholar, Maxie Collier Scholar, and Remarkable Future Scholarship recipient, Aniah has consistently demonstrated her commitment to excellence. With a 4.0 GPA, she has been recognized as a Dean’s List recipient four times.

Aniah’s dedication to positively impacting society has also led her to become a University of Maryland (UMB) Restorative Change fellow. In addition to her academic success, Aniah is also a leader on campus. She currently serves as the President of Coppin’s Social Work Association and as the Vice President of Coppin’s Phi Alpha Honor Society, Theta Rho chapter. Through these roles, she is able to further her passion for social equity and advocacy.

Aniah is also pursuing practical experience in the field of social work. She is interning under Civic Works with the Maryland Department of Aging Baltimore County’s Ombudsman Program. Here, she is learning about systematic advocacy and how to empower individuals to stand up for their rights. Aniah’s dedication to making a difference in her community is inspiring and admirable.

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Paulette Williams-Tillery, Ph.D.
Presenter 

Dr. Paulette Williams-Tillery is an esteemed Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at Coppin State University’s College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. With over 15 years of dedication, she has made significant contributions to the education and mentorship of Psychology and Social Work students. Her extensive experience working with underserved populations is evident in her strong background in program development, management, and training.
 
As a passionate social worker, Dr. Williams-Tillery specializes in grief, complex trauma, and intergenerational trauma. She offers group and individual counseling services, reflecting her commitment to supporting individuals and communities impacted by trauma. Her leadership includes tenure at Roberta’s House Grief and Loss Center, where she provided vital support to those affected by homicidal loss and led the Homicide Survivor Advocacy Program.
 
Dr. Williams-Tillery’s research focuses on grief, loss, and trauma within Black and Brown communities. She actively participates in professional organizations, including the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the NASW-MD Social Workers Unraveling Racism (SWUR) Committee.
 
Renowned for her engaging teaching style, Dr. Williams-Tillery excels at making complex topics accessible and relatable. Her unwavering dedication to improving lives through academic, research, and community efforts continues to inspire and guide the next generation of counselors and social workers. Dr. Williams-Tillery’s contributions to the field are both invaluable and impactful.

Dr. Pierre Wright
Presenter

Dr. Pierre Wright is a distinguished assistant professor of Psychology at Coppin State University with a commitment to understanding and supporting neurodivergent individuals. With over 17 years of experience in the field, Dr. Wright has established a reputation for innovative research and clinical practice and is dedicated to advocacy for neurodiverse and marginalized populations. Much of Dr. Wright’s work is characterized by a deep understanding of the neurodivergent brain, including the unique challenges and strengths associated with conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, sensory processing disorders, and trauma.
 
Dr. Wright has learned to employ a holistic and inclusive approach to integrating cognitive-behavioral strategies with individualized educational plans and creating evidence-based interventions tailored to student needs and cognitive abilities. Dr. Wright is also a passionate educator, teaching courses on cognitive psychology, neurodevelopmental disorders, intervention strategies, and inclusive educational practices since 2008. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Wright is an active contributor to professional organizations and community initiatives aimed at advancing the understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity. They frequently present at conferences, publish peer-reviewed articles, and consult with schools to enhance their support systems for neurodivergent students.
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Roberta's House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations to which are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.  A copy of our current financial statement is available by contacting Roberta's House at 928 E North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202 and 410-235-6633. Documents and information submitted to the State of Maryland under the Maryland Charitable Solicitations Act are available from the Office of the Secretary of State for the cost of copying and postage.

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