Who we are
executive team
CARMEANN FOSTER, JD, LICSW, DPA-ABD, MSW,
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Carmeann Foster is a cornerstone of the Rebound team, serving as the Founder and Executive Director. With a robust educational background and a passion for transforming the lives of young people, Carmeann brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role.
Education: Carmeann holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from St. Catherine University and a Master of Social Work from the University of St. Thomas/St. Catherine University School of Social Work. She earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of St. Thomas School of Law, complemented by a Certificate in Arbitration. Additionally, she is pursued a Doctorate in Public Administration at Hamline University, with research focused on racial disproportionality in the juvenile justice system. Role at Rebound: As the Executive Director at Rebound, Carmeann's responsibilities are extensive and crucial to the organization's success. She develops and implements innovative programs aligned with the agency's mission, oversees financial management, and conducts fundraising and grant writing. Carmeann ensures compliance with policies and legal mandates, supervises the development of treatment plans, and promotes Rebound's services within the community. Her leadership and vision drive the organization forward, making a significant impact on the lives of those they serve. |
Residential Program Team
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CHARLENE FORBES, JD
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The Residential Program Director position is a return for Charlene, who has worked in various roles in the organization before. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role, making a significant impact on the lives of the youth we serve.
Educational Background: Charlene holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology from Northwestern University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Saint Thomas School of Law. Role at Rebound: Charlene serves as a Residential Program Administrator. Her role involves designing and implementing innovative, evidence-based programming that sets Rebound apart. She is committed to exposing the youth to different experiences and building strong community partnerships. Charlene played a significant role in opening the Naimi and Jelani houses and has served on the board of Rebound since 2014, holding the chair seat for a year. |
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Work and Professional Background:
Lance holds a Bachelor's degree in education and initially pursued teaching, spending a year at Central. He has a diverse professional history, including retail management, where he most recently served as a manager at Lifetime Fitness. At Rebound, Lance takes on the role of Residential Program Administrator, overseeing staff and facility management. Lance's dedication and hard work at Rebound do not go unnoticed. His willingness to go above and beyond and his genuine care for the youth and staff under Rebound's umbrella makes him an invaluable asset to the organization. His commitment to making a positive impact is a testament to his character, and Rebound is thankful to have someone as dedicated as Lance on our team.
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LANCE PINER, BA
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DEJA RAGLAND, BSW
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Deja Ragland is a vital member of the Rebound team, serving as a Residential Case Manager. With a strong educational foundation and a commitment to supporting youth, Deja brings dedication and expertise to her role.
Education: Deja holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She is planning to further her education by pursuing a Master's degree in the upcoming school year. Role at Rebound: As a Residential Case Manager, Deja works directly with the youth of Jelani House and Naima House. She ensures that residents receive the support they deserve by connecting them to community organizations and programs. Deja provides the resources and education necessary for the next chapter of their lives, helping them transition successfully. Her compassionate approach and dedication to youth empowerment are key to the success of Rebound's mission. |
Ujima Program
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Educational Background:
Isy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Corrections from the University of Minnesota Crookston. Currently, she is pursuing a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Professional Background: With a passion for working with justice-impacted BIPOC families and individuals, Isy embarked on her career journey in 2019 as a Targeted Mental Health Case Manager for Headway Emotional Health Services. In 2021, she transitioned to a Mental Health Worker position at Headway's Adolescent Day Treatment Program before landing at Rebound. As the Ujima Program Coordinator, Isy supports the families on her caseload as they move through the Strengthening Family Coping Resources (SFCR) Curriculum, learning positive coping skills and ways to manage and deal with trauma. |
ISY ODOR, BS
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ELIZABETH GOBINA, BS
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Educational Background:
Elizabeth holds a BS degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Minnesota. Role at Rebound: Elizabeth joined the Rebound team as a Community Facilitator for the UJIMA Family Resilience Program when it first launched in 2019. The program’s goal is to prevent justice system involvement among Black youths and their families. Currently, she serves as the Prevention Program Assistant for the UJIMA program, ensuring that each UJIMA group session runs smoothly and efficiently. Motivation: Elizabeth is driven by watching the families served open up, learn new coping skills, and provide positive feedback during and after they graduate from the program. Her dedication to the program and its participants is evident in her commitment to fostering resilience and growth within the community. |
QUNESHIA BREWER, BS
Mentor Program
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Educational Background:
Will started with the intention of pursuing accounting but eventually transitioned to a business degree. His entrepreneurial spirit emerged early in life, starting his first business at the age of 12. His passion for business and mentorship has since become a driving force in his career. Role at Rebound: At Rebound, Will is the driving force behind the Better Together Mentor Program. His journey started at 25 when he launched this program, and over the years, he's shaped it into a powerful force for change. The program was brought under Rebound's umbrella to cater specifically to youth on probation. Will's dedication to mentoring and his vision for shaping young leaders have made a significant mark on Rebound's mission. |
WILL TABOR
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Transitional support programs
JAMECIA SMITH
Aftercare Program Administrator
[email protected] |
Educational Background:
Jamecia graduated from high school in 2007 and went on to complete her education at Empire Beauty School in 2010. Professional Background: Jamecia's journey at Rebound began in November 2014 as a part-time Resident Support Worker. Over the years, she excelled in her role, and in 2019, she became the Case Manager for the Aftercare Program. In 2021, she took on the role of Program Coordinator and played a crucial part in developing the Aftercare Transitional Support (ATS) Program. Jamecia's hard work also paid off when she successfully secured grant funding from the Polad Foundation to launch the ATS Program. Role at Rebound: As the Aftercare Program Coordinator, Jamecia oversees the entire Aftercare Program, including the Aftercare Transitional Support Program. She creates programming, develops curriculum, coordinates outings, and manages a team of two dedicated Case Managers. |
MAKYLAH DELONEY, BA
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Educational Journey:
Makylah embarked on her educational journey at Normandale Community College right after high school. She then transferred to Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, and later returned to Normandale before completing her studies at Concordia University- St. Paul in June 2023. Her commitment to learning continues, as she's set to pursue a Master's in Criminal Justice Leadership at Concordia this fall. Professional Path: Before joining Rebound, Makylah was a case manager at MySkye Care, a small company in Fridley. This experience ignited her passion for helping clients improve their lives and achieve their goals. She also has a background as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), working with both adult and youth clients to help them remain engaged within their community. Role at Rebound: At Rebound, Makylah assumes the role of ATS/EFC case manager. Her responsibilities encompass guiding youth to secure housing, aiding in job searches, supporting their educational journey, and addressing various needs that contribute to their success. |
Aftercare Program Case Manager
[email protected] |
Youth Advisory Board
SHELBY HARDIN, AA
Youth Advisory Board Coordinator
[email protected] |
Educational Pursuits:
Shelby's academic journey began at Inver Hills Community College, where she earned her Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences. She is currently a student at the University of Minnesota, working towards a Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Management. Her commitment to learning extends to the future as she prepares to pursue a Master's degree in the field. Role and Impact: As the coordinator of the Youth Advisory Board (YAB), Shelby holds a pivotal role in reforming the juvenile justice system. The YAB collaborates with various Hennepin County organizations to identify issues and implement solutions. Shelby's responsibilities include facilitating discussions, organizing events, leading meetings, attending sessions, managing data, and overseeing members' compensation. She recently took a group out of state for a conference. |
Admin Team
DESIAA BUFORD
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Professional Path:
Desiaa has owned a remote creative agency since 2021 specializing in Website Design, Content Creation, and Digital Marketing. This experience has allowed her have a passion for helping local businesses expand on social media and within. Role at Rebound: Within Rebound, Desiaa is the go-to person for all things media-related. She spearheads social media management, graphic design, and newsletters. Her role extends to assisting in training, design, and serving as the in-house IT expert. She actively contributes to fundraising initiatives and plays a vital role in the annual gala. |
Communication Manager
[email protected] |