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. |
Tiara fard
Director of Programs
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Tiara joins Rebound Minneapolis as the Director of Programs, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to youth empowerment.
Education: She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Youth Program Development from Metropolitan State University and has several years of experience in youth program coordination, curriculum design, evaluation, and facilitation. Her passion for diversity and equity is a driving force in her work, leading to her recent appointment on the African American Heritage Work Group Advisory Board. Tiara also holds a certification in human trafficking and has over five years of experience in organizational management and leadership. Role at Rebound: In her role at Rebound Minneapolis, Tiara is dedicated to creating impactful, trauma-informed programs that empower young people in the community. She fosters a synergetic environment where every voice is heard and valued, ensuring that all participants feel supported and equipped to thrive. |
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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Ujima Program
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. |
DEMETRIA MONIQUE POE
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Demetria Monique Poe was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as the eldest of 16 children. She was raised by her grandmother, Verna Frazier, and grandfather, Louis Frazier, who instilled in her a strong faith in Yahweh and Yeshua, along with the belief that education is the pathway to a better life.
From a young age, Demetria displayed a natural passion for teaching, often guiding her siblings and other children. Her grandmother, a dedicated elementary teacher for Milwaukee Public Schools for 30 years, served as her first and greatest inspiration. Demetria frequently witnessed former students and adults express their gratitude to her grandmother, sharing how much they loved her as a teacher and how deeply she impacted their lives. Her grandmother’s commitment to her students profoundly shaped Demetria's own values and aspirations. She admired how her grandmother went above and beyond for her students, whether by baking treats, making lessons engaging and relatable, or creating joyful memories through special events like trips to the circus. This ability to connect and care deeply for her students inspired Demetria to follow a similar path. As an educator, Demetria strives to leave a meaningful and lasting impact on her scholars, focusing not only on their academic success but also on their spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being. Her goal is to be remembered as someone who truly cared about her students' growth and happiness. Today, Demetria is proud to carry on this legacy while raising her one-year-old daughter, Amaya, who motivates her to nurture and guide others with even greater purpose. |
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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
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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] |
Cortney moore, ba
Aftercare Case Manager
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Educational Background:
I am a first-generation college student and Dease Scholar. In 2015, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of St. Thomas. Professional Background: I have been a Licensed Social Worker for 9 years, with a focus on working with youth since the start of my career. Currently, I serve as an Aftercare Case Manager at Rebound Inc., where I help provide crucial support to young people transitioning into adulthood. Role at Rebound: At Rebound, Cortney serves as the ATS Case Manager, where she helps youth secure housing, assists with job searches, supports their educational pursuits, and addresses a range of needs to ensure their success. |
Youth Advisory Board
SHARHONDA CHEA
Youth Advisory Board Coordinator
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Future Dr. Sharhonda Chea is a dedicated scholar and community leader currently in her fourth year of the doctoral program in Sociology at Iowa State University. Her research focuses on family structure and the impact it has on recidivism, combining academic rigor with real-world application.
Sharhonda is a proud and active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Initiated in Spring 2017 through the Sigma Beta Zeta Graduate Chapter in Minnesota, she currently serves as the State Secretary on the Minnesota State Board and actively contributes to several committees within the Iota Zeta Zeta Graduate Chapter. Professionally, she serves as a Community-Based Intensive Supervised Release (ISR) parole agent in Ramsey County, where she supports high-risk individuals in their reintegration journey. She also facilitates domestic violence groups for the county and co-facilitates family therapy groups through Rebound’s Ujima program. Role at Rebound: In addition, Sharhonda will be serving as the Youth Advisory Board Case Manager at Rebound, mentoring and empowering youth impacted by the justice system. Sharhonda is deeply committed to merging her academic pursuits with community service, using her platform to advocate for families, justice-involved individuals, and system reform. |
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, designs, and website managing. She actively contributes to fundraising initiatives and plays a vital role in the annual gala. |
Communication Manager
[email protected] |