Chaplain Clementina Chéry is the founder, President and CEO of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI), a center of Healing, Teaching, and Learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief and loss. Chéry founded the LDBPI in 1994 in Boston, Massachusetts after the murder of her 15-year-old son Louis. For more than 25 years, Chéry has used her experience as a survivor to serve families impacted by murder, advocate for survivors of violent crimes, and develop best practices for homicide response.
Through the LDBPI, Chéry’s vision is to create and sustain an environment where all families can live in peace, and to transform society’s response to homicide. With the support of elected officials, including Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), the LDBPI and Chéry have equipped the City of Boston with resources and guides, including The Survivors’ Burial and Resource Guide: A Step by Step Workbook for Regaining Control, Always in my Heart: A Workbook for Grieving Children and co-authored The PeaceZone: A Program for Social Literacy.
Chéry is on a quest to spread the LDBPI’s knowledge and success nationally, and form new partnerships in peace to support survivors in all walks of life. Chéry has presented at the National Office for Victim Assistance, Harvard University’s Schools of Divinity and of Medicine, Boston College’s Schools of Social Work and of Law, Temple Israel, Trinity Church Boston and to multiple police departments including Boston and Miami. She is a founding member of the National Coalition for Survivors of Violence Prevention.
Chéry has received awards in recognition of her courageous leadership, tireless peacemaking work and service to her community. In the last ten years, Chéry was named one of Boston’s 100 Most Influential Leaders of Color, was awarded the 2016 Impact Award by Phillips Brooks House Association at Harvard University, received the Champion of Peace Award from Salem State University and was named Citizen of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers.
In February of 2012, Chéry was ordained as a senior chaplain with the International Fellowship of Chaplains, Inc. She also holds honorary Doctorate Degrees from Regis College, Mount Ida College and the College of the Holy Cross. Chéry was born in Honduras and raised in Dorchester, Massachusetts where she currently lives. Her proudest accomplishment is being a mother to Louis, Alexandra, and Allen, and grandmother to Alexander.
Danielle Bennett is the Project Manager for the LDBPI. Danielle played a role in the April 13, 2018 Victim Compensation Legislation amendment that ensured all families would be treated with compassion and dignity when seeking funeral and burial assistance. Danielle knows firsthand when survivors feel supported, held, and heard, they will be open to heal from the trauma they are experiencing on their new journey through life. Danielle’s experience as a cousin survivor is what guides her work. Her cousin Sharrice is her why and her children, close friends, and family are the inspiration and motivation to continue to be a voice for the voiceless.
MarcCawley Bercy (MC) serves as the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s (LDBPI) Community Outreach Coordinator. He is originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, but lived most of his life in Brockton, Massachusetts. He works with the Training and Technical Assistance and Consulting (TTAC) team of the LDBPI to build and strengthen relationships with community partners by creating space where organizational interests converge. He also helps to coordinate all community engagement requests forwarded to the organization and assure they are appropriately staffed.
MarcCawley received his degree in Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from Bridgewater State University in 2023. He has also had the privilege of conducting undergraduate research in Bridgewater State’s United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a summer intern and later serving as a peer mentor for the program. He has interned with other non-profit agencies in Brockton and Boston, such as the Coalition for Social Justice, the United Nations Association of Greater Boston, The Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro South and volunteered with Action for Equity in Four Corners, Dorchester.
As a former College for Social Innovation Fellow, MC served as a Network and Advocacy Peace Fellow intern and was mentored by Danielle Bennett and Pace McConkie Jr. The tangible impact of the work, the foundations on which the LDBPI built its mission and vision as well as the values which guided day-to-day interaction with survivors and staff pushed MC to apply for available positions at the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute.
His goal is to form partnerships that foster the objectives of the organization while supporting the mission of the different teams within the organization and to assure that the work of the LDBPI is known across the Commonwealth. He will play the role of Community Outreach Coordinator to make it possible.
Stefany K. Boston is the Survivor Outreach & Support Manager working as the point of contact for the SOS Advocates team. Stefany has been in the business of people for nearly two decades. Her candor and expertise in organizing, assisting and managing various projects and roles has been the catalyst for successful experiences for nearly two decades. Stefany is motivated by the quote, “treat others how you want to be treated” and believes that a helping hand is the hand that someone may need to enhance the quality of their own lives.
In 2003, Stefany left the cold world of mutual funds and became the Office Manager for a reputable Black-owned publication, where, under the tutelage of her supervisor, she was able to realize her desire for helping people, marketing & entertainment and most importantly – giving back to her community. Soon after making this revelation, it did not take long for her to be pulled into another direction. In 2004 and for the next 14 years, Stefany would be the face behind every memorable experience at one of Roxbury’s most historic urban landmarks all while doing double-duty in human services as her mainstay career. In 2018 Stefany went full circle, returning to the publication [she once left behind in 2006] and the following year, presented her first financial literacy conference for the underserved Black community of Boston. And till this day, Stefany continues to take on other projects meaningful to her and the community she grew up in.
To connect with Stefany, email Stefany@LDBPeaceInstitute.org or call 617.825.1917 x119.
Evandissa Cabral is a Survivor Case Coordinator who believes that by leading with love and compassion we can work towards a more peaceful community where families are able to receive the support needed for ongoing healing.
Evandissa has worked in various human services, such as Housing and Section 8 where she has provided support to homeless veterans transitioning into their new homes. She has worked to assist people struggling with mental health to identify strengths in order to achieve their goals and helped create plans for individuals with developmental disabilities that enable them to live a fulfilled and meaningful life. In addition, Evandissa has worked to support clients who battle with drug and alcohol abuse in order to combat those addictions and barriers to having a healthier life.
Evandissa has been trained in CPR and First Aid. She is fluent in Cape Verdean Kriol and moderately speaks Spanish and French. She hopes to expand her language skills by becoming proficient in Sign Language to continue helping families from various backgrounds.
Winston Douglas Commock Jr. currently serves as the LDBPI’s IT Specialist. Prior to joining the LDBPI, Winston served as a team member for KFC located in Quincy, and cleaned cars at Dean Street Car Wash in Norwood.
Winston attended West Roxbury High School and has lived in Dorchester his whole life. He aspires to earn his HiSet Diploma and hopes to continue his career as an IT Specialist.
Winston believes that peace is possible and aims to add value to the promotion of peace. Winston is a loving son, brother, nephew, cousin, and uncle. In his free time he enjoys gaming, spending time with friends and family, and eating steak and cheese subs and calzones.
Heather Dabreu currently serves as the Operations Coordinator, providing operational support for multiple aspects of the organizational work.
Heather formerly advanced from the role of an Advocate, to Survivor Support Coordinator, and then to the Sr. Survivor Support Coordinator who for many years provided equitable support to families in the aftermath of homicide, suicide, and overdose.
Heather’s background is within the nonprofit field where she has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and create change around issues, such as poverty, homelessness and domestic, sexual, and community violence.
Heather has studied Early Childhood Education at Urban College of Boston and has taken several courses in humanities with Bard College of New York.
Alexandra Chéry Dorrelus is Co-Executive Director. She oversees the work of the Peace Institute and ensures the organization’s programs have what they need in order to provide well coordinated services. Alexandra learned at 4 years old, when her brother was killed, the pain felt after someone you love is murdered is unique to other types of pain. In order to support a person and family through that pain, their unique and individual needs must be acknowledged and met. Alexandra has been in the field of human services since she was 16 and started her work as a youth organizer with the Breath of Life Dorchester (BOLD) Teens advocating for social and environmental justice. She worked her way into Program Coordinator of the BOLD Teens and managed the Codman Square Farmers Market. Alexandra holds many awards from her community organizing and human services work, including the Hidden Heroes Award. Upholding the legacy of her brother, Louis and the love for her family is what drives her work everyday.
Iris Evans is a Survivor Case Coordinator at the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, dedicated to providing compassionate support to individuals and families navigating grief, trauma, and loss. With a whole-person approach to the human experience, Iris facilitates connections to vital resources while holding a nurturing space for healing. Iris possesses degrees in psychology, sociology, and English, offering her work a multidimensional perspective. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work with a specialization in mental health within underrepresented and global communities, Iris is committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by these populations.
Passionate about the confluence of advocacy, health, and creative modalities, Iris designs and facilitates programming that integrates movement, art, storytelling, and peacebuilding. These workshops foster holistic well-being and empower individuals to harness their innate strengths. Iris also serves as a DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) consultant, co-creating inclusive spaces and championing social justice.
Additionally, Iris is a trained yoga therapist, birth/death worker, and certified health coach. Leveraging a diverse skill set, Iris supports individuals in their physical, emotional, and spiritual journeys, emphasizing the importance of overall wellness.
Iris’s commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond professional endeavors. Iris actively engages in volunteering initiatives, embraces new cultures through travel, cultivates knowledge through extensive reading, and finds joy in hosting intimate gatherings where meaningful connections are forged. Driven by an unwavering dedication to helping others and guided by a unique combination of expertise, Iris Evans is an advocate who fosters healing and resilience within individuals and communities alike.
Kali Geddes serves as the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s Healing Support Services Coordinator. She is from Framingham and now resides in Waltham. Kali works with her team to create Survivor focused healing spaces and resources to support Survivors effectively wherever they are on their healing journey.
Kali holds a Master of Social Work degree from Wheelock College and has experience in the fields of Child Welfare, education, and family advocacy.
Through her work with young people in out of home placements and alternative education settings, Kali has worked hard to lift up and prioritize the voices of each child and family she supported. As a leader, she has focused on bringing knowledge and awareness to her teams about the complex impact of adverse experiences and intergenerational trauma.
While working with a family in her previous role, Kali partnered with the LDBPI and was inspired by the level of support and compassion they showed the family. This experience led Kali to pursue joining the LDBPI as a volunteer and soon after as the Healing Support Services Coordinator.
Her hope for the LDBPI is that the organization continues to be a non judgment hub of healing for Boston, Massachusetts, and the country in which she will play the role of connector and facilitator to make it possible.
Ruth Henry is a teaching artist and activist who works with young people and their communities to tell their stories and inspire change through creative expression. She believes firmly in the words of Dr. Bettina Love: “We must struggle together to create the schools we are taught to believe are impossible, schools built on justice, love, joy + antiracism.” She believes that this begins with listening to young people and holding space for them to explore, create, and shape new possibilities.
Ruth has created community murals, sculptures and installations in the United States, Colombia, Brazil, India and Mexico. She has also organized and facilitated nonviolent training and institutes throughout the United States, Colombia and Bolivia. Ruth is a Level III trainer in Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation and holds a Masters in Fine Arts from the Massachusetts College of Art & Design.
Janice V. Johnson is the Healing Support Services Manager. She works closely with the staff to help develop LDBPI’s standard operating procedures for each of their healing groups. The main part of Janice’s role is fostering the relationship of LDBPI and other community based organizations and schools. She is responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring and promoting LDBPI’s healing groups and workshops for survivors, families of incarcerated/ formerly incarcerated loved ones, and community partners. Janice believes that when dealing with trauma and loss, we are affected spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Our whole body, thought process, and spiritual energy is compromised when we lose a loved one, especially through homicide. That is exactly what she experienced when losing her brother to homicide in 2006, which first introduced her to LDBPI. She believes that healing takes time and is not an overnight process, which prompts her passion for hosting ongoing healing groups. With healing techniques and self-care, survivors begin to gain their purpose and feel a sense of connection to the world again. Her next introduction to LDBPI was as a client through their program that helps families of incarcerated loved ones, because of the incarceration of her son. Janice has experienced loss and has been impacted on both sides. She holds in her heart the experience and compassion it takes to do this work and carry on the Peace Institute’s VISION to create and sustain an environment where all families can live in peace and all people are valued.
Janice has worked as an Early Childcare Educator for 35 years and holds a Director II Certification in the field and was awarded the first of its kind, The Inner City Network of Early Education Professional Leadership Award. She has created and facilitated many self-care workshops in the community. Among her many titles, she is the Founder & Director of The Doll House Corporation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) program for girls where dolls and other self-care and expressive art activities are used as tools to build self-esteem. She currently holds a certificate in Holistic and Integrative Health and a certification in Interior Redesign. Janice leads with love and is dedicated to her community, profession and those she loves.
Milton comes with a humble spirit, believing that a unified team is much greater than a single one. Prior to coming to the Peace Institute, Milton has worked in team-building and supervisory roles in health care and non-profit settings. Milton was educated at Fitchburg State College where he studied Psychology and Business Administration. Milton has served on the Board of Directors of several non-profit organizations where he has also functioned as a group facilitator.
Taylor Lee serves as the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s Content Producer. She works to tell the story of the LDBPI through creativity and digital outreach.
Taylor graduated from Clarkson University in 2022 with a degree in Communications and Digital Arts. Her internship during college centered around environmental sustainability, which showed her the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on communities of color, as well as the importance of community engagement. This led her to the work of the LDBPI.
Taylor used to be a swim coach for the youth in her community and deeply believes in the power and leadership of Generation Peace! She also loves painting, drawing, and the arts, and feels that creativity is integral in the healing journey.
Pace McConkie Jr. is a Policy and Advocacy Manager who works to foster a collective movement toward healing and liberation.
Pace believes that “solidarity is the best medicine,” and that as we mobilize together, we can dismantle systems of violence and cultivate a community that celebrates our shared humanity.
Pace has worked in many capacities within the arts, outdoor exploration, and health & human services, and believes deeply in the strength of “People Power,” an adventurous spirit, and the euphoria of high-voltage Rock n’ Roll. Pace hopes to always be a peacemaker, honoring the Latin origin of his name meaning, peace. Pace is a licensed social worker who earned his Masters in Social Work from Boston University and a BA in Peace & Conflict Studies from the University of Utah.
Kyle Metzger serves as the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s Grants and Data Manager. He is
from Fostoria, Oh and now resides in Huntington, IN. Kyle works to seek, apply for, and
maintain grant funding for the LDBPI’s many programs as well as collect data and statistics
regarding the LDBPI’s work in serving survivors of homicide victims.
Kyle holds a degree Social Work from Bluffton University and a Master of Arts in Peace Studies
from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. Kyle has been in the nonprofit field for 15 years.
Kyle’s goal is to give the LDBPI a strong, sustainable financial foundation so the front-line staff
can do their crucial work. Kyle has secured large grants and contracts from a diverse set of
foundations and government offices and hopes to continue to grow the list of those who
financially support the LDBPI.
Kyle has held a deep passion and yearning for a peaceful world for many years and feels
honored to be able to help bring peace and healing to those suffering from murder, trauma,
grief, and loss.
Kyle lives in Huntington, Indiana with his wife, Sharon, and 2 children, Oliver and Elsie. They
spend their time outside when possible, and inside watching movies and cooking the rest of the
time. He and his wife own a bakery together in downtown Huntington which allows Kyle to
have an outlet for his passion for baking.
As the Reentry Services Coordinator, Kamal engages with individuals who are newly released from incarceration and their families to support them through creating strength-based goals, offering training and conducting programming that helps them to achieve their goals by embracing a reformed and enhanced mindset and applying what they’ve learned in practical ways that help improve their lives and become successful. Kamal was first introduced to LDBPI in 2012 when he participated in the Peace From Within training facilitated by the Director of Reentry Services, Milton Jones and President and CEO, Tina Chery. After completing the Peace From Within training, Kamal developed a profound interest in the healing work of the Peace Institute which led to his hire. In July of 2018, Kamal officially came on board as a staff member and is currently adding a wealth of value to the organization and its network.
Damaris is a dedicated advocate and mental health professional with a lifelong commitment to serving marginalized communities and individuals in need. Her journey in advocacy began at the age of seven, where she found her voice in championing the rights and well being of the Brown and Black community.
With over 30 years of experience in the mental health field, she has worked closely with behaviorally challenged clients, providing them with the support and resources necessary to navigate their unique struggles. Damaris’ work in this capacity has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding mental health and behavioral challenges, shaping her approach towards compassionate care and holistic healing.
Transitioning into the realm of criminal justice, Damaris dedicated a significant portion of her career to advocating for the rights and well-being of the mentally ill within Massachusetts prisons. Through her advocacy efforts, she sought to amplify the voices of those often overlooked or marginalized within the criminal justice system, advocating for fair treatment, access to mental health services, and rehabilitation opportunities.
Currently, Damaris has engaged in supporting homicide survivors on their journey towards healing and recovery. By providing compassionate guidance, emotional support, and practical assistance, she works to empower survivors to navigate the complexities of their grief and trauma. Additionally, Damaris serve as an advocate in court, ensuring that the voices of survivors are heard and their rights are upheld throughout the legal process.
Damaris’ multifaceted background in advocacy, mental health, and criminal justice has equipped her with a unique perspective and skill set to address the diverse needs of individuals and communities facing adversity. She is deeply passionate about fostering positive change, promoting social justice, and empowering those who are most vulnerable in our society.
Alethea manages administrative and human resource support for the LDBPI, including coordination of the volunteer and Peace Fellow Internship programs. She is committed to the LDBPI’s approach of serving families on both sides of homicide with dignity and compassion, and hopes for a world in which all people can see, appreciate, and respect the value of every other person’s life.
Alethea has a background in both office administration and helping professionals in the public and private, for-profit and non-profit sectors. Most of her work has been with mission-driven organizations.
Alethea holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Texas in El Paso, Texas. She was a member of the Phi Eta Sigma honor society. As of December, 2021, she celebrated 7 years as a staff member of the Louis D Brown Peace Institute.
Mario Rodrigues was one of the first staff members at the LDBPI, serving as the Office Manager from 2004-2007. His time at the organization helped to lay the foundation for where it is today. He has since worked for many years at a local coffee manufacturing co-op and then went on to own a commercial coffee equipment repair company with his wife. Mario is also a co- founder of MBK617, a youth mentoring program in Boston. He has returned as the Facilities Coordinator to continue to support the strategic growth of the organization.
Rachel Rodrigues graduated from Framingham State College in 2006 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. She interned at the Peace Institute as a senior in college. After graduation, she continued to volunteer at the Peace Institute and was eventually hired to serve as a Program Coordinator. Since 2007, Rachel has been providing the PI’s Survivor Outreach Services to families of homicide victims in the Greater Boston area and leading training to service providers on the organization’s Survivor-Based Tools and Techniques. From intern to Co-Executive Director, Rachel has supported the vision and strategic growth of the organization. She has also been trained as a VISIONS Inc. Consultant to improve equity, cross-cultural communication, and inclusion with groups, companies, and organizations.
Njeri Rue serves as the Executive Assistant to the Founder, CEO & President, Clementina Chéry. She is from Mattapan, MA and now resides in Stoughton, MA.
Njeri holds both a BA and a Master’s degree from Boston College and has experience in the fields of sports management, marketing and real estate financial investment.
Shakita Stafford is the Peace Institute’s Accountant. She works closely with the staff and fundraising and finance committee to ensure the effectiveness and transparency of the Peace Institutes finances. Shakita believes in building close relationships with her community and peers. The tools, knowledge, and experience she gained from her internship opportunity at the Peace Institute in 2010 and her advocacy work at the University of Massachusetts Boston (2008-2011), has helped her build well rounded relationships within the Peace Institute’s network. Shakita completed her work-study duties as Coordinator of the Advocacy Resource Center for Modern Survival (ARMS Center). In 2011, Shakita received a B.S. in Accounting at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Shakita was awarded several Dean’s List certificates during her undergraduate career. The work she does is driven by her passion to help the community.
Carolyn supports the Administrative / Human Resource Manager and Accounting Manager for the
LDBPI. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience for the past 30 years working in Human Resources and Accounting / Payroll for private and public sectors.
Luis Antonio Thompson serves as Senior Producer for the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, and began as one of the organization’s first volunteers. As a multidisciplinary artist, photographer and producer, with credits in film, television and magazines, he has lived and worked in Boston, New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Washington, DC.
He recently worked in Manhattan as a beverage designer, having developed drink recipes for multiple New York City venues, including The Apollo Theater, Brooklyn Museum and Jazz at Lincoln Center. His recipes and expertise have been featured in EBONY Magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings, The Huffington Post, and No. 768, the magazine of The Plaza Hotel.
His passion for photography, filmmaking and storytelling has brought him across the world.
Portia warmly welcomes all guests and callers to the Peace Institute and provides administrative support to the entire staff. In Portia’s words, “I was inspired to volunteer at the Peace Institute after purchasing memorial buttons for my Spiritual Mother home going service.” Two and a half years after that experience, Ms. Portia joined the staff.