Dr. Robert Harris is a native of Belize, Central America. He is a dedicated advocate for children with an extensive background in the field of public education. Throughout his 23-year career, he has served multiple school districts including Boston Public Schools and the Los Angeles Unified School District as a Special Education Teacher and Instructional Leader. Rob currently serves within the field of education as a Director of State and Federal Programs within the Southern California area. Additionally, he is an Adjunct Professor at Azusa Pacific University. At the heart of his passion is a desire to improve the lives of children. He is deeply engaged in the development of research-based programs centered on Social-Emotional Learning and believes in the potential that lies within every kid he encounters. Dr. Harris' academic background includes a B.S. in Research and Clinical Psychology, and a M.Ed. in Special Education from Eastern Nazarene College located in Massachusetts. Following his move to California he earned a M.A. in Educational Administration, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from The University of Massachusetts Global.
Jeff Williams brings over 30 years of athletics experience to the service of A Heart 4 Kids. His knowledge of Education-Based Athletics, and character development through athletics resonates over an extensive period.
Mr. Williams is a Class of 1977 graduate of Palmdale High School. As a student-athlete, he was a member of the PHS Football and Track & Field teams, lettering in both sports. Upon graduation from high school, Jeff enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving honorably for four years, and earning several citations and service awards. Deciding to continue his education locally, in 1982 he enrolled at Antelope Valley College. While attending AVC for the next two years, his athletic involvement continued as a member of their Track & Field and Football teams. Being named All-State Defensive Back earned him a scholarship to Purdue University. As a Football athlete at Purdue University played on the 1984 Peach Bowl team. graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications, he continue his education, and earned Masters Degree in Physical Education from Azusa Pacific University.
Jeff became the Head Football Coach at Palmdale High School in 1990, and served as the Head Coach until his retirement from coaching in 2017. While Head Coach Palmdale High School experienced much success under his tutelage, earning 13 Golden League Titles, and 26 CIF playoff appearances, two CIF Championship appearances. As Head Track Coach, he earned 7 Golden League Championships and many CIF State Track Meet appearances. Jeff Took over the Athletic Director Position at Palmdale High School in 2007. Jeff serves as a Mojave Desert Officials Association Track Starter, during the spring months. Additional duties consist of CIF Southern Section Hi-Desert Area Representative, Jeff also served on the CIF State Athletic Directors Advisory Committee, and the CIF State Football Advisory Committee for over 10 years.
His greatest accomplishments in athletics, have never been the championships or victories, but rather come from the educational opportunities, he has been able to provide to hundreds of student-athletes, who have had the opportunity to continue their educations at the collegiate levels and parlay their athletic opportunities at the professional levels in many sports. Those opportunities are life changing and impactful for a lifetime to the families and communities of athletes. In addition to scholarship opportunities, an emphasis on character building leadership opportunities creates a standard of expectation for all athletes as they integrate into communities and contribute positively.
Mr. Matthew Berryman was born and raised in the Los Angeles area and currently resides in Palmdale, CA. Mr. Berryman earned his B.S. in Marketing from Azusa Pacific University and worked as a Sales Engineer and Project Manager before beginning his 20+ year career in public education. Mr. Berryman received his California Teaching Credential and Masters in Educational Administration from California State University of Bakersfield, which lead him to his current position as Principal for the Antelope Valley Union High School District. He currently serves as President Elect for the local ACSA Board for his region (Association of California School Administrators). With a passion for helping students and families, Matt helped bring Young Life to the Antelope Valley and has served as a board member for the past 3 years. Matt loves to fill his time supporting local and international needs - while in college he spent 6 weeks in Kenya and Tanzania to help minister to their local communities. Matt has also connected with his local church and other non-profits and often travels to Mexico where he helps support the needs of orphanages and church families.
Jameel earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts. He gained a passion for making a difference in the lives of ‘’at risk” youth and has devoted his career to helping others. He began his career as a Case Manager in Boston, Massachusetts working directly with children and families for several years. Jameel has over 10 years of experience in Law Enforcement serving in different capacities. Currently, he is a Detective and Police Training Instructor in Atlanta, Georgia. He believes in using a commonsense and relational approach to helping those in need.
Charae A. Anderson is an educational leader, mentor, and entrepreneur. She has spent the last 18 years teaching and leading in a rural area of California. She was born and raised in the steel-mill town of Gary, IN. After graduating from high school, she moved to sunny California to pursue her passion of working with children. She holds an AA degree in general studies, a Bachelor's degree in Economics, and a Master's degree in Special Education. In addition, she holds an Education Administrative Services Credential. She currently works as a school administrator in a rural area of Los Angeles County. In her free time, she loves to travel, cook, and spend time with her husband of 27 years, 2 daughters, and a host of family and friends.
Michael is a current resident of Belize, and was born and raised in Belize City. He maintains strong connections with his local community, and he is deeply attuned to the intricacies relative to building relationships, promoting a sense of ownership, and empowering those served by A Heart 4 Kids.
He is highly passionate about the realization of our mission, vision and purpose, and his approach to our work reflects this mindset on a daily basis. Michael is an innovative and creative leader who remains at the forefront of our strategic planning to affect true, authentic, transformational change in the lives of kids throughout the nation of Belize.
Over the last 5 years Mr. Davis has been dedicated to empowering the youth through the art of music. Growing up as a teen in the Antelope Valley community, Mr. Davis faced his share of challenges as a student during his youth, however, If there was one subject that kept him out of trouble it was music. This was the premise behind the S.E.L.F. (Surviving Every Little Failure) Framework, an integral component of Project H.E.A.R.T.
Through his passion for music he realized the importance of educating himself, reading books, understanding entrepreneurship & the power of articulating one's self through words. Over the last 5 years Mr. Davis has been educating the youth of the Antelope Valley through music. He is passionate about mentorship through a holistic approach, and the empowerment our young scholars as they travel along their path to success!
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