Anderson is an African American male that has worked with REAP Inc for the past nine years He started his journey with REAP as a student and returned from college as a staff member. His passion is supporting youth in his community in the fields of education and mental health. Anderson has served on the COSA mental health steering committees, is a Certified Youth SAVE Trainer to support the assessment of virtual suicide prevention with clinicians and has created and facilitated mental health summits for organizations like the NW Regional Education School District.  Anderson is also a Master of Arts candidate, focused on clinical mental health counseling to work with clients. 

Michelle Vega-Spight began her journey in education in New York City as a Special Education teacher for 4th grade and 2nd grade students. While working as a teacher she also completed her Masters in Education. She later moved back to her hometown for a position with the San Francisco Unified School District, training teachers on behavior interventions and supports. She became extremely driven to learn how to support trauma impacted children and families which led her to obtain a certificate in Behavior Analysis. In 2016, she took a job with Portland Public Schools and led in the training of school staff and administrators on creating school environments that were inclusive of all students' cultural backgrounds and academic and behavioral needs. Passion for this work is what still motivates her today as she consults with organizations and schools on creating supportive and culturally responsive spaces for students, families, and staff.

Sharice Burnett is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked in the Social Work field for over ten years. Her career includes working with diverse populations in a variety of capacities that have all been focused on social justice work and supporting and advocating for the most vulnerable populations. Currently, Sharice works in private practice where she provides therapy services to Black and Brown children, teens, adults, and families. In addition to therapy services, she provides consultation and training that focuses on Black Mental Health, Trauma Informed and Restorative practices, and Racial Equity to school districts, private entities, and organizations. Sharice enjoys traveling, reading, listening to podcasts, exploring nature, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Valarie Pearce is an author, education strategies consultant, and curriculum content development specialist who is committed to tooling and empowering educational leaders through professional development frameworks. She earned her B.A. in Communications, Journalism at George Fox University and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction at Concordia University. She is currently an adjunct professor for the Lewis & Clark College MAT writing program. Her previous work includes: Social Emotional Learning and character development programming for primary and secondary students and educators, Leadership and Empowerment Teacher, Reading and Literacy Initiative Specialist, and parent partnership, district liaison, and culturally specific and DEI curricular initiatives and trainings for numerous districts including:  Portland Public Schools, Beaverton School district, and Saint Helens School District.

Meet DeShawn Williams, LCSW, the heart and soul behind Raising an Alternative Perspective Counseling Consulting (RAAP Counseling Consulting). With an unwavering commitment to mental health, DeShawn is a beacon of hope, specializing in supporting the black and African American community.
As a private practitioner, DeShawn provides a compassionate sanctuary for young adults, adults, and families. His deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by black and African American individuals fosters a safe, inclusive space for healing and growth.
Beyond his thriving practice, DeShawn serves as an esteemed Adjunct Professor at Portland State University’s Graduate School of Social Work. Here, he shares his wealth of wisdom, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and equity, nurturing the next generation of mental health professionals.
With over 17 years of experience, DeShawn excels as a trainer, focusing on restorative practices and trauma-informed care. His expertise empowers others to adopt holistic, healing-centered approaches, fostering resilience and well-being in their communities.
Committed to saving lives, DeShawn is an ASIST trainer since 2018, equipping individuals and organizations with life-saving intervention skills, making a significant impact in suicide prevention.
In today’s digital era, DeShawn adapts seamlessly, guiding mental health practitioners in effective virtual care while maintaining genuine connections.
Outside his professional pursuits, DeShawn finds solace in local coffee shops, immersing himself in literature, and empathetically observing the diverse tapestry of human experiences.

With a background in cultural development, Joshua’s work focuses on impact & socially equitable practices. He began his career assisting disenfranchised communities, particularly refugees adjusting to life in the United States. Joshua has dedicated the past decade to working with international NGOs and non-profit organizations, coordinating community outreach and teaching English in underfunded and impoverished countries. His experiences abroad have broadened his perspective on assessing needs, building partnerships, and coordinating resources to support diverse communities. Joshua holds a degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language and facilitates DEI training and awareness into his work. He strives to establish meaningful relationships in his community and develop sustainable projects to support those most in need.

Culturally Responsive & Equitable Practices -Reap Ignite Team, as a facilitator, promotes culturally responsive and equitable practices in schools by fostering an inclusive learning environment. We prioritize diversity and inclusivity in curriculum design, ensuring students from various backgrounds see themselves represented and valued. Through professional development and tailored support, Reap Ignite Team empowers educators to adapt their teaching methods, creating a more equitable educational experience for all students.

Trauma-informed care in schools is an approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma on students and staff. It involves creating a safe and supportive learning environment, understanding how trauma affects behavior and learning, and implementing practices that promote resilience and healing. By prioritizing emotional well-being and providing appropriate support, trauma-informed schools aim to help students thrive academically and emotionally.

Restorative practices in schools is an approach that emphasizes repairing harm, building relationships, and fostering a sense of community within the educational environment. It encourages dialogue and communication to resolve conflicts and address misconduct, shifting the focus from punitive measures to understanding and accountability. By implementing restorative practices, schools aim to create a positive and inclusive atmosphere where students and staff feel heard, valued, and empowered to take responsibility for their actions.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is an educational framework that teaches students essential life skills beyond academics. It focuses on developing emotional intelligence, self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and decision-making abilities. SEL helps students cultivate empathy, build healthy relationships, and effectively navigate the social and emotional aspects of life, contributing to their overall well-being and success.

Culture and Climate Development in schools involves cultivating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that celebrates diversity and promotes equity. To achieve this, we believe that schools should prioritize cultural competence and responsive training for staff, integrate diverse perspectives into the curriculum, and create safe spaces for open dialogue. By fostering an environment where all students and staff feel respected and valued, schools can enhance learning outcomes and promote a sense of belonging for everyone.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in schools, facilitated by REAP Inc, involves the systematic application of behavioral principles to foster positive learning outcomes. Through data-driven strategies and individualized interventions, REAP Inc empowers students to develop essential skills while addressing behavioral challenges, ultimately promoting a conducive educational environment.