I was educated in the Philadelphia public school system. I received my Associate degree from Community College in 2015, my Bachelor's degree from Springfield College in 2017, and finally my Master's degree in Community and Trauma Counseling from Thomas Jefferson University in 2020. I have worked in the child welfare system for 15 years and counting. My passion has always been adolescents and young adults. God gave me the gift of always being able to connect with that population through my life experiences. TIA's Place was born out of my past personal experiences, trauma, and my need to challenge public opinion about our young people.  It is my purpose now to guide and reshape the way that our young people are seen and heard.  Foster care and/or juvenile delinquency should not be a label that our youth have to carry into their future. TIA's Place was founded to provide adolescents and young adults that have experienced hardships, trauma, and/or have a need for guidance with the necessary supports.  

I received my education in Philadelphia from  the private school sector.  Once I graduated from high school, I attended Claflin College in Orangeburg, South Carolina.  My transition from high school to college was not pleasant my first year, so I return to Philadelphia and started working.  Once I made the decision to further my education, I attended La Salle university, and received my bachelor of arts degree in sociology with a criminal justice, concentration.  Self-esteem w was a struggle for me in my late teens and early adulthood. But I knew that I had to make changes in my life so I did the work.  It was at this time in my life that I decided that I would always make sure to speak with young ladies, who may be experiencing the same things that I did.  I have been employed with PMHCC for 25 years, currently, I am a Supervisor for a team where we provide services for dually diagnosed participants.  I am a trainer  for our agency and outside entities.

I have a Masters Degree in Administration of Human Services from Chestnut Hill College.   My passion is helping others understand mental illness and depression.  I live by Each One Teach One, if we work together we are unstoppable. 

I am also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. 

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Venis Daniels, MBA is a native of Philadelphia and was educated in the public school system.  

As the first in her family to graduate high school and college, her passion is inspiring other women to pursue higher education. Because of her, many did and obtained their degrees! Venis proudly earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Rosemont College, where she graduated with honors, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with concentration in Management from Peirce College (cum laude), and an Associate degree from Community College of Philadelphia.

Venis is a breast cancer survivor! She is the Author, Editor, Book Designer, and Publisher of her first book, which launched during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 2021: God’s Masterpiece… Fearfully and Wonderfully Made! It is her testimony centered on her faith and trust in GOD after discovering the unimaginable stalking her breast that seemingly went unnoticed for years, even during routine inspections. Through her story, Venis expects to inspire everyone (particularly women) to become more vigilant in their health / spiritual wellness.

She is the sole proprietor of “Venis’ Classy and Fabulous Wedding / Event Planning Services.” Her unique talents include: designing invitations, seating charts, websites, business cards, banners, and homegoing celebrations in the form of announcement cards, obituaries / keepsakes.

Venis is a Quality Improvement Specialist at Turning Points for Children (TP4C). She has served in this role since January 2020 - where she ensures the quality and integrity of services for all children, youth, and families in four CUA regions. Venis has worked at TP4C for six years.

Her favorite Scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (KJV). 

Tiasha is an alumna of Penn State where she received a dual  Bachelor’s degree in Psychological and Social Sciences. Tiasha is currently a Vocational Case Manager Specialist at PMHCC, and has worked in the field of  social services for over 8 years. Her active experience within social services is a great asset to the board. 

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Jennifer Nix is a non-profit consultant who has worked as a fundraiser, lobbyist, and staff attorney at organizations focusing on gender violence, publicly funded health care, and reproductive rights. She has extensive board experience and especially enjoys working with organizations as they grow and transition.  Jennifer has a law degree from Northeastern University School of Law, a Master’s in Public Health from Tufts University, and is working on a Masters in Social Service (equivalent to an MSW) from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research with the intent to be a clinical social worker. She is passionate about working with clients, both individual and organizations, to help them meet their goals and work through barriers, while also advocating to system change.

Jennifer lives in Philadelphia with her spouse, three children, and three cats.

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Utopia Anderson is currently a Behavioral Health Therapist for UPMC and is a nationally certified counselor. Her passion for helping others in the mental health field led her to the field of therapy. Utopia received her master's of science degree from Neumann University in Pastoral Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2020. Utopia is an active mentor, therapist, and is ready to take on the world by helping all those in need.

Aside from working professionally, Utopia is active within her community and serviced youth and young adults, primarily in the African American community in Philadelphia with offering free therapy.  Her objective is to help low-income individuals, specifically in the LGBTQIA community with therapy and other mental health resources.  She has worked with numerous young men and women and a part of her mission is to open her own practice and serve the community.  She is an active supporter, volunteer, and facilitator with Challenge Day, a social and emotional program for grades 7-12 where there is a huge gathering of students and facilitators that come together to show connectedness, empathy, and inclusivity.  She plans to return as a facilitator next year. Utopia’s love for people and for helping others encourages and motivates her to keep doing more.