our Team
Guns are not the problem, it’s the choices of the people holding the gun that is the problem. My goal is to stop our youth from thinking killing each other is the answer to solving problems.
Yvonne brock
Founder
Yvonne D. Brock is a visionary leader and the CEO of My Choice 2 Change, a 501©(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals to find their purpose and reach their highest potential. With a belief that everyone can soar like an eagle and fulfill their dreams, Ms. Brock acts as a change agent, guiding people through transformative experiences in their lives.
With a rich background spanning over 30 years in the behavioral health field, Ms. Brock is a seasoned Co-Occurring (Substance Use Disorder & Mental Health) Professional. She holds certifications in co-occurring disorders and is a certified criminal justice professional across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and D.C. Her expertise has led to the establishment of comprehensive Behavioral Health programs, ranging from detox to outpatient services.
Ms. Brock’s credentials are extensive, including certifications in Gambling Addiction, Compassionate Care, QRP Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Program, Domestic Violence, DLA-20, and Human Trafficking. She is also a Certified Clinical Supervisor for Substance Use Disorders, showcasing her commitment to excellence in the field.
Her innovative approach integrates the 8 Dimensions of Wellness with the support of life coaches and peer specialists. Ms. Brock’s services are diverse, encompassing afterschool programs for the emotionally gifted and Community Reach initiatives, which include Wellness Emotional regulation groups and one-on-one sessions in Red Lion, Pennsylvania.
Ms. Brock’s influence extends to the working with the Summer STEAM CAMP at Crispus Attucks in York, PA, and she plays a pivotal role in providing behavioral health services to York Prisons’ Re-Entry ROC program. Her dedication to behavioral health and her engagement with the community have made a significant impact, helping countless individuals on their journey to wellness and self-discovery.
Todd Newman
COO and Director of Operations
Todd Newman is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in Behavioral Health. Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Operations at My Choice 2 Change, Todd is deeply committed to empowering individuals toward positive change and growth.
With a multifaceted skill set, Todd holds numerous certifications, demonstrating his expertise and dedication to various aspects of support services and recovery coaching. His certifications include:
- Certified Recovery Coach (CCAR)
- Certified Domestic Violence Counselor
- Certified Support Specialist
- Certified Family Support Specialist
- Certified Human Trafficking Specialist
- Certified Mandated Reporter
- Certified Mental Health First Aider (MHFA)
- National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCC AP)
- Registered Peer Supervisor (MABPCB)
- DLA-20 (Dispositional Listening Assessment)
- Gambling Counselor Certification
- Certified Master Life Coach & Holistic Health Practitioner
- Global Appraisal of Individual Needs (GAIN) Certified
- Community Residential Facility Director Training (UDC)
- Therapeutic Aggression Control Techniques 2 (TACT 2) Certified Trainer
- Certified Personal Trainer
- Certified in Mandt Training
- Family Intervention Training (F.I.T)
- Certified Conflict Resolution for Recovery Specialist
- Certified in Trauma Counseling
Todd’s comprehensive background and expertise make him a valuable asset in directing recovery support services, pardon coaching, and outreach efforts at My Choice 2 Change. He brings a compassionate approach combined with practical strategies to guide individuals on their journey toward wellness and transformation. Through his leadership and extensive knowledge, Todd continues to make a significant impact in the field of behavioral health and recovery support services.
Phillip J. Lewis
JD, BCD, LICSW
Director of Clinical Services
Phillip Lewis is a highly qualified and licensed Clinical Social Worker with a comprehensive mental health and legal background. He is solution-focused, valuing the importance of a robust therapeutic relationship as a cornerstone for achieving successful outcomes. Phillip integrates humor, passion, and dedication to foster a safe yet challenging environment that motivates change. His approach to care is centered on integrative psychotherapy, customizing therapeutic methods to meet the unique needs of each individual, with a particular focus on managing anxiety, depression, complex PTSD, and sexual trauma.
With a military background, Phillip has enhanced proficiency in evidence-based interventions, strategic supervision, and leadership. He profoundly understands how physical health, environmental factors, and systemic influences shape emotional well-being, advocating for a holistic approach that includes integrative and nutritional psychoeducation. In his practice, he emphasizes skill-building and strategic adaptations to life stressors, underscoring the significance of self-care and the therapeutic journey.
Phillip’s legal training and experience in social justice counseling add another layer to his expertise, equipping him to facilitate change and advocate for justice effectively. His work is underpinned by a solid foundation in legal policy development, analysis, research, and program management, alongside considerable experience in ethics, legal research, and clinical therapeutic interventions for adults, youth, and military members. His skill set spans a broad spectrum of social work and legal skills, making him a critical thinker and problem solver.
Jenise Patterson
Vice Chair on My Choice 2 Change Board and My Choice 2 Change Coalition
Jenise Patterson is the Founder of ParentWatch Inc. (PWI), an advocacy group that works with parents and their children to ensure that their rights are protected. Ms. Patterson’s commitment to youth and activism in the community started when she established Bring-A-Parent in the mid-1970s, a referral clearinghouse for parents and students.
WORK EXPERIENCE
2016 – Present
Patterson is currently partnering with MedStar Georgetown’s pilot program, the Early Childhood Innovation Network (ECIN), a collaboration beginning in 2016 (originated by Dr. Lee Beers and Dr. Matthew Biel), helping that organization achieve its goal of successfully reaching out to Ward 8 communities to qualitatively increase utilization of medical and psychiatric services to children ages 5 and below, in a way that will institute much better and long-lasting health results for the very young of that war over time.
2006 – Present
Patterson’s organization, PWI, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) and established a Parent Advocacy Center at the Youth Services Center (juvenile detention facility) on Mount Olivet Road, NE.
2004 – Present
PWI entered into a MOU with the D.C. Superior Court. Parent Watch operates a satellite office at the Court, advocating for the best interest of children, youth, and families that become involved with the court system.
1975 – 1985
Bring-A-Parent partnered with the Metropolitan Mental Health Skill Center of the Washington School of Psychiatry (Dr. John Dillingham and Elaine Melmeade) to undertake the following initiatives:
- Drug Mobilization: Under Dr. Gulati’s supervision, monitored the misconduct of police against drug-addicted women.
- DC Parent Child Center: Provided parenting skills for teen mothers and fathers.
- Community of Hope: Sponsored pre-employment training, community building, and racial healing workshops.
- White House Cities and Schools: Participated in President Jimmy Carter’s community leaders partnership.
- Atlanta Child Murders: Member of a national network called to action by Camille Bell, established a children’s task force.
Zanette Childs
Manager of Events & Administrative Services
Meet Zanette, the founder and creative force behind Events by Zanette, a luxury event planning and design company specializing in crafting unforgettable experiences for life’s most special moments. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Zanette is an expert in event planning and design and has built a reputation for delivering flawlessly executed events that exceed her client’s expectations. Her passion for beauty and creativity is evident in every event she designs, and she is dedicated to creating innovative, wow-factor solutions that reflect the unique vision and personality of each of her clients.
Zanette’s commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and personalized approach set her apart in the industry, making her the premier choice for social events, non-profit events, corporate events, conferences, and meetings. She takes the time to understand each client’s needs and preferences, providing a bespoke, personalized experience that ensures their event is everything they dreamed of and more. Whether it’s designing a luxury wedding that captures the couple’s love story, planning a corporate event that reflects a company’s brand and values, or creating a social event that celebrates life’s most special moments, Zanette brings her expertise, creativity, and passion to every project she takes on. Her goal is to help her clients tell their stories through their events and to ensure that every detail is perfect, from the venue and décor to the vendor collaboration and overall design.