Ingham

Mary Gebara is a child development expert, specializing in educational equity. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration and Psychology from Central Michigan University, as well as a Masters of Arts in Child Development from Michigan State University. She is also certified in Mental Health First Aid and Behavioral Threat Assessment. Mary most recently served as the President of the Okemos Board of Education. Since 2019 she has dedicated her time to the Okemos community as a school board member, bringing district-wide initiatives rooted in safety, equity, and inclusion. She also served on the Okemos Education Foundation for five years as the Community and Staff Outreach Liaison. Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Mary to serve on the Return to School Advisory Council during the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, she co-authored MI Safe Schools: Michigan’s 2020-21 Return to School Roadmap. She was also appointed by the Governor to the Student Mental Health and Wellness Board, and the Student Recovery Advisory Board, where she worked with mental health experts from around the state to develop strategies and tools for students returning to school, post-pandemic. Mary considers school violence to be the greatest epidemic of our generation. She is inspired by the work and mission of Prevent 2 Protect and believes that through this program we will be able to develop a proven, multi-faceted approach toward ending targeted violence among adolescents. Mary’s professional, personal and volunteering experiences have all been dedicated to children, their well-being and the communities in which they live. She believes that by making a difference in the life of one child, we can change the trajectory of many.

Jaquohn “Jay” Greene is the Ingham Regional Mentor. Jay has over 20 years of experience working with youth and brings the wisdom and understanding needed to support participant needs. With a strong background in social work and juvenile justice, Jay has dedicated his career to fostering positive change in young peoples’ lives. As the Ingham Regional Mentor, he plays a crucial role in successfully providing intensive, individualized support to participants and their families. In addition to a degree in psychology from Michigan State University, Jay played football with the university’s team, supporting teammates on and off the field. The combination of his academic and hands-on experience helps Jay to serve as a positive role model. His commitment to youth development is reflected in his work, where he assists in shaping treatment plans, administering assessments, and guiding adolescents toward personal growth. His extensive career includes positions at Ingham County Youth Center, the Eaton Intermediate School District, and various community outreach initiatives. Jay’s unique ability to connect with youth, coupled with his extensive experience, makes him a key figure in supporting and guiding vulnerable populations.