Meet the Board
Theresa Deaver
FOUNDER/PRESIDENTTheresa Deaver has more than 25 years of experience in the Telecommunications and Pharmaceutical Industry. As the founder of the Lillian and Lillian Foundation, this organization was inspired after the brutal murder of Theresa’s mother (Lillian Catherine Leak) and sister (Lillian Katherine Leak) from the hands of her sister’s husband. Theresa’s passion is to prevent and/or reduce acts of Bullying, Teen Dating Violence and Domestic Violence through Education and Awareness. She has also been trained as a Domestic Violence Advocate.
Marguerite Mitchell-Ivey
CHAIRMarguerite Mitchell-Ivey is currently Chairwoman of the Lillian and Lillian Foundation. She also is Co-Chair of Project Destiny. Midge (nickname) is past Chair of Crossroads Theatre, NJ Pioneers and Regional Pioneers. She is a longstanding resident of Piscataway, NJ after completing her Masters at College of New Jersey in Urban Education. Midge has been recognized for her leadership in Education. She has received the Alpha award which is the highest educational award presented to her by George W. Bush.
Steven Excel Deaver
VICE PRESIDENTSteven Deaver is the co-founder of Kingdom Living International Church. Professionally, he works as a Social Studies Teacher in Newark Public Schools, and serves as an adjunct professor at Kean University and Essex County College.He is certified and active member of Piscataway Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention Response Team.“I joined the Lillian and Lillian Foundation because I believe I can make a difference in the lives of school-aged children who are being bullied or victims of teen dating violence.”
Kimo Thomas-Dennis
TREASURERKimo Thomas Dennis has spent her career working in Operations and Technology and is currently employed by a major pharmaceutical company, where she is responsible for managing multi-million dollar budgets. She also oversees a range of projects/processes, including HR Department Strategic Projects and Dashboard Reporting. She is also a CertifiedProject Management Professional (PMP).“I joined the Lillian and Lillian Foundation because I believe in their vision and find it is personally gratifying.”
Danielle Wilson
ATTORNEYDanielle Wilson is an attorney working as a claims analyst reviewing labor and employment litigation claims for a major insurance carrier in New York City. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and leisurely reading. “I joined the Lillian and Lillian Foundation because I have several family members that are survivors of domestic violence and abusive relationships and I want to empower women and men in similar situations to become survivors as well.”
Thomas James
SERGEANT AT ARMSThomas James is Retired Director of the New Jersey State Division of Parole. “One case of abuse is one too many. I am honored to be a part of the Lillian and Lillian Foundation and its fight against domestic abuse. Through advocacy and empowerment, Lillian and Lillian is working to transform victims into survivors.”
Carolyn Canavan
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATIONCarolyn Canavan has been a Domestic Violence advocate for over 17 years serving on the Piscataway Domestic Violence Response Team. Carolyn has trained over 200 new Domestic Violence Advocates since 2008 which follows the New Jersey State approved curriculum. She has provided insightful workshops to area high schools and various other community based events that seek to provide awareness of Domestic Violence. Carolyn was the recipient of the Lillian and Lillian Foundation’s 2017 Domestic Violence Survivor Award.“The Foundation’s mission aligns perfectly with my desire to give back to my community. I feel fortunate to be a part of such a dynamic organization.”
Cheryl Washington
DIRECTOR OF MEDIA/COMMUNICATIONSCheryl Washington is a seasoned TV journalist and personality, focus group moderator, public speaker, and adjunct professor. Presently, she is employed by the East Orange School District and Nyack College in Nyack, New York. After years of reporting and anchoring at CNN and FOX 5’s “Good Day New York.” “I joined the Lillian and Lillian Foundation’s Board to advocate for change for domestic violence victims.”
Saundra James
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTS AND MATERIALSSaundra James is Senior Vice President, Perry Ellis International; Adjunct Instructor Fashion Institute of Technology, New York. “I am involved in the Lillian and Lillian Foundation because I believe that we must bring awareness to the world that all abuse is wrong. Lillian and Lillian is raising awareness in our homes, our communities and in our schools. I am proud to be a part of this life changing organization“
Troy Long
DIRECTOR OF CELEBRITY ATHLETE OUTREACHTroy Long is a 14 year educator whose entire educational career has been working in areas such as: teaching, supervising and establishing academic programs.In addition to an administrator and spearheading specialty programming for students, he hasworked with NJ EXCEL as an instructor and mentor who supported candidates as they perused their New Jersey Principal and Supervisor Certification. “Seeing high school children mentally and physically abuse each other is what led Troy to want to learn more so he could help guide and support anyone in any domestic situation.”