TeenFest Foundation Board & Staff Members

Donna-maria Harris, Program Manager & Marketing/Communications Director

Donna-maria is TeenFest Foundation founder.  In 2004 her love of performing arts merged with her passion for teen social and health issues and the concept of TeenFest was born.  What began as an idea for a traveling teen theater troupe performing original anti-drug skits quickly morphed into a performance art talent showcase with all acts having an anti-substance or anti-violence theme.  The goal is to allow teens to express the key messages with their own creative voices.  In her professional life, Donna-maria is an award winning journalist with more than 19 years' experience in broadcast media as a manager, producer and on-air talent specializing in education, health and community issues.

Dr. Jennifer Rounds-Bryant, Executive Director
Dr. Jennifer L. Rounds-Bryant is a licensed practicing Clinical Psychologist in North Carolina, with 17 years of experience in the research and treatment of substance abuse and dependence. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1995.  Her career has been that of the scientist-practitioner psychologist, working at research institutes, in community-based treatment programs, and for both Federal and state prison systems doing both research and treatment with substance abusers. Despite her specialization in substance abuse and dependence, Dr. Rounds-Bryant views herself as an adult clinical generalist, with an interest in all forms of adult psychopathology and human behavior. Toward that end, she is the author of the  book series “5 Ugly Facts About Human Behavior” (www.5uglyfacts.com). Dr. Rounds-Bryant’s current role as Faculty at both Capella University and the University of Phoenix adds the third dimension of educator to her experience as a scientist-practitioner.

Deborah Hendren, Treasurer
Deborah Hendren is a public health professional working with Wake County Government and Wake County 4-H Youth Development/North Carolina Cooperative Extension where she has developed and manages two substance abuse prevention programs.  Her passion is in the development, implementation and evaluation of programs for specialized youth populations.  Deborah is one of the founding members of the TeenFest Foundation.

Teen Council Senior Advisors: 

Matthew "16" Grady - Created "TeenFest" theme song; and "TeenFest TV" theme song; member of TeenFest Performance Troupe; contributor to TeenFest TV; member since 2008

Au'Brie McKoy - Attends UNC-G; facilitates the Elementary Student workshop; contributor to TeenFest TV and TeenFest Newsletter; TeenFest Auditions judge; member since 2009

Timothy "TimMay Rajah" Caldwell - Attends Wake Tech Community College; member of TeenFest Performance Troupe; former TeenFest winner; TeenFest DJ; member since 2008

Jafar Cooper - Attends NCCU; facilitates the Elementary School workshop; TeenFest Auditions judge; member since 2007

Regina Stepney - Attends NC State; coordinates competing teen acts; TeenFest Auditions judge; former TeenFest winner; member since 2007

SPECIAL THANKS:  TeenFest Foundation is supported by folks who have continuously acted as community liaisons, worked behind the scenes at events, and who trumpet the work of TFF.  Special thanks to: Dr. Janice Petersen (NC Office of Prevention & Early Intervention), Bert Wood (Partnership for a Drug-Free NC, Inc.), Shenekia Weeks (Gang Prevention Specialist),  Reginald Caldwell (Caldwell Sound Machine), Antionne McClendon (Flavor Fruit Studios), Matthew Grady, Tikisha Bell-Gowens (See Yourself Become Mentoring Program), Lennis W. Harris, Sr. (always ready to act as photographer/videographer/fire marshal), Stephen "Jiggyfly" Evans (stage manager extraordinaire), Erica Joynes (Northern HS), Barbara Wiggins (Wakefield HS), Evelyn K. Lemar, Kenneth Branson, Neal Davis (WLFL/WRDC), the always wonderful Brooks family (Victor, Sandra, Christopher, Julie, Victor Jr.), Brian Williams (BrianWilliamsTV), and Ms. Sheree Betts (4Dimensional Photography) for being one of TFF's most ardent and enthusiastic cheerleaders!

We also rely on help from former Teen Council members who continue to spread the drug-free and violence reduction messages on their college campuses, and who come back each year to help with the annual event: Tanice Francis (Hampton University), Jafar Cooper (North Carolina Central University), Au'Brie McKoy (UNC-Greensboro), Timothy Caldwell (Wake Tech. & Boom Effects Productions), Blair Williams and Gary Collins.