"ALONE WE CAN DO SO LITTLE, TOGETHER WE CAN DO SO MUCH." hELEN KELLER
meet our team
megan gwaltney
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Megan came to JIFF as Executive Director in November of 2021. She has a wealth of demonstrated experience working with marginalized youth and managing programs focused on community well-being and restorative justice. She also has a formal education in criminal justice with a master's in conflict management. Megan worked with the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for 13 years and has demonstrated success managing relationships and engaging the community and donors as the Director of Community Affairs. She also made a notable impact reducing risk factors and providing alternatives for troubled youth in local school systems as the Director of Truancy and as a Case Advocate with the District Attorney General’s Office.
Chris YANCY
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Chris Yancy joined JIFF as Director of Operations after serving on the Board of Directors as Board Vice-Chair. Prior to joining JIFF, he worked for ProTech Services Group as a Cybersecurity Advisor where he was responsible for providing consulting services and end user training for many clients in the area. Chris has also spent over 15 years in the education field as a educator and also designing training and development sessions for staff and faculty. Chris has conducted many workshops and webinars in the training and development field for hundreds of Mid-Southerners. Chris was born and raised in Memphis, TN and is a graduate of both the University of Memphis and Christian Brothers University.
DOROTHY JONES
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING
Dorothy is a native Memphian. She attended The University of Memphis and graduated with a degree in Organizational Leadership. Dorothy was formally employed by Americorps to work with high school students at an alternative school. She was also a long time volunteer at St.Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the Child Life Specialist area. She and her husband, Andre, have two children and are committed to doing their part to make Memphis a better place.
ALYSSA VASQUEZ
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FAMILY CARE COORDINATOR
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Tonya Watson
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Tonya Watson joined our team as JIFF's Volunteer Coordinator with over ten years of experience in Memphis and Shelby County's Juvenile Court working with opportunity youth. She was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Tonya earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Memphis. She has spent her career committed to the service of others in her community. Tonya has three children, and she is passionate about equipping our most marginalized population with the tools they need to follow a positive path. She values quality time with her family and friends, mentoring young people and serving the community.
DUANE STEWART
PROGRAM MANAGER
Duane Stewart serves as the JIFF Program Manager. He first started Jiff in the year 2014, and has spent the vast part of his life Ministering in prisons, sharing the Gospel, and making disciples. While at Jiff Duane hopes to show the love of Christ that can lead to the transformation our youth so desperately need.
SHANELL HAYS
CASE MANAGER
Shanell Hays joined JIFF with 9 years of experience working with youth as a Teen Mentor and Certified Coach. She’s a Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse Advocate through the Tennessee Domestic Violence Coalition, Teen Mentor with Mentor Memphis Grizzlies & LLT Program with JIFF, and an advocate for the Asthma And Allergy Foundation. Shanell has a positive approach with the youth as she continues to guide, support & encourage them to see their full potential. She is fully committed to serving the youth.
Luther “Sonny” White
CASE MANAGER
Sonny White was born and grow up in New Haven, Connecticut about Sonny joined the Navy in 1976 and finished his tour in 1982, while in Seattle. Sonny lived in Seattle for over 40 yrs. He has three grown children, 2 lovely daughters and 1 Son. Sonny also has 6 grandkids and 2 great grandkids. Sonny has over 20years experience in Corrections, as a Corrections Officer and Drug & Alcohol Counselor. He was also a devoted volunteer in the Seattle community. Sonny has a Associate’s Degree in Social Work, as well as a Associates and Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies. Sonny came to Memphis in 2021 and soon after started working at JIFF. He truly feels that because of the mission and vision of JIFF, it was the ideal place for him, “a calling”.
Jeremy Brown
CASE MANAGER
Jeremy is fully committed to serving the youth in the Memphis community since arriving in 2023. He is originally from the Grenada, Mississippi, he earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Human Development and Family Science from Mississippi State University. Faith, character, and integrity have been his driving force while working with the youth at JIFF. Jeremy strives to serve the Youth at JIFF in the best way possible, through Christ-centered intervention. Jeremy has been on absolute fire for the mission of JIFF, by “bringing an end to the destructive cycle of juvenile crime”.
JERMAR WILKINS
CASE MANAGER
Jermar Wilkins, a gratefully recovered alcoholic and drug addict, has his degree in psychological drug and alcohol abuse counseling. Jermar takes every opportunity and privilege to give back what so freely has been given him. He is a husband, farther, son, brother and most importantly a man after God's own heart. He is very dedicated to "helping others to overcome, what I overcame with the aid of God and the support of others. So, to work at JIFF is an honor as well as a privilege and opening for me to give encouragement, empowerment, and to edify the minds and heart of the youth. JIFF is not a job to me, but a bridge for me to bring others across from darkness to light."
Tedrick Bougard
CASE MANAGER
Tedrick is a proud Memphis native that shows love for his city whenever the opportunity presents itself. Tedrick attended the University of Memphis, where he obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Being from similar situations as the youth that JIFF serves and motivated to help them make better choices; an opportunity to work at JIFF was heaven sent. Tedrick enjoys including music in the JIFF Programming. For Tedrick, music is a valuable tool to help youth to process the lessons and share their emotions, that they may otherwise hold back. Tedrick thoroughly enjoys planning and executing JIFF program lessons. He feels that JIFF is HOME for him.
MARVELLE PORTER
CASE MANAGER
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TITLE VI, ADA, EEOC COMPLAINTS
"No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."
Any individual may exercise his or her right to file a complaint with the ADA/Title VI Coordinator if that person believes that he or she has been subjected to unequal treatment or discrimination in the receipt of benefits or services.