Meet Our Team
Welcome to Stepping Stone Academy Foundation, where our mission is to empower and support teen mothers on their journey to a brighter future. Our dedicated team combines expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment to create a nurturing environment for young mothers and their children. From educators and counselors to healthcare professionals and mentors, each member of our team plays a crucial role in helping these young women build strong foundations for themselves and their families.
Get to know the passionate individuals who bring our vision to life
Colleen M. Howe
Founder & CEO
Colleen Howe is the driving force behind Stepping Stone Academy Foundation, serving as its Founder & CEO. Under her leadership, the organization lives by the motto “Let your Stumble be your Stepping Stone.” Colleen has developed impactful programs and collaborated with other organizations to support young pregnant teenage girls, young teenage fathers, and their children, focusing on educating them about teenage pregnancy and parenthood. Born in Silver Spring, Maryland, Colleen moved to Los Angeles, California at age 11, and later settled in Smyrna, TN. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, she learned the values of hard work, persistence, and dedication early on. Inspired by her parents’ entrepreneurial spirit, Colleen pursued top positions in Client Relations, Health & Wellness, Business Administration, and Customer Service. With over 30 years of experience, she now thrives in helping start-up, customer-based businesses build strong foundations. Colleen’s greatest achievements are her children and grandchildren. As a teenage parent herself, she understands the challenges firsthand. She had her first child, a son, at 16, and her second child, a daughter, seven days after her 18th birthday. Despite the obstacles, she achieved numerous goals and has been a dedicated advocate for pregnant teens for over three decades. Colleen’s resilience and optimism have shaped her into a diligent and efficient leader. Her goal is to create a supportive community for young mothers and their children, providing a safe and structured environment where they can grow, discover their talents, and integrate into society without judgment.
Founder & CEO
Board Members
Shinead Evans
Interim President
Shinead Evans, born and raised in Nashville, TN, is recently married and building a new life with her husband. After earning her Certificate in Pharmacy, she embarked on a career in Customer Service and Learning Development. With 15 years of experience in the customer service field, Shinead has honed her skills in managing accounts, client services, learning and development, business startups, and more. She has worked with numerous Fortune 500 companies, discovering her talent for managing relationships and building departments of all kinds. Customer service is at the core of who Shinead is, complemented by her strong determination and genuine spirit. Since joining Stepping Stone, she has been instrumental in laying the foundation and is eager to leverage her past experiences to make a difference. Shinead is highly motivated to elevate the Stepping Stone Academy Foundation to new heights and create a learning environment that enriches the lives of families in need.
Christina Tresvant
Vice President
Christina embraces every challenge that comes her way. Her strengths lie in building relationships and finding innovative solutions to any problem. Her inquisitive nature serves her well in her role as a Project Manager at Johnson & Johnson, Inc., where she has excelled for the past five years. Additionally, she owns and operates a cleaning business called Beyond Clean Solutions. Christina is also deeply committed to her community. She serves as a commissioner on the Public Relations Commission for the City of Carson and volunteers with the Carson Cultural Arts Association Foundation. As a dedicated Los Angeles South Bay Delta Sigma Theta Alumnae Chapter member, she actively participates in various programs and projects, including Food Distribution, Social Action Chair, and Women Helping Women.
Ediana Berhane
Secretary
My name is Ediana Berhane and I recently graduated from Howard University with a Bachelors Degree in Maternal and Child Health Education. I currently serve as the social media coordinator and research assistant for the Yellow Brick Road Project for Stepping Stone Academy Foundation and I am delighted to start this new position as secretary for the board of members. My goals as secretary are to ensure clear and timely communication between board members, maintain organized and accurate records of meetings and decisions, and contribute to the development of effective policies that support teenage mothers. I aim to improve administrative processes, encourage collaboration within the board, and assist in driving the organization’s mission forward by providing valuable insights based on my experience in maternal and child health. I am dedicated to using my skills to support the board’s initiatives and contribute to meaningful progress in empowering teenage mothers.
Andrea Robinson
Treasurer
Ashley Askins
Board Member
"Ashley Askins is a licensed professional counselor and mental health service provider with over 10 years of experience in the field of mental health. Ashley specializes in trauma-informed infant mental health and maternal mental health care. Ashley earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University in 2019. Ashley is a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness and policy change."
Bobby A. Howe
Honorary Board Member
Bobby Ann Howe was born in 1936 - 2014. Mother of Lee Ann Butler-Owens Lullalee and Colleen Michele Howe. Bobby began her career as a singer with the "Sights and "Sounds of 1964 featuring Nat King Cole. As a guest speaker over the years, Bobby has held thousands captive in her own TV cable show "Air a Parent" as they talk show. Bobby was the Director of Public Affairs at K TYM Radio located in Inglewood CA. She retired in 2012 after 20 years of public service. She romanced her listeners with inspirational tips and her innate ability to train and encourage others to stay focused and never give up. Bobby received several awards for her work in communities; exemplary leadership, community service awards, certificates of appreciation, and recognition at the city, state, and county levels. In 1999, Bobby was selected "CORO of Southern California to the 10th class of Leadership of Southern California". In 2001, Bobby was honored by "Our Authors Study Club" as one of the "Women Who Make a Difference." Bobby's resume consists of the following: United Airlines employee as a trainer for -25 years Radio host -K TYM radio 20 years Cable television host -five years Singer/Assistant Choir director alongside HB Barnum Entrepreneur - JerMar`e/Glamor Sales Dress Shop Owner- Le`Fashoin Mystique/Michele's Fashioner Designer and Model Designer: of the shirt for Prince movie "Purple Rain" Creator Doll House Creator Founder of K-MoMs Board Member & Honorary Tuskegee Airman Humanitarian Peace Maker who held a conference with the "blood crips" in Los Angeles CA Lady of Inspiration and a Teacher of Life The best thing about Bobby Howe she was a lover of life, love, and laughter. She was the best mother, grandmother great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and most of all a friend. She loved watching Disney movies and shopping at the $0.99 store. She was a very strong independent woman and could conquer anything that came her way. Most of all she was a God-fearing woman. Bobby was a legendary figure in the African American community, one of those rare individuals who has met everyone and seen history in the making on countless occasions. In this video, she speaks with Jeffrey Bennett about Beyond UFOs for her show broadcast on K TYM Radio in Inglewood CA The Truth About Autism.
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