Tina, a Connecticut native, has dedicated her life to helping others succeed. After earning a Bachelor’s in Children and Family Studies and an MBA with a focus on entrepreneurship, she overcame significant personal challenges to complete her education. With over 20 years of experience at the Meriden New Britain Berlin YMCA, Tina has held multiple roles, including preschool teacher, childcare director, and Director of Childcare Operations, where she became a recognized expert in early childhood education. She is also skilled in grant writing, securing funding for impactful initiatives. Tina’s passion extends to her work as a parent educator and visitation support specialist, where she supported families in difficult situations. Outside of her career, Tina is a proud mother of five and grandmother, enjoying family time, boating, and beach relaxation. As a mentor, she continues to inspire others with her positivity and dedication to helping children and families thrive.

A native of Waterbury, Connecticut, Sarah Hatcher has dedicated the last 25 years of her career to supporting and transforming the lives of the underprivileged youth across the state of Connecticut. She has been able to successfully take her educational background and lived experiences of trauma to transform her life to embody healing, compassion, empathy, and the understanding that is so necessary to govern change in the communities she serves. During this time, she has engaged in significant community outreach, advocacy specifically on the micro level, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, fundraising, social justice reform, and so much more. Her passion lies with having a niche knowledge of trauma informed care, motivational interviewing and therapeutic crisis intervention. She utilizes her decades of experience in this field of work to ensure that the youth she supports not only have their basic needs met; but, a supportive environment where they can learn the tools and life skills necessary to empower themselves to heal from their own traumas. Because of this experience, she has become known as a fierce advocate for the youth she serves.“

Tiara Lockliearas has been a vital member of our board from the very beginning, passionately dedicated to supporting individuals within the community. A graduate of the UCONN PEP program, she has built on her unique strengths and life experiences to create positive change. The program emphasized the connection between individual growth and community action, which Tiara fully embraces in her work and personal life. She is a proud mother of two and loves giving back to her community in various ways. In addition to her board role, Tiara works as a bus driver, connecting with people every day and making a difference in her community. Her dedication to service, family, and the well-being of others continues to inspire and uplift those around her.