Meet the Team

Janelle Greco is the senior director of training at Youth Communication, a role in which she oversees all professional development services at the organization. Prior to joining Youth Communication, Janelle worked as director of the Pre-College Academic Programming Department at LaGuardia Community College and previously served as director of training and advancement at The Doe Fund–an organization dedicated to providing training and career services to those who have been homeless, in foster care, and previously incarcerated. Janelle has a B.A. in English and secondary education from Springfield College and an M.A. in English from Northeastern University. She lives in Brooklyn, is a creative non-fiction writer, and a firm believer in the power of storytelling and sharing experiences with others.

Terrence Coffie is a 2017 graduate of New York University’s Silver School of Social-Work, where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in the field of social-work, with a focus in criminal justice reform. As an advocate, activist and educator, Terrence has committed himself to creating social and political change within the criminal justice system. Terrence is employed as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at New York University’s Silver School of Social Work, where he teaches Forensic Justice in Problem Solving Courts and Diversity, Race Oppression and Privilege. He is the Founder and CEO of the Social Justice Network , a grassroots organization that raises awareness surrounding criminal and juvenile justice reform. He hosts his weekly talk show It’s Coffee Time on Spotify. Terrence is also co-founder of the Cannabis Justice & Equity Initiative, a 501(c)(3) organization committed to providing educational and employment opportunities to men and women impacted by cannabis enforcement in New York State. During his tenure at NYU, Mr. Coffie interned at the prestigious McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research. He was named the 2017 NASW-NYC Alex Rosen Student of The Year, the 2017 Excellence in Leadership Award Recipient. and NYU’s 2016 President’s Service Award Recipient & Excellence in Leadership Award Recipient for his development of the College Pathways Program, which assists young men of color in obtaining educational opportunities. In 2017 he made his debut as a contributing author in Race, Education and Reintegrating the Formerly Incarcerated Citizen (Lexington Books). He has been published in USA Today and Forbes Magazine regarding reform on behalf of the justice impacted. Terrance has gained national recognition for his commitment to criminal justice reform. Terrence brings a very insightful, distinctive and unique perspective surrounding these issues, specifically in the area of reentry. Terrence believes that “those who are closer to the problem, are also those who are closest to the solution” in creating a more fair and equitable system of justice.

Harmonie is a culture worker, designer, writer, and educator working to amplify collective learning, joy, and justice. She specializes in coalition building, workshop design and facilitation, healing-centered practice, participatory research, and program strategy. As a community and service designer, her recent projects range from child welfare systems transformation to grantmaking strategy for philanthropic foundations.

Harmonie thrives in community, finding purpose and excitement in building relationships, fostering culture, and bridging the gap between seemingly divergent ideas. She believes joy and justice are interdependent, and regularly employs music, art, and humor to center individual and collective well-being while dismantling oppressive systems. Her past experiences as a teacher and community organizer both deepen her expertise and ground her current work and interests. She continues to be an ardent advocate for Ethnic Studies education and equity in mental health treatment and access for youth. Harmonie holds a B.A. in Psychology and Race & Difference Studies from Emory University and a M.Ed. in Teaching and Curriculum from Harvard Graduate School of Education. In her free time, you can find her curating the perfect playlist, frolicking in nature, or reading the latest N.K. Jemisin novel.

Dr. Anne Desrosiers graduated with her PhD in Contemporary Learning & Interdisciplinary Learning from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education in 2019. As an entrepreneur, world traveler and agent of change, Anne’s role as Founder/Executive Director of The World is Your Oyster (TWIYO pronounced twee-yo) since 2013 and passion for world travel informed her research areas of experiential learning, positive youth development, and global competence. To that end, Anne has personally traveled to 59 countries, and traveled with over 100 youth to Martha’s Vineyard, Copenhagen, Denmark and Stockholm, Sweden in her work as scholar and philanthropist. For over a decade, Anne has used education and curriculum writing as a platform for social justice and to support inner city youth in harnessing their true leadership and intellectual potential. Raised in Flatbush, Brooklyn and a proud Haitian-American, first generation immigrant, Anne has employed culturally responsive pedagogy, didactic teaching, and performance to reach her U.S./AP U.S. History students in both high & middle schools. Traveling to 6 out of the 7 continents and 56 countries to date—Anne has spoken to students, on panels, and at conferences internationally. As a facilitator, Anne has hosted workshops, professional development trainings, and special events in her multiple areas of expertise.

Sousan Hammad is a writer, teacher, and translator. Before she became a teacher, Sousan was a contributing writer for Al Jazeera America for five years. Her published work has spanned both the essay and journalistic form, in addition to translating contemporary Arabic poetry. After living in Palestine as a journalist, Sousan moved to Paris where she earned her Master’s degree in comparative literature and translation theory.  She has over ten years of experience teaching high school literature and creative writing at various independent schools across New York City, as well as eight years teaching summer writing classes with The School of The New York Times. She has two small daughters and lives in Brooklyn.

Liz Howort is a writer and poet who is passionate about personal narrative and using creative practices to support community healing. Liz was the founding Director of the Bard Early College Academy, an academic enrichment program for middle school students. At Bard High School Early College, she taught 9th grade ELA and led resource room to support students with individualized learning services. After completing an MFA in poetry from The New School University in 2010, Liz co-founded Frequency Writers in Providence, Rhode Island. She works as an educator and coach supporting middle and high school teachers to integrate Social Emotional Learning and restorative practices into their classrooms. When she is not in schools, Liz enjoys gardening with her family and walking her dog Ginger.