Our Board Members

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President

Atlenea Beard

Atlenea Beard is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate who serves as the President of The Healing Academy and CEO of Beard Admin Services and Pretty Women Series Apparel. She is also the Co-CEO of Elexis Investments LLC, where she continues to build and scale impactful business ventures.

Atlenea is the author of the self-published journal Client Chronicles: Journal Meets Entrepreneur, a powerful tool designed to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through reflection and business development. She is the creator and lead instructor of the Birth Your Business™ Entrepreneur Workshops, where she equips individuals with the tools, mindset, and strategy needed to launch and grow successful businesses.

Her influence extends into youth development as the creator of The Takeover After-School Programs and as the “Lead Firestarter” Leadership and Development Coach for Camp 1302: Lead Like F.I.R.E., where she empowers young leaders through education, creativity, and real-world skill-building.

Atlenea holds a degree in Business Administration and Criminal Justice with a focus in Cyber Security.

Driven by a deep passion for education, leadership, philanthropy, and community impact, Atlenea Beard is committed to creating spaces that inspire growth, healing, and generational transformation.

Executive Board Member

Torziata White

Torziata White affectionately known as (Mama Tess) is the founder of
Etereinal Evolutionz as a Wellness Coach, Consultant and Host.
She decided to GRO through becoming a Sankofa Rites of Passage
facilitator. TRHT- Truth Racial Healing and Transformation facilitator and
Certified Kemetic Yoga Instructor for Children. Her love of being a spirit
specialist blossomed when she was chosen to share her greatest
accomplishments with this world as (Mother) of 6 children, (Grandmother)
of 11 grandchildren, and (Great-Grandmother) of 2 great-grandchildren.
She is abundantly blessed to be born and raised in Chicago, IL. Mama
Tess and her children were exposed to various kinds of trauma living on the
southside of Chicago.This is what started her on a clarity search of how we
can be the solution we seek. On her quest for revelation, Mama Tess
traveled to many states in the U.S. and then she traveled abroad to Ghana,
Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and many more countries. She now knows
her purpose and her voice is a formidable force and she is called to those
that have an ear to hear their calling and desire guidance from a wise
woman and clear channel, operating in truth and love.
Mama Tess is also reinventing herself with the added embodiment of
Auntie Inner G Wellness Influencer with Akanna, as she lives by and
teaches EFT’s- Emotional Frequency Techniques and Proverbs principles.
Here are a few to edify you. So that we may ALL eternally evolve!!!
“ Wisdom is more precious than jewels, and all you may desire cannot
compare to her.” Proverbs 3:15
“ Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Proverbs 4:23
“ As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

Board Member

Angela Mahogoni Phreedom Jones

Mahogani Phreedom is a visionary healer, Officiant, Holistic and Clinical Massage Therapist, Fertility, Birth, and Death Doula, devoted Womb Priestess, and Reiki Master. She has dedicated her life to curating sacred spaces for transformation, remembrance, and holistic healing across the full continuum of life—from conception to transition, from the first breath to the final blessing.

As the founder of The Reiki Klubhouse: A Holistic Healing Sanctuary, Mahogani offers a sacred blend of spiritual, therapeutic, and ancestral practices designed to nourish the divine temple of the womb, body, and spirit. Through Reiki-infused products, ceremonial womb steams, massage therapy, plant medicine, and sacred ceremony, she empowers women, families, and communities—rooting her work in divine feminine energy, spiritual mentorship, and ancestral wisdom.

Her journey began with her own healing, and her mission continues to be guided by the sacred affirmation:

“I had to begin with healing myself, so I could guide my people in healing themselves—building their confidence as healers. Together, we can nurture our communities to become confident healers, so we may heal the world.”

With a profound connection to Spirit and an unwavering devotion to collective liberation, Mahogani walks in her divine calling—supporting others in reclaiming their inner balance, sacred purpose, and ancestral power.

~ Mahogani Phreedom

Board Member

Chineze Mogbo

Chineze Mogbo is an Artist, Creative Professional, Safe Space Curator, Model, Actress, Kemetic Belly Dancer, Digital Marketing Strategist, Community Organizer, Head Wrap Specialist, Health and Wellness Advocate, Housing Counselor, and a proud Mother.
After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing, she founded Mogbo Marketing, a Digital Marketing Agency. She utilizes her marketing expertise to help businesses and community-based organizations in the Chicagoland area spread awareness about new businesses and products, educational and healing information, initiatives, and resources in many communities.
Chineze is also the founder of Battle Wrapped, an African culture-based fashion business. Its mission is to teach the Art and history of global Head wrapping techniques.
In 2018, Chineze was shot in the head and sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). After her recovery, she Co-Founded Weaving the Thread Healing Experience (WTT Healing) where she began sharing her traumatic experience and the practices that assist in her healing process with others. By curating these safe spaces in different communities, Chineze was able to co-create with organizations and artists to bring multiple forms of healing to our communities.
As an artist, she uses the power of healing practices, art, dance, and other creative avenues to curate health and wellness events globally.

Executive Director

Dionne Victoria Milton

Dionne Victoria is a mother, healer, and artist who uses creativity to help people reconnect with themselves and each other. Rooted in Chicago, she has spent years working in schools, community spaces, and with youth—using art as a tool for healing, learning, and growth.

Her work has been shown nationally and internationally, but her focus remains close to home: creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and inspired. Through her work with the Art Center of Englewood and The Healing Academy, she builds opportunities for wellness, creativity, and community connection.

At her core, Dionne is simply committed to making the world a better place—one person, one experience, and one piece of art at a time.

Fundraising Chair

Tatiana Winters

Tatiana Winters is a community leader, social entrepreneur, and Fundraising Chair for The Healing Academy. With over a decade of experience in fundraising, youth development, culinary management, and community advocacy, she has a proven track record of building sustainable, mission-driven initiatives, supporting Black-owned businesses, and advancing health, wellness, and economic equity.

As the founder of Peace of Mine, a Wellness-Focused Smoothie Shop in Englewood, Tatiana combines her expertise as a Chef, Nutritional Coach, and Instructor to create accessible, nourishing food options for her community. Inspired by her personal health journey, she is dedicated to promoting holistic wellness through nutrient-rich meals, education, and coaching.

Our Amazing Staff and Volunteers

Our expert team ensures that we meet our mission and complete our vision

Executive Assistant

Luella Holman

Luella Holman is an experienced, results-driven professional with a strong background in relationship building, business development, and community engagement. With a proven track record in sales, marketing, and financial consulting, Luella has successfully cultivated strategic partnerships, developed educational programming, and led impactful workshops across Chicago. Known for her proactive, detail-oriented approach, she is passionate about empowering individuals and communities through financial literacy, wealth management, and professional development. Luella brings a wealth of expertise in collaboration, needs assessment, and relationship management, making her a valuable asset in any mission-driven environment.

Esteemed Volunteer

Venise Keys

Venise Lashon Keys | Lashon Fouché (b. Chicago, 1991) is a visual artist, writer, performer, and educator. Fouché activates painting, drawing, objects, printmaking, movement, and writing to commune with her ancestors. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Fine Art with an emphasis in Painting and a Certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Fouché’s consistent imagery and studio research on Black hair paraphernalia i.e combs, bobby pins, etc. began as an homage to her parents’ entrepreneurship in the Chicago hair industry. Fouché utilizes black cultural iconography along with elements of color, pattern, mark-making and abstraction to create dialogue centering notions of beauty, heritage, and resistance. Fouché has exhibited throughout Chicago and nationally. Venise Lashon Keys is a professional artist and freelance writer living in Chicago, IL with her wife and children. She teaches visual art full time at Art In Motion Creative Arts School and is a proud member of the Kappa Chapter of Gamma Xi Phi Art Fraternity, an organization honoring the achievements of artists through fellowship, philanthropy, social justice, and service.

Esteemed Volunteer

Andre Brown

Andre Brown brings his experience to our team all the way from Clarksdale, MS (Roundaway). This cotton chopper, bean cutter, water meter reading, All-American national champion football captain, retired professional football player, Computer Programmer, writer, singer, song writer, poet, comedian and entrepreneur brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our board. His personality is like no other and his passion for completing our mission makes us honored to call him not only an ambassador, but a friend and brother.

About us.

The Healing Academy is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization committed to transforming urban communities through education, creativity, and healing. Our work is rooted in a passion for uplifting and empowering individuals and families through holistic, culturally relevant programming.

Meet Our Team

Our Nonprofit has received recognition from the Rachel Royal Awards, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events of the City of Chicago and more!