LifeTies Staff
Lori Morris
Executive Director
Lori Morris
Dr. Morris joined LifeTies as its first Executive Director in July, 2017. She provides oversight to all operations, program development, fund development, new initiatives, program evaluation and development of community partnerships. She has over 20 years of experience working on issues surrounding vulnerable youth involved with the child welfare system. Prior to joining LifeTies, Dr. Morris was co-founder and the first Executive Director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Mercer County, Inc. which was established in 2000. In 2011, CASA of Burlington and CASA of Mercer Counties merged and Dr. Morris was the director of both programs. After leaving her position in February, 2016, she moved on to two consecutive Interim Executive Director posts at CASA of Union County and Bergen County CASA to assist them with organizational transitions. Prior to her work at CASA, Dr. Morris worked as a Research Scientist at Educational Testing Service, and consulted with Princeton University Center for Arts and Cultural Policy and the NJ Administrative Office of the Courts. She is co-chair of the Mercer County Youth Homeless committee and has been appointed to the New Jersey Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect Staffing and Oversight Review Subcommittee. Additionally, she serves on the Mercer County Continuum of Care Executive Committee, CEASE Oversight Committee, and Mercer County Youth Services Commission.
Vivian Harmon M.Ed., MSW, LSW
Director of Group Home Services
Vivian Harmon M.Ed., MSW, LSW
Vivian D. Harmon is a New Jersey Licensed Social Worker and Certified School Social Worker with 16 years of diligent service to youth, adults and families. Vivian has extensive experience in various settings including: adolescent residential care, secondary and higher education student services, Intensive in Community Counseling, and the criminal courts. She has committed her education and career to empowering youth and families through education, trauma-informed and strengths based practices, advocacy, and civic engagement. She received 2 degrees from Rutgers University- B.A. in Political Science- Douglass College in 2001, MSW- Graduate School of Social Work in 2009. She also holds a M.Ed. in Instructional Technology. It is Vivian’s personal philosophy that every individual has the ability to attain greatness in all its forms. In order to achieve this greatness, it requires 3 basic things: a desire for greatness, the tenacity for the journey, and the unwavering support of committed persons. She has instilled this in her adult children, a niece and a nephew that she’s raised since they were young children; and the youth that she has committed her life to serving every day. Vivian currently serves as the Director of Group Homes for the LifeTies, Inc. Rainbow and Triad Houses.
Robin Wilkins, MSW
Director of Housing and Mentoring Services
Robin Wilkins, MSW
Robin Wilkins, native born to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has a wealth of knowledge and experience working with individuals and families who have experienced homelessness. She joined the LifeTies’ family in May 2006, as the Program Director of the agency’s first housing program, called Mary’s Place designated to serve youth ages 18-21 impacted by homelessnessor transitioning from the Child Welfare System. In May 2013, Robin also became the Program Director of our T.I.L.T. Program, which is Teenage Independent Living Training, a program designed to provide skills needed to transition into adulthood such as money management, budgeting, career planning, education planning, health and wellness, and community resources, etc. The mission of the T.I.L.T. program as of 2015 includes providing mentors to our youth, matching them with life-long caring adults to be a friend, a resource and a positive role model in the lives of the youth served. Robin is passionate about the needs and goals of consumers and provides them with much-needed support. She specializes in providing youth the necessary skills and housing resources to attain healthy and productive lives. In her, spare time; Robin enjoys being with family and friends, and spending time with her fiancé. She also enjoys listening to music, playing the drums and organizing youth-driven, fun-filled activities with the youth ministry at her local church.
Madeline Cauthen-Lloyd
Coordinator of Residential Services
Madeline Cauthen-Lloyd
Madeline Cauthen-Lloyd is the proud mother of 3 amazing children; Khyir, KhyAsia and Makaya. In addition to being a proud mother, she has committed 14 years of her career in service to youth and families. She served diligently as Head of Security and Discipline for Emily Fisher Charter Middle School. She received her certification as a Medical Administrative Assistant and Medical Billing and Coding from the National Healthcare Association in 2013. Madeline has given 4 years of dedicated service to the youth of the LifeTies, Inc. Rainbow and Triad Houses as the Medical Liaison and Coordinator of Residential Services. In this role she demonstrates stellar leadership in supervising a team of 20 residential support staff; and provides a invaluable service to both homes. Madeline is a woman of integrity and Christian character who brings passion, great leadership, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the LifeTies, Inc. family.
Teresa "Teri" Triano-Davis
Mentor Coordinator
Teresa "Teri" Triano-Davis
Teri Triano-Davis is originally from Newark, NJ. She attended Kean University and the New School for Social Research. Her career has been spent advocating and educating children and families. She has a background that includes research in neurological disorders. Teri worked for 19 years as a Senior Probation Officer in Essex County where she had experience in several aspects of this department including investigations and direct supervision of adults and juveniles. After leaving that position to care for her family, she was employed as a teacher for 8 years. Wanting to re-enter social services again, Teri joined CASA of Mercer and Burlington Counties as a Case Supervisor training and supervising advocates for 8 years. While there she worked with the Gang Task Force, as well as the Adoption Day Committee. Teri came to LifeTies in January 2018, to assume the position of Mentor Coordinator. Teri is the mother of three grown children and two beautiful grandsons. Her passions are fitness and spending time with family and friends.
Deanna Eaves, BS
Mentor Coordinator
Deanna Eaves, BS
Deanna graduated from the University of Bridgeport with a Bachelors in Human Services and Psychology. In college, she was a mentor for high school students and loved everything about it, which pushed her towards that career path. Her background is with the DD population managing an adult group home and doing in-home ABA Therapy for children but she wanted to get back into where I have always seen myself, working with at risk youth. She will be pursuing her MSW in plans for an LSW and continue to work with adolescents. She is very passionate about empowering the youth and giving them the support that they often do not get. Acting as an advocate and helping to guide adolescents into a successful and happy life is what she strives for. Her philosophy is to be the change you wish to see and she feels that her role as Mentor Coordinator at LifeTies will help her get there, being that she has seen the positive benefits of what a mentor can do in a young person life.
Alicia Morrison, M.D.iv., MSW, LSW
Residential Therapist
Alicia Morrison, M.D.iv., MSW, LSW
Alicia Morrison is a Licensed Social Worker and also holds a Masters of Divinity. She was born and raised in Mercer County and is committed to working with marginalized and vulnerable populations. Prior to working at LifeTies, she worked at Arm In Arm, the Trenton YMCA, Womanspace, and MillHill Behavioral Health. Alicia currently works at a local church where she is the Director of Sunday School and the Church Administrator. Alicia and her husband live in Lawrenceville with their two sons. Alicia is a yogi, she enjoys reading, spending time with her friends and family, and exploring in the outdoors.
Ashley Jones
Case Manager at Triad House
Ashley Jones
Ashley joined Lifeties September 2017 as a mentor she then became a Residential Support Professional September 2018 she is currently the Case Manager for Triad House. Ashely graduated with a B.A. in Liberal Studies with concentrations in Communication, Political Science and History. She will be pursuing her MSW. It has always been her passion to provide services to at-risk youth. As a young adult, she has sheltered friends who were homeless. Throughout her college career, she was a vital member of P.U.L.S.E mentor program which exposes mentees to a positive role model and helps smooth the transition of the first year student from high school to college. Ashley is passionate about helping youth become all they can be her motto: “ don’t be the excuse, be the example”.
Mariah Jones
Case Manager at Rainbow House
Mariah Jones
Mariah Jones was first introduced to LifeTies in the summer of 2018 where she served as a clinical intern. In May of 2019, she became the Case Manager for Rainbow House. Mariah completed her B.A. in Psychology at Stockton University and hope to one day pursue a Master’s in Social Work. After going to school in South Jersey and spending time living in Washington, DC, Mariah wanted to come back to her community to give back. She was born and raised in Trenton, NJ. Mariah has always had a passion to help young people reach their potential and hopes to do just that here at LifeTies. In her free time Mariah likes to go bowling, watching Netflix and reading poetry. Her motto in life is: be your own kind of beautiful.
Genevieve "Rell" Alston
Case Manager at Triad House
Genevieve "Rell" Alston
Rell Alston was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a BS in Psychology. She later graduated from Central Michigan University with an MS in Public Administration. She was working towards her MSW at Eastern Michigan until she relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada. Mrs. Alston has worked in Corrections for the State of Michigan, Foster Care and Adoptions, she was a Director over a 24-hour Respite Program for children, worked with Juvenile Delinquents, Program Manager, Case Manager, & Home Health Manager, with the Brain Injury population (Behavioral,) the Developmental (DD) Delayed population also in a QMRP role. Over 25 years of skills and service. Mrs. Alston's, husband's position moved her here from Las Vegas in January 2012. She spent 5 years, with her daughter, in Mommy & Me Classes and has worked as a Substitute Teacher and a Paraprofessional for the past 3 years. Mrs. Alston has 2 adult children and a 8 year old daughter. She loves to visit home (Detroit,) as that's where her family resides. She loves traveling with family & friends, having get togethers, and she's definitely a lover of people. "I'm from the Midwest and, I've Never met a Stranger!!" 😊👍💖
Priscilla V. Cartagena
Administrative Coordinator
Priscilla V. Cartagena
Priscilla V. Cartagena is the Administrative Coordinator to the Executive Director of LifeTies, Inc. In this position, Priscilla provides administrative assistance for the Board of Trustees, Executive Director, Director of Finance in addition to the Directors of each Program and Clinical Services. She serves as the primary contact for external offices and assists on special projects such as: fundraising events, annual appeal mailing, holiday wish program, donations, etc. Priscilla provides logistical support for multiple projects, meetings, conferences, and workshops. Priscilla joined LifeTies, Inc. in 2011. Prior to her position at LifeTies, Inc., she served as an Administrative Analyst and Assistant at IBM for 3 years and as an Executive Administrative Assistant at Johnson & Johnson for 9 years as assisted in the launch of new products.
Kate Raynor
Family Engagement Coordinator
Kate Raynor
Kate joined LifeTies in June of 2019 as the Family Engagement Coordinator for Mercer County. Kate graduated from Rider University, Summa Cum Laude, with a BA in Psychology, and a Law and Justice minor. In college, Kate interned for the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office within the Megan’s Law Unit. After graduating from Rider, Kate went on to receive her Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the State University of NY. In graduate school, Kate worked with the Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring Program, a research study designed to gauge the prevalence of alcohol and illegal drug use among arrestees in order to tailor programming needs. After graduating, Kate worked for the NJ Department of Corrections as a Program Specialist overseeing programming at the facility’s minimum security camp which housed male youths, aged 18 – 29. Recently, Kate was the Social Service Coordinator for a low-income housing facility for seniors and the disabled. Kate has dedicated her life to serving the underprivileged and disadvantaged with the hope of encouraging others to give people second chances and to offer support to those that need it most. In her spare time, Kate enjoys CrossFit, Yoga, gardening and spending time with her dogs.
Ajeane Knibye
Housing Case Manager
Ajeane Knibye
Ajeane has worked with youth in multiple capacities throughout his career as a program director, mentor, counselor and paraprofessional in non-profit community organizations, schools, and churches. While he has worked with diverse populations over time, the majority of his work has been with at-risk youth in urban settings. Though he enjoys working with youth, he has recently felt a desire to expand on his experience to begin working with the young adult population. Serving in his new role as Housing Case Manager at LifeTies has provided the perfect opportunity to extend his reach and career depth while maintaining a similar approach to developing and leading young people to accomplish their goals and purpose in life.
Britney Jones
Housing Case Manager
Britney Jones
Britney graduated from Bethune Cookman University and obtained her BS in Psychology. During undergrad, she worked within the community mentoring youth and adults and completing community service. Britney’s specialty is addictions counseling and she has completed some Master’s course work majoring in Addictions Counseling and Human Resource Management. She enjoys working with children and adults and helping those in the community improve their quality of life by ultimately promoting overall health and wellness.
Kathy Coppins
Volunteer Coordinator
Kathy Coppins
Kathy joined LifeTies as the Volunteer Coordinator in October 2019. She coordinates and implements recruitment, retention and volunteer programs for the organization to ensure low turnover and availability of qualified applicants to meet our youths' needs. Kathy is passionate about helping vulnerable youth and has been a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer in Mercer County since March 2018. Prior to joining LifeTies, Kathy worked for several financial services and consulting companies in talent acquisition, HR generalist, training/ leadership development and project management roles. She has a BS in Accounting from Rutgers University Business School.