About Us

Peace Staff

Staff Members

Bonnie Billups, Jr.

Bonnie Billups, Jr.

Executive Director

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Bonnie Billups, Jr. began his career in supportive services for families and youth at a young age.  He first became involved with Ann Arbor’s own Peace Neighborhood Center as a child enrolled in the agency’s Youth Programs back in the early 1970s.  Proving himself to be a reliable and mature young man, Bonnie was hired on as a Program Assistant at Peace in 1976.  He continued in that capacity through 1985, helping the agency expand and establish many long-standing services such as Peace’s Summer Day Camp program in 1982.  Bonnie left the agency in 1985 to travel to California and pursue a career in music.  While in the Los Angeles area, he continued to work in the youth development field as a Youth Lead Specialist at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services.  

In 1991, he returned to Ann Arbor and Peace Neighborhood Center as the agency’s Program Director, a role he took on to great success for over 15 years.  In 2006, he took over for the retiring Rose Martin as Peace Neighborhood Center’s Executive Director and continues to lead Peace in its role as a pillar of the youth and family service nonprofit community in Washtenaw County.  Bonnie also has continued in his musical career as an instructor at Washtenaw Community College in the School of Music and Performing Arts.  Bonnie is a member of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Blue Ribbon Committee where he advises the school district on decisions and strategies to provide effective service to at-risk youth.  He is also a founding member of the Washtenaw Alliance for Children and Youth, serving on its Steering Committee and helping to define that collaborative’s role in establishing the best possible safety net for young people in Washtenaw County along with the other member youth development agencies. 

Bonnie is proud to have served the youth and families of Washtenaw County for almost 40 years and to lead Peace Neighborhood Center into its fifth decade of its longstanding mission to break the cycle of poverty in our community.

MaryAnn Johnson, LMSW

MaryAnn Johnson, LMSW

Wellness Program Co-Director & Youth Programs Operations

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MaryAnn has been a part of the Peace Neighborhood family since 2010. While in college at the University of Michigan, MaryAnn volunteered as a tutor and program assistant. Since then, MaryAnn has held different roles at Peace, including coordinating Ninth Grade Academy, volunteers, and children services. In 2018, MaryAnn earned her Master’s degree in Social Work and returned to Peace as Youth Programs Director.

MaryAnn, her husband, Matt, and their black lab, Ruby, love exploring the Westside of Ann Arbor.

Raven Vawters

Raven Vawters

Youth Programs Director

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Raven became a part of the Peace Family in 2008 as a camper in Leadership Development Camp. While at Skyline High School, she worked at Peace in a variety of roles from working in the kitchen to leading groups. Raven attended Cornell College and in 2017 graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology. She returned to Ann Arbor and worked full time as a Behavior Technician in an ABA clinic and volunteered as a tutor in programs. In February 2018, Raven took on the role as Children Services Coordinator, which includes coordination after school programs and Summer Day Camp for elementary aged youth.

Raven’s education includes:

  • B.A. Psychology – Cornell College | Class of 2017 
  • (Seeking) MSW – University of Michigan | August 2024 
  • Certifications: Positive Behavior Change | Applied Behavior Analysis, safeTALK Certified 

When not at Peace, Raven enjoys being with her friends and family.

Bernice Hardman, LMSW

Bernice Hardman, LMSW

Wellness Program Co-Director & Social Work Intern Supervisor

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Bernice Hardman started at Peace in 2008 as an Intern. Since then, Bernice has held different roles at Peace, including her current role as Wellness Center, Co-Director & Family Enrichment/Intern Field Instructor.

Bernice’s education includes:

  • Bachelor’s in Psychology & American Culture
  • Master’s in Social Worker- Interpersonal Practice with Children, Youth, & Families
  • Masters Social Worker License Clinical

According to Bernice, “Peace allows me to practice social work the way I envision it. a safe space for individuals and families to show up as their authentic selves and grow at their own pace, with a supportive community encouraging while holding them accountable along the journey.” Bernice holds a B.A, and MSW from the University of Michigan. She enjoys reading and/or watching documentaries on History, Pop Culture, and Social Relations in her free time.

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Suzanne (Sue) Upton

Suzanne (Sue) Upton

Director of Major Gifts & Foundations

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Sue joined Peace Neighborhood Center in 2020 to help plan and lead Peace’s special 50th Campaign. She brings over 15 years experience in Development and Communications to her current role. Prior to joining Peace, Sue served in both development and communications roles at UMS, the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, and Ozone House. She loves connecting with donors and believes deeply in the power of supporting local nonprofits that change people’s lives and strengthen local communities. She first learned about Peace’s impact through her previous work at the Community Foundation, and has been a member of the Peace family for a number of years as a long-time donor.

Sue holds a BA in Economics, and an MBA from the University of Michigan. She and her husband Joe have raised three children in Ann Arbor, and love the sense of community and generosity that’s long been a part of Ann Arbor’s DNA.

Lakesha Williams

Lakesha Williams

HUB Community Resource Center Manager

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I worked at Parkridge Community Center for seven years while attending Washtenaw Community College for my Associates Degree in human services. I worked with the after school program and Summer camps, attended various community events while strengthening my Ypsilanti Community network. After graduating from Washtenaw Community College in 2022, I then attended Eastern Michigan University where I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Social work. I returned to Michigan ten years ago with my four children and enrolled them into the Peace Neighborhood center where I met Bonnie. After moving to Ypsilanti I began my journey for higher education at the age of 37 and concluded the first phase of this journey at the age of 43. While working at Parkridge Community Center I developed a passion for community work and helping those in need.

DiOnna Jordan

DiOnna Jordan

Director’s Administrative Assistant

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In January 2024, Peace welcomed DiOnna Jordan to our team as the Director’s Administrative Assistant, a new role that’s been sorely needed. Familiar with Peace from a very young age, DiOnna is excited to be supporting the Executive Director and the Development Team with a number of projects and initiatives to help Peace reach its goals.

An Ann Arbor native born and raised, DiOnna graduated from Pioneer High School and holds a Bachelor’s in Communications from Michigan State University. As a high school student, she was one of the founding members of the Neutral Zone and served on the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation’s Youth Council. DiOnna brings a wealth of administrative and project management experience. Prior to joining Peace, she worked at Michigan Medicine for 14 years in the Otorhinolaryngology Department in different roles including Front-End Clinic Manager and Patient Relations Department Specialist.

“I am very happy to be a part of the efforts here at Peace. There really is no other agency that does the diverse number of things that Peace does. It hasn’t changed over the years, it just continues to grow. Seeing first-hand the lives that it touches, like with the recent holiday assistance program, it’s like, wow. Helping people like this is the ideal goal. I look forward to watching Peace continue to grow, especially with the opening of the HUB Center this year. It’s exciting to think about Peace [expanding] in order to help all of those who need us.”

Ella Olive

Ella Olive

Office Manager & Bookkeeper

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Ella has been a mainstay at Peace for over 24 years. She excels at precise bookkeeping and maintaining a smooth and organized office atmosphere. She loves, “the family environment and envisions that Peace families always do better than the generation before them.” She thanks God for her husband and family. Ella studied at Washtenaw Community College.
Cornelius Olive

Cornelius Olive

Building and Ground Maintenance Supervisor

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Words of Wisdom from Cornelius:

1. It’s not what you say but what you do that defines you.

2. The secret of good health is to live fully in the now

3. Let it go and it will be your forever

4. No one can walk your path for you

5. Happiness never decreases by being shared

6. Be kind to ALL

7. Don’t believe everything you are told to believe

Anabel Cruz, MSW

Anabel Cruz, MSW

Maple Meadows Center Programs Coordinator

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Anabel Cruz was first enrolled at Peace when she was five years old. She came to programs every year during Summer Day Camp until high school. Anabel earned her BSW from Eastern Michigan University after having received her Associate’s at Washtenaw Community College. Before working at Peace, Anabel was a Discovery Preschool Teacher. She has a passion for working with children and is proud to be a part of an organization that is able to provide hope for individuals, families, and, communities.

Anabel’s education includes:

  • Master of Social Work with a focus in Advanced Clinical Practice (Summa Cum Laude) (MSW), Columbia University
  • Bachelors of Science in Social Work (BSW), Field Practice: Families, Youth, and Children Services (Summa Cum Laude), Eastern Michigan University
  • Associates in Liberal Arts, graduated with high honors, Washtenaw Community College

Additional slills include:

  • Fluent in Spanish
  • First Aid CPR AED certified
  • Youth Mental Health First Aid USA certified
  • Addressing Human Trafficking in Healthcare settings certification (CE) 
  • MHPSS (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support) Support Group Facilitator: Promoting Newcomer Health and Wellbeing
  • Member of the Language Access Task Force in Washtenaw County
NaTiyah Hugan

NaTiyah Hugan

West Arbor Center Programs Coordinator

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NaTiyah became part of the Peace family as an elementary school student enrolled in Peace programs. As a teen she joined the staff becoming a member of the Summer Day Camp team. After attending Washtenaw Community College for two years she became a Program Assistant and currently works as the West Arbor Programs Coordinator. She loves “the great staff and environment and watching the kids grow up.” Currently she is transferring from Washtenaw Community College to Eastern Michigan University. Her motto is: “If you light a lamp for someone else it will also brighten your future”- Buddha

MacKenzie Grissom, BSW

MacKenzie Grissom, BSW

REACH Program Manager

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MacKenzie joined Peace in June of 2023 to help lead the Leadership Development Camp for middle school youth. During the school year, she works closely with Adriana to support Peace’s middle school students as part of the Alternatives for Youth After-School Program. MacKenzie holds a Bachelor’s of Social Work degree from Eastern Michigan University and brings to Peace her previous experience working with one of Peace’s closest partner organizations, Girls Group.

“I am very grateful for the job I get to do here. Peace is truly a place I enjoy. Last summer was a little difficult as we dove into leading programs and had to get to know the students in a bit of a hurry. Over the course of the fall and now into winter, there have been more opportunities to really focus on the social-emotional component [of our programming] with the kids in programs. Behavior is always going to be the biggest challenge. But as our relationships deepen, the kids get more relaxed and sillier and it just makes for a great environment to have deeper, more meaningful conversations about healthy habits, true self-care and the topic of empowerment. We are looking forward to Leadership Development Camp this coming summer…as we build on the relationships we have formed over the past year.”

Adriana Jarrett

Adriana Jarrett

Middle School Programs Manager

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Adriana is one of two new Program Managers who help to plan and coordinate after-school and summer activities for Peace’s middle school youth programs. Adriana first joined Peace in June, 2023 working in Peace’s Leadership Development Camp last summer. She then shifted her focus at the start of the school year to help lead Peace’s Alternatives for Youth (AY) after school program. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in Human Development and Family Studies and certifications for Youth Mental Health First Aid through National Council for Mental Wellbeing and CPR and First Aid through American Red Cross.

“Working with Peace’s middle schoolers has been both challenging and very rewarding. Starting last summer, it took a little while to really start to develop relationships with the kids, but when we went on trips we were able to get into smaller groups and really start to form those bonds. As the school year has progressed, it has been nice to watch those bonds develop and I look forward to all we have planned this coming spring and summer.”

 

Quetez Holmes

Quetez Holmes

Youth Program Coordinator

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TBD

TBD

College/Career Prep Program Manager

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Dwight Johnson

Dwight Johnson

High School Programs Specialist

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Dwight Johnson started his journey at Peace over 12 years ago as a volunteer. The combination of challenge and reward, a deep sense of loyalty, belief in and gratitude towards Bonnie Billups and the desire to be a part of something bigger than himself led him to a paid role at Peace.He hopes that Peace families feel supported and loved. That they know they are not alone and have a system in place with Peace.

Dwight enjoys producing and creating music, painting, golfing, and spending time with his family and dog, and holds an Associates Degree from Eastern Michigan University. Prior to Peace, Dwight worked for the AAPS before and after school care programs and was a youth leader at two area churches. 

Elanda Curry, BSW

Elanda Curry, BSW

Case Manager

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Elanda holds a Bachelors of Social Work with a minor in Psychology. She has been involved with Peace Neighborhood Center and the families her entire life and brings a wealth of history and patience to the job.

Kelly Martin, BSW

Kelly Martin, BSW

Senior Case Manager - Baker Commons

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Bio coming soon.

Deshara McKinney, LMSW, CAADC

Deshara McKinney, LMSW, CAADC

Case Manager - Baker Commons

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Master’s Level Clinical Social Worker (LMSW) and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Addictions Counselor (CAADC)

Deshara holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Eastern Michigan University with a focus in Mental Health and Substance Abuse.  She has worked in the Social Work field for over 15 years and has a significant background working with those who have experienced complex trauma and co-occurring disorders. Deshara started at Peace as a BSW intern and went on to work in different roles in the Substance Abuse field as a therapist before coming back to Peace to work at Baker Commons. Her motto is to assist clients with gaining the necessary tools to overcome any obstacles or barriers they may face, while striving to achieve their highest quality of life. Deshara’s goal is to provide services with compassion, assist in enhancing wellbeing, and help clients reach all desired goals.

John Clark

John Clark

Case Manager - Baker Commons

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John Clark is a BSW graduate from Eastern Michigan University with more than seven years in the social work field. He has joined Peace Neighborhood Center as its Case Manager at Baker Commons by way of Avalon Housing, having considerable experience in providing support assistance to those with complex care needs. John places special effort in establishing rapport and trust among clients and disrupting possible barriers to their needs, fostering purposeful collaboration among clients, case managers, and human services agencies. John’s slogan with each client engagement is “Were you pleased with my service today?”.

Dawn Dameron

Dawn Dameron

Kitchen Manager

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Bio coming soon.

Keira Overstreet

Keira Overstreet

Kitchen Assistant

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Keira Overstreet loves her job at Peace, she enjoys helping, feeding, and making people smile.When she is not a Peace she enjoys spending time with her children and grandkids..

John Ulmer

John Ulmer

Transportation

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Bio coming soon.

Jeremiah Young

Jeremiah Young

Data Base & I.T. Specialist

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Jeremiah Young has had many roles at Peace including: Volunteer, Drumline Asst., and Programs Asst. Since 2019, he has served in an I.T./Database role. His role not only includes maintaining Peace computers and databases but also exposing Peace youths to technical and digital skills and mentorship.He enjoys the wide variety of personalities displayed by the youth and makes it a practice to engage with everybody as there are gems everywhere just waiting to be noticed and accepted..

Kevin Lill

Kevin Lill

Development Projects

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Kevin Lill is a nonprofit fund development professional with two decades of experience creating, executing and successfully meeting the goals of fundraising campaigns for nonprofits in the Ann Arbor and Metro Detroit areas. Kevin was the Director of Development at Peace Neighborhood Center from 2007 through 2020 prior to working for two other agencies in  Detroit and Ann Arbor.  He is delighted to be back where his heart resides at Peace Neighborhood in a new capacity. Recently married to his wife Dawn, Kevin spends most of his time continuing to raise his two children in the Ann Arbor Public Schools. He holds a B.A. in English from Michigan State University.

 

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