About Us
Staff Members
Staff Members

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

Bernice Hardman, LMSW
Wellness Program Co-Director & Social Work Intern Supervisor
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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
Director of Development
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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.

Shalina Rankin
Marketing & Communications Manager
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In her previous position at Starfish Family Services, she directed the agency’s branding, marketing and communications strategy, media relations, and social media.
In 2018, Shalina took a sabbatical from marketing and completed an Herbal Medicine Apprenticeship at the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine on the Isle of Arran, Scotland. She has been a life-long student of the healing power of nature, it is one of her passions.
She is thrilled to be a part of the Peace family and is eager to meet the families, volunteers and donors that make Peace a special place. .

Kelly Martin, BSW
Case Manager Baker Commons
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Ella Olive
Office Manager & Bookkeeper
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Cornelius Olive
Building and Ground Maintenance Supervisor
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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, BSW
Maple Meadows Center Programs Coordinator
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Lauryn Comer
College & Career Prep Coordinator
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Beginning in 2019, Lauryn joined the Peace Neighborhood Center staff as a Programs Assistant working primarily with the middle school youth in Leadership Development Camp. In the fall, she works in both the REACH after school program for elementary youth and the Alternatives for Youth after school program for middle schoolers. Spring 2021 saw her promotion to the College & Career Prep Coordinator role.
“I’m excited for the school year,” said Lauryn. “I can’t wait to meet all the kids I’ll be working with, build bonds and help them to reach their goals for the upcoming school year and beyond.”

NaTiyah Hugan
West Arbor Center Programs Coordinator
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Taylor Gamble
Alternatives for Youth Program Coordinator
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Taylor comes to Peace having already created her own program designed to help middle school girls set smart life goals and develop strategies to reach those goals. Known as Girls That Rock, Taylor’s program has run at three schools in the Belleville School District, Belleville High School, Owen Intermediate School and McBride Middle School.
Having moved around quite a bit in her youth, Taylor has a real appreciation for the challenges that middle school youth face when it comes to connecting with their peers and feeling a lack of support from their community. “When I was younger, there was a lot of ‘you’ll figure it out’,” she said. “But, I think young people need a lot more than that to really be successful. I look forward to helping make that happen.”

Elanda Curry, BSW
Case Manager
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Latricia Juide
Kitchen Manager
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Dwight Johnson
Programs Assistant
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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.

Deshawn Leeth
Programs Assistant
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In addition to his work at Peace, Deshawn has started UnderDawgNation a nonprofit that helps at risk kids. Working out, attending live music, and spending time outdoors is how he spends his free time.

Jeremiah Young
Data Base & I.T. Specialist
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John Ulmer
Transportation
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Larry Mitchell
Transportation
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Keira Overstreet
Kitchen Assistant
Keira

Case Manager & Family Enrichment Program Coordinator