About Us

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Derek Simmons, 61, brings extensive experience in technology leadership, business management, community service, and philanthropy to the Board of Directors of

AllSeasonsForYouth. He is a graduate of University of California, Davis, where he earned a degree in Mathematics, and holds an MBA in Business from Golden Gate University.

As a veteran corporate technology executive, Derek has developed a distinguished career in leadership, strategic planning, technology, business operations, and organizational development.

His professional experience provides valuable insight as AllSeasonsForYouth continues to expand its programs and services.

Derek is also a dedicated community activist, family man, mentor, and community philanthropist. He believes strongly in giving back to the community and creating opportunities that help young people and families build stronger and more successful futures. As a member of the AllSeasonsForYouth Board of Directors, Derek is committed to supporting

effective governance, organizational growth, community partnerships, and the nonprofit and mission to provide stability, opportunity, support, and hope to foster youth, Transitional Age Youth, homeless youth, and other vulnerable young people.

Dr. Cole holds a dual Ph.D. in Public Policy and Public Administration from Walden University’s School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. He earned a Master of Science in Education Leadership from the University of Memphis, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice & Psychology from the University of Tennessee, an AAS degree from Southwest Tennessee Community College in Police Sciences, and Certified Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist with the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP). 

Dr. Cole brings over 25 years of experience in of cross-sector leadership. Dr. Cole’s career spans community engagement, institutional reform, and strategic program development in the fields of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Education, Criminal Justice, Law, Public Health, and Health Care for all ages. His work integrates a social determinant of health framework with a focus on equity and inclusion for all. 

Before 2016, Dr. Cole served in diverse leadership and service roles, including: 

• Supervisor at Shelby County Correctional Facilities (youth and young adults) 
• K–12 Educator and Principal 
• Founder of a Charter School 
• Executive Director of 100 Men of America 
• College Professor 
• Santa Clara County Public Health Department, PPA II 
• Creator of Law Day Youth Programs in Oakland and Richmond, CA 
• Co-Founder and Director of Day Rehabilitation integrated co-occurring dual diagnosis Wellness Center (TAY & Young Adult) & (Older Adult)
• Transitional Age Youth (Homeless, Transitional, & Permanent Housing) 

Dr. Cole has also directed multiple community-based programs, founded reentry initiatives for social justice at the college level, and consulted for governmental, academic, and biomedical institutions on healthcare delivery and policy. 

From 2016 onward, Dr. Cole served as Co-Founder and Program Director at Bonita House Inc./Casa Ubuntu, overseeing integrated co-occurring dual diagnosis peer driven wellness centers in Oakland and Berkeley. In partnership with Alameda County Behavioral Health, he led clinical and non-clinical teams delivering harm-reduction-based mental health and substance use services for youth, adults, and older adults. 

Dr. Cole’s passion is embedded in transforming systemic challenges into sustainable opportunities, especially for historically underserved communities. He is committed to advancing equity across healthcare, education, justice systems, and public policy sectors. 

At 64 years old, he brings decades of professional leadership, community service, and philanthropic commitment to his role as Secretary of the Board of Directors for

AllSeasonsForYouth. He is a graduate of San Francisco State University and a highly experienced corporate marketing executive, with a professional career focused on leadership, strategic communication, relationship building, and organizational growth.

Beyond his corporate career, he has dedicated significant time to serving and strengthening his community. As a community activist, basketball coach, and mentor, he has worked to create positive opportunities for young people and families while encouraging teamwork, discipline, education, and personal responsibility.

He is also a dedicated family man and community philanthropist, believing strongly in giving back and investing in the well-being of future generations. His life experiences and professional

expertise provide valuable perspective as AllSeasonsForYouth develops programs and services for foster youth, Transitional Age Youth, homeless youth, and other vulnerable young people.

As Board Secretary, he is committed to supporting strong governance, accountability, community

partnerships, and the continued growth of AllSeasonsForYouth. He brings a spirit of service and a belief that every young person deserves stability, opportunity, dignity, and the support needed to build a successful future.

At 33 years old, he brings a strong combination of education, professional experience,

leadership, and community commitment to his role as President of the Board of Directors for

AllSeasonsForYouth. He is a graduate of Texas Southern University, where he earned a degree

in Liberal Arts and was also a college basketball player, developing the discipline, teamwork,

leadership, and perseverance that continue to shape his professional and personal life.

As a social worker and mental health counselor, he is committed to supporting individuals,

families, and young people as they navigate challenges and work toward stability and success.

His professional background has strengthened his understanding of mental health, social

services, youth development, and the importance of compassionate, trauma-informed support.

Beyond his professional career, he is a community activist, mentor, and dedicated family man

who believes in giving back and creating opportunities for underserved youth. As Board

President, he is committed to helping guide AllSeasonsForYouth in its mission to provide safe,

supportive, and empowering services to foster youth, Transitional Age Youth, homeless youth,

and other young people in need.

He brings a vision of hope, opportunity, accountability, and community partnership, with a

commitment to helping AllSeasonsForYouth build programs that empower young people to

achieve independence and long-term success.

Richard Robinson, 61, is the Founder and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of

AllSeasonsForYouth, bringing many years of experience in clinical social work, mental health,

behavioral health, community advocacy, and nonprofit service. His professional career has been dedicated to helping individuals, families, and vulnerable young people overcome challenges and build pathways toward stability and independence.

Richard is a graduate of San Francisco State University, where he earned his degree in Social Work and later completed his Master of Social Work (MSW). His extensive experience as a clinical social worker and mental and behavioral health clinician has provided him with a strong understanding of the complex needs facing foster youth, Transitional Age Youth (TAY),

homeless youth, and other underserved populations.

As a community activist, family man, mentor, and community philanthropist, Richard has

remained committed to giving back and creating positive opportunities for individuals and families in need. His vision for AllSeasonsForYouth is rooted in providing compassionate,

trauma-informed services while helping young people develop the skills, resources, and support

necessary to achieve long-term success.

As Founder and CFO, Richard provides leadership in organizational development, financial

planning, program development, community partnerships, and the continued growth of AllSeasonsForYouth. He is currently preparing to take the California Licensed Clinical Social

Worker (LCSW) state examination in December 2026, further advancing his professional

commitment to clinical social work and the communities he serves.

Richard believes that every young person deserves hope, dignity, stability, opportunity, and a supportive environment in which to thrive.

 A graduate of the University of San Francisco (USF) with a BA in Sociology and a 2025 Graduate of the Jewish Studies and Social Justice (JSSJ) Program, Silena has been at the forefront of youth development, social justice and community organizing programming for more than 25 years in the education, inter-faith and non-profit sectors.  In 2007, she co-founded two agencies in the Bay Area: YOU Choose (a violence transformation program for West Oakland Teens) and Opportunity/Collective Impact (an after-school and summer program for K-8th grade students in San Francisco's Western Addition/Fillmore Community).  Silena's passion for social justice work began through her participation in and receipt of awards from programs such as Summer Search, Students Rising Above, World Horizons (Costa Rica),  the United States Peace Corps (Swaziland, Africa 2003-2005). Other educational and social service partners include the New Teachers Institute at Town School for Boys, YMCA of San Francisco, SF Rec and Parks Dept, Up On Top, Hamilton Families, Compass Family Services and the Institute of Street Level Learning at Faithful Fools (2021–present). 

Tanya Jacobs is a humanistic practitioner, community development expert, and the visionary founder of Community Villages, a Northern California-based organization dedicated to uplifting underserved communities. Driven by a deep value for human kindness, her organization works

tirelessly to combat food insecurity, strengthen mental health, deliver vital resources to unhoused neighbors, and support individuals directly impacted by the criminal justice system.

Tanya also served with distinction at the District Attorney’s Office, where she advocates for survivors of crime with empathy and strength, ensuring they are seen, heard and supported during life’s most difficult moments.

Tanya’s professional foundation is built on more than twenty years of diverse, cross-cultural experience spanning behavioral science, education, and international administration—including

professional work within Jamaica and soon to contribute holistic work in Ghana, Africa in collaboration with FAWODOZE.