​AHARI’s Executive Board

Tyson Smith - Vice President

​Tyson Smith is a sociologist who does research and teaching on criminal justice, United States’ military veterans, violence, and health.  He is currently a lecturer in the Urban Studies department at the University of Pennsylvania and a research consultant for the Philadelphia VA. His research has been published in peer-reviewed academic journals and books, as well as media outlets like The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Conversation, Chronicle of Higher Education, and The War Horse. He previously conducted research and teaching at Haverford College, Brown University, Rutgers University and the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers. He now does advocacy and research on health-related issues among older American military veterans who come in contact with the criminal justice system. He received his Ph.D. from Stony Brook University and his B.A. from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

​Imani Badie

Imani is a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), Forensic Peer Specialist (FPS). Imani is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  She was elected to the 3rd ward by constituents to represent 628 families in her ward.  Her professional while focus on community, have provided her with several opportunities and leadership roles: pharmacy liaison for CVS, Vice -President of a 465 Philadelphia Housing Authority complex, Project Coordinator for Urban Affairs Coalition (50 non-profit organizations), and several years as a Legislative Assistant with Pennsylvania House of Representatives (186).  Currently, Imani is employed by North Philadelphia Health Systems as a Community Recovery Specialist and a senior board member of the Philadelphia Black Woman’s Health Alliance.  Imanie will be supporting AHARI with grant writing and capital campaigns.

Jahi Ali-Bey

Jahi is a Veteran, served in the army National Guards and holds Bachelor of ArtsDegree in Business Management from Temple University and a certification in Computer Science from Bellevue University.

Critical skill sets: Assessment, Listening, Leadership, Organizational, ,-level Operation Management, Business and Contract Negotiations, Quality Improvement, Communication, Community Outreach, Cost Reductions, Cross-Cultural Communications, Customer Relations, Departmental Operations Management, Distribution Management, Diverse Market Unification. Awards: Soldier of the Month, Soldier of the Year, Established Author and Publisher, Ornamental Aftermarket Wheel and Grill Designer, Certified Master Trainer, Established Inventor, Business and Credit Counselor.
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Pearl Karen Hall-Ragin
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Pearl is an Author, Entrepreneur, Board Member, Evangelist, Entrepreneur and Veteran.  She graduated from Edward Bok A.V.T. High School in 1980, joined the military in 1986, served in the Army as an Administrative Specialist, Personnel Administrative Specialist. USAR Unit Administrator, Family Support Liaison Chaplain Assistant and USAR Civilian Recruiter She has been awarded Army Achievement Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Rifleman-ship Badge, Physical Training Fitness Badge, Army Recruiting Badge.  Pearl attended the University of Pa (Community Wharton Education Program) & Veterans Upward Bound), Delaware Community College and Community College of Philadelphia, Army Recruiting, Management Marketing, Administration, Training, Equal Opportunity, Family Deployment Liaison and Warrant Officers Schools. She is currently a continuing degree student at Dallas Baptist University.  Her current employment at the Department of Homeland Security as a Mission Support Specialist she has also worked as a Customs Technician, Local Property Officer, Coordinator for the Combined Federal Campaign & Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Pearl is a member of   Transforming Life Christian Center in Lansdowne PA and has several affiliations to include Women in Military Service and TSM. Pearl has also become an Author in 2020 with her upcoming book “I am your Strength”!

Rommie Lee Parker

Rommie is United States Army Veteran Staff Sargent (E-6) 82nd Airborne.  He holds Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration/Public Administration. Rommie is experienced in Physical and Occupational therapy assistance for patients with PTSD and Dementia. He worked as a therapeutic support staff, facilitated mental health groups, emotional disturbance, and worked with the Autism population. Facilitated GED and computer literacy classes. Rommie is a former client of AHARI and we are honored to have him serve on our Executive Board!

YerodinAvent – Advisor

Yerodin holds his Masters Degree in Nonprofit Management from Eastern University, M.S. Urban Policy, New School for Social Research, Woodrow Wilson Fellowship, Bachelor of Arts from City University of New York, City College, Fellowship.  He is the founder of Dofat-Avent Group Consultants as a Human Development & Nonprofit Management, a Principal Administrator and Director of Operations for TAPP’s federally funded fatherhood initiative. Yeodin worked with Stephanie Booker during the MS program at Eastern University to obtain AHARI’s 501 (c)3 tax exempt status through the IRS as a capstone project. He continues to serve on our advisory board and eager to help whenever he is needed.
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Otis Nash – Advisor
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Otis holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts. His background is in independent program development for Juvenile Criminal Justice Rehabilitation, counseling for justice involved youthfor juvenilesthat were incarcerated. Provided treatment – addressing psychosocial issues, that caused conflict/dysfunction in youth’s maturation. Otis worked for the Department of Veteran Affairs by addressing issues of Combat Veterans.  In various areas such as PTSD, Family Counseling, D&A Counseling, Homelessness, Placement – Long Term Treatment for Chronic Illnesses, Placement in Veterans Healthcare (VA Hospitals) for Long Term Care of Seriously Mental Ill Veterans & Outreach to Incarcerated Veterans in State, Federal & County Jails/Prisons. Outreached PA Dept. of Corrections. He Initiated the first PTSD groups in 1982-89 due to class action suit addressing issues of PTSD the was facilitated by Richard “TuT” Carter. Readjustment Counseling Therapist-VISN 4 Healthcare for Reentry Veterans Coordinator created and implemented treatment for Veterans with PTSD, Chronic Homelessness, Chemically Dependent and Reentry for Incarcerated Veterans in County, State and Federal Prisons/Jails. He has a 30-year history of outreach/incarcerated Veterans in State Prisons and County Jails.  We were able to establish a system to identify Veterans and establish eligibility for treatment in Department of Veterans Healthcare systems. Provided education to Federal/State Parole, PA Dept. of Corrections, DE Dept. of Corrections, WV Dept. of Corrections & NJ Dept. of Corrections Staff and Community Corrections Staff on annual basis. PA Supreme Court & the Dept. of Veterans Affairs & DE Supreme Court – instrumental in developing a protocol for Veterans Courts in collaboration with PA Supreme Court, assisted with creating the National Program for Healthcare for Reentry Veterans Program.  The National Program has identified programs in Delaware & Pennsylvania as Best Practices for Reentry. Presented on a national level Best Practices for Reentry with National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs Homeless Programs, and Readjustment Counseling Centers National Program & Behavior Health & Science National Program.