As the OGVP Policy & Program Advisor, Dr. Mack collaborates and coordinates across all DC government clusters to improve policies and programs/practices that intersect with gun violence prevention strategies. She has an extensive history with DC Government having served as special assistant in the DC Department of Human Services Youth Services Division, former deputy director of the DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services and served as a clinical psychologist in the DC Department of Behavioral Health’s School-based Mental Health Program in Benning Heights. Additionally, she worked as a consultant to the US Department of Justice, US Department of Health and Human Services and the US Department of Education.

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For five years, she was the director of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Disaster (behavioral health) Technical Assistance Center. She has led national research and evaluation studies on mentoring, police-mental health partnerships and school climate. She integrates her training as a clinical psychologist with a special focus on trauma recovery and violence interruption into the field of public health. She believes that collaboration across disciplines strengthens the likelihood for impact and sustainability.

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Fun fact: She enjoys yoga, meditation and reminding others to take time to breathe.

Adrian Richardson is a native and 4th generation Washingtonian with deep family and personal roots in the city. Adrian has 18 years as a public servant with the Government of the District of Columbia and is passionate about serving the residents.

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Adrian currently serves as a Social Services Specialist with the Metropolitan Police Department. Rising through the ranks, Adrian is responsible for managing programming for youth and families. He has a critical mission to provide quality support, services, and programming for youth & families living in the District of Columbia. Adrian's mission is to prevent families from being involved with the justice system by providing resources. He serves as the Office of Gun Violence Prevention’s liaison in the Metropolitan Police Department. He has received acknowledgment and awards for his exceptional leadership performance, professionalism, consistency, and ability to appropriately manage sensitive communications. His strong leadership is largely attributable to the completion of an intensive management and leadership series with George Washington University. Adrian is masterful at engaging and developing important and relevant partnerships, as demonstrated by his long-standing and strong agency partnerships including the Department of Human Services, Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement, the Metropolitan Police Department, DC Housing Authority, and the Metro Transit Police.

 

Adrian is a devoted single father of his beloved daughter. He co-hosts a weekly podcast that channels his passion for helping his community with discussions that are focused on current challenges facing young men transitioning to adulthood. His entrepreneurial spirit has allowed him to own and operate businesses for graphic design, media production, life skills development, and training.

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Fun Fact: He loves to go fishing, play tennis and golf!

Rafael Moreno is a Data Scientist at OGVP. He works on data analytics projects including forecasting, spatial analysis, and predictive analytics to get insights and trends that help to explain the dynamics of current and projected gun violence in the District.

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After obtaining his Master’s in Data Analytics at Catholic University,  Rafael was selected for a research grant from NASA to develop a machine-learning approach for the retrieval of Mars' atmospheric conditions. Right after that, he started working at the Office of the Chief Technology Officer as a Data Scientist for the Data Strategy team providing support to District agencies to improve data workflows and geospatial analysis, in addition to engaging the District's data science community through DS@DC.

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Fun fact: He is a former barista and is very passionate about coffee.

Kandis Catalan joined the Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP) in January 2022 as Program Manager. In this capacity, Kandis facilitates observation of OGVP grant-funded community programming while leading a team of Credible Messengers whose focus is community engagement, advocacy, and connecting community residents to transformative opportunities. Roots planted in community non-profits, Kandis shifted her career to government, nearly 10 years ago at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services. A true public servant, Kandis is committed to community engagement and being a catalyst for healing and positive transformation for all community residents.

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Kandis earned her B.A. in Communications from Fayetteville State University and a M.A. in Organizational Communication from Bowie State University. Living in the District, her favorite pastimes are live music, traveling, and hitting the bike trails with her family.

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Fun fact: Kandis spells all “C” words with “K”. She is always down for karaoke and “K”-art wheeling with her daughter!

Allondo is a proud and active father who works day to day to help shape a safer city so his children and all children of the community can play freely and safely where they call home. Born and raised in the District of Columbia, Allondo is a true Washingtonian. He loves the home sports teams, and all the city has to offer; city culture, sporting events, and listening to go-go, and rap music by day and oldies by night to help balance his day. Joining the Office of Gun Violence Prevention as a Credible Messenger, Allondo engages the community with positivity and opportunities for transformation.

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Fun Fact: Allondo loves swimming, but doesn’t know how!

Dajuan, a Washingtonian born and raised in “ The Great Ward 8” , thrives off the happiness of others; “ I love people when they are happy, its almost like other people’s happiness makes me happy!” Mr. Bates is an active father who is in the business of giving back to his community; especially the youth! As a Credible Messenger with the Office Of Gun Violence Prevention his goal is to continue to do just that; pour happiness into his community and be the change he wants to see for all people no matter the color or race.

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Fun Fact: Loves listening to R&B and if the vibe is right he will get his 2 step on and is a die hard Dallas Cowboy Fan!

Reginald Mathis is a native Washingtonian who has been serving his community since his grandmother was the Ward 8 Councilmember. Throughout his life, he’s had several family members who were killed due to gun violence. Because of that, he has a strong determination to help end gun violence so others won’t have to experience the pain he’s endured after losing close family and friends. Reginald still resides in Washington, DC and it gives him great joy to serve his community.

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Fun Fact: A collector of Fine Art.