As the co-founder and President of ROOTS, LLC, Mr. Cuby has an innate passion for human development, training, and counseling. Chris has a background in human resources at a company recognized as a ‘Top Ten Company to Work for in America’ and non-profit sectors as an experienced strategist, liaison, community advocate, educational trainer, project manager and is certified to teach social and emotional development in grades K - 6 while incorporating PATHS curriculum.

Mr. Cuby is a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology with over 19 years of experience in training students and adults from elementary through undergraduate levels. He has served as a Youth Outreach Counselor at the Rochester Police Department, a Youth Advocate for Hillside Work Scholarship Program and Assistant Program Director at Camp Good Days & Special Times. He also is a graduate of the prestigious Dale Carnegie Institute for Human Development. His mission to improve the lives of youth and adults is evident in the endorsements and awards he has received from the Rochester City School District, University of Rochester, New York State Educators, Boys & Girls Club Inc. and the Democrat & Chronicle Newspaper.

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Mr. Powell has over 15 years of experience in development and mentoring youth and adults, community advocacy skills and public speaking. A graduate of Medaille College with a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership, and an undergraduate of Keuka College with a degree in Sociology and Social Policy, his ability to network effectively, combined with his passion and commitment to others, has served LaMarr well. In addition to being a certified trainer to teach social and emotional development in grades K - 6 through the PATHS program, LaMarr has developed and implemented numerous programs geared towards supporting teens-especially in the areas of youth development, teen health and sexuality.  His efforts has led him to be recognized as a community asset leader, and a recipient of the Rochester Pathways to "Peace" award.

His experience and unique collaboration on projects for Planned Parenthood of Rochester/Syracuse Region, the Urban League of Rochester and other community agencies speaks volumes for his ability to provide a positive impact on youth and professionals.

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A graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College with a degree in Social Work Mr. Clyburn has earned notoriety as a diversity facilitator blending unique ways of working together, regardless of religion, culture or race. He brings a unique perspective to the classroom and workshops. Mr. Clyburn’s wealth of knowledge from working in management at Wegman’s Food Markets “One of the Top 100 Companies to work for in America”, a graduate of Dale Carnegie Institute, along with his passion to create programs to benefit youth contributes to the success of ROOTS, LLC.

In addition to working with emotionally disturbed and troubled youth at Joseph's Villa in Rochester he has worked as a Youth Advocate for Hillside Work Scholarship Connection Program, Shelter Counselor for the Center for Youth Services. A diversity trainer, Workforce Investment Board member and professional affiliations make Elyette an ideal trainer for professionals looking to enhance their skills.

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Anthony "Tony" Jordan co-founder of ROOTS, LLC and visionary approach to working with youth and adults brings a wide range of experience to the workshops he presents. His work as an Area Manager for the City of Rochester's Department of Parks, Recreation and Human Services has enhanced his experience as a role model and leader.

A Rochester native, Tony excelled in sports and academics. His athletic talent provided him with a four-year scholarship to Kansas State University where he earned a B.S. in Social Sciences with a minor in Counseling. Named to "All Conference" honors in college, Tony pursued a career as a professional athlete in the National Football League (NFL). A testament to his value and experience Tony is a consultant and trainer for a National Consulting firm who provides training for the National Football League and NCAA Division 1 athletes.

Tony's natural leadership abilities opened up new opportunities beyond the world of sports. He is a graduate from the Leadership Rochester 2006 Program, a national leadership program through the University of Rochester. He has worked as a Program Coordinator for the Rochester Housing Authority; a teacher; athletic coach; and counselor for the Rochester City School District, helping at-risk students with academic and social achievement levels. This powerful list of achievements along with his experience creates an ideal role model for students and seasoned professionals.

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As a graduate in Business Management from R.I.T., she acquired valuable corporate skills that have served her well in a variety of work environments. "Working well with people" tops the list of her strengths as a trainer and motivational speaker for ROOTS, LLC.

Her work with the Women's Issues Network as well as other types of business development training from a successful corporate career brings a real world perspective to the next generation of leaders. Her experience includes presiding as president of the Minority Alumni Advisory Committee at R.I.T. and conducting numerous Professional Development Workshops, Professional Speaker Series and volunteer as a Peer Mentor and Tutor programs.

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Nationally recognized trainer for IDEA, USDOE and NCLB, Cassandra provides knowledge based training and workshops to principals, teachers, social workers, parents, foster care parents, grandparents, students, and other community and educational professionals in the areas of General Education and Special Education.

As a respected member of the education community Cassandra has written and contributed to the development of sourcebooks, curriculums, training tools, language changes in IDEA law as well as advised organizations and school systems on ways to improve the quality of special and general education for better outcomes for students. Her list of state affiliations include: California, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas.

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Dr. Matthews holds a doctorate of philosophy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, with concentrations in Biology and Neuro-Pharmacology. Although he has a love for science, one of his greatest passions has been and continues to be working with young people, helping them to realize that their dreams are obtainable.

Upon completion of his doctorate, Dr. Matthews left laboratory research and accepted a position with the Kearns Center for Diversity at the University of Rochester, where he worked as an advisor and mentor to undergraduate students interested in pursuing graduate education in science, technology, mathematics and engineering fields, as well as, a science instructor for their high school Upward Bound programs.

For the past five years he has dedicated his life to working with students (K-12, undergraduate and graduate) and has had the opportunity to speak with students across the country teaching life skills and lessons of resiliency, with one central theme being his message: “Anything is possible!

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Dr. Matthews holds a doctorate of philosophy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, with concentrations in Biology and Neuro-Pharmacology. Although he has a love for science, one of his greatest passions has been and continues to be working with young people, helping them to realize that their dreams are obtainable.

Upon completion of his doctorate, Dr. Matthews left laboratory research and accepted a position with the Kearns Center for Diversity at the University of Rochester, where he worked as an advisor and mentor to undergraduate students interested in pursuing graduate education in science, technology, mathematics and engineering fields, as well as, a science instructor for their high school Upward Bound programs.

For the past five years he has dedicated his life to working with students (K-12, undergraduate and graduate) and has had the opportunity to speak with students across the country teaching life skills and lessons of resiliency, with one central theme being his message: “Anything is possible!

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