Board of Directors
Teah Hairston, PH.D., Board President
Jacquelyn Ollison, Ed.D., Board Secretary
Guy Lamont Ollison, Board Treasurer
Marjha Hunt, Psy. D, Board Member
Ryan McClinton, Board Member
La Roux Pendleton, MPH, Board Member
Dr. Teah Bio
Teah Hairston, Ph.D., Board President
Teah is a native of South Sacramento where she developed a passion for serving marginalized, underserved communities. She is an active volunteer for various non-profit organizations that advocate for, and support social justice issues. Teah holds degrees in Psychology, African American Studies, Southern Studies, and Sociology, and uses her platform as an academic to raise the voices and highlight the diverse experiences of marginalized populations. As a devoted village-hand, in addition to her role in Safe Black Space, Teah is Vice President of the Sac ACT Board, an EEC facilitator, a health and wellness workshop facilitator, and a research data specialist. Teah’s favorite role is mother to her two sons.
Why I joined SBS:
As a frontline activist, I realized how exhausting and draining it was trying to convince others of our humanity and our right to live free as Black people. Safe Black Space offered an opportunity for me to rejuvenate and heal from the stress and strain I experienced as an organizer and activist, an environment to feel affirmed as a Black woman, and to do so in the loving care of my people. Once my healing began, I wanted it to spillover to my brothers, sisters and non-binary family in the community.
My favorite self care activities:
Working out and eating well are my favorite self-care practices.
Dr. Jacquelyn Bio
Jacquelyn Ollison, Ed.D., Board Secretary
Jacquelyn Ollison. Ed.D. is a committed educator with extensive education experience as a teacher, Vice Principal, Principal, and State Education Administrator. She spends her days supporting transformative teacher preparation programs at the CDE Foundation. Recently, Dr. Ollison, or Dr. J, earned her doctorate at the University of the Pacific. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of the Pacific, Gladys L. Benerd School of Education. She lives in Northern California with her husband, three stepchildren, and her dog Seo. Pronouns: she/her/hers
Why I joined SBS:
I joined SBS because I wanted to do something to support my community that was reeling from another needless killing of an unarmed African American! I wanted to be the change instead of just asking for it.
My favorite self care activities:
Netflix and chilling with a glass of red wine!
Guy Bio
Guy Lamont Ollison, Board Treasurer
I am currently a 6th grade teacher in Sacramento City Unified School District. I have taught for over 20 years as a middle school Science teacher in South Sacramento. I have taken on different roles over the years, including Mentor Teacher and participation on the school's Equity Leadership Team. I am also an Alumni of the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program.
Why I joined SBS:
Safe Black Space provides a venue for people of African ancestry to speak honestly and openly about racial stress and trauma. I have been involved since its inception because I believe in its vision and mission. We have to be our own cure and our own protection.
My favorite self care activities:
My favorite self-care activity is meditation. I sit in a quiet space and focus on my breathing to relax.
Dr. Marjha Bio
Marjha Hunt, Psy. D, Board Member
Dr. Marjha Hunt is a Bay Area native and a proud Sagittarian Mom of two. She is a Licensed mental health clinician and professor in Sacramento, and an Emotional Emancipation Circle Facilitator. Her specialties include: relationship dynamics and challenges, trauma, LGBTQ+ identities, and facilitating trainings on cultural humility.
Why I joined SBS:
Marjha became a part of Safe Black Space’s Volunteer Village at the start in 2018 in order to be a part of and help contribute to the healing of her community. Her passions include the healing of Black folks and alternative healing practices, and these align beautifully with the holistic work of SBS.
My favorite self care activities:
Marjha practices self-care with music, spending time with family, astrology, baking, and laughter.
Ryan Bio
Ryan McClinton, Board Member
Ryan McClinton is a Community Organizer, Small Business Consultant and Community Workshop Facilitator. He develops and trains local leadership to bring meaningful change in their communities. Ryan has successfully built and supported efforts that have led to major criminal justice reforms, advances in African American Mental Health Services, and focused on Black racial equity, not only in Sacramento but the State of California. As a Sacramento and more specifically Valley Hi native, Ryan takes great pride in seeing those from the community rise up to various levels of success, providing for their families and future generations. Through all his efforts, Ryan’s primary focus is creating the healthy and sustainable quality of life that African Americans have long deserved through deep collaboration and development of relationships.
Why I joined SBS:
Being an Organizer with community stakeholders in bringing accountability and transparency to local law enforcement, the deep need for mental and emotional wellness of Black people could no longer be ignored. Being able to build a response to that need with strong leaders like Dr. Kristee Haggins, Pastor Joy Johnson, Reverend Kevin Ross, and our entire SBS Family was a clear calling I have been honored to play a role in. If we aren’t our FIRST resource then we will continue to suffer in systemic ways that have harmed us beyond recognition in many spaces.
My favorite self care activities:
Definitely hiking near a large body of water with a great view. The ocean soothes the soul for me.
La Roux Bio
La Roux Pendleton, MPH, Board Member
La Roux is an experienced and passionate Public Health professional with over 12 years of experience working to improve the health of communities. She currently serves as the Policy Director for Community Wellness for the nation’s first large-scale community development and reparations housing initiative, HOPE SF. Previously, La Roux worked at the California Department of Public Health in various capacities where she focused on improving health equity in the state's most vulnerable populations.
Why I joined SBS:
I wanted to be a part of Safe Black Space because I saw a need to bring healing to a community that had been devastated by the death of another unarmed Black man. I also needed a space to process this for myself. I participate to heal and to be healed.
My favorite self care activities:
One of my favorite self-care activities is being in fellowship with people I love and laughing with them, a lot.