Our People
The people of EMIR Healing Center have a shared passion for peace and social justice and a deep respect for all human life.
Yvonne Bullock-Lee, Trauma Support Coordinator
Yvonne Bullock-Lee is the Trauma Support Coordinator for EMIR Healing Center. Her duties include but are not limited to supplying families that are victimized by homicide with various resources to assist their individual/group needs through the healing process offered at EMIR. Yvonne has an Associate degree in Health, Science and Technology and she also completed an Entrepreneurial program receiving a 4.0 GPA, resulting in her opening, and operating her own Childcare facility for the past 15 years. Yvonne also has an extensive background in community outreach organizations and is currently an active member of the Concerned Sisters for our Community and Town Watch. Yvonne’s bright smile, outgoing personality and versatility will aid in the continued success of EMIR Healing Center.
Reverend Hilda M. Campbell, Trauma Support Coordinator (Chester)
Professor and Mentor to Widener University Teacher Candidates, Victim Services Advocate, UM Assistant Pastor, Chester Police Chaplain.
Experience:
Director of Human Relations & Leadership of EPA United Methodist Conference; Anti-Racism/Diversity Trainer; Retired Carpenter’s LU#626& IBEW #1238 -International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; Nehemiah Project Director &Trainer; Medical & Engineering Secretary, Counselor &Theatrical performer.
Dual Degree: Assoc. Delaware Tech. Comm. College; Bachelor of Science & Professional Studies Widener Univ. 5 years Skilled Trades Apprenticeship
First Responder, Alternative to Violence Program Trainer.
Provides Art therapy for trauma experienced after acts of violence and/or death. Works with youth, teens and adults providing arts, crafts (making dolls, jewelry) painting, quilt making, journaling, poetry, games with conversations regarding the impact and loss of loved one. “Peace & Arts 4 U”. EMIR’s Healing Center, juvenile facilities and classrooms.
Traveled out of the country on mission trips to Nigeria, South Africa, Mississippi-Katrina, Tradeswomen for Peace-Trip to Soviet Union. Coached Little League Baseball for 18 yrs.
Rhonda Gore, Housing/Relocation Coordinator
Rhonda Gore was introduced to EMIR Healing Center through her own loss and with the tools given to help her through her grief she became an advocate to help others. Rhonda is a graduate of Drexel University with a bachelor’s degree in business management and nursing. She holds several degrees. Rhonda initiates contact with victims of violent crimes; advises crime victims of their rights and assists them in navigating through the criminal justice system. Conduct immediate needs assessment and provide information and referrals to other agencies and community services.
Assist victims in applying for benefits including reimbursement for lost wages and medical expenses; assist victims with completing and processing forms, including the state Victim Assistance Compensation Fund.
Kya Shirley Johnson, Program Coordinator
Kya Shirley Johnson is a Program Coordinator for EMIR’s Area 32 project. Area 32 is a collaboration of 7 community partners that address gun violence in Philadelphia’s zip code 19132. Kya creates programing and safe spaces for healing and wellness for individuals, families and neighborhoods. Kya also coordinates trauma training for the community partners in zip code 19132. She has worked for the past 10+ years in communities around the world as a capacity builder and a youth advocate. Some of her previous locations include Africa, China, and the UK. Kya is a Philly native but has strong passions for travel, cultural awareness, and global development. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree of Communications from Neumann University and served in the United States Peace Corps for 3 years. Kya is studying at Bryn Mawr College for a Master of Social Work. Kya speaks 4 languages and is also a published poet.
Aja King, Community Outreach
In a desire to further service her community, Aja King continuing her education after her employment with the Philadelphia Police Department has earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services. Aja King is currently a Social Worker with the Philadelphia Department of Human Services. She also service as the coordinator for the House of the Living project.
As a co-victim of homicide, Aja King assisted with the establishment of E.M.I.R. Healing Center after the loss of her brother to homicide in 1997. E.M.I.R. Healing Center is a non-profit organization that services families that have been affected by homicide and violent crimes. In her capacity as Community Coordinator with E.M.I.R. Healing Center, Aja has conducted several focus groups with the youth and incarcerated males regarding gun violence. Her current project consists of assisting with the development of a gun violence reduction campaign in Philadelphia.
Aja is very active in her community and connected to several community base resource agencies which aids her in thoroughly serving her community. Aja has turned her pain into passion. She is committed to giving a voice to her community that have been exposed or directly affected by gun violence and homicide.
Yolanda Lewis-Boykin, Volunteer Coordinator
Yolanda Lewis-Boykin began her career at E.M.I.R. Healing Center in August 2018 as a Family Support Advocate, later transitioning to Trauma Support Coordinator. Being a Volunteer Coordinator at E.M.I.R. Healing Center fosters a feeling of great reward and she considers it an honor to be able to provide resources and assist with all aspects of E.M.I.R. services for families impacted by homicide. She loves to encourage them as they travel on their healing journey. Yolanda sees the best in herself when she serves others, especially in their time of need. Yolanda is always willing to provide a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on or just an encouraging word. Yolanda feels that “As we move through life’s journey, we all will need someone at some time and in some way. “Yolanda considers herself a server to the people and a friend to many.
Yolanda is very active in her community where she provides community resources, annually host Vacation Bible School (VBS), and distributes school bags and supplies. Yolanda ministers to and encourages displaced single mothers at Cradle of Hope and Guiding Star Ministries. In 2022 Yolanda will be inducted as a Deaconess at Christ Center Church of God where she has attended and served since childhood. There she leads NextGen (Discipleship) Ministries, serves on the Outreach Department, and distributes food to the community. Yolanda through NextGen is in the process of developing a partnership with Jefferson Hospital for the church to be a vaccination site against COVID-19.
Yolanda attended Community College of Philadelphia where she studied Business Administration. Fall 2021 Yolanda will attend Liberty University (On-line) for her Degree in Christian Counseling.
CHANTAY LOVE, MHSA, CSM
Chantay Love, is the resilient Co-Founder and President of EMIR Healing Center, channeling her personal adversities into a transformative community resource. Growing up in the violence-stricken Abbotsford Public Housing Development and enduring the loss of her brother to gun violence, she’s turned her pain into a driving force for societal change. Her center, named after her late brother, Emir, stands as a beacon of hope, offering innovative healing models for schools and communities, effectively breaking the cycle of violence through education and empathy.
Equipped with a Master’s in Human Services Administration from Lincoln University, Chantay is a formidable in crisis response and restorative justice. Her impactful work has led to copyrighted curricula on trauma-informed practices and earned her prestigious appointments, including roles on the Governor’s Homicide Review Team and the Advisory Commission on African American
In her personal life, Chantay embodies the principles she advocates for solace and strength in her marriage to her best friend, Chuck. Her journey from survivor of violence to champion for healing inspires those around her, proving that from tragedy can emerge profound dedication to service and an unbreakable spirit. Chantay Love isn’t just healing individuals; she’s mending the fabric of communities, one family at a time.
Leah Mitchell, Trauma Support Coordinator
Leah Mitchell graduated from the University of Phoenix with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She is a Trauma Support Coordinator in Area 32. Leah has worked with the Mural Arts Program and enjoys spreading artwork throughout the community. At EMIR Healing Center she works with a team that educates, advocates, and supports families who have been impacted by homicides and violent crimes throughout the community. Assisting families who need services to get them through their healing process by letting them talk, yell, scream, and cry about whatever they need to because it’s at this time when they are grieving the most. Giving resources and offering support groups, relocation, emergency transportation, and food. Helping in the process of funeral arrangements and assisting them with Victim’s Compensation. Also, Leah accompanies families to court proceedings, along with Crime Stoppers which gives them a chance to ask the public for help finding the offender if the police didn’t already, connect with the detectives because sometimes the detectives have so many things to do, they haven’t contacted the family yet.
Marie Patterson, Grant Management
Marie Patterson joined the EMIR. Healing Center in September 2020. With more than 20 years’ experience as a community activist and other professional licenses, she applies her expertise to overseeing the grant management process for the non-profit’s Grant department. She views her role at EMIR., as a unique opportunity to apply my financial skills in creating social change and helping to build a culture of a community healing together.
Also serving as an Audit Commissioner for the United States fourth largest public housing authority in Pennsylvania’s largest city, where they are serving 80,000 people with affordable housing, she held related position as the VP of operations for a political action committee where she mentored newly developed nonprofits helping collaborate resources and funding for the youth population. She continues to volunteer her time, efforts and resources to her community via free financial workshops. In her free time, she loves to cook, grow herbs in her garden, and create wellness symposiums.
Sharon Patton-Thaxton, Program Director
Sharon Patton-Thaxton Program Director here at EMIR. Sharon is a retired principal. When she lost her son Jason to homicide, she and her family came to EMIR for support. Sharon and her daughter Brandi were able to give back to the agency that helped with their healing by volunteering when the state legislature froze funding causing nonprofits, causing EMIR to lay off their staff. However, EMIR could not shut their doors; unfortunately homicides did not take an impasse and grieving families sought support from EMIR. Sharon’s volunteering led to her becoming a full-time Trauma Support Coordinator. She has been a part of EMIR for more than ten years.
Sharon oversees staff that services the following programs: Victim Services, Wellness Support, Men’s Engagement, Area 32 and PHA Collaborations. Sharon consults with educational instructors to assist with trauma support for youth impacted by violence.