LEADERSHIP & BOARD
Experience behind the mission.
Our leadership combines youth development, education, behavioral health, community engagement, nonprofit management and systems expertise.
Executive Director
Kenny Johnson Jr.
Kenny Johnson is the Executive Director of Growing With Trust, a community-based nonprofit committed to empowering justice-involved, foster care, and at-risk youth to become self-sufficient, confident, and purpose-driven leaders. With over 10 years of experience working with youth, families, and system-connected populations, Kenny has dedicated his career to mentoring, advocacy, workforce development, and cross-system collaboration.
Under his leadership, Growing With Trust has developed wraparound programs that integrate peer mentorship, education and career pathway planning, life-skills development, and court advocacy. His work centers on strengthening youth voice, building accountability, and reducing recidivism through structured, relationship-based interventions.
He has extensive experience collaborating with DSS, juvenile court counselors, probation officers, schools, and community partners to create coordinated support systems that improve outcomes for young people. His leadership approach is strength-based, culturally responsive, and youth-driven, focused on empowering young people to take ownership of their future.
Through strategic partnerships and hands-on engagement, Kenny continues to advance sustainable pathways toward independence, educational achievement, workforce readiness, and long-term community stability.
KennyJohnson@growingwithtrust.org
Board Chair / Systems & Programs
Dr. Melvin Cherry
Dr. Melvin Cherry is an educator, professor, and human services professional with more than twenty years of experience in education, community work, program development, and service to individuals and families. As a professor at the University of Pittsburgh, he brings deep knowledge of education, leadership, systems thinking, and the importance of building pathways that expand opportunity. As Board Chair, Dr. Cherry provides strategic leadership and helps guide Growing With Trust's program quality, organizational development, and long-term community impact.
mcc59@pitt.edu
Outreach & Data
Michael Thomas Blandford
Michael Thomas Blandford is a program manager and community liaison with more than eight years of experience in government, nonprofit management, outreach, data-informed programming, and community engagement. His work with Growing With Trust supports outreach strategy, data, program visibility, and stronger connections with families and community partners.
mthomasblandford@gmail.com
Secretary / Therapist
Kara Dyer, LCSW
Kara Dyer, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and experienced human services professional with more than ten years of service to children, adults, families, and communities. Her background includes therapy, behavioral health support, family engagement, advocacy, and community-based care. She brings a compassionate, strengths-based perspective to the board and helps ensure the organization remains responsive to the social-emotional needs, safety, dignity, and long-term success of young people and families.
Kdyer@growingwithtrust.org
Treasurer
Dr. Dominique Thornhill
Dr. Dominique Thornhill is an accomplished education professional, entrepreneur, and early childhood education leader with more than ten years of experience in education and youth development. She is the owner of three early childhood education programs and has built her career around creating safe, nurturing, structured environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Her entrepreneurial experience and educational leadership bring valuable financial, operational, and youth-development insight to the Growing With Trust board.
Eachoneteachonepgh@gmail.com
