MEET THE TEAM
SAgE-VI’s Team is comprised of local coordination, mental health expertise, and project implementation.
Project Director, Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture Assistant Commissioner Diana Collingwood
An educator and a leader in the administration and development of agricultural programs, Ms. Collingwood’s core beliefs of mentoring and motivating students and staff, while providing them with direction and support to pursue excellence has inspired national recognition, increased workforce engagement, generated millions of dollars in program funding, and has resulted in a high level of student, teacher, and staff success. Ms. Collingwood oversees the project and team in her role as Deputy Commissioner.
Naomi Douglas, Local Coordinator
Naomi Douglas (she/her), a certified adult mental health first aider and instructor, hails from St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of the Virgin Islands. Naomi’s upbringing as the granddaughter of a farmer has instilled in her a deep-seated passion for providing local farmers with the requisite occupational and mental health resources they require. In her capacity as the local coordinator, Ms. Douglas bears the responsibility of managing operations in the territory.
Hannah Brinson, MS, UT Coordinator
Hannah Brinson (she/her) is an experienced nonprofit leader, grant writer, and program development professional. Driven by a passion for strategic community improvement and innovation, Hannah has a Master of Science in Child and Family Studies from the University of Tennessee and 15 years of experience with social services agencies and nonprofits. As a consultant, Hannah is invested in supporting projects with her skillset, including grant expertise, strategic planning, and program design.
Tarik McMillan, LPC, CCST-I
Tarik McMillan (he/him) is a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist and Licensed Professional Counselor, drawing from his cultural insights and personal journey growing up in St. Croix. With a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health, Tarik is dedicated to providing a safe haven for clients to explore the sources of their challenges. His background in Trauma-Based Counseling across different settings underscores his commitment to fostering growth and resilience. Beyond his counseling role, Tarik actively works to break down mental health stigmas in his community, driven by a passion for transformative change.
Tamara Mohammed, LPC, CCST-I
Tamara (she/her), originally from St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist. She is committed to culturally responsive, client-centered care, and strives to enhance access to wellness services for underserved populations in her role as Clinical Director at Greater Changes. Tamara brings a wealth of experience in settings including inpatient care, community mental health, and private practice. Tamara’s compassionate approach aids in her work as she provides valuable insights to her clients, fostering new perspectives and approaches to wellness.
Avondre Walters, Data & Communications Specialist
Avondre Walters (he/him), born in the US Virgin Islands, is a technical specialist who works in data management and manipulation. His background in this profession as well as volunteerism has allowed Avondre to work with various underserved communities and aid these communities both physically and technically. Avondre will assist the team from “behind the scenes” as the Data and Communications specialist.
Greater Changes
Greater Changes is a community-based behavioral health organization based in the US Virgin Islands. At the core of Greater Changes lies a deep passion for increasing access to behavioral health services in the Virgin Islands, specifically focusing on culturally competent care. We utilize evidence-based interventions and strategies to deliver professional counseling services and enhance the therapeutic process with our clients. Greater Changes’ mission revolves around three pillars: Service, Advocacy & Empowerment. Greater Changes envisions a community where behavioral health professionals prioritize ethics and cultural integration, working collaboratively with clients for growth, as well as a community that offers access to quality services, fostering wellness in individuals, families, and the community at large.
VIDA
The Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture develops, supports, and promotes an economically lucrative agricultural industry in the US Virgin Islands while supporting farmers, consumers, and the environment.
UTIA
The UT Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) provides Real. Life. Solutions. to some of society’s most pressing issues. We serve all Tennessee citizens and beyond through the work of world-renowned researchers, teachers, and experts.
The Institute began in 1968, when three agricultural units operating under the auspices of the University of Tennessee System were brought together to focus on Tennessee and its citizens. The units were the College of Agriculture (now the Herbert College of Agriculture), the Agricultural Experiment Station (now AgResearch), and the UT Agricultural Extension Service (now UT Extension), which has offices in all ninety-five counties in Tennessee.
In 1974, the Tennessee legislature established the UT College of Veterinary Medicine as a fourth unit. Having this college incorporated into the structure of the Institute made it fully integrated into the food animal production and health system, further filling out UTIA’s land-grant driven outreach, education, and research mission.
We also fulfill the land-grant mission through our Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture, which provides learning opportunities for students and outreach around the world, and our nationally recognized State Botanical Garden of Tennessee.
From the outset of the Institute’s years, students, stakeholders, and all Tennessee citizens have been the focus of our work. We seek to support food, fiber, and energy systems; enrich the economy; enhance biodiversity and environmental quality; develop the workforce; and strengthen the health of humans and animals. Learn more about this work in our 2018-2028 strategic plan, A Decade of Excellence.
The state is our campus, and our vision, mission, and values are at the core of the work we do.