Leadership Team

GRO Community Leadership Team

At the root of the GRO Community, there is the desire to combat the impacts of Gun Violence in our communities. Statistics show that the leading cause of death for black males between the ages of 14 -34 is homicide through gun violence in Chicago. We understand that mental health plays a major role in the contribution to the challenges that take place in our communities, and GRO Community serves as a catalyst for solving it.

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Aaron Mallory, LCSW

Founder & CEO

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Jerry Davis-EL

Executive Director

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Sadé Hinton-Morris, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

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Portia-Webb-Office-Manager-Gro-Community-12.29.22

Selena Smith

Chief Operations Officer

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Kim Hunter

Chief Training Officer

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Nicole A. South-Washington

Dir. of Clinical Housing

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Tracy Stephen, LCSW

Chief Clinical Officer

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Jordan Johnson

Ohio Program Manager

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Avis Randle

Director of Quality Assurance

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Terry-Banies-Multi-System-Therapy-Supervicor-Gro-Community-12.29.22

Terry Banies, MSW, QMHP

Director of Probation/Community

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Portia Webb

Revenue Cycle Manager

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Ashley Wells

Human Resources Manager

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Kiana Nash

Chief Program Officer

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Rashaud K Media

Illinois Regional Director

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Gregory Williams

Director of Reentry

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Dr. Tony Salaam

Deputy Director

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Aaron Mallory

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Aaron Mallory is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of GRO Community. Aaron founded GRO Community to assist males, particularly males of color, that are often misunderstood and outcasted within our society. Aaron has over ten years in the field, working with specifically African American males with diverse behavior challenges. Aaron has provided direct service work at UCAN within their transitional living shelter for young adult males, HRDI as a child and adolescent therapist, and Youth Advocate as an advocate. Aaron has served in leadership roles at HRDI as the Clinical Supervisor within the Child and Adolescent Department and Clinical Director at Heartland Alliance, READI initiative.

Aaron obtained his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a Masters's in Social Work from the University of Chicago. Aaron is also a licensed clinical social worker under the state of Illinois regulatory board.

Jerry Davis-EL

Executive Director

Jerry Davis-EL is the Executive Director for GRO Community, and has been a champion for Social Justice for 12+ years. Jerry’s personal passion is to illuminate and incorporate a holistic approach to address the needs of historically marginalized populations indicative of the Chicagoland area. He specializes in working with clients that present with Dual Diagnosis/Co-Occurring Disorders, prolonged exposure to trauma, at-risk youth, and individuals that have been involved with the justice system. He has experience working as a Child and Adolescent Counselor for probation juvenile detention and at-risk youth within an alternative high school setting. Jerry is recognized as a Qualified Mental Health Professional through the Human Resource Development Institute (HRDI), a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor, and holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work, with a concentration on Families and Children, from Governor’s State University. Jerry has received multiple awards and recognition for his work towards community including The Illinois Student Laureate Award for Civic Engagement and Excellence and has presented across the nation on forums related to Social Justice, Mass Incarceration, Re-Entry, Restorative Justice, and Trauma.

Sadé Hinton-Morris, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Sadé is the Chief Financial Officer at GRO Community. She has been working with the organization since June 2021. This Philadelphia native graduated from the great South Carolina State University in 2009 with her BS in Accounting. After earning her MS in Business Analytics from American University in Washington, DC, she was qualified to become a Certified Public Accountant in the State of California. With over 13 years in the field, she has experience working for Fortune 500 companies and has used her talents to support nonprofit organizations since 2019.

Selena Smith

Chief Operations Officer

Selena E. Smith, a native Chicagoan, has over twenty years of experience in public health, health education, and administrative experience in pipeline programming, higher education, non-profit, and public sectors. She is the Chief Operations Officer for GRO Community – a Mental Health Organization that specializes in providing Mental Health Services and Support for Black Men by Black Men. Prior to GRO Community, she served as the Senior Associate Director for the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Urban Health Program (UHP) Resource Center, which focused explicitly on these related initiatives. She is passionate about ensuring the support needed to educate underserved and underrepresented populations is present and available. She’s an advocate for access to quality health care, a student of socioeconomics and equity, and a seeker of equality in justice and among humanity. Selena has developed programming and shaped environments by acquiring and managing resources to help in areas most needed. She has actively pushed for increased access to health care for underserved families internationally, nationally, and locally. She has witnessed the environmental culture of Chicago change, where life spans are shortened, and longevity is denied because of gun violence and other preventable social issues.

Selena built her professional career at UIC, working tirelessly towards the mission of increasing the number of minority health professionals and practitioners who can serve within the identified health professional shortage areas. She has done this work without borders, allowing herself to impact places and spaces nationally. She has fostered relationships and established partnerships across communities, educating and steering people toward making informed, educated, health-conscious decisions.

Kim Hunter

Chief Training Officer-Clinical Services

Educator, Trainer, Mother, Advocate for Gun Violence Prevention

Kim’s journey to this work started with a passion to teach that manifested into a career in counseling. She thrived in the school counseling lane for 12 years before colliding with a life changing event; She lost a child due to a random act of gun violence. The collision drove Kim to the field of Psychology which turned into a 3 year role as a High School Psychology teacher. In this role, she found her calling and later landed at GRO, committed to providing males the tools to overcome adversity and regain control of their lives to be better for their children, families and community.”

Kim earned a Masters of Science/Counseling from NLU College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences

Nicole A. South-Washington

Director of Clinical Housing

A Native New Yorker from Brooklyn, Nicole A. South-Washington, came to Gro Community with over 6-years of clinical experience providing direct services to individuals in correctional settings, court-mandated individuals in outpatient settings, at-risk youth, and other marginalized communities.

Nicole’s passion for promoting community wellness is the driving force within her clinical practice. This includes but is not limited to lowering the recidivism rate in communities of color by assisting returning citizens as they navigate reentry into society and providing holistic treatment to youth and young adults to realize their right to self-determination, helping to set them on a path towards success. Nicole graduated with a Master’s in Social Work from Adelphi University and continues to develop her practice and skill set within Gro Community as the Director of Clinical Housing.

Tracy Stephen, LCSW

Chief Clinical Officer

Tracy Stephen, LCSW is a life-long Chicago area resident who comes to GRO Community with nearly 10 years of experience in Social Services. Her passion to serve is driven by her desire to support, educate, empower, and uphold Black and Brown communities. Tracy has been a fierce advocate for individuals and families who have been historically underserved. She has worked in Early Childhood Education, serving infants, toddlers and their families. She also supported victims of community violence, focusing on preventing retaliation and re-injury and providing intensive case management. Also, she holds experience with re-entry, DUI and substance use populations, using a trauma-informed care approach.

Tracy received both her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work from Governors State University in University Park, IL. She obtained her Clinical Social Work License in August, 2021. Prior to entering the field of Social Work, she worked as a Real Estate Broker and recognized how often the two industries intersect.

Jordan Johnson

Ohio Program Manager

Jordan Johnson, a Cincinnati native from the Avondale community, is an outgoing Humanitarian dedicated to uplifting those in need. With a background in leadership roles in higher education, coaching, and mentorship, Jordan is an alum of the Criminology Program at Indiana State University. His passion for underserved communities was ignited during research on administrative disparities affecting them. Committed to supporting the development of soft skills, Jordan is known for his friendly and personable approach. He thrives in organized and dependable teamwork, successfully managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Always willing to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals, Jordan embodies a compassionate professional with a heart for making a difference.

Avis Randle

Director of Quality Assurance

Avis is a native of Detroit, Michigan, Motown Motor City, who has always had an affinity for family and community health, as well as the biopsychosocial holistic wellbeing of youth and adults. She is passionate about strengthening families and children, and has dedicated her time and energy throughout her career and education to addressing social inequities within under-resourced communities. After perfecting her craft in the medical field Avis grounded herself in community and used her experience to address social inequities through data driven research/ analysis and quality assurance within programming.

Avis holds a Masters in Public Health (MPH), Wayne State University, Masters in Biomedical Sciences-Medical Sciences (MSBS-MS), University of Toledo College Of Medicine & Life Sciences (COMLS), and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Michigan Ann Arbor.

Terry Banies, MSW, QMHP

Multi-Systemic Therapy Supervisor

Terry Banies was born In Chicago, Illinois and holds A Master’s Degree in Social Work. He has worked in the Domestic Violence Field, for 7 years, as a Partner Abuse Intervention Program Group facilitator and a violence prevention advocate helping adolescents, teens and young adults live up to their full potential. Following his work in the Domestic Violence Field, he transitioned into working as a Clinical Therapist, Group Facilitator and Mentor. Terry began working with Gro Community in 2020 as a contracted counselor and eventually became the MST Supervisor. Terry Baines joined GRO Community because of his passion for empowering youth with skills that will help them gain a greater insight on the trajectory of their own life. His core belief is that all individuals deserve a chance to redefine and adapt to life for use in a different purpose.

Terry holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from Governors State University.

Portia Webb

Revenue Cycle Manager

Service-driven, community-focused social services leader with over 15-years of experience in community-based professions. Portia started her commitment to service in the medical industry, where she discovered her passion for helping others in need. Soon thereafter, she transitioned into the social services field, working within her community and providing supportive services to aid in building stronger, safer communities for all. She is a long-standing active resident of the Far South Roseland Neighborhood of Chicago and currently serves as the Office Manager for Gro Community. Portia has been with Gro Community since 2016 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Phoenix University. Portia’s dedication to Gro Community has been deeply rooted in her desire to see communities stronger through healing to repair what was once broken and preparing future generations to continue to carry the torch towards stronger, safer communities for all.

Ashley Wells

Human Resources Manager

As a mother, student, and working black woman, Ashley is one who can understand the importance of self care and mental health. She came to GRO with a shared passion for the work and the people. Ashley brings 9 and counting years of human resources experience. After completing her Human Resources and Organizational Leadership Bachelor of Science program, she has set to continue her skill and knowledge development by pursuing her Masters. If you were to ask, "Why Human Resources", the answer would always be to support the employee and give them a resourceful space where they always feel supported, empowered, and set up for success.

Here at GRO Community, Ashely continues to find ways for our team to be engaged, grow within their own set personal goals, and feel that they partner with an organization who CARES and supports them in their individual journeys.

Kiana Nash

Clinical Workforce Development Program Manager

Kiana Nash is a proud alumna of Alabama State University and University of Phoenix, where she earned both her undergraduate and master’s degree in psychology. Her passion for change in black communities led her back home (Chicago) where she began serving various at-risk populations including adolescents and adult males in need of trauma-informed care services. She brings a wealth of experiences from Lutherbrook Child and Family Services and READI Chicago Englewood, demonstrating a consistent ability to adapt, innovate, and drive positive outcomes. Kiana has a passion for social services, serving as a catalyst for transformative change.

Rashaud K Media

Illinois Regional Director

Rashaud Media is the Regional Director of Illinois. He has been with Gro for 2 years. He is a graduate with his Bachelors in Criminal Justice and Masters in Educational Psychology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Rashaud comes to Gro Community with 5 years of experience working in the education and counseling field. Rashaud’s passion is to serve the underserved youth population in low SES Communities. Rashaud Comes in with experience as a Transitional Living Program Advisor for youth with mental disorders in addition to being a BAM counselor (Becoming a man) for Youth Guidance. Rashaud has a strong passion to be catalyst for change in black and brown boys. He oversees our offices outside of the city of Chicago throughout the state of Illinois.

Gregory Williams

Director of Reentry/Housing/WFD

Gregory was born and raised in Chicago and served in United States Army. Gregory’s humble beginnings in Counseling started before he received any of his degrees. His journey started more than 20 years ago with having informal sessions with friends, married couples, and realizing later how counseling services could improve a person’s chances of living a better life, and enhance a couple’s chances of staying married. It was 15 years ago that Gregory Williams accepted his call to ministry and served in bereavement & couples counseling. It was then that he aspired to go back to school. He asked himself what profession can be married to ministry and that’s when the light came on for him “Social Work/Clinical Counseling”! Gregory’s education includes an Bachelor of Social Work (Social Justice) & Master of Social Work (Holistic) both from Governors State University in University Park, IL.

Dr. Tony Salaam

Deputy Director

My name is Tony Salaam, and I have spent the last 20 years in social service, dedicated to serving underprivileged and marginalized populations. This work is both my profession and spiritual calling, shaped by personal experiences and the impact of violence on communities.

I hold a Master’s in Social Work from Chicago State University (2003), an MBA from National Louis University (2007), and a doctorate in social work from Aurora University. I am also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have taught as an adjunct professor at Northeastern Illinois University and the University of Illinois at Chicago.

I have created various programs, including "Transition to Careers" for individuals with criminal records, which helps participants find employment while engaging in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I also founded a non-profit to assist individuals in their transition back into society. I am excited to join a dedicated group working to uplift black and brown communities in Chicago and beyond.

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Leadership Team

GRO Community Leadership Team

Aaron Mallory, LCSW

Jerry Davis-EL

Sadé Hinton-Morris, CPA

Selena Smith

Kim Hunter

Nicole A. South-Washington

Tracy Stephen, LCSW

Jordan Johnson

Avis Randle

Terry Banies, MSW, QMHP

Portia Webb

Ashley Wells

Kiana Nash

Rashaud K Media

Gregory Williams

Dr. Tony Salaam

Aaron Mallory

Jerry Davis-EL

Sadé Hinton-Morris, CPA

Selena Smith

Kim Hunter

Nicole A. South-Washington

Tracy Stephen, LCSW

Jordan Johnson

Avis Randle

Terry Banies, MSW, QMHP

Portia Webb

Ashley Wells

Kiana Nash

Rashaud K Media

Gregory Williams

Dr. Tony Salaam

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