Meet the Heart Behind the Mission
Our team is united by purpose and compassion, working every day to uplift, support, and empower the lives we serve.
Antwonie Jackson
Antwonie Jackson is the President of L and D Wellness Thrive Together and a Maintenance Technician at Athens Services. Raised in South Central Los Angeles, Antwonie witnessed the harsh realities of gang violence and substance exposure, but chose a path of healing, growth, and purpose.
In 2017, he began his career at Athens Services as a driver helper, working his way up to become a skilled Maintenance Technician — a role he continues to fulfill with pride.
In 2023, Antwonie joined his wife, Cameda Dickerson, in co-founding L and D Wellness Thrive Together. The nonprofit reflects their shared mission to uplift youth and families impacted by mental illness, trauma, and substance use through prevention, education, and support.
He is currently pursuing certification in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling to further expand his ability to guide and support youth in recovery.
Antwonie’s leadership is rooted in real-life understanding, resilience, and a deep passion for creating stigma-free spaces where young people — especially those from underserved communities — are seen, supported, and empowered to thrive on purpose.
Cindy Flamenco
Cindy Flamenco is the Board of Directors Secretary at L and D Wellness Thrive Together and Program Director at L and D Wellness Counseling Center Inc., where she leads Adolescent Services.
Her career began at Phoenix House, supporting parents of children with complex behavioral and emotional needs as a Parent Partner. She provided coaching in coping skills and social development for families managing ADHD, mood disorders, and emotional dysregulation.
Cindy later became a Wraparound Facilitator, working with DMH, DCFS, and the Department of Probation to coordinate individualized, trauma-informed care plans for families.
With clinical insight and passion for youth mental health, Cindy now leads adolescent programs while supporting the nonprofit’s mission through culturally responsive, family-centered care.
Moneik VanGinkel
Moneik VanGinkel. Born and raised in Compton, California, she brings strong financial knowledge, operational expertise, and a deep connection to the issues affecting youth, families, and underserved communities.
Moneik has extensive background and over 25 years of working as a Tech Operator in the oil refinery industry, where she built a respected career rooted in discipline, consistency, and leadership. Today, she uses those same strengths to help guide nonprofit’s financial planning, budgeting, and growth.
She has firsthand experience witnessing the effects of addiction within her community and among people close to her. These experiences have shaped her commitment to advocating for mental wellness, recovery, and access to support. She believes strongly in meeting people where they are and creating real opportunities for change.
Moneik has mentored adolescents facing emotional and behavioral challenges and currently serves as the Program Administrator for L and D Wellness Counseling Center Inc, where she helps manage client care and program operations. She is also pursuing her certification in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling and preparing to launch a sober living home, Inner Peace, to support individuals on the path to recovery.
As a future Program Director for L and D Wellness Thrive Together Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Moneik is helping lead a movement to break the silence and end the stigma—so that young people can be heard, supported, and thrive with purpose..
Erica Griffin
Erica Griffin is a dedicated board member of L and D Wellness Thrive Together. A proud wife and mother to two accomplished daughters—a pediatrician and an employment attorney—Erica exemplifies wisdom, grace, and steadfast commitment to community well-being.
Originally from Chicago, Erica earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign before relocating to California, where she has built a distinguished 30+ year career at UCLA in financial and accounting services. Her extensive experience at the nation’s #1 public university provides valuable insight into the daily mental health challenges students face—from academic stress to limited access to support.
A 37-year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Erica has held leadership roles both at the chapter and regional levels. Her passion for service, combined with her cultural insight and professional expertise, make her an integral part of the board. Erica’s perspective—rooted in both higher education and motherhood—helps guide the organization’s efforts to support young adults and families on their journey to thrive.
Lashawnna Courtney
LaShawnna brings strong organizational skills, creative vision, and a deep commitment to community impact. She began her early career as a hair braider and salon assistant, building a foundation in both the beauty and special events industries. With years of experience planning and executing events that uplift, inspire, and connect communities, LaShawnna has become one of the most respected celebrity hairstylists, traveling nationwide for professional bookings.
Raised in the San Fernando Valley, LaShawnna has firsthand experience with the challenges that mental health and substance use can bring to a family. She tragically lost her nephew—a young adult—to struggles with mental illness and addiction. That personal loss fuels her passion to support youth and families in crisis.
In addition to her role with L and D Wellness Thrive Together, LaShawnna regularly provides resources to individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. As a mother of two and an advocate for youth empowerment, she uses her platform to uplift others, create meaningful events, and break the silence around mental health in underserved communities.
Sharon Ellison
Sharon Ellison serves as a vital member of L and D Wellness Thrive Together. She brings a spirit of resilience, compassion, and lived experience that speaks to the heart of the organization’s mission. Sharon is deeply rooted in her role as a family matriarch, a community helper, and a woman of strength and faith.
Raised in South Central Los Angeles, Sharon attended Jefferson High School and was awarded a scholarship to Chico State University. Although she was unable to attend, her commitment to supporting others never wavered. Sharon has worked with youth for decades and currently serves as a noon duty supervision of the Palmdale School District, where she provides daily care and support to students of all ages.
She has been a guiding force in the life of her niece, Cameda Dickerson, offering love and stability through difficult seasons. After the tragic loss of her son to community violence in 2018, Sharon took on the role of adoption to his two young children, who are now being raised in her home. At 60 years old, she is navigating parenting all over again, showing strength and love through unimaginable pain.
Sharon was a key support of the launch of L and Wellness Counseling Center Inc launched in 2024. Sharon’s journey has opened her eyes to the generational impact of trauma, substance use, and mental health stigma. Growing up in a family where the message was often “Keep family business in the house,” she now supports a new mission: to break the silence, open up “let’s have conversations, “Because silence isn’t strength.”
Cameda Dickerson, MA, LPCC
Cameda Dickerson, MA, LPCC, is the Founder and CEO of L and D Wellness Thrive Together and Owner of L and D Wellness Counseling Center Inc. With over 10 years of clinical experience, she has dedicated her career to helping youth, adults, and families navigate trauma, mental illness, and addiction.
She holds a Master’s in Psychology from Grand Canyon University, a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Chapman University, and an Associate’s in Administration of Justice. Cameda began her journey as a juvenile probation officer and later worked in various wraparound, recovery, and county mental health programs, including Phoenix House, Action Family Counseling, Redden Recovery, and the Department of Mental Health.
She currently serves as a Clinical Supervisor at UCLA Olive View CRTP Campus Psychiatric Unit and provides guidance to pre-licensed clinicians working in community mental health.
In 2024, she launched L and D Wellness Counseling Center Inc., a trauma-focused private practice. Soon after, in memory of loved ones lost to addiction and mental health, she founded L and D Wellness Thrive Together — a nonprofit dedicated to prevention, emotional regulation, and healing for youth and young adults.
Passionate about breaking stigma and generational cycles, Cameda is committed to creating healing-centered spaces for underserved communities to thrive on purpose.