I am a native of Chattanooga, TN and an alumnus of Hixson High School. I am earned a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry with a minor in Biology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I am an avid volunteer and has traveled extensively to educate both local and national organizations surrounding the importance of ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences). As the Fire and Life Safety Educator for the Chattanooga Fire Department, I inform the public on both a local and national level about the importance of fire and life safety as well as develop plans to assist with mitigating public health issues as it relates to youth violence. 

 

I am the Founder of Pain Perseverance Character Hope, Inc (PPCH, Inc). PPCH, Inc is 501 (c)(3 non-profit that provides youth mentoring, family centered mentoring, social emotional learning, executive functioning skills learning, and youth development. I have been the commencement speaker for several elementary school graduations. I have presented at various conferences around the country for youth advocacy as well as fire and life safety. 

             

 I am a certified trainer by the state of Tennessee in ACES and partners with local and national organizations to teach about Adverse Childhood Experiences. I am also experienced in social emotional learning development as well as fostering resilience.  I have extensive experience in youth mentorship and motivational speaking. I have developed and implemented several mentoring programs, the most current one is Calvin Donaldson Elementary HOPE (Helping Others Pursue Excellence) Program. HOPE teaches 4th and 5th grade boys how to properly and effective express their thoughts and emotions while navigating adversity. "ITS NOT ABOUT WHERE YOU'VE BEEN OR WHERE YOU ARE, BUT WHERE YOU WANT TO GO!"         

 

                                                                           ALLEN'S STORY AND TESTIMONY 

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