sfary
SUPPORT
FOR ACTIVELY RISING YOUTH
Board of Directors
Battalion Chief Byron Berhel (Retired)
Chief Byron Berhel is the design architect behind the concept of the Firefighter Youth Academy. During the course of his 30 year career, Chief Berhel recognized a growing need in many of the neighborhoods of Richmond. Youth were often both the victims and perpetrators of violent crime and other unacceptable social behavior. He noticed that youth who resided in these distressed communities had the usual curiosity about the activities of firefighters and launched the Firefighter Youth Academy. He has served on numerous county, regional, and federal public safety committees, raising millions of grant dollars for programs that are still in existence today. Chief Berhel is passionate about his service beyond his employment with the Richmond Fire Department and seeks to share the successful Firefighter Youth Academy concept with other communities.
Ms. Deborah Berhel
​
Deborah Berhel is the co-founder and project manager of several of our youth development programs. Ms. Berhel serves as a mentor and counselor providing academic and social guidance for our student-cadets. She is an alumni of University of California Los Angeles and is currently expanding her education to include a degree in psychology so that she can be of greater assistance to our youth and children.
Ms. Cheryl Maier
Cheryl Maier is Business Services Manager for the Oakland Private Industry Council. Her prior experience was as Executive Director of a non-profit agency in Richmond, CA, with initiatives in youth employment, economic and community development, and violence prevention. She also previously worked for the City of Richmond, Contra Costa College and Peralta College District in planning and management capacities for employment training programs. Cheryl has 30 years of experience as a grantwriter and project manager and serves on the Boards of many non-profit agencies, including the Brookside Foundation, the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the Youth Services Bureau and Richmond Friends of Recreation.
Dr. Aleisha Dobbins Ph.D
Dr. Aleisha Dobbins is an accomplished scientist with over 13 years experience in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry. An Ohio native, Dr. Dobbins holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Chemistry from Alabama A & M University and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with emphasis in Genomics and Bioinformatics from the Howard University. She was honored as one of the California North Bay Business Journal’s “Top Forty Under 40” in 2012 and was a graduate of the first Executive MBA Cohort from Sonoma State University.
Dr. Dobbins’ doctoral research was completed through collaborative project she initiated between Howard University, the University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh Bacteriophage Institute), and Carnegie Mellon. She was awarded the 2006 Council of Historically Black Graduate Schools/UMI Most Outstanding Dissertation Award and her work is heavy cited within and throughout the scientific community, she is published in the Journal of Bacteriology, and as part of the 2004 Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center’s Projects in Scientific Computing Annual Report. Her research experiences also included work at the National Institutes of Health, the Wake Forest University/Bowman Gray School of Medicine, the University of Minnesota Schook Veterinary Pathobiology Laboratory, and the Howard University’s Cancer Center.
Dr. Dobbins is a frequent speaker for training programs, meetings, conferences, youth development and STEM initiatives. She is an active leader in the community whose volunteer efforts and professional affiliations are numerous. Among these commitments, she serves on the Board of Directors for Support For Actively Rising Youth (SFARY); as a mentor for the International Center for Professional Development’s Scientist Mentoring & Diversity Program (SMPD); and Dr. Dobbins is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and The Links, Incorporated.
Battalion Chief Kieth Cormier,
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Keith J. Cormier is a Battalion Chief in the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District with over 28 years of service. He is a past president of the Contra Costa Black Firefighters Association and between the years of 2001-2007 he served as Director for the Southwest Region of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters also serving as a National Board member. During his tenure in the fire service he has held the ranks of Fire Captain/Paramedic, Fire Training Captain, Fire Engineer, Fire Academy Instructor and Firefighter. He has served as a Big Brother and instructor for the Los Medanos College Fire Academy. He lives in Lafayette and devotes most of his time to his wife and two children.
Battalion Chief Rico Rincon,
Richmond Fire Department
Captain Rico Rincon started his fire service career in 2002 and has spent more than 16 years with the Richmond Fire Department serving as a Firefighter, Engineer, and Fire Captain. He has also served as the Public Information Officer for 10 years. He currently works to provide Fire Suppression, Hazardous Materials mitigation, and Technical Rescue support to the citizens of Richmond.
Captain Rincon was recognized as the Richmond Fire Department Firefighter of the Year in 2006 for working with a team to develop an automatic aide response program. This program ensures that the closest fire unit is dispatched to an emergency notwithstanding of jurisdictional borders. In 2011, after responding to Hurricane Irene, Captain Rincon received a Resolution of Appreciation from the Essex County, NY, for training their disaster response team in the Incident Command System.
Captain Rincon is a strong advocate of firefighter safety and works with the IAFF Local 188 to improve firefighter working conditions and safety. He is the current President of the Richmond Professional Black Firefighters Association serving for over 5 years. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Richmond Youth Academy.
program staff
Javon Phillips
​
Program Manager (CCCFYA)
​
Javon Phillips is a native of San Francisco, CA. Most of his previous work experience has been working in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Mr. Phillips is goal oriented, solution based, driven, determined and a highly focused individual who brings energy, passion, excitement, and purpose into both his personal and professional life. After completing his primary and secondary education in San Francisco, he attended Morehouse College, graduating with his B.A in Humanities and Social Sciences in 2018. During his time, he was a collegiate student athlete and participated in numerous social clubs and student affairs. Some of his passions and hobbies include music, reading, sports, poetry, philosophy, creating art, traveling, exercising, world history, philanthropy and technology. Mr. Phillips also enjoys creating projects and campaigns focused around social and environmental justice. As a change agent, he has a passion for helping underserved communities and helping young adults achieve social and economic mobility. Mr. Phillips also enjoys studying the impacts of social issues regarding housing, education, mental health and economic disparity.
In the past few years, Mr. Phillips has been actively participating in social and activist groups and programs such as Oakland Global Shapers, X Inspired Dreamers and Code2040. Mr. Phillips has recently worked as an Executive Assistant and a Project Manager. His willingness to learn, problem solve and create innovative ideas is one of his greatest strengths. Mr. Phillips has many goals and aspirations and wants to continue to impact future generations as well.
Jamal Chtaini
Firefighter & SFARY Youth Mentor (CCCFYA)
​
Jamal Chtaini is a dedicated firefighter and youth mentor for SFARY, bringing both passion and purpose to everything he does. At 29 years old with three years of experience in the fire service, Jamal is committed to protecting his community and inspiring the next generation through mentorship and leadership.
​
Growing up immersed in sports, Jamal developed a deep respect for teamwork, discipline, and pushing beyond limits—traits that continue to drive his work today. Whether responding to emergencies or guiding young people through life’s challenges, he leads with integrity, resilience, and a grounded, approachable spirit.
​
At SFARY, Jamal serves as a role model for youth, helping them build confidence, learn life skills, and see what’s possible when they commit to growth and community service. His mission is simple: to serve with heart, show up with purpose, and help others find the strength within themselves.
Jessica Ortiz
Community Outreach Coordinator (OFYA)
​
Jessica Ortiz is a dedicated public health professional with a strong background in client service
coordination, health education, and community outreach. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
from San Francisco State University and has developed expertise in connecting individuals and
communities with essential health resources.
Jessica has played a pivotal role in planning and implementing public health initiatives, specializing
in coordinating outreach programs, developing health education materials, and building partnerships with community-based organizations to enhance service delivery. She has extensive experience working with individuals of all ages, from adolescents to older adults, ensuring they receive the care and resources they need. Her work focuses on advancing equitable healthcare access for diverse,high-need populations and implementing policies that strengthen public health preparedness.
Beyond her professional work, Jessica is deeply family-centered and cherishes quality time with
loved ones. She enjoys reading, solving puzzles, exploring new adventures, and hiking outdoors.
With an infectious sense of humor, she finds joy in sharing laughter and creating lighthearted
moments, always embracing life to the fullest.
Troy Skillman
Academy Director (CCCFYA)
​
Troy has devoted the last 29 years of his life to the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.
Over the years, he has risen through the ranks, ultimately achieving the position of Fire
Suppression Captain. His commitment to the profession extended beyond active firefighting as he served in the Fire Department's Training Division, where he played an integral role in teaching and mentoring new firefighters, as well as providing continuing education for experienced personnel.
Troy’s leadership and dedication to the fire service are also reflected in his involvement with the Contra Costa Black Firefighter Association, where he served as a past president. He has always been passionate about community involvement, particularly with youth programs, where he actively
participates in helping to guide and mentor the next generation.
Troy Skillman’s lifelong dedication to his community, family, and career continues to inspire those around him. He strives to be an example of excellence in both his professional endeavors and personal life.
Taylor Queen
Assistant Academy Director (RM-FYA)
​
Taylor Queen is a dedicated former cadet of the RMFYA, having joined the academy in 2019 and steadily advancing through its ranks. She currently serves as the Assistant Program Manager for the Robbin Mackbee Firefighter EMS Youth Academy and leads the organization’s community outreach initiatives. In this capacity, she focuses on delivering Youth Development programs for the RMFYA. Additionally, Taylor plays a key role as the head instructor for Vallejo Public Safety Classes, where she is committed to imparting life-saving knowledge to the community.
Taylor is employed as an EMT at Medic Ambulance Company and is preparing to attend paramedic school with the ultimate goal of becoming a Vallejo Firefighter. She is passionate about applying the skills and knowledge she has gained in various fields, including youth development, community outreach, and her future career in public safety.
Crystal Fraire Arroyo
Assistant Academy Director (RM-FYA)
​
Crystal Fraire is the Assistant Academy Director of the RM-FYA. She's home grown and has been in the academy since 8th grade. Crystal is currently an EMT, with intentions of eventually joining the Vallejo Fire Department. She is currently working at Medic Ambulance while attending pre-paramedic courses.
Brandon Evans
Program Manager (OFYA)
​
Dynamic and results-driven professional with extensive experience in workforce development, community engagement, and public policy. Proven ability to bridge the gap between constituents, employers, and local government through advocacy, outreach, and strategic partnership building. Skilled in navigating complex social service systems, developing impactful programs, and fostering meaningful connections within diverse communities. A dedicated leader, passionate about improving quality of life through equitable policy solutions, career pathways, and community-centered initiatives. Currently serving as a District Representative for Contra Costa County, where I support public policy development and constituent services to drive positive change.
John Marshall
Academy Director (OFYA)
​
John Marshall, an Oakland native, is currently working for the Oakland Fire Department. With over a decade in healthcare and emergency medicine. Looking to continue to serve the citizens of Oakland through mentorship and training.