Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Shakirra Pinnock brings over a decade of expertise in mental health and substance abuse treatment. As a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC-S), Shakirra has worked on the front lines of behavioral health with a deep commitment to empowering underserved communities.
She spent five years at James Bentley Treatment Program, where she served as both the Marketing Communications Director and a clinical provider. There, she gained extensive experience addressing co-occurring disorders and developing innovative community outreach strategies. Her work provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals in recovery.
Shakirra later transitioned to Behavioral Health Group (BHG), a methadone clinic in Newport News, where she now focuses exclusively on substance use disorders. Her clinical insight and lived experience fuel the mission of Ollivier Community Circle to bridge the gap between access and equity in health services.
Brandon Cooper is a retired U.S. Navy veteran with 20 years of service as a nuclear engineer. After an accomplished military career, Brandon transitioned into the creative and entrepreneurial world, where he is currently building his legacy in media and entertainment.
Brandon is a professional photographer and an emerging videographer with a keen eye for capturing powerful narratives. In addition to his creative work, he owns and operates a local event space, providing the community with opportunities to gather, celebrate, and connect.
His combined experience in disciplined leadership, media production, and business ownership brings a dynamic and multifaceted perspective to the board. Brandon’s commitment to service continues through his role at Ollivier Community Circle, where he helps elevate community voices through storytelling and strategic insight.
Phyllis Deptula is a student at Old Dominion University, pursuing a major in Art Education with a minor in Studio Arts. She views art as a powerful form of self-expression and a means of bringing communities together, a connection deeply rooted in history. Passionate about her church, community, and family, Phyllis values opportunities to blend her faith and her work in ways that uplift others while fostering her own personal growth. Beyond her academic and community pursuits, she is also an enthusiastic fan of both Marvel and DC.
Amy Cropp is a 2025 graduate of Simmons University with a Master’s degree in Social Work and a 1998 graduate of Salem University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Youth and Human Services with a specialization in Sport Management, concentrating on program development. While at Salem, she was also a proud member of the Women’s Basketball Team.
With more than 25 years of experience working with children and adolescents in the mental health field, she brings both expertise and a deep passion for helping young people thrive. She is currently pursuing her LCSW license to continue to expand her impact in mental health services and advocacy.
Outside of her professional work, she enjoys watching sports—especially basketball and football—traveling, and exploring music from various genres.
Renee McCroskey, CTRS, brings more than 26 years of experience in the field of Recreation Therapy. A 1999 graduate of Longwood College, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation and is nationally certified as a CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist). Over the course of her career, Renee has worked with individuals ages 5 to 102 across diverse settings, including community recreation programs, residential psychiatric facilities for youth and adults, and long-term care skilled nursing facilities.
Her passion for serving others began at just 13 years old, when she started working with individuals with unique abilities—a calling that has only grown stronger throughout her career. Dedicated and compassionate, Renee is committed to enriching the lives of those in her care through recreation, creativity, and meaningful engagement.
Outside of her professional work, Renee has always been an active volunteer, supporting activities ranging from baseball and band to church and scouting during her children’s school years. Now, she enjoys traveling to visit them in college, taking family vacations, and keeping busy with hobbies such as swimming, reading, and the occasional Netflix binge.
Shawnta Edwards is a dedicated social worker and entrepreneur serving the Hampton Roads/Tidewater region. She holds a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelor of Social Work from Norfolk State University. As a Resident in Social Work, Resident in Substance Abuse Counseling, and Qualified Mental Health Professional, Shawnta brings extensive expertise in mental health, substance use, and trauma-informed care.
She is the founder of Genesis Professional Consulting, LLC, where she supports behavioral health providers in enhancing compliance, improving documentation, and developing effective programs. Driven by a deep passion for resilience and community empowerment, Shawnta is committed to helping individuals and families achieve lasting stability, growth, and wellness.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.