Joshua Tassler, LMSW

Joshua Tassler has been an AMEN Group Facilitator with PYS since 2001 and currently co-facilitates these groups in Baltimore City. He received his B.A. Degree in Social Work from Morgan State University and Master of Social Work Degree from Stony Brook University. He is a licensed social worker in MD with 20 years of experience working with adolescents, adults and families in various settings.

Ludley Howard, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW

Mr.  Howard is the founder and CEO for Pride Youth Services (PYS).

He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland, District of Columbia, and Pennsylvania. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from McDaniel College and master’s degree in social work from The Smith College School For Social Work, one of the nation’s most renowned and prestigious clinical social work programs. Mr. Howard is a Certified Anger Management Specialist II, a member of the National Anger Management Association, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. He is also a Maryland-approved clinical social work supervisor.

His 30+ years of dedication and compassion in improving the lives of people also led to the founding of the Howard Group, LLC, a group therapy practice that focuses on the mental well-being of African-American teens and adult men in  2010.

Gerome Dixon

Gerome Dixon is affectionately known as “Rome.” A husband, father, and friend who loves life and all the wonderful things it offers. Committed to making a difference in our youth, families, and the community, Mr. Dixon functions as a Behavior Interventionist/SEL Teacher (21 years) at Woodlawn Middle School in Baltimore, MD. He earned a B.S. Degree in Business Administration/Mgmt from Strayer University, an M.S. Degree in Special Education from Towson University, and a Nationally Certified Trainer in TCI, CPI & Restorative Practices. Mr. Dixon has had the wonderful privilege of working with Pride Youth Services as an AMEN Group Facilitator since its inception in 2001. He currently conducts AMEN Group sessions for the Baltimore City Project and the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School Project.

Sierra Giles

Sierra Giles currently works with Pride Youth Services (PYS) as an AFFIRM Group Facilitator for Montgomery County Public Schools and as the Program Manager for the PYS Evening Reporting Center. She was born and raised in Baltimore, MD and it has been amazing being able to give back and serve young people. Sierra received her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Her passion for working with youth involved in the juvenile justice system was discovered while an intern for the Anne Arundel County Police Department Juvenile Service Division. Prior to working with PYS, Sierra was a Choice Fellow for the UMBC Choice Program.

Liselor Pierre, LMSW

Liselor is a Maryland Licensed Social Worker (LMSW) dedicated professional committed to supporting vulnerable youth and adolescents through comprehensive mental health support, wrap-around services, and educational advocacy. With a passion for empowering young individuals, Liselor has been part of the PYS family since 2018, initially serving as a Career Navigator at the Youth Opportunity Centers in Montgomery County, MD, and currently provides therapy services at the PYS Evening Reporting Center.

Throughout her career, Liselor has demonstrated her commitment to positively impacting young people’s lives. She transitioned into the foster care setting, where she excelled in roles such as Clinical Coordinator for MENTOR Maryland and Peer Group Coordinator for BEST Kids, Inc. These experiences allowed her to hone her skills in supporting and guiding those navigating challenging circumstances.

In her current role as a Compliance Manager, Liselor plays a crucial role in supporting school teams. She specializes in managing Special Education Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans and ensuring the delivery of services and aides in an accurate and timely manner. Liselor’s expertise contributes to creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students. Driven by a deep-seated passion for empowering youth, Liselor continues to be a valuable asset in the field, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves.

Antonio Ramirez

Antonio Ramirez works for Pride Youth Services Inc., as a Community Resource Navigator at the Evening Reporting Center (ERC). A Prince Georges County native, Antonio earned a B.A Degree in Mass Communications with a focus in video production with a minor in Spanish & Graphic Design from Frostburg State University. Antonio strives to encourage youth to improve their lives.

Jordan Taylor

Jordan Taylor works for Pride Youth Services Inc. as an AMEN Group Facilitator for the Baltimore City Project. A Baltimore County native, Jordan earned a B.A. Degree in Communication from the University of Maryland in 2017. Prior to joining Pride Youth Services, Inc., Jordan completed a year of service through AmeriCorps working in Baltimore with The Choice Program. Through this program, Jordan provided support and goal- based mentorship to young from challenging Baltimore City communities. Jordan is passionate about serving his community and improving the lives of those around him.

Johnathan Williams Jr.

Johnathan Williams Jr, a Prince Georges County native, works with Pride Youth Services (PYS) Inc. as an Adolescent Male Empowerment Network (AMEN) Group Facilitator. He earned his B.A Degree in Liberal Arts from Frostburg State University and has over six years of experience working with youth through tutoring, after-school and summer programs. Fulfillment, purpose and experience is what drives Johnathan to give back to Pride Youth Services where he benefited from their services as a student in high school.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy”

– Martin Luther King, Jr.

Denise M. Actie, LSW – Program Director, PA Project

With over 20 years of experience in child welfare and mental health, Denise Actie has dedicated her career to advocating for the success and well-being of youth and families. She brings deep expertise in program development, community engagement, and systems navigation, with a passion rooted in what she describes as a higher calling to serve.

Denise holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Morgan State University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland. She is a Licensed Social Worker in both Pennsylvania and Maryland.

As Program Director at Pride Youth Services (PYS), Denise leads the Student Success Navigator (SSN) initiative, along with the AMEN, AFFIRM, and #NCONTROL youth empowerment programs. She currently oversees programming in four Philadelphia schools (three high schools and one middle school). Her mission is to ensure that all students receive the support they need not only in school, but at home and in their communities.

Denise’s goal is to see the SSN model implemented in every Philadelphia public school. She believes that true youth empowerment requires a holistic approach, supporting academic achievement while promoting home stability and community resilience. Under her leadership, PYS continues to grow as a trusted partner to schools and families, fostering safe, supportive environments where students are seen, heard, and set up for long-term success.

Akiah Lloyd – Student Success Navigator & AFFIRM Facilitator

Akiah Lloyd is a Student Success Navigator with Pride Youth Services and a facilitator of the AFFIRM program. Born and raised in Philadelphia, she is passionate about giving back to the community that shaped her. With three years of experience working with youth, Akiah is committed to helping young women see beyond their immediate environment and envision a future full of possibility. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from West Chester University and is driven by a personal mission to inspire, uplift, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the youth she serves.

Samir Thomas – Student Success Navigator & AMEN Facilitator

Samir serves as a Student Success Navigator with Pride Youth Services and is a dedicated facilitator for the AMEN program. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and an Associate’s Degree in Behavioral Health and Human Services from the Community College of Philadelphia. Passionate about empowering youth, Samir is committed to creating a lasting, positive impact. While he recognizes that the journey may present challenges, he is fully prepared and motivated to meet them head-on.