Edward Clarke, M.A. AMFT
Executive Director
Edward Clarke is the co-founder of Need 4 Bridges, a non-profit organization that is preparing youth and families that have been impacted directly or indirectly by incarceration and/or substance abuse for social, emotional, educational and spiritual enrichment and success. Clarke is currently an associate marriage and family therapist working towards his licensure and an academic counselor at Santiago Canyon College. Clarke has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California State University, Long Beach and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University. Clarke is using his skills and influence to help bring reform and healing to underserved and underrepresented communities through education, spiritual awareness, and community advocacy.
Executive Director
Edward Clarke is the co-founder of Need 4 Bridges, a non-profit organization that is preparing youth and families that have been impacted directly or indirectly by incarceration and/or substance abuse for social, emotional, educational and spiritual enrichment and success. Clarke is currently an associate marriage and family therapist working towards his licensure and an academic counselor at Santiago Canyon College. Clarke has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California State University, Long Beach and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University. Clarke is using his skills and influence to help bring reform and healing to underserved and underrepresented communities through education, spiritual awareness, and community advocacy.
Sharray Clarke
Administrative Assistant
As a dedicated Administrative Assistant and Grant writer to the organization, Sharray Clarke is committed to providing support and contributing to the success of our non-profit organization. With a strong foundation in education and administrative tasks and a passion for making a positive impact, Sharray is eager to use her skills and expertise to support the mission. Sharray graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a degree in human development. She is a business owner and educator. Sharray aspires to study law and eventually practice law with a concentration in real estate law.
Administrative Assistant
As a dedicated Administrative Assistant and Grant writer to the organization, Sharray Clarke is committed to providing support and contributing to the success of our non-profit organization. With a strong foundation in education and administrative tasks and a passion for making a positive impact, Sharray is eager to use her skills and expertise to support the mission. Sharray graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a degree in human development. She is a business owner and educator. Sharray aspires to study law and eventually practice law with a concentration in real estate law.
Queen Peterson, Ed.D
Board Member
It’s been both my personal and professional mission to propel students of color to success by helping them navigate the higher educational system. Over the last 23 years in higher education I have taken on many roles that support this endeavor. I am currently the Vice-president of the Black Faculty and Staff Association for the North Orange County Community College District. I also serve as a member on the Black Faculty and Staff Coalition at the Fullerton College campus level. The roles that I would like to highlight my dedication to diversity is my role of Counseling Faculty for the Student Service Division as well as a supporting role of Counseling Faculty for the Umoja program a program primarily for African American students. I am currently a dedicated member of the Racial, Justice and Equity committee a sub-committee of our Faculty Union. The roles in which I have served thought out my educational career has been a part of my mission even before diversity was a hot topic on my Campus.
Yolánda Thompson
Board Member
A highly organized administrator with over 20 years of experience, Yolánda’s exceptional reliability, quick skill-building and flawless customer relations savvy saw her repeatedly promoted early in her career and eventually led to her becoming the “right hand” person in her last two university offices.
There’s no aspect of office operations that Yolánda can’t finagle. She has excelled in a wide array of functions – from customer care and human resources, to accounting, meeting planning, and scheduling. All must submit under her watchful eye.
Yolánda is a caring, resourceful and insightful individual who is comfortable with being the go-to person for anything related to the seamless running of an organization. There is never a task too small or too big for her. With a keen eye to detail and a meticulous work ethic, Yolánda brings great value to any situation that needs her assistance!
Yolánda originally hails from Northern Virginia. She attended George Mason University and currently lives in Orange County, California, with her husband and two children.