Our Staff

The success of BEST Kids would not be possible without the hard work, experience, and passion that each of our staff members bring to the organization.
Dr. Stephanie "Stephania" Herrera
Executive
Director
​Carl Scott
Program Manager​

​
x

Dr. Stephanie "Stephania" Herrera

Executive Director
Dr. Stephanie "Stephania" Herrera joined the BEST Kids team in March 2022. Stephanie brings more than 25 years of strategic business development experience in nonprofits and membership organizations, as well as a lifetime of experience and passion for education and leadership development. She holds a BA in International Business Management, an MBA in Market Strategy from Regis University and a DBA in Business Administration. She holds a lifelong passion for mentoring. As someone who has serves as both mentor and mentee in various capacities over the course of her life, she believes that mentoring is a powerful way to help people succeed. Outside of work, Dr. Herrera enjoys dance, yoga, meditation, and outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.
x

Carl Scott

Mentoring Support Specialist
Carl joined the BEST Kids team in August 2017. Carl is a Bronx native whose goal in life is to travel the world and help adolescents overcome any obstacle. He has lived in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, and now he is a Maryland resident. Carl graduated from the illustrious school by the sea, Savannah State University, in 2013 with a Bachelors degree in Behavior Analysis with a concentration in Sociology. Carl has a passion for working with under privileged youth, and writing. Carl has a helping attitude and lives by the quote "If one person can eat, so can two. And if Two people can eat, so can four." Sharing and teaching are some his strengths, just to name a few. In Carl's spare time, he enjoys playing basketball, trying new foods from different regions of the world, and watching American Ninja Warrior.
Saad Rehman
Operations Manager
​
x

Saad Rehman

Operations Manager
Saad joined the BEST Kids team in September 2019. Before joining BEST Kids, he spent seven years serving as a teacher, mentor, and community organizer in high-need communities, mostly in the Detroit area. He received his master’s degree in Secondary Education from Oakland University and his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland. Saad is excited to return to the DMV area and use his experience and skills in the service of a powerful mission. Saad enjoys exploring nature (mountain biking, hiking, camping, swimming), watching movies, and playing video games.​
Keesha Lockette
Volunteer Recruitment and Outreach Manager
x

Keesha Lockette

Volunteer Recruitment and Outreach Manager
Keesha joined the BEST Kids team in July 2020. Keesha Lockette is a young professional ready to blaze trails in the youth development/justice arena, starting in the not-for-profit sector with plans to follow up her BA in Psychology with a Juris Doctorate. She joins BEST Kids with a background in corporate recruitment; excited to marry her passion for youth advocacy and giving back with her recruiting and relationship building expertise, Keesha hopes to build strong connections with the communities in and around DC to build up support systems and provide access to opportunities for the BEST Kids mentees. Keesha enjoys spending her free time watching documentaries and stand-up comedy, exploring all the nature views in the DMV with her 13-year-old Rat Terrier (Gravelly Point has become a long-time favorite), and wandering through museums.
Dorian Thomas
Mentoring Support Specialist
Shara Miller
Mentoring Support Specialist
Doreen Addo
Mentoring Support Specialist
x

Dorian Thomas

Mentoring Support Specialist
Dorian is an alumnus of BEST Kids, as well as a former foster youth. The path he walks is the pursuit of a world that has achieved true equity. His goal in life is to break down the obstacles that stand in the way of marginalized and maligned communities. A lot of his past work experience is in youth development and grassroots community advocacy. He has a passion for helping people and will always do his best to help someone in need whenever able. He enjoys relaxing and having thoughtful discussions about world events.
x

Shara Miller

Mentoring Support Specialist
Shara joined BEST Kids in August of 2021 as an Intern, she has since transitioned into a Mentoring Support Specialist position. She is a current undergraduate student at the University of Maryland, College Park studying Psychology and Family Science with aspirations of working in the foster care system. She is a current senior with her next steps being to obtain her Master's in Social Work! Shara has a history of mentoring and working with children in both her professional and personal life. Shara enjoys anything involving nature and frequently visits local parks and trails. She enjoys social interactions as a perfect weekend would be surrounded by loved ones enjoying a fun activity! 
x

Doreen Addo

Mentoring Support Specialist
Doreen Addo joined BEST kids in February of 2022 as a Mentoring Support Specialist. Before joining BEST kids, she spent her time working as an Assistant Teacher and working with nonprofits like Ronald McDonald House in the Metro DC Area. She received her Bachelor's degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Maryland. She plans to further her education by obtaining her Master's degree in Social Justice and Human Rights. Doreen has a passion for working with youth of all ages and backgrounds, especially young children. During her free time, Doreen enjoys hiking, painting, board games (and video games), and visiting museums. Doreen is excited to join BEST Kids to serve as a guide to further the advancement of youth in the DMV Area!