My name is Montreal Peterson, Founder and CEO, a youth advocate for teen parents. I know firsthand the uncertainties and humiliation the youth are subjected to because I was a teen parent. The experience of feeling isolated, not being supported and unsure of where and how to access resources were some of the hurdles that I had to cross. I experienced teenage pregnancy in my sophomore year of high school. Due to peer pressure and indulging in uninformed choices, I was misguided and unaware of the effects of poor choices. I truly feel the pain of these teen parents, so I created and organization to provide the support and resources needed to continue their education to improve their quality of life.

My name is Valerie Jewett. After working with various law firms in the Houston area, I hung my shingle out and began my own firm in 2006. With over 20 years legal experience, I established a reputation for representing our clients with integrity. I understand legal matters can be difficult and frustrating and I do my best to reduce that strain and deliver a positive outcome for all parties involved. I proceed with compassion and a commitment to maintaining communication with you through the process to secure the direction we are headed.

ZaDarius Webber-Odom was born in Ruston, Louisiana and raised in Houston, Texas where he graduated in the top 25% of his class from Klein Forest High School.

ZaDarius holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Morehouse College, master’s in public administration from Texas Southern University, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Public Administration at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. ZaDarius is currently a 6th grade Social Studies teacher, football, and track coach in Houston.

ZaDarius is a proud member of the Sunshine Lodge No. 99 Prince Hall Masons in Cleveland, MS, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc, and a member of the Greater Houston Frontiers club where he served as Jr. Frontiers President and as the first National Junior Frontiers President for Frontiers International Inc. ZaDarius is very involved in his community. He helps all his member organizations give back to underserved youth. Because of his efforts ZaDarius was awarded the 2017 Student Hero award by the Texas State Board of Education. ZaDarius comes to us after serving as the Educational Liaison and board member of A Better Day Foundation.

Hello, I’m Joyce Moore. Being pregnant at 18, in college and in love, it was still a challenge. In the 70’s, unwed pregnancies were frowned upon. So, I did what was expected, I quit school and married my boyfriend. Well, after my beautiful baby girl was born, the pipe dream about being at home and depending on my husband, didn't last. I ran back to college with my baby on my hip. Fortunately, I always had the support of my parents. They both had college degrees and their expectation of me to complete college did not waiver. It was hard; unhappy in a challenging marriage of unlike minds and goals, attending college, and learning how to be a parent to an infant. It was the love I had for my baby that kept me going. Her needs were put before mine, and I hung in there. My advice through experience, is hard work and dedication to pursuing a tangible education or skill will pay off in the end. There are so many opportunities or programs available now than were available for me. As was instilled in me, "Hold you head up, keep pressing forward for you and your baby, because good girls get pregnant too!”

Hello I’m Sheltric Peterson. I became a teen parent at the age of 17. Growing up on the North Side of Houston, a single-parent home, and the middle of three sons, I was taught to work for what I wanted. I started working for my school clothes at the age of nine and as I grew older and more aware of my strength and abilities, I spent time engaging in sports and hanging out at the local fire department. After graduating High school in 1989, I knew in order for me to be a responsible parent I had to do something different with my life. So, in January 1990, I joined the United States Navy, and in September of 1990 I married my high school sweetheart and the mother of my first-born son. Together, the three of us embarked on a remarkable journey adding two sons along the way and after serving 30 years as a military family we returned home to Houston, TX. Due to the struggles and challenges we had (being young parents) me and the love of my life, Montreal decided that we would start Petersiene's Place to let the young mothers and fathers know that if we could do, it they can too.

My name is LaKicha Taylor treasurer and chair member.

Although I was not a teen parent, my younger sister was and needed support. Support is the most priceless and valuable gift that you can give to a young parent in need.

She needed to know she was created with a purpose, she still had gifts and talents that had not yet come to fruition. She is now a wife, mother of three and most of all a founder and CEO of her own foundation advocating for teen parents.

My name is Lenore Mayberry, and I am the Member Secretary. I have been a youth mentor for 10 years and a Student Supervisor in the Business Professionals Program for 5 years. I am passionate about diversity and making sure that all people feel included for who they are and valued by what they are meant to contribute to the world.

As a mentor, I have learned that most young people just need someone to listen to them, maybe lend a little advice, but never to be judged. As a mother that had fertility issues while trying to conceive, I understand how difficult and expensive it is to raise a child and I grew to realize that LOVE is not enough.

I joined the organization to be a part of the support system and serve as an example that we can survive anything we face if we do it together!

Hello, I’m Michelle Davis.