About Us

Jennifer was inspired to create O-I-See Youth Strategies, in 2011, after acquiring a Master’s degree in School Counseling. Jennifer also has substituted in 5 different local school districts for a very clear purpose- how can she best help everyone helping a child- including the child. Her education now extends to various trauma workshops, a “mastery” in Reiki, and Healing Touch Level 1. Jennifer wholeheartedly believes that one can acquire all the education in the world, but to be a true example for others, she believes she has to do the work on herself too. Jennifer’s list of personal experience is extensive- this list includes both lived experience but also experience through loved ones: Complex PTSD, ADHD, Substance Abuse (alcohol), Bipolar, and Narcissistic Personality Disorder are a few. After 10 years working at O-I-See, this list has extended to RAD, Schizophrenia, Borderline Personality Disorder, Autism, Depression, and Anxiety Disorders.

Jennifer’s passion for excellence, and compassion for people, is dedicated to making sure O-I-See Youth provides the best support for youth to be successful. With pressures on youth, families, educators, and county professionals more than ever, her goal remains the same as everyone’s- for every child to achieve his or her highest potential. She believes in abilities verses disabilities, and providing a safe space for children to try their own ideas.

In her own time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband, two teenagers, a cat named Skylar, and dog named Boone. When time allows, she also loves to tinker in her flower gardens, being in nature, or read about the lives of various Rock Stars. Jennifer will easily share with you her favorite moments working with youth, through the O-I-See Youth lens. A very special youth once told her, “Ms. Jenny is strict, but fair…and she cares.” Makes sense since she does everything from her heart, and it shows to every single person that comes to O-I-See Youth Strategies.

Devin joined the OISYS team in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Youth Development and a minor in English. He has experience with youth of all ages in churches, non-profits, and diverse poverty households. His experience not only extends from working with youth in these living arrangements, but he also has worked with youth classified as homeless.

Growing up brought unique challenges that have taught him to find joy in times of hardship, peace in times of chaos, and to be the strength for others who struggle to find strength in themselves. He shares how these challenges have made him a stronger individual, and helped him develop a heart for working with youth. This passion fueled his desire to pursue a Youth Development Degree and also being the first one in his family to complete a 4-year college degree.

Devin believes everyone has a passion for creating something. This could be anything from crocheting, building Legos, paper machete, or even computer programs. His desire to create resides in the culinary arts, sports, writing, video gaming, and learning how to fix things. The greatest thing he looks forward to at OISYS is watching youth grow while hoping to teach them something new as well.

Dazzle joined the OISYS team February 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies and Social Work. Dazzle has worked with youth in many different settings – working with youth in the church, training teens at the Nickelodeon Universe in Mall of America, working with youth as a Volunteer Coordinator through The Salvation Army, and helping out in their Childhood Development Center as well.

Dazzle’s passion to help kids thrive in their life comes from a place of lived and professional experience with diagnoses such as ADHD, ODD, RAD, and Anxiety Disorders. Since her personal lived experience has taken a great amount of effort from childhood to adulthood in overcoming many challenges, her deep conviction is that any youth can overcome any obstacles they may face – given direction, purpose, hope, and people cheering them onward. Dazzle believes that kids can teach us a lot about ourselves and that they help us to see the wonder and magic they see in the world; the light in any darkness.

Dazzle enjoys video games as a way to bond with family, friends, and to meet different kinds of people all over the world. She also loves to read, make crochet dolls, play piano, play board games, sing, and spend time with her husband playing games, eating lots of food, and dissecting films. The greatest thing that Dazzle looks forward to at OISYS, is allowing space for kids to be kids and imparting them with skills and thoughts that they will take with them well into their years ahead.

Ethan joined the OISYS team August 2022, with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Before that, he attended Sandhills Community College in Southern Pines, North Carolina and earned his Associates in Arts degree. Ethan has a love for volunteering, and believes that working in your community teaches you things about people that you can’t learn anywhere else.

Growing up around various non-profit organizations, Ethan saw that everybody has low points and high points in their lives, and that everyone has the ability to be the best version of themselves. After going through therapy himself, Ethan became interested in the process of helping other people achieve their goals, and this has led him to O-I-See Youth Strategies. Ethan plans to apply what he has learned to help each and every person realize that their goals are within reach.

Ethan enjoys the outdoors, reading, and playing video games. In his free time, Ethan plays French Horn or Bass Guitar to unwind. Ethan is a huge history “nerd”, and enjoys studying ancient Mediterranean civilizations, inspired by books of his childhood. He also enjoys cheering on various sports teams, such as the New Orleans Saints and the Durham Bulls, and performing arts organizations such as the Phantom Regiment.