EXECUTIVE TEAM
OUR TEAM
Dr. Auset Maryam (Mama Auset)
Founder & Executive Director
Mama Auset is a board certicifed holistic health practitioner, from ALOP. With an emphasis on holistic and indigenous methods of psychology, her approach to every aspect of life is to purge, learn, heal, grow, and trust the process. She received her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from High Tech High. She intends to receive a Juris Doctorate or another Doctorate from an HBCU.
As a trusted community leader, Mama Auset is the Head Consultant of Healer Auset Maryam and has developed individual, couple, family, and whole community programs and curriculum that have graduated many successful leaders. She is also the CEO of Organizational Equity Solutions, a consulting firm committed to aiding education, businesses, organizations, and start-ups in being equitable to who they hire and who they serve.
VPAC SERVICE: Mama Auset is the visionary and leader of the VPAC vision, mission, principles, programming, and execution. As the leader of the Executive Team, she will assure as the VPAC network of independent schools expand, all executive expectations are met to implement. She answers directly to the Board of Directors.
Mama Auset is a proud fellow/participant of:
Sacred Woman, 2005
Family Leadership Training Institute & Facilitator (FLTI) 2015-2016
Mental Health First Aid Adult 2016
Mental Health First Aid Youth/Child 2016
Moonshot 2017
4.0 Schools 2018
Camelback 2018
New School Venture 2018-2020
Emerge 2019
High Tech High New School Creation 2020
EEC African American Psychologist Association 2021
HTH GSE 2022
QBHA 2026
Peer Recovery 2026
Course/Curriculum Designed:
Chakra Course/Instructor
HAART/Instructor
VPAC Curriculum
STLM
Anti-Racist and Accomplice
Current Board Service:
The Epitome of Black Excellence and Partnership
VISIT AND SUPPORT!
Previous Board Service:
Urban League of Metro Denver Board Chair
Aurora Cultural Affairs Commission
Women Foundation of Colorado- Women of Color Fund 2020-2023
RISE 5280 Founding Board President 2021-2024
Liberate Academy Charter School Founding Board Chair 2021-2023
Dr. Thomas Bouknight (Baba B),
Associate Director
Baba Bouknight holds Juris Doctorate, from Texas Southern; a Master of Arts in Education for Curriculum and Instruction Design and a Master of Arts in Coaching and Athletic Administration, both from Concordia University; A Master of Arts in Education Technology; and a Bachelor of Arts in political science
Certifications: Mid Management Administrator PreK-12; Elementary Self Contained 1-8;
Elementary History 1-8
Certification Programs: Graduate Studies/ Mid-Management
Elementary Education Certification (Texas Southern University)
VPAC SERVICE: Baba Bouknight guides the alignment of VPAC operations. As an Executive Team Member, he will assure as the VPAC network of independent schools expand, all School Leaders are coached and lead in the VPAC Educational Model.
VPAC SERVICE: As VPAC is expanding to meet the community demand of behavioral and mental health, we are looking for a Clinical Director that is character, mission, and vision aligned with the purpose of VPAC to provide additional support to our students, fafmilies, and community. VPAC is intentional about aligning with the right person.
If you, or someone you know is qualified and interested, please email your cover letter and resume to info@vpac2020.org!
Big Brother
Jalil Ridley
Healing Circle Coordinator
VPAC SERVICE: As a double major in Psychology and Business, at THE Grambling State University, Big Brother "Lil" has led the Healing Circle Initiative since he was a Youth Ambassador in 2020. He plans on continuing to graduate school to ultimatley become a VPAC Clinical Director.
Big Sister
Jyia Ridley
Education Coordinator
VPAC SERVICE: As a Philosophy and Pre-Law graduate from THE Morgan State University, Big Sister "Yai-Yai" has aided in the education development of VPAC since she was a Youth Ambassador in 2020. She plans on continuing to law school to ultimatley become a Civil and Family lawyer for the community.
Big Brother
Diego Gonzales
Arts Coordinator
VPAC SERVICE: As a Dance graduate from the University of Arizona, Big Brother Diego has aided in the dance development of VPAC since he was a Youth Ambassador in 2020. He currently is a professional resident dancer at Visceral Dance Chicago.
Meet the Board
Dedication. Expertise. Passion. Family. VILLAGE.
VPAC is blessed to have a consistent Board of community members who are dedicated and willing to serve.
Board Meetings
Board Retreat:
November 20, 2026 10AM-4PM
2027
Every last Saturday of even months
9AM-12PM on Zoom