The Elijah Shivers JPS Foundation of Hope is governed by a Board of Directors. The board is comprised of family, friends, educators, and medical professionals all of whom care deeply about Elijah, our family, serving people, serving community and seeking the common good. We thank each of them for their service, leadership, time and dedication.
Board President – Dr. Sarena Shivers
Board Vice President – Asim Underwood
Board Secretary – Savannah Shivers
Board Treasurer – Erika Koeppe
ARI BARTOLACCI
Educator
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Ari Bartolacci is a relationship-centered educator who believes that strong connections form the foundation for meaningful learning. With nearly 15 years of experience in education, Ari is guided by the philosophy that every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and empowered. He works tirelessly to create inclusive environments where students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally.
As a dedicated advocate for students, families, and communities, Ari has built a career on fostering trust, collaboration, and a deep sense of belonging. Whether in the classroom, in school wide initiatives, or through partnerships with families, he continually strives to bridge gaps, celebrate diversity, and ensure that all learners have the tools and opportunities to thrive.
Known for a caring and compassionate approach, Ari works to inspire students not only to achieve but also to discover their own voices, strengths, and potential.
ASIM UNDERWOOD
CISSP-ISSEP
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Asim Underwood has served in various cybersecurity roles for the US Army for over 13 years, specializing in securing embedded operating systems and developing program protection plans for various Army platforms. With an undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering, a master’s in computer information systems, and multiple cybersecurity certifications, Asim brings deep technical expertise and a strong commitment to safeguarding critical systems.
Beyond his professional career, he is passionate about traveling, exploring new food cultures, and staying active through workouts and basketball. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in Oakland County, Michigan, he values family deeply, especially his role as an uncle to his niece and nephew. Guided by the motto “never give up and keep trying,” he is excited to bring his experience, dedication, and perspective to the Juvenile Polyposis Board of Directors.
CASSIA BLACK
BSN, RN, B.A.
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Cassia Black is a registered nurse with over 15 years of service. She has worked in a variety of health care settings, including an all-pediatric home care agency, caring for g-tube, trach, and ventilator dependent patients, corrections, assisted living, local travel and private duty nursing .
She is an alumna of Mercy High School, Wayne State University (B.A. in Sociology), Eastern Michigan University (BSN) and a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
In addition to working as a registered nurse, Cassia is a servant leader at New Way Christian Center and believes that nursing is a ministry that requires compassion, patience, critical thinking and displaying a genuine love for God’s people. She is a service-oriented person and continues to extend her love of service and sisterhood as an active member of Chi Eta Phi Sorority Inc, Sigma Theta Tau International Sorority, and the Eta Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
DEVVON WILCE
Former Educator
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Devvon Wilce is a former 35 year+ special education teacher with an additional few years working with patients and families at Mott Children’s Hospital, University of Michigan. Her life focus has always been to help, to be friendly and live life with ergonomics in mind. Outside of work she enjoys a multitude of sports, watching and participating and tries to travel with friends and family as much as possible. Devvon is married to her husband Steve and has three grown children.
ELIJAH SHIVERS
High School Student
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Elijah Shivers is a junior at Washtenaw Intermediate High School in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Elijah, for whom the foundation is named, was diagnosed with Juvenile Polyposis at the age of 3.
Dealing with this rare syndrome and other medical complications have not stopped Elijah from being a hardworking student. He also enjoys playing sports—especially football and playing video games.
In addition to being an advocate for himself in school and in with his care team, Elijah participates in the Ann Arbor Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Alpha Esquire program for young men.
ERIKA KOEPPE
MS, CCRP
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Erika Koeppe, MS, CCRP is a clinical research project manager for the University of Michigan Cancer Genetics Clinic, where she has worked since earning her master’s in public health in 2012. Her research background focuses on the epidemiology and prevention of cancer. She manages the clinic’s Cancer Genetics Registry and coordinates several interventional studies aimed at improving clinical outcomes among high-risk individuals. Her interactions with persons struggling with hereditary cancer have strongly impressed upon her the critical need for research, information, and support for these individuals and their families.
SAVANNAH SHIVERS
College Student
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Savannah Shivers is a sophomore at Michigan State University studying Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Youth and Society. Savannah has worked with elementary aged students for over two years as a community day care worker at Lawton Elementary School and Lead Teacher at Honey Creek Community School summer camp both in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
While in high school Savannah was not only committed to her academic pursuits but was also active in various clubs and organizations and served as the treasurer for both the Amnesty International Club and Black Student Union. She also volunteered at the local Ypsilanti Public Library. Both a former debutante and member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Sorrelle’s youth group, Savannah sought opportunities to shape her character and experiences while preparing for college.
Known to be a champion for social justice, Savannah has been called upon by school leadership to use her voice and advocacy to support others.
Upon completing her bachelors, Savannah plans on not only completing her master’s but pursuing a doctorate and becoming a licensed psychologist to serve youth. Savannah is also the older sister of Elijah Shivers.
SHYAM THAKKER
Educator
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Shyam Thakker is a multifaceted individual with a remarkable journey that has taken him from his birthplace in Kenya to his current home in Michigan. He lives with his parents and his 21-year-old daughter. With a professional background as a Behavior Specialist, Shyam’s passion for health and wellness led him to create his own venture, Desiboy Fitness.
Desiboy Fitness features a unique, AFAA-approved Bollywood Dance Fitness course developed by Shyam himself. He not only teaches the energetic dance fitness classes but also certifies new instructors, sharing his expertise and passion with others. The company also offers its own line of nutritional supplements.
Beyond his professional life, Shyam’s personal story is a testament to his resilience. A colon cancer survivor, he was also diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome, a rare genetic mutation. These experiences fueled his desire to inspire others, leading him to become a published author. He uses his platform to motivate people to never give up, drawing from his own experiences to encourage a positive and persistent outlook.
A man of many cultures, Shyam is of Indian heritage and speaks an impressive six languages. His life’s work and personal story reflect a deep commitment to helping others, whether through behavioral support, fitness, or inspirational writing.
YOLINE WILLIAMS
MS, BSN, RN, CNML
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Yoline M. Williams, MS, BSN, RN, CNML is a seasoned nursing leader with over three decades of experience across acute care, ambulatory services, and health system operations. Currently serving as a Senior Nursing Director at the University of Michigan Health System, Yoline oversees multiple ambulatory care sites, guiding strategic planning, clinical operations, and staff development.
Driven by a deep passion for belonging and inclusion, Yoline is committed to cultivating environments where both patients and healthcare professionals feel seen, heard, and valued. Her work is rooted in the belief that positive experiences—for patients and staff alike—are essential to delivering exceptional care. She is also a former DEI initiative leader, a member of the Health Equity Consult Service team and a long-time advocate for safe, effective, and equitable healthcare systems.
In addition to her clinical and leadership roles, Yoline brings experience in legal nurse consulting, nursing education, and community advocacy, including more than a decade of service on the Lincoln Consolidated Schools Board of Education.
DR. SARENA SHIVERS
CEO/Executive
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Dr. Sarena Shivers is currently the CEO/Executive Director of Michigan’s Talent Together, the nation’s largest registered apprentice program for teacher certification in the country and the largest grow-your-own program in Midwest.
With over three decades of experience in education – including over 20 years as an administrator. Dr. Shivers has a profound background of serving children, families and educators. Her career has spanned roles as a teacher, principal, program director, assistant superintendent and superintendent. In 2018, Dr. Shivers was recognized as a nominee for Michigan’s Superintendent of the Year. Most recently, she served as the Deputy Executive Director of Professional Learning for the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators (MASA), where she supported and fostered professional growth for superintendents and education leaders statewide.
In addition to her storied career as a school leader, Dr. Shivers has also earned national recognition, including serving a four-year term on the Board of Directors for the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASDC). Known for her compassionate, adaptive, and resilient approach Sarena has made a tremendous impact on the education landscape here in the state of Michigan. In 2025, Dr. Shivers also launched her own leadership pipeline program—Midwest School Leaders of Color Network. Sarena is focused on leaving a legacy of BIPOC principals, central office administrators and superintendents in Michigan and 5 surrounding Midwest states.
Dr. Shivers stays close to teaching and learning and has remained on faculty at Eastern, Concordia and Madonna Universities working with undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level education candidates.
On a personal level, Sarena is a writer and enjoys writing poetry and short stories. Dr. Shivers for years has worked across business, ministry and the healthcare sector and trains in ministry, public speaking, and public safety. She is active in the community through various board appointments, organizations, volunteerism and social justice/ equity activism. Education at every level and in every way has and will always be her purpose and passion!
Amongst her most important titles, Sarena is the mother to four children and a grandson. Elijah Shivers, whom the foundation is named, is the youngest of her four children.
The Elijah Shivers JPS Foundation of Hope 