Our Board of Directors

---

Anthony Patterson is a Lockport native and has been an educator at City Springs Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore, MD since 2015. He received his bachelor's degree at St. Lawrence University in 2010, double majoring in History and Mathematics, and received his Master's Degree in Education from Niagara University in 2012. In 2014, Anthony made the move to Baltimore and taught middle school History to 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade scholars at City Springs. However, in 2020, with our nation's continual struggle with race and equality heightened by the George Floyd situation and the pandemic, Anthony and another teacher advocated for a new position at City Springs that focused on equitable practices and policies that would provide a better educational experience for the students and families of color that represents the majority of City Springs' population. In 2021, the Principal at City Springs created a new role where Mr. Patterson came out of the classroom and became the Director of Equity and Anti-racism. In this new role, Anthony continues to lead Professional Development for teachers on how to be anti-racist educators, observes teachers to ensure a more culturally responsive curriculum, leads presentations for scholars that deal with their own identities, and provides scholars with leadership opportunities throughout the school.

Nicole's professional work is cemented in helping others through social work and psychotherapy. She is a licensed Master Social Worker II-R and is employed at the New York State (NYS) Office of Mental Health. She is also a Private Practitioner, LCSW specializing in forensic social work and providing psychotherapy. 

Nicole has over 25 years of experience working in state and county government agencies helping youth and adults with mental health issues. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Health and Human Services with a minor in African American History and a Master’s Degree in Social Work Concentration: Mental Health from the University at Buffalo, she is currently working on her second master’s in legal studies at Arizona State University. 

Nicole has received many community awards documenting her work and is passionate about social justice and helping women transition from prison to the community, she is the youngest of 13 children and the mother of three. 

Taylor M. Haines is the CEO & Principal of Encompass Agency, Inc. and Jordan First Insurance. The Encompass family of companies operates in seven states, serving more than 2,000 policyholders with regional offices in Buffalo, Syracuse, Lyndonville, and Akron, OH. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University at Buffalo (2013) and a Master of Science in HR Management from SUNY Buffalo State College (2016). He is originally from the Finger Lakes and lives in South Buffalo with his wife Megan and two children Ada and Dax. As treasurer of The Atmosphere Salon, Taylor is the financial watchdog on all assets of the salon and oversees all financial transactions of the company. 

Jasmine is the owner of J26 Salon and Beauty by Choice Hair Extensions located in Amherst, NY. Jasmine has over 8 years of experience in the beauty industry. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology from SUNY Buffalo State College and is a graduate of Empire Beauty School. Jasmine's goal is to use her work to help individuals become the best version of themselves with the hope that they may be inspired to do the same. Jasmine lives in Buffalo, NY. 

Kathy Weaver is the owner of Creekside Hair Studio located in Newfane, NY, where she lives with her husband Jerry, Mother Eva, and two dogs, Ginger and Salty. Kathy has over 40 years of experience as a stylist and has previously worked in retail. She is a graduate of Lockport High School and completed her cosmetology training from the Orleans-Niagara Board of Cooperative Educational Services (ONBOCES) and furthered her education at Bruno's Hair School in Toronto, Canada. Kathy likes to develop and improve her skills as a stylist by attending hair shows, seminars, and classes. She is a past member of the Junior Service League and donates her time by giving back to her community.