26 Yrs of
Service
ABOUT RZ THE FLAGS
RzTheFlags Inc. builds on a legacy that began in 1999 with the establishment of the Theresa A. Mason Foundation. In 2016, the organization evolved into RzTheFlags Inc., expanding its scope to better serve individuals and families navigating complex life challenges.
Over the years, we identified a growing need among those we serve—many of whom are justice-involved—for support related to mental health, substance use, and housing instability.
Today, RzTheFlags provides peer-led behavioral health support, combining lived experience with clinical collaboration to deliver services that are structured, relatable, and impactful for the communities we serve.
Tonja Lewis, CPRS
Founder & President
Tonja Lewis is a service provider, author, speaker, and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) based in New Jersey. She is the Founder and President of RzTheFlags Inc., a peer-led behavioral health organization serving individuals impacted by trauma, substance use, housing instability, and justice system involvement.
Tonja is the creator and owner of the Mirror, Mirror Project, a justice-involved curriculum designed for youth and adults, focused on accountability, emotional intelligence, and life transformation. She is also the author of Stolen Innocence, a life-based story that highlights the experiences of women impacted by sexual abuse and trauma.
Her work centers on creating structured, relatable support systems that bridge lived experience with behavioral health services, positioning her as a leader in peer-led engagement and recovery-focused programming.
Tamika Flores
BTH, MA, (Doctoral Candidate)
Vice President
Tamika Flores provides leadership support, program development, and strategic community engagement for RzTheFlags Inc. She has extensive experience advising leadership, coordinating initiatives, and supporting underserved communities through structured programming.
Tamika is a coach and mentor to emerging leaders and has a strong background in project management within school systems serving underserved populations. Her work focuses on strengthening leadership capacity and advancing impactful community-based initiatives.
Ayana Thomas, BA, GC-C
Founder, Grieving Back to Life
Ayana Thomas is a Grief Coach, author, and the Founder of Grieving Back to Life, a platform dedicated to supporting individuals navigating loss, trauma, and life transitions.
With lived experience and professional training, Ayana creates safe, supportive spaces for individuals—particularly women impacted by trauma and the justice system—to process grief and rebuild their lives. Her work integrates emotional support, community connection, and personal development.
Meet Our Team
Aniyah Pollard
Secretary
Aniyah supports program operations and community engagement initiatives, assisting in connecting clients to services and resources.
Regina Fitch,
LCSW
Clinical Oversight Partner & Licensed Supervisor
Founder of Sankofa Love LLC, Regina provides oversight for supportive services and plays a key role in supervising interns and program development.
Shavon Bell
CMHP
Clinical Mental
Health Professional
Shavon Bell is a Clinical Mental Health Professional providing trauma-informed group and individual services aligned with behavioral health standards. She supports individuals impacted by trauma, substance use, and justice involvement while ensuring clinical quality, proper documentation, and compliance with program requirements.
Qamar Carr
Director of Grants &
Financial Compliance
Qamar Carr oversees grant management, financial reporting, and compliance for RzTheFlags Inc. She manages budgets, tracks funding, and ensures all programs meet state and federal requirements, supporting the organization’s financial stability and continued growth.
Tyherra Sutton
Justice Systems Liaison
Tyherra Sutton serves as the Justice Systems Liaison, supporting coordination and communication between RzTheFlags Inc. and justice-related systems. Her role focuses on strengthening relationships, supporting justice-involved individuals, and ensuring access to services and resources.
Sabryia Reese
CEO of Image Maters LLC
Development & Communications Specialist
Sabryia serves as the Development & Communications Specialist for RzTheFlags, supporting the organization’s growth through grant development, strategic communications, and digital presence. She assists in researching funding opportunities, contributing to grant proposals, and organizing program information to align with funder requirements.
In her communications role, Sabryia manages website updates, supports content creation, and ensures that RzTheFlags’ messaging reflects its mission as a Peer-Led Behavioral Health Support provider. She helps highlight community impact, partnerships, and services through clear, consistent communication across platforms.
Her role is essential in strengthening visibility, supporting funding efforts, and maintaining alignment between RzTheFlags’ programs and its public presence
Board of Directors
Tonja Lewis,
CPRS
Board President
Tonja Lewis is a service provider, author, speaker, and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) based in New Jersey. She is the Founder and President of RzTheFlags Inc., a peer-led behavioral health organization serving individuals impacted by trauma, substance use, housing instability, and justice system involvement.
Malcolm Haynes
Board Member
Malcolm Haynes has an extensive background in serving youth and adults in underserved communities. He has served on multiple boards, providing guidance and insight to leadership on issues related to the community, justice system involvement, and youth development.
Malcolm is committed to supporting individuals facing barriers such as school disengagement and justice system challenges, helping to inform strategies that create pathways for growth and stability.
Pamela McCauley
Board Member
Pamela McCauley is the Director of Victims of Crime Services for the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. She is dedicated to supporting survivors of crime by connecting them to critical resources and guidance throughout the legal process, while working collaboratively with community partners and law enforcement.
Financial Oversight
Vernon Gatling
Treasurer
Vernon Gatling brings over 25 years of management and execution experience across multiple industries, including finance and behavioral health. He has a strong background in multitasking, project management, and operating in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
Vernon specializes in prudent expense management, capital deployment, and financial oversight, with experience supporting both corporate and municipal treasury operations.
Mary Baker, CPA
Financial Consultant
Mary Baker is a Certified Public Accountant and the owner of Baker Tax & Accounting. She brings value to the marketplace by helping businesses grow operations, solve financial challenges, and strategically plan for long-term success.
Mary provides financial insight, structure, and guidance to support organizational stability and sustainability.
In 2016, we rebranded as Rz The Flags to better align with the evolving needs of our clients.
Today, Rz The Flags remains committed to advocating for vulnerable populations, providing resources, support, and a platform for change within our communities. Through our programs and outreach efforts, we strive to foster understanding, build resilience, and empower individuals to reclaim their lives. This transformation reflects our dedication to serving and helping individuals who are victims of domestic violence, sex trafficking, individuals who suffer with mental health conditions, substance abuse, individuals who are affected by homelessness (neighbors without address) and individuals who are individuals impacted by sexual assault, mental health challenges, and substance use.
At RzTheFlags, we strive to create an inclusive environment where individuals can seek help without stigma. Our focus on integrated care allows us to address both mental health and substance use issues alongside the justice-involved individuals needs of our clients. Together, we can break the silence and foster a community of support and healing.
We build for people
The organization partnered with The City of Newark, OVPTR (The Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery) Brick City Peace Collective, The H.E.L.P CENTER, Rainfoundation, Helms Medical Services, Office of the Public Defender (Newark, NJ) , and Sankofa Love LLC to deliver critical support services to women and men that are in crisis and transition. RzTheFlags has also played a significant role in spreading awareness through educational initiatives in the school districts in the state of New Jersey.