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Our Team
Deborah Cohen is the Cofounder and Executive Director of Human In Common. By training, she is a high school social studies teacher with a focus in social justice education. Prior to Human In Common, she worked in human services and directed disability services offices on college campuses. Since 2017, she has been providing diversity training and consultation to nonprofit and business professionals across the US and internationally.
Viola Dean is a passionate and empathetic social worker with a Master of Social Work from Simmons University and over 10 years of experience supporting youth, particularly within the LGBTQ community. Viola specializes in providing counseling, advocacy, and resources to individuals navigating mental health issues, family dynamics, and life transitions. Her work is grounded in a strong belief in social justice and empowerment, with expertise in both community-based and clinical settings, she works to empower her clients, providing them with the tools and resources they need to achieve their personal goals.
Paul Dennis, MFA, graduated from The Juilliard School and performed world-wide with the Jose Limon modern dance company. Chair of the Dance Department at Hunter College, Paul is a performer, researcher, and lecturer, bringing a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens to local and national discussions on decolonizing arts curriculum, and using dance as a medium for healing. Paul became an advisor to Human In Common in 2017 and joined our team of trainers in 2021.
Tavis Carter holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Management and Leadership, is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor, and offers 20+ years of experience in health and human services. Tavis has taught college courses on Education, Oppression and Resistance and has served on numerous diversity committees focusing on operationalizing equity and inclusion. After attending several Human In Common trainings, Tavis joined Human In Common at the start of 2021. Tavis brings humor, empathy, and passion for sharing effective communication skills.
Kevin J. McCarthy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in assisting people with co-occurring disorders to find their pathway to recovery through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, utilizing a mindful approach to understanding the nature of complex trauma. He is the Clinical Coordinator for Substance Addiction Services at Eliot Community Human Services and serves on the board of the Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery.
Caleb Teachey is a former science teacher and wilderness therapy guide and joined the Human In Common team in 2021. Whether in school or in treatment settings, he is passionate about bringing nuance to conversations about gender. He identifies as transgender and nonbinary and has used those identities to inform his work with students, fellow educators, and therapy participants.
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