Board & Staff

Erica (she/her) is an Arizona native with a deep passion for racial and social equity. Erica has a strong background in program and workforce development that supports the community she serves. Her 28-year career in public health focused on eliminating health disparities by addressing community health needs and social determinants of health through the development, implementation and evaluation of innovative, sustainable, and replicable programs, policies, and systems.

Erica has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Health Education and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management. Erica serves on various committees across the community including the Tucson Juneteenth Committee, AZ Public Health Association and the African American Health and Wellness Coalition.

Paul (They/Them) is relatively new to Tucson, originally from Wilmington, Delaware. Paul has worked in the field of Youth and Community Development for over 7 years. Their team provided education on topics including but not limited to reproductive health, healthy relationships, effective communication, consent, toxic masculinity, substance abuse, homophobia, transphobia, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. They are the former United Way of Delaware Pride Council Co-Chair where they helped provide support for LGBTQ+ adults and youth throughout the state. Paul believes strongly that providing youth with the tools for critical thinking, the ability to create an open mindset, and safe spaces for youth to discover who they truly are without judgement is key to helping create sustainable change in our world.

They are able to provide trainings, workshops, and presentations on topics including but not limited to reproductive health, consent, effective communication, toxic masculinity, and LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination.

In their role as Program Manager, Paul supports the collaborative vision for our mentorship programs with a deep understanding of the systemic roots contributing to the need for this work, and adapts to emergent dynamics within the communities we serve. They work with staff to coordinate program logistics, planning, and assessment to ensure growth and impact across the community.

Justin "JAH" Hopkins earned his Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. With a deep commitment to supporting youth, he has gained valuable experience working with organizations such as Youth on Their Own, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and Communities in Schools.

Now serving as a Program Manager with Boys to Men Tucson, Justin is dedicated to creating equitable access to mentorship for all boys and male-identified youth, with a strong focus on supporting BIPOC communities. His work reflects the organization's mission to nurture safe, inclusive spaces where young people can connect with trusted, culturally relevant mentors.

In addition to his work with youth, JAH is a lover of all things art. JAH is a gifted Chef and highly skilled Pastry Artist with a passion for serving. His unique combination of God given culinary talent and commitment to youth development led him to Arizona, where he continues to pursue both his love for baking and his passion for empowering the next generation.

Clarence "Tre" is originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and relocated to Tucson, Arizona, where he attended Tucson High School and later earned degrees from Northern Arizona University. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Master of Public Administration, and a Master of Education.

Tre brings a strong background in behavioral health, education, and youth-centered community work across Pima County. His experience includes working with young people in a Level I hospital setting, charter schools, and multiple school districts.

Driven by a commitment to youth development and healthy masculinity, Tre is passionate about creating accessible community and creative spaces where young people can build skills, connection, and confidence. He is also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, an organization rooted in the principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift.

Jabril Thomas is a community-centered program leader, youth mentor, and advocate dedicated to creating sustainable, prevention-focused impact across the Tucson community. He currently serves as the Program Manager for the Substance Abuse Strategy Grant at Boys to Men Tucson.

Jabril’s professional background includes experience working in public housing with the City of Tucson, as well as entrepreneurial leadership managing a local real estate portfolio focused on long-term housing stability and community investment. His work consistently centers on improving quality of life, expanding access to resources, and strengthening pathways toward independence and self-sufficiency for youth and families.

Deeply rooted in community engagement, Jabril partners in large-scale outreach initiatives including annual backpack and school supply drives, Thanksgiving and Christmas grocery giveaways, and student shopping sprees that directly support underserved families. In addition to his program leadership, he serves as a youth mentor providing individually tailored academic advising for students from middle school through undergraduate levels, along with resume workshopping and strategic guidance for both youth and adults.

Jabril holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Business Administration, combining behavioral insight with operational and program management expertise. His leadership philosophy centers on community investment, empowerment, and sustainability—believing that the most effective prevention work reduces dependency, increases independence, and strengthens the long-term resilience of individuals, families, and communities.

Born and raised in Tucson, Gabriel’s path has not always been one of positive influence in his community. However, after graduating from Pueblo High School, he committed himself to growth and service. He earned multiple certificates from Pima Community College in Fitness and Wellness Coaching, Weight Management, and Group Fitness, followed by a Business Management certificate from the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management, where he sharpened his skills in organizing and leading group fitness classes in boxing, kickboxing, and volleyball.

Gabriel’s passion for community work deepened through a 10-month social work apprenticeship at Arizona State University’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation. There, he helped organize professional development workshops and led a youth council designed to re-engage young adults (ages 16–24) in education and the workforce.

Now, at 21 years old, Gabriel balances pursuing his athletic goals with the Mexican Volleyball National Rocky Point Team while serving as a Core Mentor with Boys to Men Tucson. Bilingual in English and Spanish, he expands the accessibility and cultural responsiveness of BTMT programming, strengthening its capacity to connect with and serve diverse youth across Tucson. Drawing from his lived experience, Gabriel is committed to guiding, uplifting, and creating safe spaces for the next generation of Tucson youth.

Owen has been in Tucson since 2015, when they moved here from Northern New Mexico and began high school. Graduating from University High School and the University of Arizona, Owen wants to continue their studies through Arizona State University’s master’s of Social Work program.

They have experience in residential behavioral health, case management in public housing, and has been volunteering with Boys to Men since late 2024. Owen has interest in learning more about community work, therapeutic group settings, and substance treatment.

Owen enjoys and has participated in Tucson’s vibrant music scene and enjoys playing all different genres and styles of music. They intend on creating more community and creative spaces that are safe and inclusive, especially for the youth. Through their work experiences and by being a part of the Tucson community, Owen has realized the significance of such spaces, and wishes to expand their ability to create and grow community involvement.

Coletyn (he/him) was born in Arizona, but spent his early developmental years living amongst many diverse communities throughout the United States, allowing him to approach spaces with a unique perspective. As someone who has struggled with identity and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community himself, he takes extra care to curate spaces that allow youth to show up as their authentic selves free of judgment.

Coletyn values supporting youth and building strong relationships in his community and puts in energy to find work that reflects those values. Previously he worked as a youth summer camp counselor where he was in charge of the safety and coordination of a group of boys in their early teens. As well as, while a residential trainee at Fred G. Acosta Job Corps, he was a member of the Y2Y program and participated in volunteer tasks, and a member of the Student Government.

Russhon Armstrong is a Tucson native who is deeply committed to supporting youth and giving back to the community that helped shape him. After spending time in Atlanta, Russhon returned to Arizona to complete his education and continue building his path in youth development and mentorship.

Russhon attended Arizona Western College and later Concordia University, where he was a student-athlete. Through his athletic experience, he developed strong skills in teamwork, discipline, communication, and leadership. He earned his degree in Mass Communication, a field that reflects his natural ability to connect with others and communicate effectively.

Today, Russhon channels his passion for mentorship through coaching high school track and football, where he focuses not only on athletic performance but on helping young people grow as individuals. He believes sports can be a powerful tool for teaching responsibility, confidence, and personal development. Russhon is known for his strong communication skills, organization, and his ability to build positive relationships with youth. As a coach, he emphasizes development, teamwork, and learning the game in a way that builds character both on and off the field.

Russhon is also a proud father to his 14-year-old daughter, and being a parent further fuels his commitment to helping young people succeed.

He is excited to join Boys to Men Tucson as a Core Mentor because the organization’s mission aligns closely with the work he already does through coaching. Russhon values creating supportive spaces where youth can grow, learn, and have fun while developing the skills they need to succeed in life.

Frankie Trotty III is a dedicated mentor and youth advocate with a strong commitment to supporting others and building meaningful connections. Originally from Iowa, Frankie relocated to Tucson two years ago and has since become an engaged member of the local community.

Frankie brings a natural entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for building, both in terms of ideas and relationships. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys collecting and selling designer watches, an interest that reflects his attention to detail and drive.

Prior to joining Boys to Men Tucson, Frankie worked as a Youth Engagement Specialist, where he supported young people in navigating housing and employment opportunities. This experience strengthened his ability to meet youth where they are and provide practical, relationship-centered support.

At Boys to Men Tucson, Frankie is excited to continue helping others while growing in his role as a mentor. He is particularly interested in developing his facilitation skills and contributing to the organization’s restorative group mentoring model. Frankie values the supportive team environment at BTMT, where he feels comfortable asking for guidance without judgment, and he strives to model that same sense of trust and openness with the youth he serves.

Bertrand Marcus Shoberg Jr. is a leader, creative, and community advocate dedicated to restoration, resilience, and legacy-building. With a diverse background spanning grassroots community organizing, professional transportation, and music, he brings a grounded and multifaceted perspective to his work and leadership.

Since 2008, Bertrand has been deeply engaged in community restoration efforts, focusing on empowerment and helping individuals reclaim and redefine their narratives. His work reflects a long-standing commitment to creating pathways for others to stand strong in their identity and purpose.

As a storyteller and musician, Bertrand explores themes of survival, growth, and transformation, using creative expression to connect with others on a human level. His approach is rooted in both lived experience and intentional reflection, blending historical awareness with a forward-thinking mindset.

Bertrand’s work is centered on mentorship, leadership, and strategic growth. He is passionate about guiding others through practical wisdom and real-life insight, while also contributing to systems that uplift and strengthen communities. Whether mentoring youth, supporting community initiatives, or creating music, his mission remains clear: to turn challenges into catalysts for change and to lead with integrity, strength, and purpose.