Our Team
Garrick Thames, Founder & ED
Garrick Thames is the visionary founder and driving force behind Lives Are Meant to Be Changed. A Boston native with a deeply personal connection to the challenges we address, Garrick’s journey from adversity to empowerment is at the heart of our mission. Growing up in Roxbury and overcoming obstacles such as substance abuse, early fatherhood, and incarceration, Garrick transformed his life through education, faith, and an unwavering commitment to community service.
Armed with his GED, a degree from Urban Ministry at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and the powerful lessons from his life experiences, Garrick set out to make a difference. He is not only an author of inspiring books like "Why I Hated Oprah" and "The Three Princes of Roxbury" but also a motivational speaker and life coach renowned for his ability to connect with and uplift those around him.
Garrick’s dedication to change lives is reflected in every aspect of our organization. Under his leadership, Lives Are Meant to Be Changed has grown into a beacon of hope, offering comprehensive support to those in need. His story is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, faith, and the belief that every life is meant to be changed.
Lisa S. Thompson, Board Chair
Lisa S. Thompson chairs our board and brings with her a wealth of business experience, most notably as an expert in profitable growth. Together with her teams, she has driven $ in revenue for her B2B clients in the technology, manufacturing, medical devices, and services sectors. Lisa is a passionate advocate for social causes, leveraging her skills for nonprofit board roles and advisory services, particularly in areas concerning housing and sustainable employment for Boston's homeless community.
Her journey in the business world took a transformative turn after completing her MBA at Babson College, known for its leadership in entrepreneurial education. Lisa was a leader at Strategic Pricing Group, Monitor Group, and Deloitte Consulting, LLC. She founded Sturbridge Growth Partners in 2017 to bring top-tier pricing & profitable growth expertise to B2B clients at more affordable rates.
Lisa's governance experience is extensive, with roles on multiple corporate and nonprofit boards, where she is known for her courageous leadership and strategic insight. Her involvement with "Lives Are Meant To Be Changed" is a continuation of her life's work—using her expertise to support meaningful change and positively impact the Boston community as well as driving social impact through entrepreneurship on the continent of Africa.
Michiko Andrade, Board Member
Miko Andrade has a rich and diverse background in public health, private healthcare, human services, and corporate environments. Most recently, she has held roles such as Interim Vice President and Director of Communications for an organization dedicated to championing the interests of community health centers across Massachusetts, developing and implementing communication strategies that align with the organization’s strategic goals and mission. She proficiently oversaw both internal and external communication initiatives, leading publication activities, and managing traditional and social media inquiries
She has been instrumental in developing and implementing communication strategies that align with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health—Public Health Hospital System’s strategic goals and mission. At Beth Israel Lahey Health, she oversaw internal communication initiatives for 16 Behavioral Services Programs and implemented a comprehensive communication plan for the implementation of a Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC). Her extensive experience and strategic vision support Lives Are Meant to be Changed in achieving organizational success.
Fred Bernabe, Board Member
Fred Bernabe is an experienced mental health therapist, facilitator, trainer, licensed math teacher, entrepreneur, and equity advocate. Native to Boston, Massachusetts, Fred originates from Dorchester. As a posse scholar, Fred graduated from Hamilton College where he majored in philosophy and played rugby. After working in law enforcement for many years, he later attended Cambridge College where he majored in mental health counseling and obtained his master’s in education. As a first-generation Haitian American, Fred is fluent in the languages of Haitian Creole, American Sign language. As a current leadership psychology doctoral student at William James College, Fred is focused on bringing his organizational development skills and insight to the communities he serves and the people he supports.Currently, Fred Bernabe is Senior Director of Community Education and Outreach at Samaritan's Hope.
Desiree Simmons
Desiree is a values-driven professional and leader having served the nonprofit sector for over 20 years. Her marketing, social media, and donor cultivation experience at Father’s Uplift, Brigham & Women’s Hospital Physician’s Organization, and Smart from the Start make her a highly valuable member of our Board. Outside of her professional roles, Desiree is a community activist who has served such organizations as National Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts and NAACP of Boston. Additional areas of expertise include event management, budget management, mentoring & training. Desiree received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration at Framingham State University.
Mission Statment
Empower individuals facing the challenges of substance abuse, mental health issues, and societal reintegration by providing access to essential services and resources. We are committed to bridging the gap between those in need and the support systems that can foster their journey towards self-sufficiency and well-being
Our Partners
