Our Team
Garrick Thames, Founder & Executive Director
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.
Cornelius Hood, Director of Coaching & Outreach
Cornelius Hill’s transformation journey began on January 28, 2003. After years of addiction, he committed to recovery through Narcotics Anonymous and rebuilt his life from the ground up. He launched a small business selling sneakers and clothing—and began giving away shoes and outfits to men and women returning from prison. What started as a gesture of dignity has grown into a mission of compassion.
A cancer survivor living with diabetes, he founded Mellitus to raise awareness about the disease and to show that with discipline and care, it can be managed. When the crisis at Mass and Cass worsened, he stepped in - not with judgment, but with love. He began personally driving people to detox, reminding them that someone cares.
His work is simple and profound: meet people where they are, remind them they are loved, and walk beside them as they reclaim their lives.
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. She and her team have driven $billions in revenue for B2B companies 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. 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 entrepreneurial expertise to support meaningful change in Boston and 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, Board Member
Desiree is a seasoned nonprofit administrator and change agent with experience in multiple aspects of nonprofit operations including: Event Management & Planning, Resource Management, Grants, Fundraising, Budget Management, Program Development, and Social Media and Marketing.
She has worked for several prestigious organizations in the Boston area including Smart from the Start, Father's Uplift, and Mass General Brigham.
Desiree holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Framingham State University and is a member of the National Urban League and the NAACP.
John D. Rogol
John Rogol is a senior finance executive and CPA who has served as a divisional CFO for most of his career for several premier names in financial services including Fidelity and TIAA where he supported various divisions ranging from sales, wealth management, marketing, client services, technology and procurement. John currently consults with several non-profits through his firm, Admiralty Business Services.
He is past president of the Boston Chapter of Financial Executives International and continues to serve on several committees including Academic Relations. John is a graduate of Babson College and currently serves on its Board of Advisors.
Mission Statement
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
