Meet The Team

John K Carlson is the Executive Director of Transformation to Recovery (TTR), and he serves as

the Deacon of Recovery and Addiction at Christ Church. John holds three business degrees,

including an MBA. John started volunteering for PRO-ACT (Philadelphia Recovery Organization

Achieving Community Together), encouraging his experience with addiction services. After

receiving his CRS (Certified Recovery Specialist), he acquired a staff position with PRO-ACT as

volunteer coordinator and the Philadelphia Peer Leadership Academy Instructor. John has

worked with TTR for 10 years since 2014 when it started as a meeting in his home.

Dr. Rayvann Kee II is a clinical psychologist who services Philadelphia and surrounding areas. His areas of specialty fall at the intersection of spirituality, psychology, and business. He has training in the areas of substance use treatment and organizational psychology. He considers himself as having a strong faith background which he incorporates in the work he does on missions, outreaches, and presentations locally and internationally. 

Tamika Johnson is a systems advocate with over 20 years worth of experience working within the behavioral health and special education field. She specializes in empowering individuals and families to become stronger advocates for themselves in the systems of care.  By applying her personal and professional lived experiences to help others. Her hands-on knowledge in these vital areas supports family efforts in systems navigation and hopes of inspiring them. It is light at the end of the tunnel. In her downtime when she’s not advocating a system with families, she enjoys baking, dancing and spending time with family and friends. 

Tanisha Palmer is a steadfast Community Wellness Specialist and the visionary founder of In The Eyes of Grieving Mothers. Her relocation from Chester, Pennsylvania, to Philadelphia in 2008 marked the beginning of a profoundly impactful journey dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities grappling with gun violence, trauma, and substance use disorders.

With over a decade of recovery experience, Tanisha Palmer is a seasoned trauma-informed care specialist, First Aid Mental Health Instructor, and Certified Recovery/Peer Specialist. Her extensive expertise allows her to share evidence-based healing methods, life skills, and recovery support globally, making a significant difference in the lives of countless individuals striving for healing and resilience.

Tanisha’s advocacy work is both profound and far-reaching. She has guided thousands through the arduous grief journey, helping them craft self-care plans that nurture resilience and hope. As a Motivational Speaker and Peer Family/Youth Advocate, Tanisha provides empathetic and compassionate support to adolescents battling substance abuse disorders, showcasing a deep understanding of their struggles and a relentless commitment to their recovery.

Tanisha Palmer's mission is to be a beacon of strength and support, helping others manage and overcome recurrent emotional trauma. Through her tireless work and personal journey, Tanisha inspires and uplifts those facing their darkest moments, showing them the path to recovery and hope.

As a child Mary has always had a humanitarian heart, she often dreamed of working in health-

related services, and with children. Early in her career she volunteered across the country, worked

with children in residential, social service, Juvenile Justice, academic, behavioral health, and addiction

settings. Utilizing her BA in Psychology from LaSalle University, and her professional

experience. Mary was afforded the opportunity to work with children and families for the City of

Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, Faith and

Spiritual Affairs, where she worked as a Program Analyst for over two decades until she retired in

2019. Once Ms. Harper retired, she continued her humanitarian efforts by volunteering for the

Southeastern Region of American Red Cross as the Lead Volunteer, of Services to Armed Services,

Resiliency program, Disasters Services and on thelocal national Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

committee.

Mary is also on the Board of Directors Foundation for Health Equity, was on the Board of

Trustee’s for Mission Seminary and UR Storytellers. Ms. Harper has a long history of advocating for

children, and families. She continues to work tirelessly to abolish food insecurity and increase

equity for marginalized communities. Mary was invited to the “White House” and was

recognized for her work in educating communities of faith on the healthcare law, known as the

“Affordable Care Act. In 2012 she implemented and sustained “Mental Health First Aid.” Over 1000K people have been trained. Mary’s greatest accomplishment is her ability to work in the community provide, a safe space and find common ground to develop trust. She is a

proud mom of two daughters and three wonderful grandchildren. She also volunteered to work as a” Pit Crew” for a national bike race.