meet our team

Dr. Remolia Simpson is the founder of My Brother's House (MBH), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides safe, supportive housing and counseling for homeless US military veterans and their families. Under her leadership, MBH has become a nationwide charity, operating residences in several states, and working closely with the Veterans Administration and other veterans' advocacy groups. Dr. Simpson's educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Management Studies, a master's degree in Human Services (MA), and a doctorate in Biblical Counseling. In addition, Dr. Simpson has directed a comprehensive day program serving 360 mental health and special-needs clients, in which she supervised staff counselors and caseworkers in the Washington, D.C. area. Dr. Simpson earned an honorable discharge from the US Army as a Sergeant (E-5), after six years of distinguished service to her country. Today, Dr. Simpson continues to perform counseling services, and lead My Brothers House as it grows and moves forward into a bright future. 

Cynthia Julien has been a Program Manager for over 30 years in IT Management, (5 years of Data Center management, 15 years of program/project management, 5 years of Offering Development, and 30 years of leading IT professionals). Cynthia has extensive experience forming high-performance teams that arise to any challenge. A graduate of Bellevue University, Cynthia holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management. She also holds a Master of Science Degree in Technology Management from George Mason University and holds a graduate certificate from the Federal CIO in Federal Executive Competencies. Cynthia has always had a “give back” mentality. She is a retired Chief Master Sergeant, United States Air Force, and while serving, she organized Thanksgiving baskets and Secret Santa campaigns to ensure young military families had help during the holidays. She has worked as a volunteer for the Special Olympics and helped raise funds for homeless and less fortunate children. She also worked as a volunteer at a women’s shelter helping battered women transition from their old lives to new beginnings, whether it was dressing for interviews, or prepping for interviews. In her free time, she fancies herself as a chef, skills she uses in her local church in the culinary ministry. She has one son and four grandchildren to keep her busy.

Aleeta Gardner performs due diligence, maintains and manages the financial affairs of My Brother’s House (MBH) to ensure its continued success as a sustainable public charity. Aleeta brings her two decades of IT experience as a Financial Systems Analyst, Project Manager, and Software Development Manager (15 years of Data Warehouse and Project Management, 10 years of Software Development Management), to My Brothers House. Her expertise in managing high-performance software development teams serves us well. A graduate of George Mason University, Aleeta holds a bachelor’s degree in Government and Politics, a Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate from the Project Management Institute and a Leading Scaled Agile Framework certificate from Scaled Agile, Inc. Aleeta is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where they have partnered with local communities, regional and national organizations to solve problems by providing programs of service at home and abroad. She is also a member and a two-term past President of Mt. Vernon Rotary Club in Alexandria, VA where she was awarded grants to give to area organizations for their contributions to the community. She also organized an Opioid Forum that brought local police, schools, and the community together to bring awareness to the crisis in their community. On her own, she has organized dozens of Sunday dinner feedings for the local homeless community to ensure the homeless community was fed when shelters were closed. In her volunteer work at a Washington, D.C. area church, Aleeta was instrumental in transforming the youth ministry. She created weekly feeding programs, clothes closets, and numerous events to keep children safe including teaching and mentoring children and teens several times a week. In her free time, Aleeta enjoys reading and learning about the challenges people with disabilities face. Her goal is to contribute to the disabled community by helping to fund and lead companies whose focus is on creating solutions to make their lives better.

Joanna Mason serves as My Brothers House (MBH) “Communicator in Chief,” and provides safekeeping of all official contracts and records. Joanna is also responsible for preparing minutes, reviewing key policies, initiating board amendment processes, editing and approving policies/procedures, and contributing to the leadership development processes. Joanna currently serves as a Human Resources Analyst for the Department of the Army. She has served in this role for a little over 2 years. Prior to her role with the government, she served as Legal Operations Manager for an oil and gas corporation in San Antonio, TX, until the company was acquired. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Leadership from Capella University and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Saint Leo University. Her certifications include an American Alliance Certified Paralegal and a Certified eDiscovery Specialist. Joanna is a retired Master Sergeant from the United States Army with her role culminating as the Command Paralegal of the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, CO. She received the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for her service to the community with youth sports and the Girl Scouts. She also served as a VETS Steering Committee member for her prior organization, providing guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for Veterans in the workforce, and serving in the community in support of Veterans. She is the mother of four and the wife of another retired Army Veteran with over 32 years of service. In her free time, she dedicates her time to family, friends, fellow Veterans, and pursues her passion for small home renovations.

Beverly Sowell is a native of Columbia, SC. She is the Fundraiser and Logistics Coordinator for the My Brother’s House 501(c)(3). She coordinates with local transportation agencies to ensure homeless veterans can be placed in a My Brothers House facility upon receiving notification. Beverly has worked in Logistics for over 30 years within Department of Defense. She spent 20 years on active duty, 10 years enlisted and 10 years as a Chief Warrant Officer. She retired from the Army in 2003, however she’s currently working as a Department of the Army Civilian. A graduate of Grantham University, Beverly holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She also holds a certificate in Human Resources and Fleet Management. Beverly has a passion for people specifically for children, she likes to ensure that they are provide the essentials they need to have a healthy and safe environment. She became a member of the Junior Women’s Club of Columbia, SC in 2009 where she held the position as recording secretary. The Junior Women’s mission is to provide quality, temporary emergency care for child victims of abuse and neglect. Beverly loved being a part of this non-profit organization, they would host an annual fund-raising event for the Palmetto Children’s Home called “Bubbles and Baubles” where who’s who in Columbia, SC would attend. She enjoyed visiting the children at the home, she would engage with the children by playing board games or just sitting and talking. Fun facts: Beverly loves motorcycles it doesn’t matter the style or the number of wheels, she purchased her first motorcycle in 2007, it was a blue 750 Honda Shadow Spirit (two wheels). She kept that motorcycle until 2016 and upgraded to a Canam Spyder (three wheels). It is nothing like a little wind therapy to calm the soul.

Sherry Banks serves as an Event Coordinator for the My Brother’s House 501(c)(3) Public Charity. As a Event Coordinator she’s an active advocate and ambassador for the organization and fully engages in identifying partnerships and sponsors for charity events for My Brother’s House to advance its mission. She has been a Telecommunication Supervisor and currently retired from the position of an IT System Analyst for the Department of Veteran Affairs after serving 35 years. During her time with the VA she has received numerous awards and recommendations that propelled her during employment. She has extensive experience with forming motivated teams to perform at the highest level. Communication with leadership, staff and contractors to build diverse teams to accomplish the mission is one of her many great attributes. She strongly believes that when you have the right group of people together, nothing is impossible. She is also a retired Staff Sergeant of the United States Army. While serving, and with her love of helping others, two of her favorite assignments were, as a Drill Corporal (Assistant Drill Sergeant) for a cycle of basic trainees and being an instructor at the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Academy. She loved those assignments most because she was able to teach and train soldiers to achieve the next level in their careers. Also, while serving, she volunteered, every year, for a camp that helped children and adults with intellectual disabilities. One of her ultimate goals is to open a facility to house, teach and provide medical and psychological care for battered women and children.

Bonita Herndon is the Human Resource Officer for the My Brothers House 501(c)(3) Public Charity. She provides the necessary information to the CEO and Board of Directors regarding administrative issues and concerns. Bonita is also responsible for assisting with the development and implementation of the long and short-term strategic vision of the organization. She provides her years of HR experience and knowledge ensuring the organization has a full spectrum of administrative capabilities with the evolving MBH structure. Bonita currently serves as a Supervisory Human Resources Specialist for the Department of the Army. She has served in this role for a little over 2 years. Prior to her role with the U.S. government, she worked six years with an 8(a) Small Business in Alexandria Virginia supporting government contracts, she served in various roles from Strategic Development Manager, Program Manager of Department of Defense (DoD) Contracts, culminating as Director, HR Operations. She holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. Bonita is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Army with 28 years of service, culminating as the Secretary Recorder / Board Member for the Army Review Boards Agency (ARBA) Military Review Boards in Crystal City Virginia. She serves as a member on various committees as well as Chairperson for the Leadership Committee for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Prince William County Chapter. Additionally, Bonita volunteered with the Traveling AAU Basketball Moms for Team Impact for 3 years, and she volunteers during the holidays collecting clothes and providing food baskets for shelters and outreach organizations. She is the proud mother of one son and the wife of Ralph "Maestro " Herndon. Her free time is filled with family gatherings, volunteering at her church, and serving on the usher board ministry for over 20 years. She enjoys scrapbooking with friends in the mountains.

Curtis Younger, Jr. is a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, where he served for 8 years in Operations, Air Traffic Control, and as part of a Marine Air Wing (MAW), during which he achieved the rank of Corporal (E-4). After his tours with the Marines, Mr. Younger joined the Philadelphia Police Department, where he has protected the city’s residents and visitors for the past three decades. Currently assigned to the elite Intelligence Bureau, PO Younger was also a member of the department’s Highway Patrol. Today, Mr. Younger continues to advocate for, and assist our Veterans through his work as National Secretary of Mu Beta Phi Military Fraternity, whose mission is to “strengthen the Veteran community, restore faith to the community, and broaden knowledge to our Veterans”. Mr. Younger brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as a member of the My Brothers House Executive Board.