Edward A. Casillas

Edward A. Casillas began with a transformative experience during his involvement with the Department of Child Safety (DCS) that reshaped his approach to life and fatherhood. His collaborative success with the Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare systems solidified his passion, leading him to establish a fatherhood support mission that has provided invaluable assistance to numerous families. With more than 15 years of experience, Edward has played a pivotal role in initiatives that support fathers and families.

As Program Manager for Dad Together., Edward leads this transformative initiative that impacts individuals and systemic levels. His exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication have received widespread recognition, including the prestigious 2021 Casey Excellence for Children Birth Father Award. Through his ongoing dedication, Edward warmly invites collaboration and connection, believing that together, we can create stronger, more supportive environments for fathers and families. He is a proud father and grandfather.

Jennifer Dancy

Jennifer Dancy holds a Master’s degree in Education and Human Relations and serves as a Christian Pre-marital Counselor, guiding couples and individuals in their journey toward marriage. She is currently pursuing a second Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy.

For the past 20 years, Jennifer has been a dedicated employee of the City of Phoenix Head Start Birth to Five Program, where she has taken on various roles, including Head Start Teacher, Family and Community Engagement Liaison, and Family Advocate Supervisor for home visitors.

Since its inception in 2017, Jennifer has been actively involved in M.A.N. C.A.V.E. Currently, she serves as a support manager to the Program Project Director and plays a key role in organizing the annual M.A.N. C.A.V.E. Fatherhood Summits. Additionally, she serves as the program’s community outreach liaison and is a certified trainer for both the Nurturing Fathers Program and the Marriage and Parenting Program.

Kevin Dancy

Kevin Dancy is a certified Nurturing Fathers & Marriage and Parenting Trainer. He has been a dedicated liaison for the M.A.N. C.A.V.E Fatherhood Initiative/Program for six years and has been employed with the City of Phoenix for more than 23 years.

With experience as a Head Start Teacher, Home Visitor, and now Head Start Caseworker, Kevin is a trained professional who shows compassion and support for culturally diverse children and families. Over the years, Kevin has shown resiliency and a commitment to educating at-risk men and fathers. As a former teen parent himself, he has experienced first-hand the struggles that plague many of our young minority fathers. He encourages these men to accept responsibility and become teachable individuals who care about cross-generational competency and building community. Kevin is also a Team Coordinator for Men For Others-Arizona.

Marion Hill

For 23 years, Marion Hill has worked as an administrator in early childhood education. He is a mentor, coach, spiritual leader, citizen scientist and an advocate for minority boys. Marion is the Co-Founder and Project Director of M.A.N. C.A.V.E (Men All Need to be Caring, Actively-Engaged, Vested and Encouraged. He works with the Greater Phoenix Urban League and Booker T. Washington Child Development Center to expand social service programming and partnerships to support fathers and minority boys.

Marion is passionate about spreading the word and has trained educators in several school districts in Arizona and across the country. He has facilitated webinars with parents, state administrators, social service agencies, and faith-based organizations. Additionally, he has incorporated his work with the Gurian Institute and often uses brain-based research in M.A.N.C.A.V.E. to further enhance the program’s effectiveness. Marion’s goal is to promote the important roles of mothers and fathers, emphasizing father and male engagement, thereby improving the lives of children and families.

Thurston M. Smith

Thurston M. Smith is a development coach, speaker, author, facilitator, and consultant. His forte is demystifying intricate concepts, transforming them into easily relatable subjects. Owing to his unwavering commitment to community development, his insightful presentations have garnered acclaim from organizations such as Maricopa Big Speak Out and Toastmasters International. Thurston’s passion lies in positively transforming people’s lives and enriching familial bonds.

An expert communicator who guides men toward gaining clarity and confidence in their family roles, Thurston established Alpha Gentleman Lifestyle Development to equip men and boys with the tools they need to achieve their maximum potential. His fascination with brain science was ignited during his involvement in the Nurturing Father’s program. Without a father figure, he was determined to become the ultimate role model for his sons. He now disseminates his knowledge of brain science to a broader audience and also serves as a trainer for the Gurian Institute.

Lord Washington

Lord Washington has a life story that unfolds across the fields of athletics, finance, mentorship, and aviation. A former college football player, Lord’s journey is marked by the disciplined ethos of the sports arena, seamlessly transitioning into an eight-year entrepreneurial venture where he imparts financial wisdom to young minds, fostering a generation well-versed in the intricacies of financial markets.

Beyond the business realm, Lord is a devoted father of two sons. He is an advocate for active paternal involvement and self-improvement. His role as a mentor exemplifies the transformative impact of guidance in shaping the lives of those under his tutelage. Lord graces various stages, offering a narrative rich in lessons from the football field, financial markets, fatherhood, and the skies above. His audiences are captivated and inspired by the unique journey of a man whose name embodies a legacy of resilience, leadership, and continual self-improvement.