My name is Montreal Peterson, Founder and CEO of Peterseine’s Place 19:23 Inc., and a passionate advocate for teen parents. I speak from personal experience—I was a teen parent myself, and I know the feelings of uncertainty, isolation, and shame that many young parents face. When I became pregnant in my sophomore year of high school, I struggled to find support and guidance. Peer pressure and a lack of information led me down a difficult path, and I understand deeply the challenges of not knowing where to turn.

That’s why I founded this organization: to create a safe, supportive community where teen parents can access the resources they need and continue their education without fear or judgment. My hope is to make sure no young parent feels alone in their journey, and that every teen parent has the chance to build a brighter future.

My name is Valerie Jewett. After gaining valuable experience with several law firms in the Houston area, I launched my own practice in 2006. With over 20 years of legal expertise, I have built a reputation for advocating for clients with integrity, compassion, and professionalism. I understand that legal challenges can be overwhelming, so I strive to ease that burden by maintaining clear communication and guiding clients toward positive, fair outcomes. My commitment is to walk alongside those I represent with empathy and transparency every step of the way.

ZaDarius Webber-Odom was born in Ruston, Louisiana, and raised in Houston, Texas, where he graduated in the top 25% of his class at Klein Forest High School.

ZaDarius holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Morehouse College, a Master’s in Public Administration from Texas Southern University, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Public Administration at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. He is passionate about education and currently teaches 6th grade Social Studies while also coaching football and track in Houston.

ZaDarius is deeply committed to community service and leadership. He is a proud member of Sunshine Lodge No. 99 Prince Hall Masons in Cleveland, MS, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., and the Greater Houston Frontiers Club, where he served as Jr. Frontiers President and became the first National Junior Frontiers President for Frontiers International Inc. Through his involvement, he actively supports efforts to uplift underserved youth. In recognition of his dedication, ZaDarius received the 2017 Student Hero Award from the Texas State Board of Education.

Before joining Peterseine’s Place 19:23 Inc., ZaDarius served as an Educational Liaison and board member for A Better Day Foundation, bringing valuable experience and a strong commitment to youth advocacy to our team.

Hello, I’m Joyce Moore. At 18, I faced the challenges of being pregnant while in college and deeply in love—during a time when unwed pregnancies were often met with judgment. Following expectations of the era, I left school and married my boyfriend. But after my beautiful baby girl was born, the dream of staying at home and relying on my husband quickly faded. I returned to college with my baby on my hip, determined to build a better future.

Thankfully, I had the unwavering support of my parents, both college graduates, who encouraged me to finish what I started. Balancing a difficult marriage, college classes, and motherhood was tough, but the love I had for my daughter kept me going. Putting her needs first, I pushed through every challenge.

From my experience, I know that hard work and dedication to education or building a skill truly pay off. Today, there are far more resources and opportunities available to young parents than when I started. I carry with me the advice I was given: “Hold your head high, keep moving forward for you and your baby—because good girls get pregnant too.”

Hello, I’m Sheltric Peterson, a Retired Naval Officer (Lt. Commander). I became a teen parent at 17, growing up on the North Side of Houston in a single-parent home as the middle of three sons. From an early age, I learned the value of hard work—starting to earn my own money for school clothes at just nine years old. As I grew, I stayed active in sports and spent time at the local fire department, discovering my strengths and passions.

After graduating high school in 1989, I knew that to be a responsible parent, I needed to make a different path for myself. In January 1990, I joined the United States Navy, and by September of that year, I married my high school sweetheart and the mother of my first son. Together, we embarked on a remarkable journey, welcoming two more sons along the way. After 30 years of service as a military family, I retired as a Lt. Commander and we returned home to Houston, TX.

Having faced the struggles and challenges of young parenthood firsthand, my wife Montreal and I founded Peterseine’s Place 19:23 Inc. to show young mothers and fathers that if we could overcome obstacles, they can too. I’m also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and hold a Master’s Degree in Executive Human Resource Development from the University of Houston. Additionally, I am the founder and owner of Intent to Launch Leadership Institute.

My name is LaKicha Taylor, Treasurer and Chair Member.

While I was not a teen parent myself, my younger sister was—and she needed support. I’ve learned that support is the most priceless and powerful gift we can offer to young parents facing challenges.

She needed to know she was created with purpose, and that her gifts and talents were still waiting to be discovered. Today, she is a wife, a mother of three, and the founder and CEO of her own foundation, passionately advocating for teen parents.

My name is Lenore Mayberry, and I serve as the Member Secretary. With 10 years of experience as a youth mentor and 5 years as a Student Supervisor in the Business Professionals Program, I am deeply committed to fostering diversity and creating spaces where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique contributions they bring to the world.

Through mentoring, I’ve learned that many young people simply need someone to listen—offering gentle guidance without judgment. As a mother who faced fertility challenges, I understand firsthand how difficult and costly raising a child can be, and I’ve come to realize that love alone isn’t always enough.

I joined Peterseine’s Place 19:23 Inc. to be part of a strong support system and to show that no matter what challenges we face, we can overcome them—together.

Michelle Davis is a proud teen mother who turned challenges into triumphs. Facing the hurdles of young parenthood, she refused to let circumstances define her future. Balancing school, parenting, and personal growth, she overcame obstacles with determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her dreams.

Today, as the Logistics Director at Peterseine’s Place 19:23 Inc., she uses her strength and experience to help create smooth, effective operations that support young parents on their own journeys. Her story is a powerful reminder that with support, perseverance, and hope, anything is possible.

Takara plays a vital role in building meaningful connections between the organization and the communities we serve. She is responsible for developing partnerships, coordinating outreach initiatives, and raising awareness about our mission to support and empower teen parents.

With a passion for service and a heart for advocacy, Takara leads efforts to engage schools, local businesses, faith-based organizations, and community leaders to expand our reach and impact. Through events, campaigns, and collaboration, she helps ensure that teen parents have access to the resources, encouragement, and support they need to thrive.

"Empowering communities to stand with teen parents—because no young parent should walk alone."