Our Chief Culinary Officer Montez Carroll was born and raised right here in North Philadelphia. A graduate of Parkway Gamma Highschool, class of 2001 Montez entered the United States Army at 18yrs old. After 3 tours to Iraq and 10 years of Honorable service Montez returned to the city of Brotherly love to reunite with Family and Friends. The proud father of 3 ranging from ages 7-19years old Montez takes his family very personally. As a member of Next Level Revival Church and a very dear friend to Tatyana it was only natural for him to be heavily involved with the Ark of Safety Safe Haven. Montez always had a passion for food and the comfort others feel while eating food that he's prepared he recieved his formal training from the Philadelphia Art Institute and JNA Culinary School. He cooks at the Safe Haven Sunday thru Thursday with a smile on his and a praise in his heart. We're grateful to have him.
Min. Tatyana Woodard is a Minister at Next Level Revival church
Her career in activism took flight within the Ballroom Community of Philadelphia, which also sparked her love of fashion. She took on the role of Project Director for the Trans Equity Research Project at Temple University’s School of Social Work, where her focus was on reducing HIV-related health disparities in the Trans community.
Woodard was also named Philly Gay News 2018 Person of the Year honoree for her advocacy
She is proud to Lead The ark of safety insuring to provide a multifaceted, trauma-informed space where Black and Brown trans women can access temporary housing, meals, prevention, and other healthcare services, trauma services, or access gender affirming clothing .
Tatyana also works as Community Affairs manager at the Mazzoni Center.
Hi my name is Alysha I'm a Trans woman In Recovery Finding new ways to allow my Trauma to work for me to empower instead of Discourage ! Ive been through hell and back yet I'm still standing confident and Ready for life's Ongoing challenges.I take PRIDE and Pleasure knowing this is my only life to live and by all means I'll make the best of it ! I’m happy to be using my lived experiences to help others and the residents of Ark of Safety.
Our Deputy Culinary Chef & Support Staff Miles here at A.O.S. Safe Haven was Born in Stratford NJ. They Graduated in the year of 2012 From Kingsway Regional High School District. While helping their community and serving in church. Miles later went on to Study at the Art Institute of Philadelphia For Culinary Arts and Interior design. Miles is a Jersey native who fell in love with the City of Philadelphia, and has been here every since. Miles passion has gone beyond more than they could dreamed. They have been helping people since they were young, while focusing on homelessness in the world. Moving to philadelphia they got into this work by volunteering and giving back to people what they didn't have. As well as the clothes off their back. Currently Miles has been in this field for the last 8-9 years and counting. It has been more than their passion But their calling to do the work of the God. Working side beside a phenomenal team is truly remarkable. Knowing Tatyanna and working with her side by side has taught them a lot through the years, and still today. They currently have their Own buisness named Royal Creations Catering & Events.