Staff - St. Gabriel Mercy Center

Our Staff

Dr. Shakebra L. Young- Executive Director

Dr. Shakebra L. Young, a native of Cleveland, Mississippi, was appointed Executive Director on July 9, 2018. She serves as the first African-American female to hold the position. Dr. Young obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Computer Information Systems & Office Administration from Delta State University and a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Social Work from The University of Tennessee. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Human Services from Capella University. Dr. Young later obtained a Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Walden University. She has obtained a Masters of Business Administration Degree in Human Resource Management from Delta State University. She has worked in various positions and settings in the social work profession as an educator, a therapist, and a mentor. Dr. Young served as an Instructor in the Department of Social Work at The University of Mississippi and an Adjunct Professor of Social Work at The University of Memphis. She worked as the Director of Programs at Sacred Heart Southern Missions. Dr. Young is also currently an online Professor of Social Work in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Walden University. Dr. Young manages and oversees the daily operations at St. Gabriel Mercy Center.

Mavis Honorable- Assisstant Director/Chief Operating Officer

Mavis Honorable, Assistant Director, has a B.S. degree from Delta State University in Computer Information Systems and obtained a Masters degree in Information Systems from DePaul University, Chicago, IL. Mavis was hired as the Computer Lab Coordinator and was promoted in February 2012 to the position of Assistant Director. Mavis brings many years of experience in technology and business analysis.

Trena Robinson, MBA- Director Of Advancement & Communications/Public Relations

Trena Robinson, a native of Mound Bayou, began her employment in July, 2007 as the Administrative Assistant and was promoted to the position of Director of Advancement & Communications/Public Relations in September, 2015. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Mississippi Valley State University and her Masters of Business Administration from Delta State University. Her duties include researching and writing grants and plans and executes fundraisers for the daily operations of the programs offered at St. Gabriel Mercy Center; market the programs via social media and advertisement; and maintains a data base in Results Plus for donor contributions on a continuous basis. Trena has worked as a Paralegal and an Accounts Receivable Coordinator.

Cassandra Smith- Administrative Assistant

Cassandra Smith was hired as the Administrative Assistant in November, 2016. Her duties are greeting clients, answering the telephone and directing calls to the appropriate program coordinator, payroll and accounts payable, records minutes for the Board of Director’s meetings, balancing bank statements and human resource duties. Cassandra has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Hospitality Management, a Masters of Business Administration and a Masters of Business Administration in Human Resource.

Deloris Daughrity – Sewing Program Coordinator

Deloris Daughrity serves as the Coordinator of the Sewing Program, where she teaches student to sew and make their own garments. Students are able to utilize this skill to become productive citizens by selling the items made in SGMC’s Delta Boutique. Mrs. Daughrity is a Jackson State University graduate, certified dental assistance, and certified cook.

Jennifer Nash – EAP/Parenting Assistant

Jennifer Nash began as a volunteer and was hired in January 2020. Her responsibilities include managing the thrift store, assisting in the Food Pantry, and serving as a parenting aide in the Parenting Program. Ms. Nash attended John F. Kennedy High School and Coahoma Community College.

Martha Black- Certified Parent Educator

Martha Black has been a Certified Parent Educator since 2003. She is responsible for teaching parenting skills to parents every month as well as generating monthly and annual reports. Martha was a Certified Teacher Assistant for eight years and in Home Daycare for seven years before coming to St. Gabriel.

Doneshia Burns - Emergency Program Assistance Coordinator

Doneshia Burns began her employment in August 2019 as the Emergency Assistance Program Coordinator. She assists clients with utilities, rental, office co-pays, and prescriptions. Ms. Burns also oversees the Thrift Store, Volunteer Program and Food Pantry. She obtained her Bachelor in Social Work from Delta State University and Masters in Social Work from Tulane University.

Linda Cain-Franklin- GED Coordinator

Linda Cain-Franklin began working at St. Gabriel Mercy Center in November 2015 as a GED Instructor and was promoted in August 2016 to GED Coordinator. She teaches English and History. Linda has an Associates of Arts degree from Coahoma Community College and has a B.S. Degree in Social Work form Delta State University

Diana Sanders - GED Instructor

Diana Sanders was hired in March 2020 as the Mathematics and Science GED Instructor, where she assess the skills of the students in the GED Program and prepare them to obtain their GED. She also assists the GED Coordinator with tutorial needs and the functioning and growth of the program. Mrs. Sanders obtained an AA Degree in Pre-Nursing from Coahoma Junior College, BS Degree in Biology and Chemistry from Delta State University, BSE in Biology and Chemistry from Delta State University and Graduate Studies in Mathematics from Delta State University. She also has certifications in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, General Science, AP Biology and ICT-Career Discovery.

Monica Miller- Computer Lab Coordinator

Monica Miller is the Coordinator of the Computer Lab at St. Gabriel Mercy Center. She is responsible for assisting the community with educational employment needs, with resume writing, job searches and computer comprehension. Monica teaches a variety of computer courses. She assists all staff with technology issues. She has a B.S. Degree in Psychology from Belhaven University and a MeD in Community Counselling from Delta State University

Phyllis Brown- Environmental Services

Phyllis has been on staff with St. Gabriel’s for several years and is such a help when it comes to the overall cleanliness of the facility. We are grateful to have her here!