ABOUT US

Cindia joined the board in 2018 and quickly became the Interim-Secretary. In 2019, she became the vice-chair of the board of directors and was promoted to chair in 2021. Cindia received her Masters degree in Newspaper, Magazine, and Online Journalism from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Since joining the board, Cindia has continued to help North Star with its social media, graphic design, and email marketing. Cindia leads the “Crafty Queer” program every second Saturday of the month at the center with her partner. She loves teaching people how to crochet. She also enjoys reading, journaling, crocheting, crafting, cooking, and entertaining.`

Spencer joined the North Star board in September 2021. He graduated from Appalachian State with a degree in Public Relations, and currently works in the advertising industry as a PR and social media specialist. Spencer has a passion for public health and has helped to expand accessible STI testing at North Star. In his free time he enjoys going to concerts, spending time with his pets, and binging any city of the Real Housewives.

Kasey joined the North Star board in June of 2021. She holds a bachelors degree in accounting from UNC Greensboro, and currently works in the nonprofit sector. Kasey was a member of the WS Non-Discrimination Ordinance Coalition and has volunteered with Equality NC, Campaign for Southern Equality, and Family Equality. With those groups, she spoke to NC senators to help get the Respect For Marriage Act passed. In 2022 she was invited to the White House for A Night When Hope and History Rhyme for her work with the RFMA. In her free time she enjoys reading, attending drag shows or live music, and spending time with friends.

DeeAnna became a member of the North Star Board of Directors in the fall of 2022. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and double minored Sociology and Gender Studies. She is a graduate of UNC-Charlotte. DeeAnna has served members of the mental health and I/DD population since 2006 and has a passion for helping others. In her free time, DeeAnna loves going to the beach, shopping, and spending time with her nieces and her two dogs, Kali James and Finnley Kade.

Michael joined the board of North Star in 2023. He is an interdisciplinary and international theatre director, creator, and visual artist. Currently, he is Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Practice at the UNC School of the Arts. He holds a BA(HONS) from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London and an MFA in Directing from California Institute of the Arts. Before his tenure at UNCSA, Michael worked extensively as a director in New York, Los Angeles, London and Eastern Europe. He deeply believes in the power of art to incite critical conversation and foster transformation and societal healing.

Tiffany Rook joined the board in November 2023. Tiffany is originally from Eastern NC by way of a little town called Roanoke Rapids. She graduated from Winston-Salem State University with a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology in 2005 and received a Masters of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2007. Tiffany is currently the owner of Rooks Nest, LLC, which offers guidance and case management to LGBTQ+ young adults after aging out of foster care and plans to offer housing in the near future. Tiffany is excited about being a part of North Star's mission and creating more programs, inclusiveness, diversity, and awareness to our community.

Tobias joined North Star Board of Directors in the fall of 2022. He holds a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice from his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. He previously was involved with The Coming Out Monologues before moving to Winston-Salem in 2021. In his spare time, he enjoys video games, writing, cooking, and binge-watching various docu-series.

My name is Dezi, I love reading, and learning. I am a firm believer in always staying a student. There is so much knowledge in the world, the only thing I can keep doing, is learning.
I grew up with a very open and supportive family and group of friends. I hope to be the person that provides love and support to whomever needs it.
I have 2 degrees and I use my knowledge to try and help the environments around me. Whether it be work, home, or a beautiful, welcoming community center.