WHO WE ARE
Empowering Children in Montgomery
The Second Chance Foundation was created in 1998 in collaboration with the Montgomery County Board of Education to provide services to students expelled from public school or otherwise removed from the educational mainstream due to serious violations of law or behavioral codes. Expulsions in Montgomery and surrounding counties often involve weapons possession, fighting, gang activity, or threats/assault to school staff. Referrals are also received from DHR, Family Court, and other agencies.
MISSION & VISION
Committed to Fostering the Lives of Youth in Montgomery
The mission of Second Chance is to provide quality therapeutic services to the most at-risk youth in our area – those expelled or otherwise excluded from the educational mainstream – in order to address the underlying emotional, social, behavioral, academic and family problems that threaten their ability to lead positive, productive lives
MEET OUR TEAM
Get to Know Us
TONYA BARKUM, MS
Executive Director
Tonya Barkum , Executive Director has served Second Chance for 16 years. She has held the Program Director position for the past 10 years. With over 17 years of counseling experience, Tonya Barkum has heart for at-risk population. She has a bachelor's of Arts in Psychology from Dillard University in New Orleans, LA and a Master's of Science in Psychology from Auburn Montgomery. She also holds a certification as a Child and Family Therapist with the state of Alabama. She has worked with at-risk youth for 17 years. As Program Director she was responsible for the day to day operations, coordinating with outside agencies, and securing funding for the agency.
AVIONNE GLASGOW, M.ED
Educational Director
I am a native of the island of Trinidad and Tobago,a third world country. My parents always pushed the privilege of having a free education and living the American dream.
I received my under graduate degree in Social Work from Alabama State University in 2004. I practiced Social Work for two years, but wanted more. I went back to school for my first Masters Degree in Education in 2007 at Alabama State University.
Later that same year, I found my calling when I began working here at Second Chance Foundation. I was able to teach without standardized restrictions, so I became a strong advocate of hands-on learning, inquiry-based learning, problem-solving activities, and technology-infused activities that provide my students with opportunities to learn differently. In 2013, I received my second Masters in Special Education to better assist my students with special needs.
I like to encourage young people to think outside the box and follow their dreams, no matter how great.
Mr. Marlo teaches our students the importance of conflict resolution, consequences and how to effectively make better lifestyle choices.
Life Skills Instructor
MARLO MCDONALD, M.S.
MATTIE KING, MS
English Instructor
Mattie Pearl King is native of Montgomery, Al. She was educated in the Montgomery Public Schools System and received several degrees from The Alabama State University. Ms. King began teaching high school English shortly she after finished college. Her passion for teaching young people along with her genuine concern for the future of students resulted in 30 years of hard work and dedication to educating area communities. The majority of Ms. King’s tenure was spent in Macon County Public Schools. Upon retirement, she took a brief intermission before joining the staff at Second Chance Foundation. Ms. King has been inspiring students at Second Chance for 7 years.
Ms. King enjoys reading, shopping and spending quality time with family. Although she does not have any biological children, she treats all children like her very own. She enjoys showering them with treats and gifts throughout the year and when other families express to her that she is spoiling them, she strongly disagrees. She insists that this is an expression of her genuine love for young people.
Mr. Leander is a key personin counseling our youth in both individual and group counseling. He also facilitates the work readiness program.
Therapist
LEANDER ROBINSON, MS, ALC
Ms. Smith is working directly with Executive Director and handles day to day operations.
Executive Assistant
TERRI SMITH
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DAVIS PINNOCK
Alabama Board of Nursing
DANITA STAPLETON, LPC
BECT Counseling
JUDGE CALVIN WILLIAMS
Montgomery Family Court
RHONDA WIMBLEY
Juvenile Probation Officer
TRACEY PRESSLEY, LCSW
Instructor of Social Work
Alabama State University
RONDA CHERRY-SMOKE
Alabama Power Company
EMMA COLE
Troy University Montgomery
SEKERIA VOLECE BOSSIE, PHD
Assistant Professor and Fieldwork Coordinator
Alabama State University
