
LAVA Solutions
Empowering Maryland's Youth and Young Adults from Underserved Communities
Join our programs to gain real-world skills, mentorship, and support on your journey toward purpose and wellness.
Attend our workshops for hands-on learning, open conversations, and creative expression centered around your growth.

Meet The Board
Natalie Hayes - President & CEO
Natalie is a Master Certified Life Coach and a Procurement & Business Analyst. As a Master Certified Life Coach, she utilizes her extensive background and rich tapestry of experiences to guide individuals toward their goals. Natalie's unique perspective, shaped by her role as a mother and friend and her own journey as the youngest of eleven siblings, allows her to connect deeply with people from various backgrounds.
Understanding how culture, environment, and upbringing influence behavior equips her to create tailored solutions that resonate with her clients. With a focus on transformative growth, Natalie helps others navigate their challenges and unlock their potential. She believes that everyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams, and she is dedicated to being a supportive partner in that journey.
Joy Weatherford-Jackson - Secretary
Joy is a Client care specialist with over 19 years of experience in customer service. Joy is a caregiver of two elderly parents, a songstress, and her passion is supporting growth opportunities for people of color.
Jeffrey Thompson - Treasurer
Jeffrey Thompson has an undergraduate degree in Sports Management from Liberty University
and a Master’s in Management with a concentration in Financial Management from The
University of Maryland University College. He has 16 years of experience in the Federal
Government as a budget analyst. His federal experience ranges from budget formulation, budget
justification and reconciliations. In 2023, he took his passion for accounting and finance to
another level by founding Thompson Financial Solution, LLC. Thompson Financial Solution is
geared towards working with Nonprofits. Mr. Thompson has worked with Kettering Baptist
Church as an Assistant Treasurer, Clinton Baptist Church as the current Financial Administrator
and The Endependence Center of Northern Virginia as an Accountant for the Arlington County
Emergency Response (ACER) program. During his spare time, he enjoys outdoor activities,
music festivals, watching sports and relaxing by the water.
Darlene Danquah - Board Member
Darlene is a dedicated and passionate member of our nonprofit organization. As the owner of Danquah Haven LLC, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team. With an impressive 27-year career in law enforcement as a Criminal Investigator, Darlene has honed her skills in investigation, problem-solving, and community service.
Her commitment to helping others extends beyond her professional life. Darlene has a deep love for working with adolescents, providing guidance, support, and mentorship to help them navigate life's challenges. Her unique blend of professional experience and personal dedication makes her an invaluable asset to our organization.
Jamar Moore - Board Member
Jamar Moore is a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified EMDR therapist in Maryland. In 2010 Jamar earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of La Vern in La Vern California. In 2016 Jamar earned a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland. While enrolled at Bowie State University, Jamar worked for the Department of Defense in the Screening and Selection Division, and completed internships at the Metropolitan Health Clinic as a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program Coordinator, and at Washington Adventist Hospital in the Psychiatric Department. After graduating Jamar served as the Program Director/Therapist for the National Center for Children and Families in Bethesda Maryland, working with homeless families, individuals, and group counseling. Jamar has served in the United States Navy for nine years in both active duty and reserve. He served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2006-2008 onboard the USS CVN 72 Aircraft Carrier. His passion is helping people navigate through their issues in a way that’s best for them. He specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, marriage and relationships.
Kim Watkins - Board Memeber
Kim has over 20 years of experience in Finance & Accounting. She is the mother of a special needs adult. Kim's passion is educating the special needs community on financial wellness.