About Us

ABOUT EVERFORWARD

Because Every Child Deserves a Brighter Future.

In a world that often times discards those that are the most vulnerable among us, our organization represents a committed group of seasoned and skilled professionals that care about every child we come in contact with. There are so many children that have withstood trauma in their childhood and that trauma comes in many ways. Trauma comes in many forms, including the loss of parents, exposure to abuse, neglect, and the lack of adult guidance and love to see children through.

Our Community Needs Someone Dedicated to Helping!

We are that organization. We are the ones that no matter what a child has experienced, no matter how deep the pain or challenge, we will always be committed to love, respect, and honor their humanity. EverForward is more than a name.

EverForward, formerly Carlton Manor, is committed to creating a brighter future for the kids who need it most.

What We Live By…

Our Mission & Aim:

At EverForward, care is more than placement; it’s a whole-person approach.

Our trauma-informed team provides stability, healing, and growth through creative programs, life skills, wellness, and mentorship.

Every layer of support helps kids feel safe, empowered, and ready to thrive.

THE PEOPLE OF EVERFORWARD

Meet Our Team

Tonya Ruble-Richter, MSEd

President & CEO

After a successful corporate career, Tonya Ruble-Richter followed her calling to dedicate her work to helping children overcome trauma and build brighter futures. With more than 20 years of experience serving children and families—including over a decade in executive leadership—she has built a career focused on strengthening systems of care, advocating for children, and creating opportunities for healing and growth. As President and CEO of EverForward, Tonya combines business expertise with a master’s degree in counseling to lead the organization’s strategic vision, driving innovation, operational excellence, and measurable outcomes so more children have the opportunity to heal, thrive, and move forward.

Alysha Bell

Senior Director of Operations

Alysha Bell brings 10 years of experience working with children and supporting the professionals who serve them. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education and specializes in training staff to understand and respond to children through a trauma-informed lens. As Senior Director of Operations, Alysha helps strengthen program quality, staff development, and organizational practices across EverForward. Her leadership is grounded in the belief that when employees are equipped with the right knowledge, tools, and support, they can create environments where children feel understood, build trust, and move toward healing and growth.

Jewell Palmer

Director of Residential Services

Jewell Palmer brings 18 years of experience serving children and families through residential care and child welfare. She holds a Master of Social Work degree and has dedicated her career to creating supportive environments where young people can heal, grow, and build upon their strengths. As Director of Residential Services, Jewell leads EverForward’s residential programs with compassion and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of every child in our care.

Fabiola Likaj

Director of Clinical Services

Fabiola Lajik is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional, and Qualified Supervisor with nearly 20 years of experience working with children and families. She holds a master’s degree and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. with a focus on social and cognitive development. Fabiola has also completed extensive advanced training in therapeutic approaches, including certifications through Harvard University. As Director of Clinical Services, she provides clinical leadership, supports the professional growth of EverForward’s clinical team, and helps ensure children receive thoughtful, trauma-informed care tailored to their individual needs.

Jenny Redpath

Office Manager

Jenny is dedicated to making a difference and joined our team to be part of creating meaningful change. She believes in the impact that comes from working together to support and uplift others.

Eve Borden

Human Resources Manager

Eve Borden brings 13 years of experience in human resources and a people-first approach to supporting employees and strengthening workplace culture. Her leadership is grounded in the belief that every employee deserves to be treated with respect, clarity, and compassion. As Human Resources Manager, Eve works to create an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to perform at their best. She is committed to fostering open communication, promoting accountability, and ensuring EverForward’s team has the guidance and resources needed to succeed.

Rafael Molina

Accounting Specialist

Rafael Molina leads EverForward’s accounting department and brings a well-rounded background in audit and private accounting. His experience includes supporting organizations across the public, nonprofit, and private sectors, giving him a broad understanding of financial operations and reporting. Rafael helps strengthen EverForward’s financial processes and supports the careful, accurate, and transparent management of the organization’s resources.

Audrey Wright

Executive Assistant to the CEO

Audrey Wright brings more than eight years of experience in the mental health field. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a minor in Cognitive Science and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. As Executive Assistant to the CEO, Audrey supports EverForward’s mission through strategic communication, organizational excellence, and meaningful community partnerships. She is passionate about mission-driven work and helping organizations create a lasting impact in the lives of children and families.

Alix Burgess, MSW

Community-Based Therapist

Alix joined our team in 2020 and has served in multiple roles in our community-based mental health services. Alix states she discovered her passion here for making a difference in the lives of youth.

Patricia Hampton

Assistant Group Home Manager

Keith Harrington

Group Home Therapist

Ktrece Land

Group Home Manager

Ktrece has worked with children for the past 25 years, 16 of which have been spent with our organization. She states, she loves what she does and strives to inspire kids to become productive citizens, reminding them that the past doesn’t define them—it’s about moving forward and finding the win-win.

Shalonda Grady

Assistant Group Home Manager

Shalonda has been with our organization for two years and has worked with children for a decade. She’s driven by a passion to support the underdog and believes that every child’s current situation doesn’t define their future.

Heather Klinkenberg, M.Ed.

Group Home Therapist

Heather has been a therapist for 25 years, dedicating her entire career to helping others. She joined our organization a year ago and is passionate about supporting youth as they work to overcome their challenges.