About Us
Parents for Healthy Homes was founded in 2016 after a parent member’s child suffered lead exposure in their own home, a stark reminder of the urgent need for proactive, not reactive, solutions to environmental hazards. This parent’s journey from helplessness to advocacy sparked a movement, bringing together families who shared a common struggle: navigating the lack of resources to protect their children’s health and well-being. What began as conversations among friends and family quickly grew into a powerful collective of parents determined to improve quality of life and promote Environmental Justice.
As a parent-led grassroots organization, Parents for Healthy Homes champions change through three pillars: education, involvement, and advocacy. In education, members facilitate leadership training, tenants’ rights workshops, and civic education, empowering parents with knowledge and tools. Through involvement, they organize community events, strengthen outreach, and collaborate with community partners to ensure all voices are heard. Advocacy efforts are focused on achieving policy changes at the local, state, and federal levels, amplifying parents’ voices in decision-making spaces.
Parents for Healthy Homes recognizes parents as the experts in their families’ needs. Their lived experiences, insights, and skills fuel their work to influence policy, advocate for safe housing, and inspire systemic change. This group is deeply committed to creating brave spaces where trust is built, relationships flourish, and community-driven solutions emerge. Parents for Healthy Homes is more than a movement; it is the change families seek, standing together for equitable, sustainable outcomes for all.
Our People
Tabitha Williams
President & Executive Director
Tabitha Williams, President & Executive Director (Parent Leader), leads with the authenticity of lived experience as a mother of nine and a dedicated advocate for Environmental Justice. Her work began in 2016 with Parents for Healthy Homes after her young daughter was harmed by environmental hazards in their home. Today, she guides the mission, vision, and strategic direction of the organization, represents it in media, policy discussions, and funder relations, and builds partnerships with government, schools, and community groups. Centering the voices of parents most impacted by lead exposure and inequities in early education, she also drives fundraising efforts, secures grants, and mentors parent leaders into positions of influence and decision-making.
Grounded in values of love, trust, and relationship-building, Tabitha believes that sustainable change requires shifting power to those closest to the issues. She is committed to clear communication, transparency, cultural growth, and strategic decision-making, ensuring the work remains rooted in community needs. For her, true solutions are born from the voices on the ground — and she works every day to make sure those voices are heard.
Shantal Thomas
Vice President
Shantal Thomas serves as the Vice President for Parents for Healthy Homes. In her role to manage operations and implementing strategies Shantal has brought many innovative ideas to the group. Shantal enjoys being apart of solutions within community. In addition to her responsibilities in Environmental Justice issues she is proud mother, wife and owner of Savor The Flavor where people can enjoy an array of culinary delights.
Yolanda Aldridge
Co-Treasurer, Lead Event Planning Coordinator, and Parent Advocate
Yolanda Aldridge is Co-Treasurer, Lead Event Planning Coordinator, and Parent Advocate of PFHH. She is a mother of 3 who joined PFHH in 2022 dedicated to promoting community wellness and empowering families. Yolanda strives to influence positive change and foster a supportive environment for those around her, ensuring that families have access to the resources and knowledge they need to survive. She manages financial transactions and maintains accurate records ensuring transparency and accountability within the organization. Her other duties include collaborating with team members to create and oversee budget plans which ensures alignment with organizational goals and to facilitate fundraising events, initiatives, raising awareness and funds for family wellness programs.
Dana Knight
Trustee & Policy Leader
Dana Knight, Trustee & Policy Leader who is a long time Human Rights Advocate fighting injustice & championing equality & equity. I have been fortunate that I have voiced the challenges of our community & have personally seen the impact of my advocacy as a member of several social justice organizations. I am the proudest of the work our organization PFHH (& our collaborative work with other gr groups & state representatives). Together we were influencation in Gov. Whitmer signing bipartisan legislation (Jan. 2024) to protect young people from lead poisoning in the state of MI. Outside of advocacy $"speaking truth to power" my passions art the Arts & Culture. I love to travel, visit museums & cultural events. I sew & enjoy making hand-made original works of art as jewelry designer. I've worked in the education field most of my life as an Teachet & enjoy sharing my knowledge & experiences as a mentor & "Auntie."
Shi Quezada
Finance Manager
Shi Quezada is the Finance Manager and proud member of Parents for Healthy Homes (PFHH). Shi joined PFHH in 2017 with a passion for spreading information and resources on lead in homes especially for children under the age of 5. She has a Bachelors degree in Accounting and Business Management which aids in her assistance with bookkeeping, budgeting and many other financial aspects. Shi has focused on assisting with hosting community events, volunteering in the community and building relationships with other parents, non-profit organizations and members in the community.
Fredericka Brown
Director of Early Childhood Education
Fredericka Brown is a passionate advocate for equity in the early childhood system, representing parents through her role with Parents for Healthy Homes and on the national Early Childhood Education Committee for UPLAN (United Parent Leader Action Network). She is dedicated to expanding her impact beyond Grand Rapids to all of Michigan, empowering parents to leverage their collective voice for meaningful change. Motivated by her own experiences advocating for her child, Fredericka is committed to educating and uplifting parents, knowing that when their voices are amplified, the entire community benefits.
Latasha Williams
Parent Leader Coordinator
Latasha Williams has been an integral part of Parents for Healthy Homes since 2018, currently serving as the organization’s Treasurer. With a deep-rooted passion for environmental justice, Latasha has been an advocate for addressing lead poisoning since the late 1990s. When she learned about Parents for Healthy Homes, she was eager to join the fight and lend her skills to the cause. Outside of her advocacy work, Latasha is a proud grandmother of eight—seven boys and one girl—and finds joy in spending time with her family. She is known for her unique storytelling, using emotion and personal experience to engage others in the fight for environmental justice. Latasha’s passion and dedication are at the heart of her work, inspiring others to join the movement for healthier homes and communities.
Horace Williams
Engagement Coordinator
Horace Williams has been a dedicated advocate for environmental justice since 2018 as the Engagement Coordinator for Parents for Healthy Homes. With a passion for empowering communities, Horace uses his unique approach of humor and engagement to foster strong connections and drive impactful change. His work focuses on advocating for policies and practices that ensure healthier, safer living environments for families, especially in underserved areas. Outside of his professional role, Horace is a proud father of nine children, who live across multiple states, and a devoted husband. He loves traveling to visit his children and enjoys making lasting memories with them.
Myasia Giles
Communication/Media Specialist
Myasia Giles, a media/communications specialist who joined Parents for Health Homes in 2024, is dedicated to highlighting the crucial moments and research related to lead prevention and education. With a strong passion for community building, she believes that effectively capturing the stories of the community and the organization's initiatives will enhance the visibility of Parents for Health Homes' work and create a significant impact.
Shaloria Mitchell
Administrative Assistant