Our Leadership Team

David R. Williams is a Professor of Public Health and African and African American Studies at Harvard University. Previously, he was a professor at Yale University and the University of Michigan. The author of over 500 scientific papers, he is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine, and the National Academy of Sciences. He was ranked as the Most Cited Black Scholar in the Social Sciences and as one of the World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds. His research has been featured by some of the nation’s top print and television news organizations and in his TED Talk.

Opal Reid-Williams is Board Chair and a founding parent of The Boston DREAM Academy (BDA). She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Nursing from the University of Michigan.  She is a retired Nurse Practitioner and worked in Coronary Intensive Care for most of her career. Since a sudden life-threatening illness and miraculous recovery in 2013, she has dedicated her life to volunteering at BDA as a facilitator. She feels blessed by God for the privilege, of working with the amazing students at BDA. Opal is married to David Williams they have 3 daughters, one son (in-law) and an adorable granddaughter and grandson. 

Marva Durand is a strong believe in Christian education. From BDA’s inception, she was a supporter and catalyst for its creation. Marva and her husband Rodney, were co-founding parents; their son and daughter were among the first three original students. Her youngest daughter, Sierra, now attends BDA. Marva believes that every child should have access to high quality education and nurturing care. Marva’s compassionate spirit is reflected in her career, she has worked as a nurse for over 30 years. Currently Marva works in the Intensive Care Unit at Boston Medical Center, the largest safety-net hospital and Level I trauma center in New England. In 2019, she was the recipient of Nurse Excellence Award from New England Regional Black Nurses Association (NERBNA) and Boston Medical Center. She helps improve wellness not only of her patients, but also her community, by volunteering as Health Ministry Leader at her local Seventh-day Adventist church. Marva is a parent of 4 children, she is also a previous foster parent.

Owena Farrell holds a Master of Science in Leadership (Healthcare Management) from Northeastern University, a Master of Business Administration from University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science (Finance) from University of Massachusetts-Boston. Her passion for service led her to volunteering at Boston DREAM Academy several years ago and she feels blessed to be a part of this phenomenal community. She currently works as a Contract Leader for one of the largest health insurance companies in Massachusetts.

Dr. Betty Johnson has worked with students, faculty and staff as a mentor, advisor, and counselor for her career in higher education.   As Assistant Dean for Faculty and Staff Diversity, Development and Leadership at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Dr. Johnson focuses on establishing programs and policies that support the recruitment, retention, and success of faculty, staff, and students from underrepresented groups. She also supports departments within the School in the identification of diverse faculty candidates; monitors retention and promotion of underrepresented faculty and staff; and provides professional support and coaching to those at the School and to those in her community.  Dr. Johnson is the co-director of the Donald Hopkins Pre-doctoral Scholars Program and assist with the facilitation of administration and implementation of the Yerby Fellowship Program in the Office of Faculty Affairs, responsible for overseeing the Program’s strategic development, and operations. Dr. Johnson received her doctorate from Regent University, her master’s from Alabama State University and her Bachelor of Science from Texas A & M University.

Cherie Jackson is the CEO of Tino Kai LLC, the makers and sellers of New Zealand’s number one selling healthy snacks, Frooze Balls. She has 25 years of senior marketing and business development experience across four countries and industries including CPG, education and wellness.

John Gallagher became a strong believer in Adventist education after personally experiencing its benefits in high school. He started never having heard of Adventism. Now he is a proudly baptized member wanting to give back.  John is a marketing professional with experience within the USDA, DMI, & Fairlife. He has also been involved in coordinating the dream academy’s internship program with DMI.

Milton came to the United States from Costa Rica at the age of 7years old. He spoke English at home because of his Jamaican Heritage. Spanish was spoken with friends. His academic journey started in Boston public schools and then transitioned to Berea SDA Academy where fellow students he worked with were also his Sabbath and Sunday Pathfinders friends. Milton enjoyed the fellowship, the singing, and learning more about Jesus at the Brea SDA church.

Milton’s love for learning led him to attend Thayer Academy in Braintree Mass. The culture shock jarred him at first but the academic rigor attracted him more. Upon graduating from Thayer Milton attended Loma Linda University with the thought of becoming a medical doctor. Milton liked the idea of helping people but he was not ready for emotional and mental gymnastics that he would have to undergo to fulfill his dream. Ever the pragmatist Milton pursued a degree in business because of its universal application.

With the job market demand for Masters in Business administration Milton pursued his MBA at Atlanta University(Clark Atlanta University). Milton worked in marketing for different companies over his 14 year corporate career. While honing his marketing skills Milton’s passion for human service and intellectual challenge led him to work in management in the Community College system.

Milton is married to Marjorie Samuels (formerly Shillingford) and is the parent of two Oakwood University graduates , Julian and Javana. After achieving his doctorate in Education, Milton is an adjunct faculty for several colleges and universities ever cultivating students and exercising his intellectual curiosity.

Paster Jenks Brutus is a graduate of Andrews University with a degree in Pastoral Ministry. Pastor Brutus has spent 17 years in the pastoral ministry serving as Assistant Pastor of the Temple of Salem Church in Massachusetts, Pastor of the Friendship SDA Church and Central Slip Church in New York and Pastor of the Shiloh SDA Church in Massachusetts. He is currently Pastor of the Waymark SDA Church in Dorchester Massachusetts.

Pastor Brutus is married to his wife Nancy and together they have three beautiful children, Jedidiah, Hannah and Sarah. He is most passionate about sharing the message of the cross with others and bringing hope to those who are discouraged. 

Eric Samuel Adams, Jr. serves as the finance chair for the Boston DREAM Academy board. Professionally, Mr. Adams is the founder and managing attorney at Adams Law, a southern California based law firm specializing in criminal defense, civil litigation, and estate planning.

Mr. Adams is a native of Los Angeles, California, and a proud product of Christian education. Mr. Adams graduated high school from Pine Forge Academy, a historically black Seventh-day Adventist boarding secondary school located in Pine Forge, Pennsylvania. He then matriculated through Oakwood University, a historically black Seventh-day Adventist university, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. Mr. Adams finished his formal education at the University of Alabama School of Law.

Mr. Adams currently resides in Los Angeles, California with his wife, Jillian, and his son, Jay. Outside of his professional experience, Mr. Adams is an avid investor and sports enthusiast. Mr. Adams also enjoys giving time to high school students through mentorship.

Marilyn Rodgers has spent 30 plus years dedicated to the field of Human Services and Education. She holds a Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has over 30 years of combined experience in teaching, assessing and counseling families involved with substance abuse, domestic violence, disabilities and geriatric social service.

Marilyn is married to Kenroy and has four children, three grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, reading and participating in various church activities. She and her husband have been avid supporters of the Boston Dream Academy since its inception.

She now serves the Boston Dream Academy as the Lead Site Facilitator and Coordinator.

Opal Reid-Williams is Board Chair and a founding parent of The Boston DREAM Academy (BDA). She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Nursing from the University of Michigan.  She is a retired Nurse Practitioner and worked in Coronary Intensive Care for most of her career. Since a sudden life-threatening illness and miraculous recovery in 2013, she has dedicated her life to volunteering at BDA as a facilitator. She feels blessed by God for the privilege, of working with the amazing students at BDA. Opal is married to David Williams they have 3 daughters, one son (in-law) and an adorable granddaughter and grandson.