Meet the Team
The people behind Beyond the Stages bring lived experience, professional excellence, and a deep personal connection to the cancer survivorship journey. Every one of us is here because this mission is personal.
Travonda Woods
CEO
Travonda is an experienced and trained mentor, coach, public speaker, and educator who has been regionally recognized for fostering DEI programs, community service initiatives, and presenting unique leadership methodologies. She holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering, M.S. in Management & Leadership, and M.B.A. She is a Certified Risk and Compliance Management Professional, Certified Agile ScrumMaster, and trained servant leader.
Travonda has the innate ability to inspire, encourage, and uplift while speaking candidly about challenging issues. As a mentor and coach who gleans from diverse perspectives and promotes the personal and professional development of others, Travonda understands the need to inspire tomorrow’s leaders to find purpose in what really matters. As a stage-4 colon cancer overcomer, Travonda strives to intently support those who are either battling or have already won the victory over an invasive disease in gaining a fresh perspective on how to approach life in spite of.
Naomi Catherine
COO
With an educational background in Business, Naomi Catherine is both a mentor and experienced professional in Finance, Administration & Management, and Strategy & Operations. She has received over 8 different corporate honors, certs, and nominations and is awarded for her leadership and proactivity in several community and company program initiatives.
As the daughter of someone who has overcome stage-4 colon cancer, Naomi has come to learn more about the true power of self, of will, of life, and of the mind and just how much these aspects can influence the outcome of adversity. Catherine now sees the need for such an ideology within the health industry and within the lives of everyday people more than ever.
Naomi Catherine is an advocate for quality of life, which she believes is achieved through wellness, purpose, innovation and creativity, spirituality, and healthy community and relationships.
Chad Jones
CTO
With over two decades of experience in the Supply Chain industry, Chad Jones brings a wealth of knowledge and a robust set of technical skills to the table. Holding a degree in Business Information Systems, Chad has honed his expertise in a variety of technical domains including Python, HTML, Java, and Cyber Security. Additionally, Chad is certified in both cybersecurity and machine learning, showcasing his commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
Outside of his professional life, Chad is a dedicated father to a brilliant teenage daughter. His extensive experience, coupled with his commitment to personal and professional growth, makes Chad a valuable asset to any organization looking to enhance their operations through proven leadership and innovative technology solutions.
Alnita Williams Porea
CGO
Alnita boasts an illustrious 25-year journey in the educational realm from being a passionate math teacher for middle and high school students to leadership roles such as assistant principal and principal. She now serves as the Coordinator for the Center for Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity at Xavier University of Louisiana.
Alnita holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Southern University A&M College, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Xavier University of Louisiana, and is currently enriching her academic canvas as a doctoral student at Capella University. She was celebrated as the 2016 Orleans Parish Schools Teacher of The Year, 2016 New Orleans Excellence in Teaching finalist, and 2018 School Leader Institute Fellow.
Alnita is the proud owner of juicing company Grace Wellness, and finds solace in reading, writing, and championing health and wellness initiatives.
Darron Woods
Board President
Darron holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration and a Masters of Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas. He served as an educator for 10+ years and held the honor of Lead Teacher in Allen ISD. Darron obtains a Texas certification in School Administration, Special Education, and ESL. He also has a background in Routing Intelligence.
Darron is a licensed minister, public speaker, and transformation coach. Darron currently hosts the Captured Podcast informing listeners of topics surrounding God’s biblical principles.
Darron is Travonda’s cherished husband who intently supported her and her mother throughout their cancer journeys. Together Darron and Travonda have served as premarital and marital directors for 5 years before becoming certified independent marriage mentors & relationship coaches.
Sonya Scott
Board Director
Sonya Scott is a Human Resources professional with experience in the healthcare, corporate, and non-profit industries. She has a passion for helping others to discover their best selves with a natural ability to motivate and inspire with a compassionate yet intentional and accountable mentoring style.
In 2018, Sonya became an Amazon best-selling co-author of Soul Talk Vo. 2 and founded Professional Pursuit of Purpose, LLC, a mentoring program for mid-level professionals. In 2019, she published her first book as an independent author, The Workplace Devotional, A Guide to Serving God’s Purpose at Work.
Since her mother’s lymphatic cancer diagnosis and recovery, Sonya has become an advocate of providing emotional support, inspiration, and encouragement to those who have been diagnosed with invasive diseases.
Denise Douse
Board Member
Denise Douse, a detail-oriented and technically skilled Network Analyst with a strong foundation in desktop and end-user support. Her expertise lies in project management and problem resolution, while thriving to deliver effective solutions.
Denise takes pride in her ability to cultivate superior customer relationships, ensuring that every client’s needs are met with consistency, professionalism, and care. Denise has a passion for technology with a valued commitment to drive every project with excellence.
Built by Survivors, for Survivors
Our team understands your journey because we have lived it \u2014 as survivors, as caregivers, as family. You are not alone.
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