We are:
 

Mary L. Duke

Founder & Executive Director

Ted Smith

Curriculum Director

Nichelle Moore

Project Manager

Sharon Fox

Administrative Assistant

Marie Vickers

Finance Manager

Mary Duke has served as Executive Director of TEEN STRAIGHT TALK for the past twenty years. In 1989, Mary and her late husband, Roland Duke, founded the TEEN STRAIGHT TALK Ministry. She is a graduate of the Wilkins School of Cosmetology, and earned her degree in Special Education from Kent State University. In 1991, TEEN STRAIGHT TALK became a non profit organization to teach “total abstinence” as a lifestyle, and the most excellent choice. Mary and other trained abstinence educators have spoken to thousands of students in all types of educational settings throughout the United States. Mary has led mission trips to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and St Lucia in the Caribbean where she witnessed souls won for the Kingdom of GOD, and people committing to an abstinence lifestyle. TEEN STRAIGHT TALK, along with its affiliate in South Carolina, joined forces to present a family conference in Album, Alabama. At the conference, she was presented with a plaque and was recognized by the Governor of the State of Alabama. In 1998, Mary was presented the Professional Women of Trumball County Achievement Award by YWCA and AAUW. She also represented TEEN STRAIGHT TALK at the White House during National Aids Week. Mary’s passion runs deep. She is more committed than ever to shout our God’s truth, while training others to educate young people in the importance of practicing “total abstinence”; making an eternal difference in their lives. Mary has four children; all have chosen health related careers.

Ted Smith has been actively involved in Abstinence Education, Curriculum Development and grant writing for TEEN STRAIGHT TALK for five years. Additionally, he teaches the Abstinence Program in the schools, instructs in parental workshops and participates at conferences. He has participated in outreach with TEEN STRAIGHT TALK in South, West Coast Africa and the Caribbean. Ted holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Youngstown State University, a Master Degree in Education from Kent State University and Master Plus 10 in Environmental Studies from Kent State University. He has thirty years experience teaching Science and Biology. Ted is married and has two children and three grandchildren.

Nichelle joined the TEEN STRAIGHT TALK in the winter of 2009. As Project Manager for TEEN STRAIGHT TALK, Nichelle oversees the strategy and coordination of the organization’s brand management, business development, marketing & operations.  Prior to joining Teen Straight Talk, she gained over 15 years of experience in management in new markets, developing teams, negotiations, sales and marketing  from the telecommunications, financial and retail fields, and her participation with various charitable organizations. Nichelle holds a Bachelors Degree in Marketing from Robert Morris College.  She is the proud mother of one daughter.

Sharon joined TEEN STRAIGHT TALK in the spring of 2009. As Administrative Assistant, she oversees the main office, managing the day-to-day operations of the Teen Straight Talk Ministry. Sharon is a graduate of Warren Western Reserve High School and attended Kent State University, where she majored in Journalism.  She attends Mecca Community Church where she is the Director of the SONBeams Children’s Ministry, Sunday School Teacher, Director of Secret Sister Ministry. She also prepares the monthly church newsletter, served on the board and served as the VBS Director for a number of years. She is the proud mother of one daughter.

Bio coming soon...