New Staff

Name/Nickname: Allison or Allie
Pronouns: She/Her
Job title: Community Health Navigator/Prevention Specialist

Where’d you come from and what’d you do there?
I am from South Shore Massachusetts, and relocated to Virginia Beach. At my prior job I was a Prevention Educator for HIV & Infectious Diseases at a small clinic in Brockton, Massachusetts called the C.O.P.E Center where I did everything from STI education with patients and community partners, HIV/HCV and STI testing, and community outreach.

I’m here to help you with…
Improving and empowering individuals to lead healthier lives and promote unstigmatized awareness and care surrounding HIV. I believe that empowerment, education, and access to care help individuals and their communities live healthier and happier lives. Any way that I can help someone achieve this, I will always try my best to do it. 

How did you become interested in working at the LGBT Life Center? 
I became interested in working at the LGBT Life Center when researching the areas of Virginia Beach and Norfolk. I wanted to continue working with an organization that I felt aligned with my values and passions both personally and professionally. I was excited to learn about The Center and its mission to serve those affected, and an organization that I felt was truly making a difference in people’s lives.

What’s an interesting thing about you that most people don’t know?
One interesting thing that most people don’t know about me is that I worked on a farm growing up and originally wanted to become a veterinarian!

What excites you most about being at the LGBT Life Center?
What excites me the most about being at the LGBT Life Center is the opportunity to continue doing the work that I am passionate about as well as learn and help a new community and get to know my colleagues. 

Rapid Fire…what is your favorite…

• Animal: Shark
• Color: Purple
• Song/Music: Country, Metal, Punk Rock
• TV Show/Movie: Favorite Movie is “The Peanut Butter Falcon” Favorite TV Show is “90 Day Fiance”
• Hobby: Working out, kayaking, cooking, spending time with my niece

Contact Allison:
aramano@lgbtlifecenter.org
757-640-0929

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Marcus has dedicated his career to helping people get the resources they need to thrive.

Name/Nickname: Marcus Stewart
Pronouns: He/Him
Job title: Medical Case Manager

Where’d you come from, and what’d you do there? I worked in Applied Behavior Analysis as a Registered Behavior Technician working with kids with Autism.

I’m here to help you with… Linking clients to medical care, encouraging them to take their medication, and getting them the resources needed to take control of their health.

How did you become interested in working at the LGBT Life Center? I’ve tried to focus my professional career in helping vulnerable or disenfranchised populations. Learning about the services that are done made me want to help.

What’s an interesting thing about you that most people don’t know? I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to four other countries across the world.

What excites you most about being at the LGBT Life Center? Working with a diverse group of people.

Rapid Fire…what is your favorite…

• Animal – Tiger
• Color – Blue
• Song/Music – R&B
• TV Show/Movie  – Everything Everywhere All At Once 
• Hobby – Games of all kinds

Contact Marcus:
mstewart@lgbtlifecenter.org
757-640-0929

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From the high seas to a “Higher Love,” our Director of Operations uses his passion for efficiency to make a difference in our community.

Name/Nickname:  Bryan, Bry, B, Skates, Mr. Make It Happen…call me what you want but don’t call me late for dinner!
Pronouns: He/Him
Job title: Director of Operations

Where’d you come from, and what’d you do there?  I originate from the great state of Michigan, home of snow, big lakes, and of course, The Michigan Wolverines—GO BLUE!  I am a former Navy Corpsman, often referred to as a Combat Medic.  After retiring from service, I followed my creative path, obtained my contractor’s license, and started my own home improvement company.

I’m here to help you with… Efficiency, process improvement, and standardization; anything that will help the organization better serve our community.  

How did you become interested in working at the LGBT Life Center?  I love OUR community; it has enriched my life in immeasurable ways, particularly in times of internal conflict. It is my greatest hope that I am able to give back as much as I’ve been given and then some.  

What’s an interesting thing about you that most people don’t know?  I’ve visited 42 countries and 5 of the 7 continents.  The other two are definitely on my bucket list.

What excites you most about being at the LGBT Life Center?  The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of my fellow humans, even if it’s a small difference.  

Rapid Fire…what is your favorite…

Animal – Polar Bear
Color  – Purple
Song/Music  – “Higher Love” by the greatest of all times, Ms. Whitney Houston.  “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is a close second.
TV Show/Movie  – The Golden Girls and Silence of the Lambs.  
Hobby – I’m a plant daddy!  I love to watch things grow! 

Contact Bryan:
barmock@lgbtlifecenter.org
757-640-0929

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Facebook.com/LGBTLifeCenter
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When he’s not kayaking, hanging out with his dog, or teaching our community about PrEP as an HIV-prevention tool, Maxwell is in school to become a substance use counselor.

Name/Nickname: Maxwell Bradley/Max
Pronouns: He/Him
Job title: PrEP Coordinator/Prevention Specialist

Where’d you come from and what’d you do there? U.S. Navy, I was a ship mechanic on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower for 4 years before transitioning to shore duty for a year and a half at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, working in Medical Boards as an assistant.

I’m here to help you with… understanding the benefits of PrEP, helping you decide if it’s a good fit for you, and helping our clients and community understand HIV/STI prevention methods and tools.

How did you become interested in working at the LGBT Life Center?
After meeting with Dexter at a support group I realized I finally fit somewhere in the world and wanted to pursue a career here.

What’s an interesting thing about you that most people don’t know?
I am going to school to become a counselor in substance use because I really have a passion for helping people with substance use challenges, especially within the LGBTQ+ community.

What excites you most about being at the LGBT Life Center?
Helping and guiding people through their journey.

Rapid Fire…what is your favorite…

• Animal – Unicorns and Pegasus
• Color – Purple
• Song/Music – Country music
• TV Show/Movie – Friends or Scooby-Doo
• Hobby – Kayaking or hanging out with my dog

Contact Maxwell:
mbradley@lgbtlifecenter.org
757-640-0929

Connect with us!

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Facebook.com/LGBTLifeCenter
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Our new housing advocate brings experience from Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH. Welcome to the team, Matthew!

Name/Nickname: Matthew / Matt
Pronouns: he/him
Job title: Housing Case Manager 

Where’d you come from, and what’d you do there?
I previously worked as a Resource Coordinator in the Behavioral Health Department at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH.

I’m here to help you with… Housing resources!

How did you become interested in working at the LGBT Life Center? I’ve always wanted to build more connections with my LGBT community members and work in a field that prioritizes serving communities that are often overlooked or underserved. 

What’s an interesting thing about you that most people don’t know? I create Dungeons and Dragons campaigns that I run for my wife and a few friends. 

What excites you most about being at the LGBT Life Center? Working with individuals who are passionate about the work and the people we serve every day.

Rapid Fire…what is your favorite…

Animal: Tigers
Color: Green
Song/Music: In The Bag by Mac Miller 
TV Show/Movie: Dimension 20 
Hobby: Board Games/ Table-Top Games 

Contact Matthew:
mpatton@lgbtlifecenter.org
757-640-0929

Connect with us!

Tiktok.com/@lgbtlifecenter
Facebook.com/LGBTLifeCenter
Instagram.com/LGBTLifeCenter

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