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Leadership

Our Board of Directors is a dedicated group of leaders, educators, and advocates who guide Celess Helping Hands, NFP with vision, accountability, and heart. Rooted in the legacy of Celess Broadnax, they help us expand our impact and stay focused on empowering youth and families in Southern Illinois and St Louis, Mo area.


Augustine James

Augustine James is the founder and CEO of Celess Helping Hands.  She was raised and educated in E, St Louis, IL.  She furthered her education and received a BS from Illinois State University and a MBM from Fontbonne University.  

Augustine has 40 plus years of experience in social services and business development. She has expertise in investigations, community events, curriculum development and implementing training for diverse subjects and management.  She has serviced many clients who were involved in abuse, neglect, alcoholism, homelessness, youth services, drug abuse, and special needs.  Augustine is also experienced in creating and conducting parenting and life skills classes.  She is also involved in community outreach, and community networking.

Amaris Triplett

Amaris Triplett is from East Saint Louis, Illinois and comes from a large family where she is the second oldest of five sisters and one brother. She is married with one amazing son and two equally dynamic daughters. 

Amaris loves being brown because it represents strength, beauty, intelligence, and creativity. Being brown is difficult and rewarding once you understand you come from royalty. Her mother and grandmother always told Amaris that she was beautiful and could accomplish anything. 

Amaris is a successful author of children's books.  Amaris currently holds a Masters in School Counseling and a Masters in Education Administration. She is experienced in business development, management, creating and implementing training for staff and youth, community development, and working with the special needs community.  

Marlene Coleman

Born:  St Louis, MO

Education:  Business Management

Marlene enjoys helping people, whether serving, coaching, consulting, blessing or being a listening ear.

Marlene is:

  • CFO of Practically Perfect Wellness.  
  • Motivational Coach
  • Personal Devlopment Coach
  • Wellness Coach

Elizabeth Scott

Elizabeth is a graduate of E. St Louis Sr. High of 1975. She furthered her education at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville where she received a BS in Sociology.  

Elizabeth education and work experience contributed patience and effectiveness when working with a wide range of personalities.  Elizabeth professional experiences required minimal instruction and supervision.  Elizabeth is experienced in being a team member and assisting others with providing a safe and caring environment.   

Elizabeth is also experienced in professional documentation, managing work schedules, developing and implementing classroom curriculum and professionalism.

Deborah Tolson

Mrs. Deborah Tolson,
  • Retired from Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
  • BA in Social Work - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
  •  MA, Professional Counseling      Lindenwood University - St. Louis, MO.

Professional experience includes over 40 years in social services, mental health and public health.
Volunteerism for numerous years in servicing the homeless, mentoring and tutoring children; and
providing food and personal goods to battered and homeless women shelters.

CELESS HELPING HANDS

By offering culturally responsive programs tailored to the unique needs of youth and families, we fill critical service gaps

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