The J&R Foundation Team
Jelaine Altino • President
Jelaine was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She has been responsible for a wide range of clinical and holistic services for a number of social service agencies in the metropolitan area. As a veteran in the field, Jelaine has provided managerial oversight for over 30 years within hospital settings, nursing homes, individuals diagnosed with mental illness, pediatric patients, and finally alcohol and chemically addicted patients.
Jelaine has extensive experience in the development and implementation of large homeless family shelters. She has worked with CEO’s as a consultant of newly formed companies to advise them regarding the development of the clinical programming and operation policies/procedures. Jelaine holds a master’s degree from New York University and is a licensed clinician. She has also received a certification from Columbia University’s Nonprofit Management Program.
Jelaine was suitably elected as president of the J&R Foundation not only for her passion for music education, but also for her extensive history as a musician. She began receiving formal training at the age of seven. Her instructor at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music provided her with a solid base of music theory and performance. Jelaine utilized these talents to conduct and train a number of choirs from undergraduate school and since then, several churches in the New York metropolitan area throughout her career. Jelaine has served as Associate Music Director at the Linden SDA Church for over ten years.
Ms. Michell Lindo • Founding Member
Michell, founding member of Proposal Dream Team, is an entrepreneurial and equity-focused professional with 25 years of business development and contracting experience in the federal government sector. She has held key positions in several reputable organizations, honing her skills in proposal management and development.
She exhibits a life-long ability to take the initiative and lead teams of people to successful endeavors. Her empathy for people fosters productivity through collaboration and results in improved circumstances for all. Ms. Lindo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Atlantic Union College, an MBA from the University of the Virgin Islands, and has completed coursework for her PhD in Creative Leadership at the University of the Virgin Islands. She serves on the Boards of J&R Foundation, and Fields and Fields of Dreams.
Lorraine Archie • Treasurer
Lorraine is an Executive Assistant at a nonprofit organization in New York City. She also serves as a Database Training Specialist, focusing on Church Management Systems for administrators, and is a photojournalist at photobyarchie.com. Additionally, Lorraine contributes as a writer for the Atlantic Union Gleaner, a monthly publication freely distributed to Seventh-day Adventist Church members within the Atlantic Union Conference. She holds a B.A. in English and has received the Carolyn Kirkpatrick Award for excellence in English studies from CUNY/York College. Lorraine is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success at CUNY/York.
Passionate about giving back, Lorraine volunteers her time and talents in photojournalism to support organizations focused on breaking barriers and making meaningful contributions to their communities through arts programs, initiatives, and events. For the past eight years, she has been a guest photographer for the Renewing Health Foundation’s Purpose and Passion in Pink, an annual fundraiser celebrating breast cancer survivors and promoting awareness through community health literacy programs.
Dr. Bob Martin • Associate Treasurer
Dr. Martin began his career in Investment Banking at Prudential Bache-Securities and Morgan Stanley, addressing Reporting and Risk Management. He transitioned to NYC government in the areas of Audit and Financial Management, serving variously as Director, Assistant Commissioner and CFO. With New York State, he served as Senior Project Manager at the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, working on rebuilding Ground Zero, before moving to the Mayor’s Office of Citywide Emergency Communications, the Mayor’s Office of Appointments and Public Health Solutions (Corporate).
Dr. Martin currently serves as Senior Advisor in ACS' Division of Administration. Dr. Martin holds undergraduate degrees in Accounting/Economics & Business Management from St. John’s University, a Master of Arts Degree in Labor Studies & Urban Development, a Certificate in Community Engagement & Leadership Development, respectively, from the CUNY Graduate Center’s School of Labor & Urban Studies, and a Ph.D. in Labor and Capitalism from LIGS University.
Yanic Thomas • Board Member
Yanic is attorney with over 15 years of experience in administrative law, communications law, employment, and contract law. She is a graduate of Syracuse University and New York Law School. She believes that true excellence requires consistency and the desire to positively impact others.
Alfred Burgess • Board Member
Alfred is a seasoned cinematographer, first delved into the world of photography as the dedicated yearbook photographer during his high school years. His passion for visual storytelling led him to pursue a formal education in film and video production at New York Institute of Technology. Seeking to refine his craft further, Alfred continued his studies at NYU School of Professional Studies, specializing in cinematography and video editing, and later broadened his skill set with a focus on audio production at Full Sail University. Throughout his career, Alfred has lent his expertise to a diverse range of projects, including live corporate events, concerts and prestigious occasions such as New York Fashion Week and various high-profile red carpet events in New York City. His commitment to capturing compelling imagery and creating immersive visual experiences has earned him recognition and respect within the industry.