The Canvas of Hope Foundation
At the Canvas of Hope Foundation, every program, workshop, and event is intentionally designed to create meaningful, transformative experiences. Participants leave not only with new creative or athletic skills but with confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of possibility.
Through creativity, mentorship, movement, and community support, we help youth rewrite their stories, strengthen their identity, and envision a brighter tomorrow—one where they have the tools, support, and belief to succeed.
About the Canvas of Hope Foundation
Our Mission
The Canvas of Hope Foundation empowers youth and young adults ages 12–23 through creative expression, personal development, and supportive programming designed to promote wellness, resilience, and long-term success. Our H.O.P.E. Program (Honoring Our Potential for Excellence) specifically serves this age range, providing structured, developmentally appropriate support during critical formative years.
While H.O.P.E. focuses on youth ages 12–23, Canvas of Hope operates as a preventive, community-based organization serving all members of the community. Our mission is to reduce and prevent cycles of system involvement and recidivism by addressing root causes early, strengthening protective factors, and expanding access to positive opportunities.
Rooted in our core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, we create nurturing spaces where every young person is seen, supported, and encouraged to thrive. Through art, movement, mentorship, life skills development, and holistic support services, we help youth build confidence, develop healthy coping strategies, and transform their stories into pathways toward stability, purpose, and prosperity.
Why Creativity Matters — and How It Connects to Axionyx Volleyball Club
Creativity is more than art—it’s a powerful tool for expression, emotional growth, and behavioral transformation. At the Canvas of Hope Foundation, creativity shows up in many forms: painting, movement, mindset training, and now athletic development through the new Axionyx Volleyball Club.
Our programs help participants:
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Discover their voice and express emotions safely
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Build confidence, discipline, and transferable life skills
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Strengthen resilience, mindfulness, and positive behaviors
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Connect with supportive teammates, peers, and mentors
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Use movement and creative training to develop a strong sense of identity
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Whether through art or athletics, creative engagement improves mental well-being, encourages self-reflection, and builds the foundation for personal success. It’s also proven to reduce recidivism by giving youth healthier outlets, structure, and confidence.
Creativity fuels growth—and at Canvas of Hope and Axionyx Volleyball Club, it fuels champions on and off the court.
Get Involved with the Canvas of Hope Foundation
Whether you’re a young person looking for support, a community member wanting to give back, or a partner interested in collaboration, there are many meaningful ways to connect with and contribute to the Canvas of Hope Foundation.
Join as a Participant
Youth and young adults can engage in creative, wellness, and leadership-building opportunities designed to support growth, confidence, and personal development. Our programming includes arts and creative expression, movement and fitness, mentorship, life skills development, and athletic coaching through our Axionyx Volleyball Club—all rooted in connection, structure, and positive identity building.
Become a Supporter
Your support helps sustain programs that promote wellness, expand access to opportunity, and strengthen protective factors for youth and families across our community. Contributions directly support arts programming, sports and wellness initiatives, mentorship, and transportation access through our Safe Passage Initiative.
Volunteer or Partner with Us
Community involvement is at the heart of our work. Volunteers and partners play a vital role in helping our programs thrive. Opportunities include coaching or assisting with Axionyx Volleyball Club, supporting events and workshops, mentoring youth, or volunteering as a driver for our Safe Passage Initiative, helping ensure young people have safe, reliable transportation to programs, school, court dates, and essential appointments.
Our Leadership
At the Canvas of Hope Foundation, our leadership team is the driving force behind our mission to empower youth, strengthen communities, and reduce recidivism. We are guided by a diverse group of professionals with deep experience in social work, mental health, nonprofit management, education, athletics, and community engagement.
Together, our leaders bring a powerful blend of expertise, lived experience, and passion—working collectively to create transformative programs, expand opportunities, and ensure every young person we serve has the support they need to thrive.
Chelle Ticeson
CEO|Co-Founder
Chelle Ticeson, CEO and Co-Founder, is a visionary leader dedicated to empowering young adults as they transition back into society. With a profound commitment to social justice and community uplift, Chelle has been instrumental in shaping the foundation’s mission and driving innovative programs that promote personal growth, stability, and long-term success.
Her creative direction and strategic leadership inspire transformative change within the community, ensuring that young people feel supported, valued, and capable of achieving their full potential.
Anthony Herod
Executive Director| Co-Founder
Anthony “Tony” Herod, Executive Director and Co-Founder, brings invaluable lived experience and deep insight into the challenges youth face during reentry. His personal journey fuels his compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment to reducing recidivism and fostering meaningful change. Tony leads with empathy, purpose, and an unshakable belief in every young person’s potential.
Tony has been instrumental in designing impactful programs that provide young adults with practical skills, mentorship, and opportunities to rebuild their lives. His dedication to community engagement and restorative pathways strengthens the foundation’s reach and effectiveness, ensuring that every participant feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Connie Ticeson
Secretary-Treasurer of the Board
As Secretary–Treasurer of the Board, Connie Ticeson provides essential financial oversight and administrative leadership for the Canvas of Hope Foundation. With extensive experience in organizational management and community support, she ensures that resources are managed responsibly, transparently, and in alignment with the foundation’s mission.
Connie’s meticulous attention to detail and commitment to long-term sustainability help maintain the organization’s operational strength. Her leadership allows programs to expand, partnerships to flourish, and youth to continue receiving the transformative support that defines Canvas of Hope.
Cleven Ticeson
Chief of Development
Cleven Ticeson serves as the Chief of Development & Public Relations, where he drives the foundation’s growth through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and increased public visibility. His leadership centers on cultivating influential relationships, expanding outreach, and strengthening the foundation’s presence across the region.
A dynamic communicator and trusted ambassador, Cleven leads key external relations efforts—including public speaking initiatives that amplify the organization’s mission and inspire community involvement. His strategic vision and collaborative approach play a vital role in building alliances and advancing initiatives that expand the foundation’s impact.
Dr. Marlene Holmes
Director of Educational and Wellness Initiatives
Dr. Marlene Holmes serves as the Director of Educational and Wellness Initiatives, bringing extensive expertise in behavioral health, mental health, and youth development. With a doctorate in social work and years of leadership as a Behavioral Health and Mental Health Director, she leads the foundation’s educational and wellness programming from Dallas.
Dr. Holmes’ background in mental health services and curriculum development strengthens the foundation’s support systems, ensuring that programs remain effective, trauma-informed, and responsive to the evolving needs of the youth we serve.
Sunni Codrington
Compliance and Administrative Coordinator
As the Compliance and Administrative Coordinator, Sunni Codrington supports financial oversight, compliance systems, and operational efficiency across the foundation. With a strong foundation in regulatory standards and nonprofit operations, Sunni ensures adherence to essential guidelines and best practices.
Her work is vital in maintaining transparency, promoting ethical operations, and supporting the successful execution of programs that uphold the foundation’s mission and values.
Jahmar Ticeson
Chief Digital Strategy, Creative Marketing & Grant Development Director
Jahmar Ticeson oversees the digital and creative infrastructure of the Canvas of Hope Foundation, including marketing strategy, digital communications, and visual brand presentation. He leads creative media production, such as flyers, program materials, and digital assets, ensuring consistent and compelling representation across all public platforms.
Jahmar also supports fundraising through grant development, outreach messaging, and increased organizational visibility. His adaptability and multi-department support strengthen internal operations, enhance community presence, and contribute to the foundation’s long-term growth.