Our Board
Who We Are
Founder | CEO | President
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Charise M. Brown-Torres was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. She started this organization when she, her wife & their young daughter moved to Delaware at the beginning of the pandemic, which caused her to put the organization on hold due to lack of resources and support.
Despite the struggles of the pandemic, Charise was determined to push forward and create Pushing Through, Inc. at the end of 2022. She saw this as an opportunity to help others who had gone through similar traumatic experiences, as she had dealt with several traumatic instances such as depression, post-partum, suicidal ideations, domestic violence and the loss of her twins in 2014.
The formation of Pushing Through, Inc. was an embodiment of Charise's strength and resilience in pushing through the toughest of times. She understands how difficult it can be when faced with traumatic experiences, which is why she created Pushing Through, Inc. to help those who are struggling. This organization offers a wide range of resources and support services to those in need, such as mental health counseling, support groups, online resources, and more. With Charise's leadership and her team's dedication, Pushing Through, Inc.'s plan is to help many individuals to push through and heal from their traumatic experiences.
Secretary | Intake Director
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Cassandra Wilson I don't look like what I've been through. It's only by the grace of God I'm even here to tell my story. I am so grateful for the opportunity. I was homeless at 15 because of physical and sexual abuse. I survived. I was on drugs by 18. I survived. I was in an abusive relationship. I survived. I was a teenage mother. I survived. I have Bipolar/Anxiety disorder but am finding a way to Live My Best Life.
To rap it all up, I died on November 16, 1999. I was 28 years old. I'm alive today, because God has a plan for me. At the time I needed resources there were none readily available. I had to search out, ask questions and not give up till I found what worked for me. All this, while healing from 3rd degree burns over 45% of my body, also alone. It was lonely, hard, at times felt I was fighting a loosing battle. I refused to give in, I just continued to fight until I found the help I needed.
I want to make that part of the process easier. I want to help do the leg work so anyone that needs our help knows they are not fighting alone. We will stand for them, until they can stand for themselves. I didn't have that. I want to be that. This is why I joined Pushing Through Inc.
Director of Resources
Andrea Miller At Pushing Through, Inc., I get to support a mission I genuinely care about and make a difference. I know that no single approach is the right one for every single individual. As the Resource Director, I bring a strong knowledge of health and human services, expertise in community resources and how to access them, a trauma-informed approach, a strong understanding of needs assessment, the ability to work with a diverse population, and the skill to ensure services are consistent with the mission.
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My educational background includes an M.Ed. in School Counseling and a B.S. In Behavioral Science from Wilmington University. I also hold an A.A.S Criminal Justice degree from Delaware Technical and Community College.
Treasurer | Director of Resources
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Stephanie Smith The reason why I decided to become a part of Pushing Through, Inc. is because at the age of 10 I was molested. I told my mother what happened, and she told me "Well at least he didn’t rape you." When I asked my mother, why didn’t she report him to the police she did not give me an answer. By the age of 14, I was very angry, violent and wanted to fight the world was committed into a mental institution.
By the age of 17, I had my first child. Unfortunately, I wasn’t as prepared to be a mother as I thought, considering I had a child because I wanted the love that I didn’t receive from my parents. I’ve had many suicidal ideations. During that time I also at least tried to take my life 10 times. The last time I was committed into a mental institution was when I was 32 years old and I had a nervous break down after a very bad break up. Fast forward to today I am currently taking my medication as prescribed. I’m still actively seeking therapy for myself, but I believe an organization like Pushing Through, Inc. gives me the ability to be a voice and provide a little comfort to women and men that aren’t comfortable with family or even doctors.
Be Kind!
For Everyone You Meet Is Fighting
A Battle You Know Nothing About.