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The Team
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Itean Dozier, Founder & President
StepIn Stones to Excellence Inc. was founded by Itean Dozier, a proud product of Sicklerville in Winslow Township, New Jersey. Growing up in this community and graduating from Edgewood Regional High School (Winslow Township HS) in 2001, Dozier developed a lifelong commitment to empowering the next generation. He continued his education at Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Physical Education in 2005, followed by a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Cheyney University in 2017.
Throughout college and early in his career, Dozier worked in a variety of youth-focused roles, gaining extensive experience as a residential counselor, community-based service worker, behavior specialist, therapeutic support specialist, and case manager. These positions shaped his understanding of youth needs and strengthened his passion for mentorship. After returning home to New Jersey, Dozier received his teaching certification in Health and Physical Education (K–12) and began serving within the Atlantic City Board of Education, where he continues to teach, mentor, coach, and support students more than 18 years later.
Driven by a deep desire to give back to the same community that raised him, Dozier founded StepIn Stones to Excellence Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting and encouraging youth to pursue positive, balanced, and successful lifestyles. The organization focuses on providing access to mentorship, education, athletics, leadership development, life skills, and community-based programming for children and teens throughout New Jersey.
Under Dozier’s leadership, StepIn Stones to Excellence Inc. is actively developing one of its most ambitious projects: a state-of-the-art Youth Recreation Center in Winslow Township. This visionary facility will serve as a central hub for sports, academics, performing arts, community support, and therapeutic services—creating a safe and inspiring environment for youth and families for generations to come.
With every program, event, and initiative, StepIn Stones to Excellence Inc. carries forward Dozier’s lifelong motto:
“I just want to help them see over the brick wall—and maybe they will jump over.”
Shawn Harvey, Founder/Vice President
Shawn is a dedicated health professional currently working in the field of mental health and substance abuse. Through his experience he understands it is essential to educate the community on health and wellness. Shawn is currently majoring in sports management and completing his program to earn his certification in drug and alcohol counseling for the state of New Jersey. Integrating both of his passions for fitness and community advocacy Shawn has been striving to develop a youth advocate program. Shawn’s commitment to his family, faith, and the community, supports why Shawn is viewed to be a positive role model for men and women of all ages.
Detra Lewis, Chief of Operations
is currently a Program Office that helps support our greater New Jersey region. She has worked both in the public and privates sector and has a strong understanding of people and the world around her. Detra is a firm believer that education is an investment in oneself. In 2005, she received a dual degree in Bachelors in Industrial Organizational Psychology and Business Marketing from Albertus Magnus College. In 2008 she also received a Master’s in Business Administration and later pursed her Master’s in Education in 2011 from Strayer University.
Vincent Dozier, Jr., Treasurer
Is a Guidance Counselor, Special Needs Teacher, Coach, Therapist and Church Elder. Focusing on developing curriculum for at Risk Students, Individual and Group counseling. Using Restorative Practice techniques to assist in mediations and opening lines of communication. Seminars and workshop experience with multi-age grouping, collaborative learning and students with special needs. In 1975 received a BA degree in Criminal Justice from Glassboro State College (Rowan University), 1994 Certification for Teacher of the Handicapped and in 2003 received a Master Degree in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling. Favorite motto for youth, “One day I’m going to get big…and right now is the time to lay the foundation.”