Dr. Melvin A. Roach, EdD
Chairman / CEO / Founder
Dr. Melvin Roach is the Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Bending Back Barriers, leading the organization’s mission to advance equitable educational outcomes for underserved youth. He brings extensive experience in education, leadership development, and organizational strategy, guiding programs that address academic, social, and wellness needs through school partnerships and community-centered initiatives.
Dr. Roach provides strategic oversight and governance, ensuring the organization operates with accountability, sustainability, and measurable impact. His work focuses on dismantling systemic barriers to learning, fostering collaboration with schools and families, and designing programs that create lasting opportunities for at-risk students to succeed academically and socially.
Mr. Jason Bloom
Co-Vice Chair / COO / VP of Community Partnership
Jason serves as Co–Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for Bending Back Barriers, bringing over fifteen years of experience in education, student advocacy, and systems-based leadership. He is committed to equity and access, supporting historically marginalized students through inclusive, trauma-informed, and learner-centered practices.
With a background in education, law, and policy, Jason contributes to nonprofit governance, strategic planning, and organizational oversight. He focuses on strengthening school partnerships, expanding student support services, and promoting sustainable educational pathways, helping Bending Back Barriers dismantle systemic barriers and create opportunities for at-risk youth.
With a background in education, law, and policy, Jason contributes to nonprofit governance, strategic planning, and organizational oversight. He focuses on strengthening school partnerships, expanding student support services, and promoting sustainable educational pathways, helping Bending Back Barriers dismantle systemic barriers and create opportunities for at-risk youth.
Mr. Sean Berndlmaier
Chief Technology Officer (CTO) /
VP of Grant Applications
Sean serves as Chief Technology Officer of Bending Back Barriers, overseeing the organization’s technology strategy, digital infrastructure, and operational systems. He ensures that technology supports organizational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and scalable solutions to enhance programs for at-risk youth.
With expertise in information systems, digital innovation, and operations management, Sean leads cross-functional teams to implement secure, sustainable technology solutions. He is committed to leveraging technology to strengthen organizational impact, support staff, and advance Bending Back Barriers’ mission of expanding opportunities for underserved students.
With expertise in information systems, digital innovation, and operations management, Sean leads cross-functional teams to implement secure, sustainable technology solutions. He is committed to leveraging technology to strengthen organizational impact, support staff, and advance Bending Back Barriers’ mission of expanding opportunities for underserved students.
Henry Bermudez
Executive Chair / International Arts & Culture Initiatives
Henry Bermudez is an internationally recognized contemporary artist whose work explores identity, history, and cross-cultural dialogue through painting, installation, and public art. Born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, Bermudez has exhibited widely in the United States and abroad and has represented Venezuela on the international stage. His work draws from pre-Hispanic, Afro-Caribbean, Judeo-Christian, and contemporary visual traditions, reflecting a lifelong commitment to storytelling across cultures.
As International Arts & Cultural Initiatives Lead, Bermudez brings a global perspective to the organization’s mission, leveraging his international experience, artistic networks, and community leadership. Based in Philadelphia, he is the co-director of HOUSEGallery1816 and an active educator and mentor, dedicated to expanding access to the arts and fostering meaningful cultural exchange at both local and international levels.
Kenneth W. Christian
Chief Investment Officer
Kenneth W. Christian is a seasoned Investment Advisor Representative (IAR) and President of Maplewood Financial Group, bringing decades of experience in wealth management, retirement planning, college planning, and estate strategies. With a background spanning both public service and financial advising, he is committed to helping individuals, families, and professionals navigate complex financial decisions and build secure, confident futures.
Before entering financial services in 1999, Kenneth served as a Philadelphia firefighter from 1989 to 2000 and in the United States Navy from 1981 to 1989. Since transitioning into financial advising, he has guided hundreds of clients through market cycles, retirement transitions, and long-term wealth-building strategies. A certified college advisor partnered with college funding solutions, Kenneth has also been recognized nationally, including being featured in Kiplinger’s 2019 Summer Issue as one of America’s Retirement Experts and named a Five-Star Wealth Manager by Philadelphia Magazine.
Dr. Iris, Parkinson EdD
Co-Vice-Chair
Mrs. Guzel Roach
Secretary
Ms. Arianna Brown
Cooperating Member
Ms. Aaliyah Washington
Alumni Liason / Director of Corporate & Digital Communications
Ms. Ashley Harvell-Brooking
Assistant Secretary of the Board of Directors