MEET OUR TEAM
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dr. Sherri Holt is the founder and executive director of Begin Anew. She has established herself as a passionate advocate for education, health, and wellness, dedicating her career to empowering individuals and communities. Dr. Holt’s guiding philosophy centers on the idea that it’s not where you come from but where you’re going that matters. She firmly believes that education changes behaviors and perspectives. According to Dr. Holt, gaining knowledge enables individuals to view life through a new lens, motivating them to become productive members of society and advocates for positive change both at home and in their communities.
Dr. Holt promotes the message that “once you know better…you do better.” Through her work, she encourages others to embrace education as a catalyst for personal and community growth, inspiring them to make informed and better decisions.
Keith Holt – Consultant
Keith Holt is an award-winning community leader, nationally recognized consultant, and LGBTQ+ strategist with more than 20 years of experience advancing health equity, economic opportunity, and political power for marginalized communities. His work has helped reposition public health from a distant system into a trusted, culturally grounded partner for communities too often left at the margins. Keith currently serves as President of the Maryland LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the LGBTQ+ Diversity Leadership Council for the Maryland Democratic Party, making history as the first African American to hold either role. He was elected by more than 8,000 residents to the Maryland State Central Committee for the 43rd District, where he continues to champion policies that center LGBTQ+ people, communities of color, and low-income residents. His leadership portfolio also includes prior service as Director of Community Engagement for the Baltimore City Council’s 4th District and earlier work at the Baltimore City Health Department as its first Youth, Gender, and Sexual Minorities Outreach Coordinator, where he helped design the influential “Know Your Status” Free Ball and Conference. Keith’s role as a consultant to Begin Anew, Inc., John Hopkins University, the Smithsonian Museum and Peabody Institute on programing geared toward vulnerable and hard to reach populations further exemplifies his devotion to making a positive difference.
Additionally, Keith is a certified community health worker with certifications in Mental Health First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid, Project Management, Phlebotomy, Social Media Marketing, and Non-profit Leadership.
Carissa Matthews – Director Education and Training
Carissa Matthews has a Master’s Degree in Special Education and Leadership from the University of Notre Dame of Maryland. She grew up in the city of Baltimore and attended Baltimore city public schools and is a proud graduate of Mergenthaler high school. Carissa has expertise in general and special education, screening and IEP development, accommodations, support services, professional development, along with knowledge of the state of Maryland Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and federal requirements pertaining to students with special needs. She has extensive professional and community experience working with at-risk, disabled and vulnerable youth and young adults. Her passion is to make a difference in the lives of others.