Tajia Haynes

As Mentoring Support Services Coordinator, Tajia Haynes supervises GEMS’ new SISTA Mentoring Project, a formal mentoring program that provides GEMS members with survivor and ally mentors. Tajia organizes the training of all mentors, matches GEMS members with mentors, and coordinates all mentoring program activities. She also provides counseling, comprehensive case management, and advocacy services.

Committed to service leadership, Tajia has 13 years of experience in organizing, facilitating, and participating in community service projects. A former residential counselor and intern in GEMS’ Transitional Independent Living program, Tajia introduced and implemented a community service component to this housing programming. Tajia is dedicated to providing ongoing, consistent, and compassionate support and encouragement to GEMS members.

Tajia has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Stony Brook University, where she was also a peer health educator, and her Masters in Social Work from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Services. Tajia is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and an active member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.