Transforming Lives Through passion
Our Founder & CEO
Tosha Pearson is a dedicated advocate for maternal health and well-being. Driven by personal experience and a deep-rooted passion for nurturing life, she is committed to creating a supportive environment for mothers and their babies. As a nursing student at Georgia State University and former CNA, Tosha’s healthcare background is complemented by a profound understanding of the challenges faced by new mothers. Her organization, Mama Bear’s Place, provides essential resources and support to help women navigate the complexities of early motherhood. Tosha is also an active member of the Planning Committee for The National Reproductive Conference, where she amplifies the voices of those often unheard. Her unwavering dedication to maternal health has made her a respected leader in the field. As a devoted mother of three, she is driven to empower all mothers and babies to reach their full potential.
Board of Directors
Charles James
Briley Williams
Briley Williams
President of The Board
Charles James's 20-year career in assisted living isn't just about senior care; it's about cultivating well-being in all aspects of life. Across the United States, he's built a reputation as a seasoned executive, known for his deep expertise in care continuum and his ability to lead both clinical and operational tea
President of The Board
Charles James's 20-year career in assisted living isn't just about senior care; it's about cultivating well-being in all aspects of life. Across the United States, he's built a reputation as a seasoned executive, known for his deep expertise in care continuum and his ability to lead both clinical and operational teams with a team-focused, listening approach. As a trusted leader, Charles fosters environments of inclusivity, engagement, and growth, both within his organizations and beyond.
But Charles's impact extends far beyond boardrooms. He's a pillar of his community, a passionate advocate who has organized successful marches for Black Lives Matter and LGBTQIA+ rights, raised awareness for Alzheimer's, and played a key role in securing a victory for a Towns Meeting Member. His dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion continues through his work on the DEI Committee for the Massachusetts Assisted Living Association.
This commitment to well-being is deeply personal for Charles. Inspired by his younger sister's experience with postpartum depression and his niece's struggles with breastfeeding and finding affordable support, he's joined the board to advocate for those in need. He's determined to use his platform to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all birthing people, women, and children.
Charles's passion for building strong communities extends to his own family. As a father and husband, he values the importance of nurturing relationships and creating spaces where everyone feels supported and empowered.
Briley Williams
Briley Williams
Briley Williams
Chief Nursing Officer
Briley Williams is a registered nurse with nearly three years of experience in labor and delivery, specializing in high-risk perinatal settings and obstetrical emergencies. Throughout her career, Briley has demonstrated a deep commitment to serving underprivileged and vulnerable populations in obstetrics. Her advocac
Chief Nursing Officer
Briley Williams is a registered nurse with nearly three years of experience in labor and delivery, specializing in high-risk perinatal settings and obstetrical emergencies. Throughout her career, Briley has demonstrated a deep commitment to serving underprivileged and vulnerable populations in obstetrics. Her advocacy work extends to raising awareness and educating individuals about the resources available to them following delivery, ensuring that every patient receives comprehensive care and support beyond the hospital walls.
In addition to her clinical role, Briley serves as a Lecturer in Nursing at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, where she is dedicated to imparting high-quality healthcare education to the next generation of nurses. Her passion for education extends beyond the university, as she actively participates on the CTE Advisory Board for Bradley County Schools, advocating for the health science department.
Briley graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lee University (2021) and her Master of Science in Nursing, with an emphasis in nursing education, from Liberty University (2023). She plans on furthering her education to extend into the leadership and administrative side of healthcare.
Briley resides with her husband in Cleveland, Tennessee, and is excited to join the Board of Directors at Mama Bear's Place as the Chief Nursing Officer. She is dedicated to advancing the field of maternal healthcare, advocating for the needs of both patients and healthcare professionals alike. As Chief Nursing Officer, she is eager to lead with compassion, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to excellence in postpartum care.
Melissa Parrott
Briley Williams
Melissa Parrott
Director of Human Resources
As the Director of Human Resources for Mama Bear's Place, Melissa brings a wealth of experience and a deep personal passion for supporting women during the transformative postpartum period. With over seven years in the field of human resources, Melissa holds a certification from the Human Resources Certification
Director of Human Resources
As the Director of Human Resources for Mama Bear's Place, Melissa brings a wealth of experience and a deep personal passion for supporting women during the transformative postpartum period. With over seven years in the field of human resources, Melissa holds a certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI), demonstrating a commitment to excellence in this critical role.
Melissa found her calling in supporting new mothers after personally experiencing the challenges of postpartum life, particularly with breastfeeding and a lack of accessible information or help. Motivated by her journey, she is currently working towards a postpartum doula certification, aiming to provide hands-on support and guidance to women navigating this delicate phase of motherhood.
Armed with a master's degree in Public Administration with a focus on nonprofit management, Melissa is uniquely positioned to drive positive change. Her enthusiasm to contribute to our mission of empowering women through tailored postpartum support is palpable. Melissa is dedicated to ensuring that every mother who comes through our doors feels heard, supported, and empowered to embrace this new chapter of their life.
Chi Vinson
Shirley Anderson
Melissa Parrott
Chief Marketing & Communication Officer
Chi is a seasoned global e-commerce and integrated marketing executive with over 20 years of experience working with both Fortune 500 companies and impactful non-profit organizations. A certified growth hacker, she has mastered the art of brand and digital transformation, navigating diverse industri
Chief Marketing & Communication Officer
Chi is a seasoned global e-commerce and integrated marketing executive with over 20 years of experience working with both Fortune 500 companies and impactful non-profit organizations. A certified growth hacker, she has mastered the art of brand and digital transformation, navigating diverse industries such as luxury, fashion, direct-to-consumer, CPG, fine art auctions, jewelry, and non-profit sectors.
In the realm of marketing, Chi is a true chameleon, seamlessly blending strategic marketing acumen with a wealth of global insights. Her unique ability lies in not only elevating brand awareness but also driving substantial growth. Yet, she is more than just a business professional; she embodies compassion and recognizes the vital role of giving back to the community.
Her philanthropic journey began early on, with volunteer work for D.A.R.E. and serving on the Make-A-Wish Foundation student board. Even as a young teen, she took the lead in organizing initiatives to sponsor families during the holidays and making donations to women's shelters. Her enthusiasm and dedication extend equally to supporting the services offered by Mama Bear’s Place for mothers.
Chi holds a Master of Science in Internet Business Systems, Web Strategy and Design and a Bachelor of Arts in International Economics with a minor in Japanese.
Chi is also actively involved in shaping the future of digital marketing. She serves as a member of the Digital Marketing Advisory Board at the University of South Florida Muma College of Business and the Digital Marketing Advisory Council at The George Washington School of Business. Chi is not just a marketer; she's a transformative force with a heart dedicated to making a positive impact on the community.
Shirley Anderson
Shirley Anderson
Shirley Anderson
Director of Client & Community Relations
Shirley is a retiree from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City as a Patient Care Technician in Maternity Ward of the postpartum unit. She worked on the floor for 15 years with a great team of nurses and doctors. She supported Moms and babies in the recovery care helping them to be able to care for
Director of Client & Community Relations
Shirley is a retiree from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City as a Patient Care Technician in Maternity Ward of the postpartum unit. She worked on the floor for 15 years with a great team of nurses and doctors. She supported Moms and babies in the recovery care helping them to be able to care for themselves physically and mentally. Giving them the emotional support that they need before they are discharged. Shirley also helped them with their breastfeeding journey. Her knowledge and education were given to me on the floor. She is a hands-on person that enjoyed working on the maternity floor. She feels like she left a great impact with the worked that she did. Shirley is ready to continue the work that she loves by supporting maternal health. The vision that Mama Bears has will give mothers a lifeline that they can depend on.