The Team

Who We Are

Administrative Staff

Omar Ellison

VP of Operations

As VP of Operations at Beacon Bridge, Omar Ellison brings over a decade of experience in scaling successful ventures. Prior to joining Beacon Bridge, he founded HYM Solutions, where he assisted behavioral health providers in strategy development. He also served as a Founding Partner & Investor at Royal Blue Medical Center, Biltmore Health Services, and True Visions Behavioral Health, driving innovation in the healthcare industry. With a Bachelor of Business Administration from Strayer University, Omar combines entrepreneurial passion with strategic acumen to empower teams and drive growth at Beacon Bridge.

Brian L. Cook, MPA, QMHP

Director of Operations

Brian is the one of our director of operations at Beacon Bridge. With over 20 years of experience in human services, he is dedicated to advocating for at-risk and court-adjudicated youth. Brian's commitment stems from his own troubled youth, driving him to improve the conditions for adolescents in need of support. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences from the College of New Rochelle and a Master of Public Administration from Strayer University.

Omar Long, QMHP, CADC

Director of Operations

With over a decade of experience teaching Social Studies/History, English, and life-coping skills, Omar champions alternative education approaches that foster positive outcomes. His empathetic communication connects with diverse backgrounds, enriching his role as a teacher at a North Carolina detention center. Certified in North Carolina and New Jersey, Omar also serves as a certified substance abuse counselor.

David Lyde, M.Ed., QMHP

Director of Operations

Educated at Barber-Scotia College, Mr. Lyde earned his bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts with a focus on Education. He furthered his education at Chestnut Hill College, completing a teaching certification program and earning a Master's of Education. Transitioning into mental health, Mr. Lyde served as a Qualified Mental Health Professional, finding fulfillment in teaching and counseling students with severe social and developmental challenges.

Audrey Pippin

Social Media Manager

Audrey Pippin is a freshman at UNC Chapel Hill with a flair for social media. As our social media manager, she's dedicated to showcasing our healthcare organization's mission with creativity and passion.

Garren Smalls

Business Development Specialist

Garren Smalls is a recent graduate from the Georgia Institute of Technology, holding a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. With a strong foundation in technology and a passion for innovation, Garren brings his expertise to our team, contributing to the advancement of our healthcare initiatives through cutting-edge solutions and programming prowess.

Clinical Staff

Diana Yarber - LCSW, LPC

Clinical Director

Diana Yarber is a licensed clinical social worker and clinical addiction specialist with over eighteen years of experience. I specialize in offering trainings for Peer Support Specialist certification, certified by UNC School of Social Work. Together, we'll focus on action, movement, and empowerment to help you excel in this vital role. Let's work towards your certification and make a meaningful impact in our communities.

Tiara Hyman

Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NC)

Tiara Hyman, a native of Durham, NC, brings over 16 years of experience in the healthcare industry, demonstrating a heart and passion for helping others. Her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in her community shines through her commitment to serving others.

Alexander Yousif

Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NC, OH)

Alexander Yousif is a senior at UNC Chapel Hill, passionate about healthcare and dedicated to making a positive impact in mental health and substance use disorder settings. Alongside his studies, Alexander finds joy in saltwater fishing and camping, embracing the tranquility of nature whenever he can.