About ElevateWorks Collective
Building Futures Through Experience, Support, and Opportunity
ElevateWorks Collective is a community-based nonprofit organization serving at-risk, justice-involved, and underserved youth and young adults throughout the Greater Houston Area.
Our Story
ElevateWorks Collective was founded by professionals whose careers have been dedicated to serving youth, young adults, and families facing significant challenges.
Throughout years of direct service work, our founders witnessed how traditional systems often overlooked the strengths, insight, and leadership potential of the very individuals they sought to help.
We recognized that many young people possess extraordinary resilience, wisdom, and determination developed through overcoming adversity.
The question became: What if lived experience was viewed as an asset rather than a barrier? The answer became the LEP Model™.
Our Mission
ElevateWorks Collective empowers at-risk and justice-involved youth and young adults through mentorship, behavioral health education, workforce readiness, life skills development, reentry support, and community partnerships that promote long-term success and self-sufficiency.
Our Vision
To create communities where every young person has access to the support, opportunities, and resources needed to overcome adversity, realize their potential, and thrive.
Core Values
Our values guide how we serve youth, families, partners, and communities.
Respect
Every individual deserves dignity and opportunity.
Accountability
Meaningful growth requires ownership and responsibility.
Resilience
Challenges can become catalysts for transformation.
Collaboration
Community partnerships create stronger outcomes.
Empowerment
Youth possess strengths that deserve recognition and development.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Tracy Johnson
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Tracy Johnson, LCDC-I, brings extensive experience working with justice-involved youth, behavioral health initiatives, substance use education, mentorship programming, and community-based rehabilitation efforts throughout the Houston region.
His professional background includes direct service delivery, youth mentoring, reentry support, case coordination, behavioral health education, and workforce development. Through both professional and lived experience, Tracy has developed a deep understanding of the barriers facing vulnerable youth populations and remains committed to building pathways toward sustainable success.
As Executive Director, he provides organizational leadership, strategic planning, partnership development, and program oversight while championing the organization’s LEP Model philosophy.
Leadership Pillar:
Community Impact & Program Innovation
Crystal Baldwin
President, Clinical Director & Co-Founder
Crystal Baldwin, LPC, serves as the clinical leader of ElevateWorks Collective. Her experience spans counseling, behavioral health services, youth development, trauma-informed care, and community-based intervention strategies.
Her clinical expertise ensures that organizational programming remains grounded in ethical practices, evidence-informed approaches, and participant-centered care.
As Clinical Director, Crystal guides behavioral health initiatives, program quality standards, and the integration of therapeutic principles throughout organizational services.
Leadership Pillar:
Clinical Excellence & Behavioral Health Leadership
Shirley Johnson
Secretary & Program Director
Shirley Johnson, LVN, contributes decades of healthcare experience and specialized knowledge in Texas Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) administration and management.
Her background provides critical expertise in healthcare operations, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and participant-centered service delivery.
At ElevateWorks Collective, she supports program administration, organizational governance, and operational compliance while helping ensure services are delivered safely and effectively.
Leadership Pillar:
Program Integrity & Operational Compliance
Hillary Williams
Treasurer & Director of Operations and Business Development
Treasurer & Director of Operations and Business Development
Hillary Williams provides strategic leadership in financial oversight, grant development, organizational sustainability, and operational planning.
His experience in grant management and financial stewardship strengthens ElevateWorks Collective’s ability to responsibly manage resources, pursue funding opportunities, and maintain accountability to donors, funders, and community stakeholders.
As Treasurer, Hillary oversees financial governance while supporting long-term growth initiatives and partnership development.
Leadership Pillar:
Financial Stewardship & Organizational Sustainability
Why Our Leadership Matters
Collective Experience. Shared Mission.
ElevateWorks Collective’s leadership team combines expertise across:
Together, our leadership team brings decades of professional experience serving youth, families, and communities throughout the Greater Houston area.
Their diverse backgrounds provide the organizational capacity, oversight, and community understanding necessary to deliver meaningful and sustainable impact.