About

TRACEE PERRYMAN, PHD, is the CEO and co-founder of Center of Hope Family Services, where she leads the organization in its mission to improve the life outcomes of individuals and families living in urban settings.

A thought leader known for empowering individuals to engage with their communities and inspire change, Dr. Perryman partners with government and not-for-profit organizations, foundations, and leaders in education to realize results rooted in evidence-based programming.

Achievements & Awards

‣‣‣ Launched ELEVATE!, a comprehensive, multicultural, afterschool curriculum for empowering elementary students in urban and suburban settings. Introduced the model in the book Elevating Futures. A second book is set for release early summer 2022.

‣‣‣ Completed the Goldman Sachs Fellowship to learn and implement strategies for creating job growth and economic opportunity within Center of Hope Family Services. 1 of 32 individuals selected out of a pool of 500 applicants.

‣‣‣ Received the 2018 Ohio Department of Education Statewide Summit for Enrichment Education, 21st Century Community Learning Center Award in Student Reading / Literacy Improvement. Also awarded the 2018 Excellence and Innovation Award for innovative programs.

‣‣‣ Recognized by the Ohio Department of Education as a 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) — a comprehensive, academic-focused, extended learning opportunity in partnership with Toledo Public Schools. ‣‣‣ Rated as a High Quality Center and model for tutoring programs statewide.

‣‣‣ Evidenced-based parenting education and support programs developed by Dr. Perryman are utilized by Lucas County Job & Family Services, Juvenile Courts, and Child Support Enforcement. Center of Hope also partnered with Lucas County Juvenile Courts to implement an innovative approach to parent support and advocacy, one of only 4 such programs nationwide.

Dr. Perryman provides consultation in the areas of community engagement, leadership, education and juvenile justice.

Education & Background

Dr. Perryman graduated with honors from the University of Michigan, where she majored in Psychology. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Bowling Green State University, where she also taught and supervised education students majoring in Early Childhood Education.

Dr. Perryman earned her PhD from the Ohio State University College of Social Work, with a minor in Education. Her dissertation focused on the relationships between racial socialization and reduced violence in African American young adults.

Dr. Perryman's book Elevating Futures, introduces a new model for empowering black elementary student success. She works closely with educators to implement the curriculum in communities across the country.

Speaking & Events

Dr. Perryman has provided numerous presentations at national conferences in the areas of Education, Juvenile Justice and Mental Health Counseling. During her tenure at The Ohio State University, Dr. Perryman received the Distinguished Graduate Enrichment Fellowship Award and taught courses in Lifespan Development, Social Welfare, and Social Work Practice with Diverse Cultural Groups. She also taught in The University of Toledo Social Work Program.

Dr. Perryman represented the state of Ohio through the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, serving as speaker and captain for the Goldman Sachs National Capitol Hill Day. She has been an invited lecturer in the Georgetown University Center for Juvenile Justice Reform and the City University of New York and was invited by the Annie E. Casey Foundation to provide technical assistance to Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative sites in the areas of improving community and family engagement.

Dr. Perryman is an engaging speaker who has presented on the topics of education, juvenile justice and mental health. Contact us about your event.