is the founder of The Dallas Lamar Project, Inc., a nonprofit organization rooted in compassion, community, and healing for families navigating the loss of a child. Inspired by her personal journey through grief after the loss of her son, Dallas Lamar, Shiyonne created the organization to ensure that no family has to walk that path alone.
In addition to her work with The Dallas Lamar Project, Inc, Shiyonne is also the co-founder of New York City Nurses Honor Guard, an organization dedicated to honoring the lives, service, and legacy of nurses through ceremonial tributes and community-centered service initiatives.
With a strong professional background in healthcare operations, business development, and organizational leadership, Shiyonne brings a unique combination of strategic thinking, operational execution, and lived experience to her work. Throughout her career, she has developed expertise in healthcare systems, program coordination, workflow development, and relationship management, with a passion for building initiatives that are both impactful and sustainable.
She earned her undergraduate degree in Business Management and Finance from Brooklyn College in 2008, providing a strong foundation in leadership, financial management, and organizational strategy. She later completed her MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Management from the University of Phoenix in 2015, further strengthening her expertise in healthcare administration, systems management, and patient-centered operations. In 2021, she also obtained a Project Management Certification from the University of Phoenix, enhancing her ability to lead complex initiatives, plan operations, and foster cross-functional collaboration.
Shiyonne is deeply committed to building systems that not only support families emotionally but also connect them to tangible resources, financial assistance, and community-based care. Her approach blends compassion with structure, ensuring that families are met with both empathy and actionable support during some of life’s most difficult moments.
Her vision for The Dallas Lamar Project extends beyond grief support. She is passionate about creating a full spectrum of maternal and family-centered care, from loss support to postpartum resources and future family planning, ensuring families feel supported, connected, and cared for at every stage of their journey.
is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 25 years of experience in behavioral health, clinical leadership, and patient advocacy. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University at Albany School of Social Welfare and has maintained a private practice since 2017, specializing in individual and couples therapy.
Ms. Spears-Smith also serves as Supervisor of the Collaborative Care Program at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, where she leads an interdisciplinary team supporting patients experiencing depression, anxiety, and other behavioral health concerns across multiple primary care settings. In addition, she provides clinical supervision to mental health counselors and master’s-level social workers, supporting professional development and ethical clinical practice.
Her professional experience includes trauma-informed care, relationship and life-transition counseling, healthcare collaboration, and strengthening access to community-based mental health services. She is deeply passionate about advancing emotional wellness, fostering resilience, and promoting compassionate, equitable care.
Ms. Spears-Smith brings to the board a thoughtful clinical perspective grounded in leadership, collaboration, and practical problem-solving, helping guide the organization’s commitment to building safe, supportive, and community-centered care systems.
She is a community education leader with over 16 years of experience supporting youth and families across Brooklyn. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Astrophysics and brings a data-informed, equity-driven approach to expanding access to educational and community resources. She is a Licensed Director in School Age Child Care, holds a Family Development Credential (FDC), and is certified in First Aid/CPR/AED. She is also currently pursuing her Certified Fitness Trainer certification, expected in August 2026.
She spent 12 years as a multi-site after-school director across traditional public and charter schools, leading programs focused on academic enrichment, youth development, and family engagement.
She currently serves as a Community School Director in East Flatbush, where she partners with school leadership and community stakeholders to align resources, secure grants and funding, and implement initiatives that strengthen student outcomes and enhance the overall well-being of families.
