Meet Our Board Members

Treasurer

Ajuné Richardson has been passionate about youth welfare for years. Having had personal experiences with mental health challenges as a child herself, she decided that she wanted to help other kids like her. In 2021, she entered college knowing she would major in psychology with the intention of providing psychotherapy to children and adolescents. In the meantime, she has also spent a significant amount of time with children as an older cousin, a childcare provider, and an assistant preschool teacher. She is highly optimistic about the future of Kids Like Us and her role in the organization.

Social Media Manager

Annalysse is a student, food photographer, and culinary arts professional with a passion for storytelling through food and images. Growing up in the Bronx, she developed a deep awareness of resource access and community resilience, which continues to shape her creative and academic work. She studied culinary arts at Food and Finance High School in NYC and now pursues interdisciplinary studies in communications and marketing. Her photography highlights Hispanic-style desserts and cultural heritage, blending technical skill with emotional depth to evoke comfort and nostalgia. Beyond the lens, Annalysse explores environmental ethics, entomology, and creative sensory projects, bringing curiosity and resilience to every endeavor.

Founding Board President/Director

Melody Welles is a former foster youth and federally independent adoptee passionate about giving back to the community. Coming up with this non profit idea at 17, Melody launched it in under 2 years. She is dedicated to serving her community and hopes to do so for the rest of her life. Melody works as a private childcare provider and attends Cornell as a Human Development major. She also has her CDA in infant/toddler care. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and scrapbooking. She can’t wait to see how Kids Like Us continues to grow!