Our Team

Forrest Watson III BS, MBA

Founder & Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director

Forrest Watson III is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director of Life Center Complex, Inc., dba, The Life Health Center(LHC). Life Center Complex received its 501 (C) 3 status in 2009. Before founding the LHC, Mr. Watson got his start in the healthcare system with Reliance Health Care Group Inc. where he and Dr. Jon Regis were the founders. Reliance was a multi-specialty primary care organization providing OB-GYN, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, and Family Practice services.

Mr. Watson worked closely with the doctors there along with Dr. Regis and was an integral part in helping to significantly reduce the infant mortality rate in the state of New Jersey within the African American and Latino community, as well as to improve overall health in the general population.

Mr. Watson has done a lot of volunteer work in the community. He has served as the chairman of the Health Advisory Committee for the Wilmington Metropolitan Urban League, the Health Equity Committee for the State of Delaware, and the City of Wilmington Healthy Mother’s Consortium.

He currently is seated on the committee of the Delaware Healthy Mother and Infant Consortium (DHMIC) appointed by the governor.

He was employed with DuPont for over five years in various corporate finance positions.

Mr. Watson obtained his Bachelor of Science at Cornell University and his MBA at the Indiana University-Kelley School of Business.

Mr. Watson is the proud father of four adult children of whom all work diligently in the day-to-day operations of the LHC.

Mr. Watson believes in holistic healing that embraces wellness from a physical, mental, social, nutritional, and spiritual approach. He believes that people are similar to a tree. We must look beyond the leaves and fruit of the tree, but we must also go deep into the roots to determine the true health of a tree. He leads the Life Health Center with passion and a vision to see the communities they serve to thrive and transform into a valuable part of society.

He and his wife, Denise, Co-Pastor the Worship House located in Wilmington, Delaware.

Denise Watson, BA, MBA

Chief Operating Officer

Denise Watson is the Chief Operation Officer, COO of Life Health Center. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Economics at Spelman, and a Master’s in Business at the University of Delaware. Denise has been working in the medical field for over 20 years. She was introduced to health care at a young age while working with her father in the industry as a teenager. She is the oldest of three children of Forrest Watson, III, Founder and Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director.

During Denise’s former career as a teacher, she worked extensively within the public school system with youth who were at risk. While working with the students she realized the disparaging effect depravity of good, and holistic health care had on their behavior, mental health, and ability to learn.

In her vision to help people get healthy, she recognizes the importance of a holistic approach to health and wellness. It is this passion that’s fuels her ambition for the success and growth of LHC as well as obtaining her degree in psychology. Denise is currently enrolled in pre-med school.

Denise started out in administration in LHC and was an integral part in building the company from the foundations to where it is today. She is a thriving force for structure and organization as the company grows into an all-inclusive, comprehensive one-stop place for health care and wellness.

Her overall vision, is for LHC to be an organization among organizations. It will be a place where our employees enjoy working not only because we’re getting the job done in our communities and meeting the needs of our clients, but that it is a place of growth internally as well as externally.

When Denise is not in the trenches of the day-to-day operations of LHC or engrossed in her studies, she enjoys family, going to the beach, traveling, and shopping.

Forrest Watson IV

Executive Administrator, Community Out-reach and School Based Wellness

Forrest Watson, IV is the Executive Administrator of Community Out-reach and School Based Wellness. Forrest initially got his first exposure in providing health care working with his father at the age of 12 where he gained experience and knowledge of community service and obtaining resources.

While attending college in North Carolina, Forrest experienced firsthand the detrimental effect living in an impoverished community can have on families. While working as a Community Support Specialist, he was charged with meeting with children and families in their environment to ensure program requirements and appointments were met. It was there he’d found his passion as a community advocate.

He returned to Delaware and joined arms with father at LHC working hands-on in various capacities. Forrest has worked the front desk, billing and collections, as the office admin, performed on-boarding background checks and licenses, certifying boards and ensuring 501 (C3) compliance, and filled the role as a financial coordinator. He also was instrumental in fostering a collaborative-working relationship with Social Services in meeting the growing needs of the community. He thrived in his versatility and quickly became an integral part of the Life Health Center’s rapid growth and expansion. Forrest is a visionary as well as a go getter. He is passionate about using his talents and skills to help others to become healthy and whole through a holistic approach. In lined with LHC mission, he promotes the importance of achieving and maintaining a healthy balance and wellness of life. His philosophy is everyone has something beneficial to give. As we all pull together and do our part for the betterment of society, we’ll succeed in building our communities one person, one family, and ultimately, one community at time.

When Forrest is not engaged in the daily activities of LHC and the School Base Wellness Centers he can be found enjoying movies, watching sports, exercising, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.

Dr. Alvin L. Turner, Ph.D

Executive Administrator, Director of Integrative Health

Dr. Turner is the Executive Administrator of Director of Integrative Health. He is a licensed Psychologist in the State of New York, and Delaware, and is certified as a Health Care Provider in Psychology. He specializes in forensic psychology, holistic health, African American psychology, training, supervision, and the impact of trauma on the human spirit. Dr. Turner also has extensive experience in substance abuse evaluation and treatment and has designed nationally funded programs for African-American families experiencing issues related to addiction as well as programs related to domestic violence within Black families.  He is a member of the Hope commission which has developed a re-entry program for previously incarcerated felons returning to our community.

Dr. Turner obtained his Ph.D from Temple University School of Medicine in 1980 and has served in the field of medicine for over 39 years. During his career, he has taught numerous courses at the University of Delaware as well as published serval papers and journals relating to his field of study and experience.

He has conducted numerous workshops and group facilitations on various topics such as stress management, health issues affecting women of color, relationship development, diversity, partnership in healing, psychological impact of disability, human behavior, treating multiple diagnoses among young adults, the will to survive for victims, the role of the human spiriting for healing for men, adversity and family structures, culturally relevant education, and positive self-imagery for Black families.

Dr. Turner has received several awards of which he was the recipient of the Delaware Psychological Association Service award (1998), Certificate of Appreciation African Rights of Passage (1997), and the Service Award, Black Alumni Organization, University of Delaware (1996).

He is a member of the local and national chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists, American Psychological Association, Delaware Psychological Association, American College of Forensic Psychology, and the Counsel in Ethnic Mental Health Affairs.

Dr. Turner has personal interest in photography, music, theater, physical fitness, parenting and group therapy applications.

Norwood Coleman LCSW-S, ACSW

Executive Clinical Administrator, Integration, Behavioral and Mental Health and Training

Norwood J. Coleman, Jr. is a licensed clinical social worker and resident of Wilmington, Delaware. He holds a Bachelor and Master of Social Work at Delaware State University. Mr. Coleman has used his academic achievements to launch a career as a Trauma Focused Clinician and Mental Health Administrator, working with children, adults, families, and larger systems in the State of Delaware. Mr. Coleman holds several certifications and professional memberships at the State, National and International level.

Mr. Coleman is a current and long-standing member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). He has held multiple leadership roles on the NASW-Delaware Chapter Board as Treasurer-Elect, Treasurer, President-Elect and President of the NASW-Delaware Chapter. In addition to holding leadership positions with the NASW, Mr. Coleman holds NASW credentials of Academy of Certified Social Worker (ACSW) and Licensed Clinical Supervisor of Social Work (LCSW-S). Mr. Coleman is a long-standing member of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Study (ISTSS).

He is a preferred provider by the State of Delaware Department of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services for Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) and Child-Family Traumatic Stress Intervention (CFTSI). Mr. Coleman is the former clinical supervisor for the Wilmington Child Development-Community Policing Program- a program that provides law enforcement with trauma-trained clinicians as a resource for youth exposed to violence. He has contributed to multiple youth engagement and support organizations including Duffy’s Hope as a group facilitator. He has developed a curriculum for the organization, which he also co-facilitated, entitled TRAUMA AWARENESS-SUICIDE PREVENTION (TASP), which was recognized by Wilmington City Council in 2013. He is a former adjunct professor at Delaware State University and the winner of the Sankofa Social Worker of the Year Award for 2015.

As a part of Mr. Coleman’s professional activities, he has volunteered in multiple organizations. Mr. Coleman is also a volunteer member of AIDS-DE, The Mental Health Association in Delaware-Community Mental Health Conference Planning Committee, served on the Victim’s Rights Task Force, served on the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI)-Executive Advisory Board and as a professional volunteer for Crisis Intervention Training for Police Officers. Mr. Coleman also has volunteered with the Silence Breeds Violence Initiative, a program to engage community members with police officers in cooperative ways. He is a former facilitator for Victims Voices Heard- Victim’s Impact Listen and Learn (Office of Victims of Crime) offered in the Delaware Department of Corrections. The Domestic Violence Task Force of Delaware (DVRT), Delaware Domestic Violence Forum, Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Connecticut Youth Excellence Program, One World Classroom.

Mr. Coleman is also an avid supporter of the arts as a part of a holistic educational experience. In addition to being an accomplished pianist and violist, Mr. Coleman has taught violin, viola, piano at the Christina Cultural Arts Center, is the founder of Umoja String Ensemble, and the Minister of Music at the Unity Lutheran Church win Wilmington, Delaware. He is a former member of the international travel performance group, Fruits of the Spirit. Mr. Coleman has dedicated his life to the wellness of youth and their families through his giving spirit and dedication life long-learning. He strongly holds fast to the belief that all people are valuable and should be given the opportunity to contribute their gifts and talents to the Symphony of Life.

Sharon Farrell, CRNP, MSN, PPCNP-BC

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Sharon Farrell is the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner for the School Based Wellness Centers at the Life Health Center in the Colonial School District. She is a Board Certified Licensed Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She is licensed in the states of Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Sharon specializes in primary, preventive, and acute health care of children beginning at birth up until 24 years of age. She has extensive knowledge in complex medical conditions including: hematological & oncological disorders, genetic conditions, trauma (both physical and mental), orthopedic injuries & conditions, as well as common medical ailments and conditions.

Sharon became a Registered Nurse in 1979, after attending the Washington Hospital Center School of Nursing, which was affiliated with Trinity College and American University in Washington, DC. After working for one year at the Medical University of South Carolina, on the Pediatric oncology & surgical floor, Sharon moved to Philadelphia. She began working at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia on the Oncology inpatient unit, caring for children with cancer. In 1986, Sharon transferred to an outpatient Apheresis Unit at CHOP, working with patients who suffer with Hematological Disorders. She was instrumental in developing & writing the protocols, collecting data and conducting research for children undergoing Apheresis procedures.

Sharon went back to school in 2006, achieving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Immaculata University. She continued her education at Thomas Jefferson University, specializing in Primary Pediatrics Advanced Practice Nursing. Following Board Certification & Licensure, Sharon transferred to the Orthopedic Surgical Department at CHOP. Sharon worked closely with surgeons to develop protocols, data collect, and conduct research for children who experienced Orthopedic conditions, trauma or injuries. She managed non-surgical orthopedic fractures independently, as well as post-operative patient’s needs. Sharon supported both the child and the family through this stressful process. Sharon has participated in writing peer reviewed journal articles, and presenting research at International Advanced Nursing and Orthopedic conferences.

Sharon has won several awards. The first being Abstract, she received the “Allied Health Award” at the International ASFA meeting, 2008 in Galveston, Texas. The second being “The Outstanding Capstone Award” from Thomas Jefferson School of Nursing Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program, August 12, 2009.

Sharon has collaborated with physicians, nurses and research scientists to publish two journal articles. The first being “Alternative method to determine the hematocrit of red blood cell units: A potential use in the apheresis unit” in the journal Transfusion, dated 2009. The second being “Rapid Recovery Pathway After Spinal Fusion for Idiopathic Scoliosis.” in Pediatrics dated 2016.

Sharon currently resides in West Philadelphia. She is married, with 2 step daughters, and 5 children. Two son-in-law, three daughter-in-law, and six grandchildren currently make for a wonderfully large family. Personal interests include: quilting, knitting, embroidery, fly fishing, golf, camping, cooking, fixing up old houses, drawing and painting.

Shariyfa Polite, LCSW

Executive Administrator of School Based Behavioral Health

Shariyfa Rose is a licensed therapist who is passionate about individuals becoming their highest, and truest self through self-love, self-care, and self-confidence. She graduated from Old Dominion University with an Environmental Health degree. As an undergraduate student, she had the awesome opportunity to visit South Africa. It was during this 6-week volunteer experience that solidified her passion for human services, and public health.

She matriculated to Bryn Mawr College where she received a Master in Social Service and became a licensed clinical social worker shortly after.

Shariyfa’s experience in working at every level of mental health treatment has catalyzed her to becoming more flexible, compassionate, and a loving team player at the Life Health Center. She enjoys many of her roles at the Life Health Center which includes working in the communities and the school based wellness centers. She enjoys working with children and adults as they are both integral parts to building a better family, community, and a healthier nation.

Being a therapist has helped her look within and do her own work. Doing so has stimulated the paragon of positivity in all she does and who she is. Her favorite quotes are “Choose yourself or risk your health,” and “Smile, it’s the best therapy.

Shariyfa is a charming world traveler, a determined foodie, an enthusiastic swimmer, and a friend of God. She takes pleasure in meeting people from all walks of life and spreading her joy upon them.

Bessie M. McLaughlin Evans

Licensed Practical Nurse

Ms. Bessie graduated and was licensed as a Practical Nurse at the Brown Technical School in 1962. She attended the University of Delaware, Management Training, Brandywine College and majored in Business Administration. She also attended Eastern University.

Ms. Bessie is a certified CPR Health Care Provider and a Holistic Health Coach from Legacy Holistic Health Institute as of January 2020. Ms. Bessie completed her LPN Refresher Training at the Delaware Skill Center in 2014. She became a Lay Biblical Counselor at the Hope Restoration Center in 2016 with a concentration in Ethics: Good Decision Making in Real-Time; Culturally Responsive Practices; and Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training.

Ms. Bessie has been a nurse for over 40 years.

Since 1985 she has been on a quest to manage disease, stress and live a balanced life in spirit, soul, and body. She is a lifelong learner. In addition to a vocation of nursing, she worked in banking and government. She owned a bookstore for over ten years and sold books on Amazon. Bessie is a fitness instructor and teacher of Health and Wellness Classes at The Resurrection Center. She enjoys spending time with family, reading, gardening, fishing, knitting, and traveling. Ms. Bessie is an ordained Elder of Administration at the Resurrection Center in Wilmington, Delaware.