Our Team

Our Story

Inspired by an Iowa barber who traded free haircuts for boys' reading books, Lucy Perera, then an Educator at the LSU Museum of Art, sought a local barber to recreate the initiative: one line on a page, one line in a haircut, mirroring the rhythm of reading and the art of hairstyling in African-American culture.

Three months later, she met O’Neil Curtis, owner of O’Neil’s Barber & Beauty Salon, and their unlikely but beautiful partnership was formed.

United by their dedication to empowering and promoting literacy in underserved communities, they joined forces. In December 2014, the first Line4Line program debuted.

Since then, L4L has evolved and expanded its programming into schools and other community spaces.

barbers

O’Neil Curtis

At age 12, O’Neil Curtis dreamed of becoming a barber. Now, O’Neil’s Barber & Beauty Salon thrives in the heart of Baton Rouge. His third-grade teacher, Ms. Jarrod from Merrydale Elementary School, saw his spark and took on the role of his mentor, guiding him throughout the year and contributing to his development and drive. Line4Line is one way O’Neil honors her impact, demonstrating how one person can change a life. Rooted in faith, family, and hard work, O’Neil believes in giving back and hopes Line4Line inspires others to do the same.

Lloyd Oliver

Lloyd Oliver has been with the Line4Line program since day one. A steady and constant presence, Lloyd also a dedicated father to and head Coach of the Line4Line Clippers Youth Basketball program, managing the team . Lloyd recedived his barber training under O’Neil Curtis and sees Line4Line as an opportunity that was never available to him as a kid and enjoys making a difference.

Jimi jump

Since joining the team in 2017, Keith Davis AKA Jimi Jump has been dedicated to the program’s success and enjoys witnessing participants improve their reading skills. Jimi Jump started a youth bowling program for Line4Line and continues to give back through the haircut for reading program.

Ben Percy

Ben has been with Line4Line since graduating from Belaire High School in ?? and was apprenticed under O’Neil Curtis. A father of two boys, Ben cuts at O’Neils Barbershop, serves as a Coach for the Line4Line Clippers, participates in Haircut for Reading and provides haircuts to the homeless.

Andrew Patrick

Drew attended Oneils High School Barbering program offered through Big Buddy, and even volunteered as a student for Haircut for Reading. After graduating from High School Drew began a formal apprentice with O’Neil and has been part of O’Neisl Barbershop and Line4Line Programs since 2020, including as a coach for the Line4Line Clippers

Team

Lucy Perera

Perera has worked in arts education for over 35 years. Her expertise lies in effectively developing and presenting school, youth, family, teen, and adult outreach programs that inspire people to find joy through creating. Perera has extensive experience in program evaluation and development, and exhibits a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics inherent in managing small community non-profits.

Tammy Mulhearn

Tammy Mulhearn serves as the Creative Literacy Director and Librarian for Line4Line, a role that represents the culmination of over 20 years of dedicated professional focus on youth literacy, library services, and experiential education. Her academic foundation is a Bachelor of English Education and Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) with a concentrated specialization in youth services and early childhood literacy.

Shantina Miles

From an L4L parent in 2015 to a key leadership team member, Tina Miles brings deep community roots and sharp strategy to Line4Line. A North Baton Rouge native and Istrouma High alumna, Tina holds a degree in Systems and Project Management. She manages L4L's Empowerment Programs, curates L4L’s community and outreach events, and teaches youth across all L4L programs and camps. Tina is also a successful serial entrepreneur who has launched four businesses, using her own story of resilience to inspire local youth.