Meet Justin, Alicia, & Maman

  Justin Cheney is a Sergeant with the UConn Police Department and began my career as a police officer at UConn in 2015. The majority of his time at UConn PD has been dedicated to community outreach. Justin has facilitated numerous team building workshops and Police Community Challenge programs as well as presented community safety education programs to thousands of community members. He enjoys instructing self-defense programs and hosting study break events for the UConn students. Justin developed the first facility dog program to the UConn PD and their community. Today he is partnered with Tildy. Tildy is a trained service dog that assists victims and facilitates positive communication with the UConn community.

Justin is a native of Storrs, CT and attended UConn as an undergraduate from 2003-2007 where he obtained his bachelors degree in psychology. Prior to becoming a police officer, he worked as a professional fitness trainer in Norwich, CT and as a mental health worker for Natchaug Hospital. As a mental health professional, he worked in a clinical day treatment facility with high school students who have behavioral and emotional disabilities. He has an amazing wife of 10 years, Stacey and they have 2 beautiful daughters, Camellia and Daisy. They reside in eastern CT and enjoy hiking, swimming, and all things outdoors.

 Maman Cooper currently works as an Academic Coordinator, supporting students in their academics at Capitol Squash in Hartford, CT. Capitol Squash is an urban youth athletic and academic program supporting students’ grades 4+ with the goal of college. Maman previously taught at an all-boys private school in Hartford for two years upon graduating from the University of Connecticut (UConn). She loves working out, reading and watching educational and inspirational messages for pleasure. Also, she always loves and appreciates a great heart to heart talk no matter how difficult the topic, ones communicated respectfully, believing genuine dialogue is a vehicle for creating a better world. 

Her upcoming goals and aspirations are obtaining a law degree. Maman wants to work with non-profits and the government to provide and strengthen education for students and children in undeserving communities, especially in her homeland, Liberia, West Africa. 

Maman also aspires to make the world a more just place through giving people exposure and having more open dialogues.