Our
Leadership

I spent my career in the Hampton Roads banking industry and in education, starting as a first-grade teacher and later moving into leadership roles in finance. Over the years, I gained experience in management and community engagement while serving in roles that connected me closely with families and children.

I joined The Up Center’s Board because I believe we are all interwoven into our community, and by strengthening one part, we strengthen it all. I’m especially passionate about maternal health and child and family services, and I hope my service helps the organization continue to provide life-changing programs. When I’m not volunteering, I enjoy working in my yard and garden, spending time with family, and living by the motto: “A rising tide lifts all boats.”

I’ve spent 20 years as a sales executive, with 15 of those years focused on the defense and military industries. My career has allowed me to build partnerships, lead diverse teams, and gain experience in professional development, all of which I bring to my role on The Up Center’s Board.

I joined the Board because I believe in the power of empathy and action to create lasting change. I’m especially committed to initiatives that strengthen families and provide stable, nurturing environments for children. When I’m not working or volunteering, I love traveling, spending time at the beach, and enjoying life with family and friends.

I served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Nassau-LHA4 before transitioning into real estate, where I’ve built a career as the Principal Broker and Owner of ONYX Realty Professionals. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Marketing from Old Dominion University and have been deeply involved in both business leadership and community service throughout my career.

I was motivated to join The Up Center’s Board because of my passion for service and my belief in the power of education and opportunity to change lives. I’m especially passionate about domestic violence awareness and teaching youth about financial literacy. Outside of work, I enjoy giving back to the community, spending time with family, and living by my guiding principle: “You pay now and play later, or play now and pay later.”

With over 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, I’ve built a career focused on advancing equity, strategic impact, and community partnerships. My work has spanned program development, organizational strategy, and leading initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

I was drawn to The Up Center because of its mission and the opportunity to help strengthen families and communities. I’m passionate about using my skills to create long-term impact and ensure that services reach those who need them most. Outside of work, my wife and I are new empty nesters, and we love traveling and exploring new places together. My guiding principle is: “Turn your pain into purpose, your lessons into leadership, and your setbacks into comebacks.”

I am a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with extensive experience in auditing and financial oversight. My career highlights include leadership roles in public accounting, where I have managed complex audits across multiple industries and mentored emerging professionals.
I am passionate about using my financial expertise to strengthen nonprofit organizations and create lasting community impact. Growing up in a large family that relied on public assistance inspired my commitment to giving back. I volunteer annually with Junior Achievement and support initiatives that provide opportunities for underserved youth. Outside of work, I’m the second oldest of ten siblings—all of whom are very close—and I enjoy spending time with family.

As the former President and CEO of the largest publication company in Virginia, I bring a lifetime of leadership and management experience to The Up Center’s Board. My career spanned all areas of general management, and I’ve served on boards and councils across the region, including the Franklin YMCA and the Virginia Business Council.

I was drawn to The Up Center because of its impact on children and families in our community. I’m especially passionate about helping kids at risk and hope to leave a solid foundation for the organization’s future success. Outside of board service, I enjoy time with my dog and grand-dogs and live by the guiding principle: “Live in your life rather than living in your head.”

I’ve spent over 40 years practicing law, specializing in civil rights and serving as a Virginia Supreme Court Certified Mediator for more than two decades. As a young lawyer in Philadelphia, I worked on cases involving vulnerable children and families, an experience that continues to inspire my commitment to social justice and community well-being.

I joined The Up Center’s Board because I believe we all have a responsibility to work toward stronger, healthier communities. I’m especially passionate about mental health and early intervention initiatives, and I want to support The Up Center’s staff as they deliver these critical services. Outside of work, I serve on the board of Girls on the Run Hampton Roads, enjoy time with my husband and grandchildren, and live by the principle of personal integrity and strong moral accountability.

As President and CEO of The Up Center, I lead the organization’s strategy and operations and work across programs and partnerships to advance our mission. My role focuses on strengthening services and enhancing The Up Center’s ability to provide holistic, integrated care.

With more than two decades of leadership experience, I bring a strong foundation in organizational stewardship to this work. I hold a B.A. in Psychology from The College of William & Mary. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family hiking, enjoying outdoor activities, and being on the water.

As President and CEO of The Up Center, I lead the organization’s strategy and operations and work across programs and partnerships to advance our mission. My role focuses on strengthening services and enhancing The Up Center’s ability to provide holistic, integrated care.

With more than two decades of leadership experience, I bring a strong foundation in organizational stewardship to this work. I hold a B.A. in Psychology from The College of William & Mary. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family hiking, enjoying outdoor activities, and being on the water.

As Chief Financial Officer, I oversee the financial health of The Up Center, managing budgets, accounting, and revenue cycle operations to ensure the organization can deliver on its mission. A licensed CPA since 1999, I earned my B.A. in Accounting and have spent my career providing financial leadership in both nonprofit and corporate settings.

What motivates me most is being able to contribute to an organization that changes lives every day. I’m proud to use my expertise to help strengthen The Up Center’s long-term sustainability so we can keep serving our community for years to come.

As Chief Program and Strategy Officer, I direct agency-wide program strategy, design, and evaluation to ensure our services are effective, sustainable, and responsive to community needs. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 25 years of experience, and I hold certifications including Trauma Counseling and Counseling Supervision.

What motivates me most is being part of an organization that serves as a lifeline for individuals and families in need. I am especially proud of securing and guiding major grants that drive lasting impact. Outside of work, I enjoy personal growth and new challenges—I even learned to swim last year after being uncomfortable in water for much of my life.

As Human Resources Officer, I lead all aspects of HR for The Up Center, ensuring that our staff feel supported and empowered as they serve the community. I bring over 20 years of experience, including my time at Hope House Foundation, and hold a degree in Psychology from UVA along with SHRM-SCP certification.

I’m motivated by the incredible team we have at The Up Center and the transformation our HR department has undergone in recent years. I’m especially proud of creating a people-first culture that helps our staff thrive. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and pups, gardening, and traveling whenever I can.

As Director of Program Operations, I serve as a key member of the Administrative Leadership Team, overseeing program efficiency, compliance, and operational excellence across The Up Center. Previously, I served as Director of our Foster Care, Adoption, and Independent Living programs, giving me a strong foundation in program leadership and client-centered service delivery. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Christopher Newport University.

I am deeply motivated by The Up Center’s mission to strengthen communities and help families thrive. I’m especially proud of fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation that helps our team deliver high-quality services to those who need them most. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and supporting initiatives that give back to the community.

As Chief Development Officer, I lead The Up Center’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts, connecting community members with the programs and initiatives that make a lasting impact. What I love most about my role is building relationships with donors and helping them see how their passions align with our mission to support families and strengthen communities.

What motivates me most is the people—my colleagues at The Up Center are not only deeply invested in serving our community but also bring expertise and dedication to everything they do. Outside of work, you can usually find me cheering on (or occasionally coaching) one of my three daughters at a youth sporting event, diving into a home improvement project, or planning our next family adventure.

As Major Gifts Manager, I am responsible for inspiring philanthropy and building relationships with donors to advance The Up Center’s mission. My background includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and certification in PRIDE (Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education), reflecting my commitment to both health and human services. 
I am motivated by the chance to meet people at some of the most challenging points in their lives and help them find hope and support. Growing up, I was blessed to be raised by a large and loving family, which shaped my passion for giving back. Outside of work, I enjoy a very active lifestyle including running, swimming, and traveling.

As Marketing Manager, I lead the development and implementation of strategic campaigns to promote The Up Center’s programs, services, and mission. Before joining The Up Center, I led marketing and communications efforts for several nonprofits and hold a B.A. in Studio Art with a minor in Professional Education from Mary Baldwin University.

I’m motivated by the chance to use my marketing skills to amplify the life-changing work we do. One of my proudest accomplishments has been building campaigns that show the real impact of our services and inspire others to support our mission. Outside of work, I share my home with 12 cats—each with a unique personality!

As Executive Assistant, I provide high-level administrative support to ensure smooth operations across The Up Center. With over 25 years of experience in administrative and executive roles, I bring strong organizational skills and a focus on efficiency to every task. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Norfolk State University.

I’m most motivated by the people I work with and the impact we make together. I value my ability to adapt quickly and help the organization stay on track in a fast-moving environment. Outside of work, I absolutely love documentaries—especially those on history, travel, and true crime!

As Outpatient Clinical Director, I oversee the administrative and clinical operations of our outpatient counseling programs at The Up Center. I began my journey here as an Intensive In-Home clinician before moving into leadership roles, where I now focus on ensuring quality services and supporting our dedicated clinical staff. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology, a Master’s degree in Community Counseling, and professional licenses as an LPC and CSOTP.

I’m motivated by the opportunity to guide and mentor clinicians as they grow in their careers while helping clients achieve their goals. I’m especially proud of fostering a team culture where compassion and professional growth go hand in hand. Outside of work, I recently discovered my love for cooking—and I’m having fun learning new recipes!

As Controller, I ensure strong internal controls for all financial processes at The Up Center. I began my career as an HR Assistant before moving into finance roles, gaining broad organizational experience along the way. I hold a B.S. in Accounting from Norfolk State University and bring a commitment to accuracy and integrity to my work every day.

I’m motivated by knowing that even though my role is “behind the scenes,” the work I do directly supports the programs and services that change lives. I’m especially proud of the high standards of accountability and ethics we maintain in the finance department. Fun fact: before joining the nonprofit world, I spent 20 years in the hospitality industry!

As Grants Manager, I oversee grant writing, reporting, and compliance to help The Up Center secure funding for its programs and initiatives. I bring over 23 years of grant management experience to this role and hold a Juris Doctor from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William & Mary.

What motivates me most is knowing that my work directly contributes to positive change in our community. I’m proud to collaborate with colleagues across departments to make our mission a reality, and outside of work, my faith and family are my top priorities.

As Clinic Director, I lead an interdisciplinary team dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based mental health care to military families. Before joining The Up Center, I had the opportunity to work in multiple clinical settings, which gave me a strong foundation in leadership and trauma-informed care. I hold a Master of Social Work degree and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

What motivates me most about working at The Up Center is seeing the transformation in the lives of our clients and knowing the work we do directly supports military families. I’m especially proud of my leadership style and ability to foster a collaborative, compassionate team environment. Outside of work, I’m actually quite introverted despite being in a very people-centered role!

I serve as the Director of Prevention, overseeing programs that support families and promote positive early childhood experiences. I am a graduate of Old Dominion University with extensive experience in family-centered prevention services. 
The Up Center’s mission aligns with my core values, and I enjoy witnessing families grow in confidence and resilience. Fun fact: I am a former Parents as Teachers program participant myself, bringing a personal connection to my work. 

I manage the Housing and Financial Counseling department, overseeing grants, program development, and services that help families achieve financial stability. I started with The Up Center in 2012 as an intern and have grown with the organization ever since. I hold an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Human Services and a Human Services Practitioner Certificate.

What motivates me most is being part of the change that helps families and individuals reach their goals. I’m passionate about fostering a positive work environment where staff can thrive while making a difference in our community. Outside of work, I enjoy gardening and spending time with my family.

I oversee the Foster Care and Team Up Mentoring programs, ensuring high-quality services for youth and families across Hampton Roads. With over 25 years of experience in child welfare and youth services, I bring deep knowledge in supporting at-risk children and strengthening families. I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University (2005) and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2022.
I am dedicated to creating opportunities for youth to thrive and to cultivating a collaborative team culture focused on making a real difference for children and families in our community.

As Revenue Cycle and Client Experience Manager, I oversee the full revenue cycle process, from client intake to billing and collections, ensuring both operational efficiency and a positive client experience. With 25 years of experience in Revenue Cycle Management, I bring expertise in systems, compliance, and service improvement. I hold a Master of Health Administration from the University of Phoenix and am a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).

Every day I show up knowing the work I do directly supports the people we serve and the mission we carry out. I’m especially proud of my commitment to accuracy and quality—values that drive both my professional work and my personal passion for creating great experiences for our clients. Outside of work, I’m a big kid at heart and still love watching cartoons!

I oversee programs serving adults with developmental disabilities, ensuring high-quality care and support that helps individuals live as independently as possible. With over 30 years of experience in the Hampton Roads area, I bring a wealth of knowledge in disability services and program management. I hold a B.S. in Psychology from Old Dominion University and an M.A. in Human Services Counseling from Regent University.

I’m especially motivated by the opportunity to build strong, compassionate teams that fully vet and train staff to provide the best care possible. Seeing people with disabilities achieve independence and dignity is what drives my work every day.