Changing lives through connection, guidance, and trust
Team Up brings together caring adults and young people in meaningful, one-on-one mentoring relationships. Whether you’re a parent seeking extra support for your child or an adult ready to make a difference, Team Up creates opportunities for growth, learning, and encouragement.
For Parents
Mentors provide consistent, positive guidance to help youth set goals, build life skills, and gain confidence. They meet regularly with their mentees to offer support in school, explore new activities, and navigate challenges. Our mentors become trusted allies, helping your child feel seen, heard, and supported.
For Mentors
As a mentor, you can have a powerful, lasting impact. By showing up consistently and listening with care, you help shape a young person’s future for the better. We welcome mentors of all backgrounds and have a special need for male mentors to serve as strong, positive role models for boys in our community.
Our Impact
mentor/mentee matched
volunteer hours completed by mentors
students received school-based mentoring
What We Offer
- One-on-one mentoring relationships tailored to each youth’s needs
- Goal-setting, skill-building, and encouragement for academic success
- Fun outings and group activities to broaden experiences
- Training and ongoing support for mentors
Why It Matters
Research shows that having just one supportive adult outside the family can transform a child’s life. Team Up creates those connections—helping youth discover their strengths, explore their potential, and prepare for a brighter future.
Real Voices
Meet the Team
Meet the Team
I oversee the Foster Care and Team Up mentoring programs, ensuring high-quality support for youth and families across Hampton Roads. With over 20 years of child welfare experience and a Master of Social Work degree, I bring deep knowledge and dedication to my role.
As a Hampton Roads native, I’m passionate about helping children and families thrive and reach their full potential. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and engaging in community activities.
As Program Manager, I oversee the facilitation of meaningful mentoring matches and provide guidance and support to youth, families, mentors, and staff. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and bring over 15 years of experience, including training in teen dating relationships, safe sex practices, anger management, and child sexual abuse prevention.
I’m motivated by the ability to be creative in how we serve youth and families—and by the flexibility to try new ideas that help our program grow. I especially enjoy encouraging young people to become the best version of themselves and take steps toward their goals. Outside of work, I gave myself a personal challenge to hike 30 different trails in 30 days.
As a Match Support Specialist, I screen volunteers, match mentors and mentees, and provide ongoing check-ins and coaching to build impact-driven relationships. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Old Dominion University and a master’s degree in Human Services/Counseling from Liberty University.
I’m motivated by The Up Center’s mission to strengthen families and empower youth. I enjoy interviewing prospective mentors and families and thoughtfully matching them with a child whose interests and lived experiences align. Outside of work, I love to sing and run a small business creating personalized items.
How You Can Help
Team Up is funded entirely by community support. Your generosity helps provide life-changing guidance and opportunities for youth in our community.
Your donation directly supports mentoring activities and experiences, such as tickets to sporting events or passes to local museums, parks, and activity centers.
