YVCHR Board of Directors

Heather Peterson — President

Director of Climate and Culture, Hampton City Schools

Heather is an educator that believes in supporting adults in oder to make a difference for young people. She provides professional learning the prioritizes relationship building and creating a sense of belonging. Heather loves serving on the board for YVCHR because she is passionate about service learning. She knows this is a gateway to developing social emotional and life skills for young people.

Katie morgan – Executive Director

YVCHR

Katie is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the College of William & Mary. She spent 6 years in Newport News Public Schools as a middle school counselor and also assumed other leadership roles as the Site Director for the Governor's Youth Development Academy (2013-2014), founder and sponsor of the Dozier Middle School and Denbigh High School chapters of the Youth Volunteer Corps, and co-creator of the NNPS Virtual Mentoring Program. In 2016, Katie was recognized as the 2016-2017 Division-Wide Teacher of the Year and Middle School Teacher of the Year.

Her passion for service and her love for students has drawn her to her current role as the Executive Director of the Youth Volunteer Corps of Hampton Roads where she has continued making positive connections with young people and their families, as well as with partnering organizations, educators and community members since June of 2017.

Katie is a member of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce LEAD Peninsula Class of 2020 and recently earned her certificate in Fundraising Management for Nonprofits through the Nonprofit Management Institute. She is married to her college sweetheart, has two incredible sons, and delights in spoiling her Aussiedoodle, Ellie.

Kathy James-Denoy — Director

Learning Program Manager, Ferguson Enterprises

Kathy James-Denoy is a Learning and Development Professional working at Ferguson Enterprises. In her spare time, Kathy serves the community as a young adult mentor, an inspirational speaker, mental health advocate, trainer, and author, providing individuals and organizations with the tools and resources that will activate their ability to overcome adversity and persevere in their personal and professional goals. Kathy has also delivered a TEDx talk, sharing her insights and experiences with youth and those that love them on overcoming adversity, promoting mental health awareness.

 

Dr. Jamila Wynter — Director

Jamila Wynter, M.D. is a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases. She is a practicing gastroenterologist at the Riverside Medical Center in Newport News.

Dr. Wynter is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology.   She also volunteers her time and expertise as a member of the Virginia area board of directors for the American Cancer Society.

 

Caroline Anderson - treasurer

Capital Group

Leonard Bennett, ESQ. - Director

Consumer Litigation Associates, P.C.

darich runyan – director

Langley Federal Credit Union

Marilen Crump — Director

CEO of ARTINSPIRED, LLC / Founder of REFINED Success

Marilen Crump is a marketing strategist and consultant who helps a wide range of businesses thrive as the CEO of ArtInspired, LLC. She serves on the board of the York County Chamber of Commerce and makes national appearances as a professional speaker inspiring creatives, business owners, and entrepreneurs. She is the mother of 5 amazing kids and resides in Yorktown with her husband, Kenneth.

 

Erica Spencer — Director

Coordinator of Business Partner Integration, Hampton City Schools

Erica is the Coordinator of Business Partner Integration with the Academies of Hampton. Erica brings a wealth of experience and expertise in seamlessly aligning organizations, fostering collaboration, and driving growth through strategic partnerships.

She leverages her expertise to create enduring, value-driven partnerships. Erica has two daughters, Camryn and Cayla, and holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a background in economic and business development.

Kristin Stephens — Director

President, Tidewater LEAD and Assistant Director for Experiential Learning, Old Dominion University

Ms. Stephens is a dedicated professional in education, financial counseling, and nonprofit leadership. She currently serves as the Assistant Director for Experiential Learning at Old Dominion University, where she fosters student growth through practical learning experiences, and her leadership extends to past roles such as President of Okinawa Leadership Seminar and Director of Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. As a passionate advocate for youth leadership, Ms. Stephens founded Tidewater LEAD, a nonprofit focused on teen leadership development, and has contributed her expertise to several nonprofit boards.