YVCHR Board of Directors
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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
Katie Morgan, a lifelong Virginia resident and former school counselor in Newport News Public Schools, founded the first YVC clubs at Denbigh High (2010) and Ella Fitzgerald Middle (2011), both of which remain active today. In 2016, Katie was recognized as NNPS Middle School Teacher of the Year and NNPS Divisionwide Teacher of the Year. As executive director of YVC Hampton Roads, she has worked to expand high-quality service learning opportunities for youth across the region through innovative programming, strategic partnerships, and effective community collaborations.
Katie is a 2020 LEAD Peninsula graduate who serves on the Youth Development Advisory Council and STEM Advisory Council for NNPS, as well as the York County School Division Community Leadership Advisors for Student Success (CLASS) committee.
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.
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
Kathy James-Denoy — Director
Learning Program Manager, Ferguson Enterprises
Kathy James-Denoy is a Learning & Development Professional 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.
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.