Philip Clements

Educator, Business, Community Advocate
MA, MSM, PMP, aPHR, CSM, PSM I, SAFe(SP), LSSGB, CPBA/DFA, EQ-i 2.0

​Philip is a high energy educator, business and nonprofit leader, coach, and community advocate with over 20 years of experience leveraging extensive leadership skills and training to impact organizational success and positive community development outcomes.  ​He is an experienced educator and has taught elementary, middle, and high school students. He has also held positions in the federal government, Fortune 500,  and private companies. He is passionate about changing the trajectory of people’s lives and lives it out each and every day. 

Melissa Clements

Strategy, Business, Community Advocate
MA, MBA, PMP, PMC-III, LSSYB

​Melissa is a Strategy and Business Operations Manager with extensive experience in strategy planning, development and execution, forecast development and management, and program management. She has a depth of expertise in developing relationships with internal and external clients, providing tactical and strategic solutions to improve operational efficiency, and meeting and exceeding expectations of project/program deliverables. Melissa also has proven experience with non-profits and specifically youth development.  
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Rolando Holmes

Director of Programs, Community Advocate
BA in Liberal Studies, AS of Social Sciences - Teaching Specialization
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Rolando is an ambitious leader with a passion for students of the Roanoke Valley. He has worked continuously to impact the community in any way that he can. From leading an inner-city after school program to non-profit work in a re-entry program, Rolando strives every day to impact his community in a positive way through building strong relationships. Driven by his own battle out of poverty, he is determined to inspire and empower others to reach their full potential. 
 

Alaina Ledyard

Program Manager, Community Advocate
Associate of Applied Science 

​Alaina is a responsible and caring leader. She draws from her varied experiences, including working with children at an orphanage overseas and as a culinary manager at the Hotel Roanoke.  She loves walking with students in their personal and academic development.  As an engaging educator and community leader she enjoys getting to know the personalities and stories of each individual she meets. 

Ryan McDonald

Program Manager, Community Advocate
BS in Christian Ministries
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Ryan is a youth advocate who is passionate about the development of the community in Roanoke.  Ryan has seven years of experience working with at-risk youth.  He held the position of youth pastor for two years and learned great leadership and communication skills.  Ryan hopes to go back to school to gain his master's degree in Youth Counseling in the future.  He has shown his passion to fight for the community of young people and is committed to doing so as his career grows. 

Sadée Holmes

Program Manager, Community Advocate
BA in Psychology
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Sadee is a lively and compassionate student engagement provider.  Through her previous experiences working with children, she has developed a deep appreciation for the process in which students learn and grow socially, emotionally, and academically.  She is passionate about empowering students and encouraging them as they grow and develop. 

Natesha Ross

Senior Education Specialist
Master of Arts in Teaching, Bachelor of Business Administration
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 Natesha is a native Roanoke educator who enjoys learning and providing opportunities for growth and development.  She has over five years of managerial experience, specifically with small businesses, and embodies the entrepreneurial spirit.  Natesha managed elementary and secondary after-school programs, tutored high school students, and was a teacher for Roanoke City Public Schools.  She considers every pathway an opportunity and is passionate about providing experiences that enrich the lives of students.  

Tori DeGolyer

Program Supervisor, Community Advocate
BS in Elementary Education (in progress)

Victoria is a compassionate caregiver with experience leading and mentoring children and teens.  She has worked and engaged with a variety of age groups over the years, which has inspired her to pursue a degree in Education.  She is passionate about helping students navigate through emotions, and guiding them toward healthy communication and expressional habits. She is also a skilled photographer, having professionally photographed weddings, engagements, products, and more.  
 
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Breyon Mayo

Education Specialist, Community Advocate
AAS in Criminal Justice (in progress)
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Breyon Mayo is an excellent leader who is passionate about the growth and development of youth. He has experience working with the Community Youth Program, Yovaso’s (Youth of Virginia speak out about traffic safety), and Raysac (Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition). Breyon is a current student at Virginia Western Community College studying Criminal Justice. With his degree he aspires to inspire children to reach their goals.  

Kameron Body

Education Specialist, Community Advocate
BA in Psychology
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Kameron is a friendly, compassionate, and approachable student engagement provider. Kameron is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Family and Marriage Therapy. Kameron is a strong believer in being loving, patient, and truthful when dealing with students. He is passionate about empowering students and watching them grow into loving and caring young men and women. 

Steven Ferguson

Program Supervisor, Community Advocate
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Steven is an energetic, enthusiastic spirit inspired by others who have invested in his potential and growth towards his passions. He has a passion and vision for aspiring elementary school students in the Roanoke Valley to reach their full potential also. As an instructor, mentor, and youth fitness coach, Steven uses his leadership skills and experience as he aims to build confidence, encourage, and help flourish each student's character through solid relationships.  ​ 

Bryanna Mayo

Education Specialist, Community Advocate
AAS in Early Childhood Education (in progress)
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Bryanna is a growing leader and committed community advocate.  She currently leads in her church's youth group while also leading for Young Life.  Her community engagement includes picking up trash, supporting local shelters, and loving young people throughout the city.  Her goal, in working with children, is to create safe places where students can be their authentic selves and talk openly about the things going on in their lives.  

Paul Villagrana

Program Supervisor, Community Advocate
BS in Kinesiology
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 Paul is an empathetic, hardworking, and ambitious young man with a passion for youth development.  His focus is leading youth to discover and follow their dreams and aspirations.  Paul has expressed this passion through coaching at a local YMCA in Redlands California to becoming a an educator in Roanoke City Public Schools.  Through mentoring Paul gives inspiration and wisdom to Roanoke City youth and pushes them to pursue their interests.  

Dionte "Taye" Hall

Education Specialist, Community Advocate 
BA Health and Physical Education
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Dionte is a lyricist, mental health associate, and athletic coach with a passion for youth and community upliftment.  With a love for youth and creative expression, Dionte uses his fun-loving and docile nature to foster youth development and self-expression.  For over half a decade, his contributions have included coaching varsity football, volunteering with local church groups, therapeutic management of students with developmental and behavioral challenges, and numerous spoken word and music performances.  Fueled by his profound love and hope for the prosperity of his community, Dionte leverages his creativity, consciousness, and inspiration to propel his city into the future.  

Maliek Childress

Education Specialist, Community Advocate


Maliek is a hardworking and diligent youth advocate that aspires to forge a path for a brighter and more hospitable community within the Roanoke Valley. As an innovative and creative instructor, he aims to guide the youth into developing an open mind and view different scenarios from as many varying perspectives as possible. Maliek also emphasizes the importance of respect and morality and aims to teach valuable life skills that students may carry with them long-term.  

Ruby Dean

Program Supervisor, Community Advocate
AAS in Early Childhood Education (in progress)
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Ruby is a compassionate, caring individual who works hard at everything she does. She’s worked with youth for several years as a youth counselor at church, as well as volunteered for the Rescue Mission Ministry here in Roanoke. She is passionate about helping students become the best that they can be. Ruby aspires to be an early childhood educator and hopes to lead and promote intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. She believes early education is the bedrock of a lifetime of learning. 

Natalie Gregory

Education Specialist, Community Advocate
Master of Social Work
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Natalie is a kind and passionate worker. From her background in Social Work and engaging with students of all ages from kindergarten to college, she has grown a deep passion to help students grow into the individuals they were made to become. She strives to help students feel seen, heard, and believed in within every interaction. She loves walking through life with people and having fun along the way. 

Thomas Dean

Education Specialist, Missions
BA in Christian Leadership (in progress)
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Thomas is a fun and enthusiastic individual who is passionate about shaping the youth in our community.  Thomas has spent several years as a basketball coach where he mentors and shapes young basketball players.  He also spent 3 years as a youth counselor and is passionate about leading a missions non-profit that will honor his late brother, Aaron Dean.  Thomas hopes to bring joy every day in the lives of others. 

Briana Mucciarone

Senior Education Specialist
MA in Elementary Education and Teaching, BS Environmental Science
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Briana has more than 10 years experience in the classroom including working with students who have special needs and as a first grade teacher.  She believe is fostering trauma-informed spaces and engaging the social-emotional needs of students to help them thrive academically.  She is excellent at thinking on her feet and passionate about building relationships.  

Nathan Vaughan

Education Specialist, Community Advocate
BS in Mechanical Engineering
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Nathan is an artist from Roanoke who loves engaging culture one relationship at a time. He is passionate about bringing out the artist in all of us, and hopes to expand the horizons of possibility for Roanoke’s future generations by empowering students today.