Misti R. Mueller, Ed.D.

Executive Director
Mary and Frances Youth Center
muellermr@vcu.edu
(804) 827-0802

Misti Mueller, EdD has 30 years of experience as an educator. She taught middle school health and physical education for 18 years before moving into the role of teacher educator at VCU. Her research interests focus on increasing physical activity levels and enjoyment of physical activity for adolescences, STEM in Sports, and supporting movement throughout the day for K-12 students through active lessons that support academic content. As the Executive Director of the Mary and Frances Youth Center, Dr. Mueller is dedicated to supporting positive youth development through sports and community engagement.

Vaughn Whitney Garland, Ph.D.

Youth Education Manager
Mary and Frances Youth Center
garlandvw@vcu.edu
(804) 828-2696

Dr. Vaughn Whitney Garland has over twenty-five years as a Richmond-based educator, community builder, and artist in Richmond. His expertise spans youth education, program development, fostering community dialogue, and contributing to place-making initiatives. Currently serving as the Manager of Youth Education at the Mary and Frances Youth Center, a Virginia Commonwealth University department under the Division of Community Engagement, Garland earned both a Ph.D. and an M.F.A. from Virginia Commonwealth University. He has held positions in many of Richmond 's non-profit arts and cultural organizations.

Daninelle Derricott

Program Coordinator
Mary and Frances Youth Center
derricottd2@vcu.edu
804-828-9276

Daninelle Derricott is a former Marshall University football player and a member of the Marshall University Hall of Fame. His outstanding performance on the field led to a successful career in the NFL. After his time as a professional athlete, Derricott transitioned into a leadership role as the Program Coordinator at the Mary and Frances Youth Center at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). In this position, he is dedicated to empowering youth through education, athletics, and community engagement, leveraging his sports background to inspire and mentor young people.

Dalton Smith

Marketing and Communications
Mary and Frances Youth Center
smithdm11@vcu.edu

Dalton Smith, is a VCUarts senior majoring in Graphic Design with a passion for marketing, sports design, and youth leadership. Originally from Prince George's County, MD, Dalton began his journey in athletics, later pivoting to digital media and content creation during his time at community college. At VCU, he has honed his design skills with a focus on impactful visual storytelling and brand development. As a member of the Developing Men of Color (DMC), he actively contributes to initiatives aimed at the development and empowerment of young men. Dalton is dedicated to creating visual experiences that inspire connection, engagement, and growth within communities.

Darreon Barner

Junior
Mary and Frances Youth Center
Major: Mass Communications: with a concentration in Media Production
Dream Job: Filmmaker / Movie Director

Hometown:  Lawrenceville, Va

Fun Fact: I taught Archery at a youth summer camp and my camp name was "Techno".

Alexander Rizzi

Sophomore
Mary and Frances Youth Center
Major: Computer Engineering
Dream Job: Big Tech Hardware Engineer

Hometown: Richmond, VA

Fun Fact: I’ve been shadowing/teaching tennis to the youth for over 10 years.

Samantha Conti

Freshman
Mary and Frances Youth Center
Major: Pre- Radiation Sciences 
Dream Job: Radiation Therapist 

Hometown: Amelia County, VA

Fun Fact: I’ve been playing soccer since I was 3 years old, and I volunteer to coach U6 players.

Aliyah Tokan

Senior
Mary and Frances Youth Center
Major: Psychology
Dream Job: Clinical Psychologist

Hometown: Chesterfield, VA

Fun Fact: I know the flags of nearly every country in the world. 

Carter Erickson

Sophomore
Mary and Frances Youth Center
Dream Job: Occupational Therapist

Hometown: Stafford, Va

Fun Fact: I can solve a Rubix Cube

Tyler Brown

Freshman 
Mary and Frances Youth Center
Major: ACE-IT in College Program
Dream Job: Content Creator

Hometown: Woodstock, Va

Fun Fact: I've unlocked all the characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on Nintendo Switch!

Osasere Josiah

Freshman 
Mary and Frances Youth Center
Major: Biology
Dream Job: Psychiatrist

Hometown: Mosele, Va

Fun Fact: I have one published poem