About Mary and Frances Youth Center
The Mary and Frances Youth Center (MFYC) was founded in 2007 on Virginia Commonwealth University's Monroe Park campus in Richmond, Virginia. Its creation was driven by a vision to offer a supportive environment where local youth could participate in educational and recreational activities.
From the start, the center’s mission has been to foster positive youth development, with its cornerstone program, Lobs & Lessons, offering tennis instruction combined with life skills and academic engagement. Over the years, MFYC expanded its programming to include initiatives like the Discovery summer program and training in youth workforce development, such as the VCU Advanced Certificate in Youth Development Management. The center also plays a significant role in the region’s Youth Program Quality Intervention, aimed at improving the quality of afterschool services across Richmond
Staff
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.
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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.
Student Staff
Cyrinah Clabon
Senior
Mary and Frances Youth Center
Major: Elementary Education & Teaching with a certificate in Disability Studies
Dream Job: Child Life Specialist or Child Psychologist
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va
Fun Fact: I played cello for 8 years! And went to a visual and performing arts academy in high school
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.
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