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.

Aliyah Tokan

Senior
Mary and Frances Youth Center
Major: Psychology
Dream Job: Echo Tech

Hometown: Chesterfield, VA

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

Clyde Clarke

Graduating Year: 2027
Mary and Frances Youth Center
Major: Finance
Dream Job: Commercial Loan Officer

Hometown: Chesapeake, VA

Fun Fact: I've been to Paris

Rachel Grant

Senior
Mary and Frances Youth Center
Major: Neuroscience
Dream Job: Clinical Dietitian

Hometown: Henrico, VA

Fun Fact: My first concert was the Walmart yodeling kid

Marzia Farhana

Doctoral Student
Mary and Frances Youth Center
Major: Art Education
Dream Job: Professor in art

Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh

Fun Fact: I do large paintings and installations for my art projects

William Noel, Jr.

Sophmore
Mary and Frances Youth Center
Major: Exercise Science
Dream Job: My dream job would be in the NFL, but realistic Physical Therapy

Hometown: Glen Allen, VA

Fun Fact: I play division 2 college football, and I am the chapter president of my fraternity.