Heather Brown Goodlett graduated from the University of Richmond in 1994 with a B.A. in Speech and Communications and a certificate in Early Childhood Education. She earned a Masters of Education in Reading from VCU in May of 2000. Heather began teaching at Glen Lea Elementary in the fall of 2000 where she was a Title One-Reading teacher and yearned for real change in the futures of her students. She then became aware of the Darrell Green Youth Life Foundation (DGYLF) in Washington, D.C. In late 2001, she attended a National Training Institute for DGYLF to begin launching an affiliate program in Richmond. In September 2002, she resigned from her position with Henrico County Public Schools and began the search for a building in the neighborhoods around Glen Lea. Youth Life Foundation of Richmond officially began in Delmont Plaza Apartments, a subsidized housing community, in July 2003. Today Heather continues to invest in the Northside, now her own neighborhood, as Executive Director over YLFR and its four LCs.

hgoodlett@ylfr.org

Leahna has been with Youth Life since 2008, starting as a teacher at the Highland Park LC, then serving as Program Director for many years. She holds a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University and in 2020, earned a Master of Science in Family Studies with a Specialization in Christian Counseling. An encourager by nature, she is excited to work with individuals of all ages and stages in life, in helping them to realize their potential and live their best life possible. As Operations Director at Youth Life she gets the opportunity to do just that and also employ many of her administrative/managerial skills. In her free time, she loves spending time with her kids, grandkids, and Jesus (not necessarily in that order). She also enjoys bird watching, cooking, gardening, and basketball (Go Hoos!). She has lived in the Highland Park community that she loves since 2010 and is committed to listening and learning.

lsullivan@ylfr.org

Haley moved to Richmond in 2016 and attended Randolph-Macon College, where she earned her Bachelors in Psychology with certificates in Elementary and Special Education. She then spent two years serving as a reading intervention teacher in Hanover County, where she fostered a love for helping children unlock the gift of reading. She then brought this love to Youth Life in 2021. Haley believes literacy is a social justice issue and her goal is to bring awareness to these issues and to try to bridge the gap between awareness and action. She is passionate about making sure that all children feel seen, heard, and loved, and she is excited to build lasting relationships with her students through Youth Life.

hpavie@ylfr.org

With 15 years of experience in childcare, both in-home and at early childhood education facilities, Lisa has dedicated her career to nurturing and guiding young children. She loves working with young learners and takes pride in creating a safe, engaging, and supportive environment where they can learn and grow. As a mom of four girls herself, she understands the importance of patience, creativity, and consistency, which have shaped her approach to childcare. Nothing brings her more joy than helping children build their confidence, develop new skills, and feel truly cared for.

Beyond her work, Lisa loves spending quality time with her family, being in nature, reading books, and dancing. She’s been married for over 20 years, and her family is at the heart of everything she does. As a proud graduate of Highland Springs High School, she believes in lifelong learning and always strives to grow both personally and professionally. Whether she is caring for her own children or those entrusted to her, she is committed to creating meaningful connections and making a positive impact in their lives.

lcotman@ylfr.org

Andrew grew up in the high desert of New Mexico, where he moved around the state frequently as the son of a United Methodist Pastor. He received a BA in Communication Studies from New Mexico State in 2004 and then moved to Washington DC to serve with Americorp. He has lived in Richmond City for two years, most recently living and serving at Richmond Hill with his family. The opportunity to join the YLFR team opened in May 2025, and he believes whole heartedly in the long-term, systemic impact of this mission. He served as a United Methodist pastor in the Tidewater region of Virginia before coming to RVA. He is the dad of three amazing kids who are thoroughly benefiting from their experience in RPS. Andrew finds Jesus most profoundly in the places forgotten and neglected and finds immense hope in witnessing the spark of learning and joy come alive in the students Youth Life serves. He has a robust love of donuts, hiking, and cycling and has a secondary mission of introducing you to the glorious Hatch, NM Green Chile. Andrew is confident God has led him to Youth Life!

aschwartz@ylfr.org

Isaiah Morse, a native of Richmond, Virginia, is a dedicated professional and student. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity at Liberty University. While at VCU, Isaiah discovered a passion for guiding young people as a Youth Advocate for a local non-profit, solidifying his commitment to helping youth achieve their full potential. Beyond his studies, Isaiah actively serves in the youth and young adult ministries at his local church. When he's not in the classroom or serving his community, Isaiah enjoys trying new desserts and exploring different countries and states with friends and family.

imorse@ylfr.org

Kasha was born in Queens, New York and raised in Chesterfield County.  She attended Virginia Commonwealth University and graduated with a Master of Teaching and Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Early and Elementary Education. At an early age, she discovered her gift to nurture and help children grow. This will be her 15th year teaching, and she has enjoyed working with students in both Richmond Public and Henrico County Public schools.  Kasha is passionate about encouraging and uplifting everyone around her, and she strives to be an example of God’s grace and compassion for her students.  She enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, singing, reading, theater and writing. One of her favorite scriptures is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you, ‘says the Lord,’ plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Through life’s ups and downs, her faith has kept her strong. She is excited and grateful to join the Youth Life family!

kanderson@ylfr.org

Savannah graduated from Liberty University in 2009 with a Bachelors in Elementary Education, an Associates in Religion and a minor in Youth Ministry. Since then she has been a homeschooling mom to three. She and her husband have been foster parents, and have cared for other kids in their community.  In 2020, she and her family moved to the Dominican Republic where they were missionaries working in a Christian school serving the kids in the local sugar cane villages. There she spent time teaching English, discipling teen girls, and working with sponsorship of the students. Her husband is now a local Student Pastor in Glen Allen, and she has served alongside him in youth ministry for many years. She loves teaching inductive Bible study to teen girls and women. Having been saved since the age of ten, Savannah understands the importance of a good education as well as a foundation in Jesus Christ. She is excited to use the gifts God has given her to share the gospel with her students and encourage their growth through prayer and Bible study. 

swheeler@ylfr.org

Adjunct Assistant Professor and Supervisor of Student Teacher Interns, University of Richmond

Third Term: March 2022-2025

Vice President, Software Engineering, Capital One

Second Term: May 2022-2025

CFO, Progressive Design

Second Term: March 2023-2026

VA Dept. of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services

Second Term: March 2024-2027

Staff Vice President, Anthem, Inc.

Second Term: May 2022-2025

Founder and Executive Director, YLFR

Term: Indefinite

Senior Director, Product, Capital One

First Term: September 2023-2026

Donald Richard

Product Lead, Shopify

First Term: March 2022-2025

Family Ministries Coordinator and Classroom Assistant, Imago Dei Neighborhood School

First Term: September 2021-2024

CEO, Threads Uniform Agency

First Term: November 2023-2026