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

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

Simone Smith graduated from Virginia Tech in May 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a minor in Event & Experience Management.

Prior to Youth Life Foundation of Richmond, Simone worked for public relations agencies on accounts in the healthcare, financial services, and food and beverage industries.

As a former YLFR tutor and summer intern prior to college, Simone is grateful to the Lord to return as the Community Engagement and Communications Coordinator five years later.

Beyond her work, Simone enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outside in nature, working on her pottery, reading and writing, and volunteering at church. She is passionate about the opportunity to partner with such an incredible team dedicated to Jesus and committed to pouring into students academically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

ssmith@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

Brittney was born and raised right here in Richmond, and she proudly grew up in Richmond Public Schools. Because she has experienced these schools as both a student and an educator, she understands their unique strengths and the places where students need extra love and support.

She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing and Design from Old Dominion University. With a creative heart and a passion for helping young people grow, Brittney strives to make learning joyful, meaningful, and full of discovery.

Brittney is a lifelong learner who looks to God as her teacher, guide, and loving Father. Outside of the classroom, she finds peace and joy in nature walks, crocheting, and playing with her dog. She believes there is always room to grow—and that God walks with us every step of the way.

bbrunson@ylfr.org

Nydia Dunkley is a native of Halifax County, Virginia, with a background in Interdisciplinary Studies and a concentration in Applied Education Studies from Virginia State University. She brings experience in education and nonprofit development.

Nydia is passionate about investing in the next generation and excited to bring her heart for education to Youth Life’s mission to nurture the child, strengthen the family, and rebuild the community.

When she is not at work, you can find Nydia spending quality time with her family and friends.

ndunkley@ylfr.org

Medinah Chavis-Patterson has a passion for education, creativity, and helping others grow. She earned her degree in Communications from Radford University and has three years of experience in teaching and tutoring. Through these experiences, she found how much she enjoys encouraging students, building connections, and helping others recognize their own potential.

Medinah is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, continuing her passion for supporting and encouraging others. Her relationship with Jesus is a big part of who she is. Her faith reminds her to lead with love, patience, grace, and compassion in everything she does.

Outside of work and school, Medinah enjoys drawing, hiking at national parks with her husband, spending time with loved ones, and playing with her French Bulldog, Kenai. She believes there is always something new to learn and that God is with her through every step of the journey. 

mpatterson@ylfr.org

Virginia Cummings is an ordained minister with over 30 years of experience nurturing children and supporting families through Christ-centered early childhood education.

She has a degree in Early Childhood Education from Bryant & Stratton College and previously served as the founder and director of a faith-based preschool in the Hampton Roads area.

Virginia is excited to bring her seasoned experience and ministerial gifts to Youth Life to foster godly character and academic excellence in her fourth and fifth grade students.

Beyond her work, she enjoys playing the flute, sitting by the water during her quiet time with the Lord, fishing with her father, preaching the Gospel, and singing in the choir.

vcummings@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