Character&Leadership Development

Passport to Manhood, Smart Girls, Smart Moves, Money Matters and Club service projects focus on enhancing self-esteem, fostering personal growth and responsibility, as well as giving back to the community. These programs incorporate intensive activities, mentorship and field trips while encouraging our Club kids to set personal goals and be helpful towards others.

Healthy Lifestyles

Triple Play teaches Club members the importance of physical activity and proper nutrition through the program’s three components: mind, body and soul. Healthy Habits is the “mind” component of Triple Play. We hope this program will motivate our Club members to make balanced nutritional choices, live an active lifestyle, and build healthy relationships.

Workforce & Career Readiness

In 2006 we opened our Juice Plus+ Technical Training Center to provide young Memphians ages 16-22 with the exposure, skills, and training needed to access jobs and career pathways. The Odyssey Life Readiness program is implemented at all high school partner sites to guide teens through self-discovery, high school graduation, and post-secondary planning and preparation.

BERNAL E. SMITH CLUB

CLUB DIRECTOR, JEFFREY DUNNIGAN - Mr. Dunnigan is a 2002 Marvin Hayes Scholarship Recipient. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Northwest Community College, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Mississippi and a Master’s Degree in Psychology with a specialization in Educational Psychology from Capella University. Mr. Dunnigan graduated Magna Cum Laude of his class at Capella University with a GPA of 3.9. Mr. Dunnigan proudly served his former alma mater as a school therapist in the North Panola School District, serving Como Elementary, North Panola Junior High School, and Green Hill Elementary. Mr. Dunnigan also has a specialization in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT). Mr. Dunnigan currently resides in Southaven, MS with his wife, Denise Bridges-Dunnigan and his two children, Kyndall and Mason.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, SHELBY HENSON - Shelby Henson is a native Memphian. A graduate of The Lane College, where she received her BS in Education. Henson taught in the classroom from 2013 until granted the opportunity to become the Program Director of the Bernal E. Smith Boys & Girls Clubs. Shelby has been a part of Boys & Girls Clubs since 2014 and plans to provide many more years of service. She loves Boy’s and Girl’s Club and everything it represents. She loves to sing, dance, draw, paint, write poetry and work toward building positive relations with parents and campers.

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL CLUB

CLUB DIRECTOR – DARION COOPER

PROGRAM DIRECTOR – AMANDA SHIPP

Craigmont Club

CLUB DIRECTOR, CHRIS GARNER - Growing up in the inner city of Memphis, Chris had to work hard and prove himself at all times. He grew up in the Ira Samelson Boys & Girls Club with friends such as Penny Hardaway and Elliot Perry. Each of them went on to play in the NBA, and Chris is now ready to use his experiences playing basketball to teach and show the kids of Memphis that “DREAMS DO COME TRUE”.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, DONTE’ PRYOR - Donte Pryor is a dedicated and hardworking individual who loves working with youths of all ages. He is a former math teacher that also mentored & tutored the youth at his church over the past five years. He recently decided to leave the classroom back in September of 2017 to join the staff at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis to service the youth of the city in a different capacity.

Hamilton High School Club

CLUB DIRECTOR - KEELON LAWSON

PROGRAM DIRECTOR – PRIEST ALLEN

Ira Samelson Jr Club

CLUB DIRECTOR, CARISSA SMITH - Carissa Smith is a native Memphian. She was raised in South Memphis and graduated from Fairley High School. Carissa grew up in an environment where faith and the love for others were fundamental strengths that shaped her morals and beliefs about the world around her. As a teen, she volunteered with her mother who taught her the value of giving back and responding to the needs of others. These lessons helped her become a peer counselor for at-risk girls in the community. After receiving her first stipend, she realized that she could be rewarded for something she was passionate about. As a result, she began a career path with agencies where she could mentor youth and brighten their futures. Her faith has led her to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis where she plans to positively and creatively impact the lives of the children she serves.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, CHELSEA WINFREY

John Dustin Buckman Club

CLUB DIRECTOR, RON NELSON - Growing up, Ron was a member of the Dixie Boys Club for 11 years under the direction of Bernal Smith. In 2005, he became the Program Director at the John Dustin Buckman Branch. While serving in this capacity, he has instilled positive character and leadership skills and quality programming for over 500 youth.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, RAYA SMITH- Raya first got involved with the BGCM movement when she was 7 years old. Not only was she a Club member, but she was also employed by Club Director as a Youth Development Program Staff. Raya left her BGCM part-time position to pursue other job opportunities but quickly returned as a volunteer in 2016 (only breaking during the height of COVID). Raya is not only the lead dance coach instructor but is known to lead various programs in the Club and assist with a multitude of tasks around the Club. Raya is known for her passion for working with youth in the North Memphis community, positive energy, her organization skills, her assistance with sports activities and youth recruitment, and for being a positive influence on the young ladies who participate in the Smart Girls programming. Raya brings a positive youthfulness to the Club and is a great team player. She excels at recruiting other community individuals to volunteer in the Club. She has recently rallied the Club members’ parents to become more involved with the Club through a support group.

Manassas High School Club

CLUB DIRECTOR - TEVIN HUGHES - Tevin Hughes is a native Memphian born and raised in the Binghampton community. He’s an honor graduate from Memphis East High School. He continued his studies at Middle Tennessee State University graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. Tevin majored in Community and Public Health with a minor in Physical Education. While attending MTSU, Tevin joined Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, Inc. and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Tevin comes to the Boys & Girls Clubs with experience working with City of Memphis as an Assistant Director with Parks and Neighborhood, Shelby County Schools serving as an elementary educator and high school basketball coach. Tevin is very passionate about seeing youth in Memphis strive for success and become our next future leaders in the world. He is the Club Director with the Manassas High School Boys & Girls Club.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR - CHARA MITCHELL - Chara Mitchell has a passion for children that is out of this world! Over the last 20 years, she has worked in many capacities serving our youth. Some of her positions held include Assistant Camp Director, Family Service Worker, & ELOP Supervisor. Chara has also volunteered around the beloved city of Memphis in places such as The Children’s Museum and the YMCA. She is a Memphis native, University of Memphis graduate, & member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. As the Program Director at Manassas High School, Chara is looking forward to building relationships with the students as well as showing them new skills and resources to make a positive impact in their lives.

Melrose High School Club

CLUB DIRECTOR - JENNIFER ALEXANDER - Jennifer Alexander-Baker attended Dillard University earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Masters of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Clark Atlanta University. She has had the opportunity to volunteer/ mentor, coach the youth at her high school Alma Mater for over 15 years. She is the founder of Melrose Golden Girl Dance Team and current coach, J.U.S.T. GirlTalk Social Club sponsor & B.J.’s Heart Incorporation was named in honor of her dearly beloved mother. She now serves as the Club Director of Melrose Boys & Girls Club of Greater Memphis. She has a passion for serving the youth & building stronger relationships with families in the communities. She loves her family, her community and has a caring heart for the people.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR - V’AIR KUYKENDALL - WOODARD - My name is V’air Kuykendall-Woodard. I was born and raised in Mississippi. I attended undergraduate school at The University of Southern Mississippi earning a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Since graduation in May 2017, I have had the opportunity to assist pregnant moms and babies for my first job in my field after graduation as well as being an Alcohol and Drug Prevention Specialist covering four counties servicing individuals ages 0 to 100. Now, I serve as the Program Director of Melrose Boys and Girls Club. My background includes work with young children and adolescents that have endured forms of trauma, as well as working with young adults. I have high adaptivity skills, communication skills, and social skills. I am a complete nature girl. I love flowers, bodies of water, and spending time with my family.

Oakhaven Club

CLUB DIRECTOR, LAWRENCE YOUNG - Lawrence originally came to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis as a Club member at the Goodwill unit. He later served as Program Director at the Bernal E. Smith Club and now serves as the Club Director at the Oakhaven Club. Lawrence continues to set a great example for the members of what you can achieve when you set your mind to it.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, AVIS MONSO - Avis N. Monso is a native Memphian and a graduate of Northside High, The Health Care Institute and Tennessee State University. I am a certified CNA and have a B.S. in Family Consumer Science w/an emphasis in Child Development and Family Relationships. I worked as a Substitute Teacher for Memphis City Schools before serving as a Program Director for Buckman and Goodwill Clubs. After residing in Georgia as a Pre-K Teacher, I returned back to Memphis and continued working as a Pre-K teacher until finding my way back to John Dustin Buckman Boys & Girls Club, were I currently serve as Program Director. I have a strong passion for working with the youth.

Oakhaven High School Club

CLUB DIRECTOR – DEIDRE PRIOR

PROGRAM DIRECTOR – TABITHA JORDAN

Porter Goodwill Club

CLUB DIRECTOR, AKUMDI “IFE” OKWUNBUA- Ifeakumdin’chi (My Wealth Is In The Lord) was raised in Memphis, TN. He attended Memphis Central High School and graduated with a B.S. in Psychology from Southern University Baton Rouge. Ife is a creative and an outgoing individual that loves to engage in fashion design, sports, and fine arts. He has mentored and worked with inner-city youth since his early teenage years and understands what it means to be a leader and positive role model to kids of all ages. He has been a staff member of BGCM since 2006, and now serves as Club Director of the Porter Goodwill Branch.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, DORIS CORDELL

PROMISE ACADEMY, SPRING HILL CLUB

CLUB DIRECTOR - BIANCA BOWDRY - Bianca Bowdery was born and raised in Memphis, TN. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High school where she quickly became accustomed to being a leader. She quickly learned that being raised in the inner city, there were very few options. She decided to live by the slogan from Booker T. Washington, “We lead and others follow”. She attended Porter Boys & Girls Club where she participated in various activities including the Youth of the Year competition. Bianca truly believes in the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs, so much so that she has enrolled her children as members. She knows to see real change you have to put in the work, teach, and guide the youth. She plans to do just that with a smile on her face and love in her heart.

CLUB DIRECTOR - SHANICE DAVIS

PROMISE ACADEMY, HOLLYWOOD CLUB

CLUB DIRECTOR, CHANTELLE BONDS - Chantelle Bonds was born in Chicago, IL and raised in Memphis, TN. Chantelle has a passion for children and for the community. Growing up in the inner City of Memphis, she attended the Porter Boys & Girls club and graduated from Booker T Washington High School. Chantelle received her B.S. In Human Science/Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and her Masters in Business Administration from Independence University.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, DRUSHEENA KYLES - Drusheena Kyles is a native Memphian and a graduate of The George Washington University. She spent many years living in Los Angeles, CA with her son, Ramsey. During that time her attention was focused on discovering the components of a healthy lifestyle, especially for children and teens. Recently she returned home, to share with the youth of Memphis her findings regarding the honoring and care of one’s health through nutrition, yoga, and meditation. Before joining Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, she worked at the Memphis Office of Youth Services.

Raleigh Egypt High School Club

CLUB DIRECTOR - DEMARCO STEPTER - Demarco Stepter is the Club Director at Raleigh Egypt High School Boys & Girls Club. Demarco has worked with kids for almost a decade. He also enjoys working with youth to help them visualize a better vision than what they encounter on a day-to-day basis. Demarco grew up in the Boys & Girls Clubs which helped him encounter that better vision. Demarco graduated from the University of Texas, San Antonio where he received a full basketball athletic scholarship. In his free time, Demarco likes to work out and get buckets on the basketball court.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR - PHYLLIS TELLIS - Miss Phyllis T is a Mississippi native, who moved to the state of Tennessee for this job in hopes to help better the future of kids. She is also a recent graduate from Mississippi State University majoring in Kinesiology. Phyllis interned at Starkville Parks and Recreation where her love for administrating sports and coaching kids became second nature to her. Being a former Boys & Girls Club member she understands the importance of the Club and the major effect the Club will have. Phyllis will serve as the Program Director of the Raleigh Egypt High School Boys & Girls Club where she provides hands-on activities and teaches valuable life lessons.

Sheffield High School Club

CLUB DIRECTOR – RACHEL O’BRIEN

PROGRAM DIRECTOR –BARBARA BROOKS

Sycamore View Club

CLUB DIRECTOR, PAULA GUYTON - Paula Guyton is a native of Memphis, TN. Paula is an outgoing, dedicated, hardworking young lady who loves working with youth of all ages. She has been a staff member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis since 2001. Paula has worked at four units, all in which she has been promoted. Paula believes in inspiring youth to BE GREAT!

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, TEVARIS DOUGLAS - Tevaris Douglas is originally from Bolivar, TN. He has worked with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Memphis since 2009. Douglas has been honored as Staff of the Year by two BGCM Clubs. Tevaris loves spending time with his kids and also loves to coach and play basketball. Tevaris believes in Inspiring Youth to LEAD BY EXAMPLE.

Trezevant High School Club

CLUB DIRECTOR - DEKENDRICK CLARK - De’Kendrick Clark is a native of Water Valley, Mississippi. De’Kendrick is a graduate of Mississippi Valley State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Health, Physical Education and Recreation. De’Kendrick is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He has worked with nonprofits and youth for the last eight years and recently severed as a supervisor with Youth Villages. De’Kendrick believes in the quote “The will to prepare to win is much more important than the will to win.“

PROGRAM DIRECTOR - TIERRA MARTIN

Westwood High School Club

CLUB DIRECTOR – DEANN GREEN - DeAnn Green was born in Memphis, TN. She moved with her family to Southern California at age 5. She entered freshman year at Rust College on a tennis scholarship but eventually transferred as a sophomore to LeMoyne- Owen College where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science minoring in Elementary Education. DeAnn spent much of her time in college volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters, AmeriCorps, CASA, Habitat for Humanity and feeding the homeless. DeAnn began teaching in 2010 as a high school inclusion teacher. In 2017 she decided to end her teaching career but still has a passion for working with children. DeAnn has 3 daughters named Kaori, Kerrigan and Marley who she currently homeschools. She enjoys traveling, going to concerts, laying on the beach and visiting her family that still reside in Southern California.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR - LYNETTE GOINS - Lynette Goins was born and raised in Memphis, TN. She graduated from Southside High School. After high school, she attended Lane College. Growing up in the inner city of Memphis and being the only child of a single working mother, Lynette had to learn quickly and work hard helping her mom around the house. Growing up she would go to the Boys & Girls Club in South Memphis and volunteered at school. Lynette is outgoing, dedicated, and a hard worker. She loves working with youth of all ages and still volunteers at her boy’s school. Lynette is also a co-owner of a local business with her husband and they have two boys together. She also enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and loves the beach.

Wooddale High School Club

CLUB DIRECTOR - SCHANAQUE WATSON - Schanaque Watson is a native of Memphis, Tennessee. As a child she grew up in Southside Boys & Girls Club. As time progressed, Schanaque received a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology, along with two minors in English and African and African American Studies in 2013. Schanaque received her Masters of Public Administration from Strayer University in 2016. For the past decade, Schanaque has a plethora of experience in nonprofit, social work, and corrections. She served as the Vice President of Programming for Memphis Urban League Young Professionals and the Project Director for Black Millennials 4 Flint. Schanaque has a passion for community service, civic engagement, and youth advocacy.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR - JAMILLAH HILL - Jamillah Lee-Hill is a native of Memphis, TN. She’s a graduate of the University of Memphis and Grand Canyon University. She’s a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Mrs. Lee-Hill has 8 years of education experience.

JUICEPLUS+ TECHNICAL TRAINING CENTER

DEVELOPMENT, CRYSTAL CAULFIELD - In the fall of 2011, Crystal took on the role of Career Prep Director where she serves as the Technical Training Center in organizing their curriculum as well as scheduling guest speakers, implementing new programs such as UPS Road Code, and making sure that the Club members receive the skills necessary to enter the work force. In the spring of 2019, she was promoted to Assistant Director of Career Development where she helps with the coordination and implementation of the grants that support the Technical Training Center in meeting their mission.

CULINARY ARTS DIRECTOR, ERICA STEELE- Erica Steele, has extensive experience both in culinary arts and youth development. During her time in the Marine Corps, she found her passion for cooking and used her GI bill to pursue a BA in Culinary Management at the Art Institutes of Virginia Beach. Following the completion of this program, she worked at Busch Garden Williamsburg, conducting cooking demonstrations for their food and wine festival. She also served as an instructor at Sur La Table, a children’s culinary summer camp, teaching youth the essentials of food prep, creating a menu, and plating. She will focus on building knowledge around the nutritional value of ingredients as she takes a group of TTC participants ages 16-22 through a rigorous curriculum yearly.

Camp Phoenix

CAMP PHOENIX DIRECTOR, DAVE KEIGAN - Growing up, Dave spent summers in Maine on Sebago Lake where he learned to swim, fish, canoe and explore the woods. After college, he moved to Southern California where he started working for the Boys & Girls Clubs as Shop Director and worked his way up to Program Director. He became Camp Director of Pathfinder Ranch for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Springs in 1983. Dave joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis in February 2009 to Direct Camp Phoenix.