MEET OUR TEAM

Khali Northington Kenyatte, Interim CEO and Director of Programs, delivers SNEAKERS at middle and high schools in Wards 7 and 8. She is passionate about providing a safe space for girls to affirm and celebrate themselves, to define their own realities, to speak up, to laugh and connect, and to be loud without apology. Khali is an English professor and the founding director of Writing on the Walls!—a literacy and creative writing program for youth designed to foster creativity, improve literacy skills, and inspire young people to be empowered, engaged, and productive citizens. Khali facilitates a variety of classes and workshops, including a course she created to boost the self-esteem and confidence of middle and high-school girls. In the class, participants explore the concepts of identity, sisterhood, and personal power through literature and activities that celebrate who they are. Before Crittenton, Khali spent more than 15 years in communications and public relations serving the needs of the community. Khali holds a master’s degree in writing and design from the University of Baltimore and a bachelor’s degree in communications from Howard University. She joined Crittenton Services in September 2020.

Cassandra Volcy, Senior Program Manager, delivers the SNEAKERS program at middle and high schools in Wards 5, 7, and 8. Before joining Crittenton Services, Ms. Volcy completed a year of service with Janney Elementary Aftercare, an aftercare program that gives students an opportunity to excel both academically and socially. During her year at Janney Elementary, she tutored and mentored students. She also developed a comprehensive classroom work plan and coordinated weekly enrichment activities. Ms. Volcy holds a bachelor’s degree in public policy and management and a master’s degree in public administration and management from Clark Atlanta University. She joined Crittenton Services in May 2017. Since joining Crittenton, Ms. Volcy has become a certified Advanced Youth Development Specialist, a certified mandated reporter, a certified trauma-informed professional, and has completed over 100 hours in comprehensive youth development training. 

Mrs. Deb Lopez, Senior Bilingual Program Coordinator, delivers SNEAKERS and PEARLS at three Montgomery County High Schools. She is a bilingual education professional with over twenty years of professional experience motivating students in a multicultural environment. Ms. Lopez is a passionate advocate who specializes in guiding teen mothers in positive parenting, healthy relationships, perinatal care, and prevention of a second pregnancy. In 2002, she received the Outstanding Community Partner Award from Centro Tepeyac, honoring her dedication to Latina women in crisis pregnancies. In 2011, she was honored by the Washington Mystics with the Inspirational Women Award for being a role model who “ignites the dreams and aspirations of young people.” Ms. Lopez holds a master’s degree in psychological services in education from the University of Pennsylvania. She joined Crittenton Services in June 1993. 

Abigail Saturni, Senior Communications Manager, has 4 years of experience managing social media platforms, over a year in communications, and is recognized as a Certified Digital Marketing Professional by the American Marketing Association. Abby is passionate about creative writing and storytelling, overseeing all of Crittenton’s external communications, including The Crittenton Chronicle monthly newsletter, social media platforms, website content, event marketing, and public announcements. Abby has a versatile skillset, from crafting impactful messages to editing and enhancing videos. Her passion for humanitarian causes led her to Crittenton Services. She is also a strong advocate for animals and animal rescue, having 4 rescue pets, and has previously volunteered at rescue centers. Abby joined Crittenton full-time in July 2022.

Kiara Jackson, Senior Youth Development Program Coordinator, delivers SNEAKERS and PEARLS program in high schools located in Washington, D.C. She has earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Virginia State University and is currently in the process of earning her Master of Social Work degree from Howard University. Ms. Jackson has over 5 years of experience working with children of all ages who has diverse backgrounds. Prior to Crittenton, Ms. Jackson served in many roles. She worked as a Psychiatric technician, providing services to young girls who have eating disorders. In her undergraduate years she assisted with providing therapeutic day treatment services in elementary and high schools as well as in-home counseling, outpatient therapy, crisis Intervention, and mental health skill building to youth and their families. Kiara coordinated a teen pregnancy/post-partum support group at Medstar Washington Hospital Center. Kiara is passionate about working with the youth and their families to promote well-being for themselves and in their community. Kiara Jackson joined Crittenton in August 2021.  

Kahlil Kuykendall, Youth Development Program Consultant. Kahlil has more than twenty years of experience in increasing the capacity of women and youth-serving organizations to develop and deliver high-quality programs and educational enrichment activities. She has worked in Africa, India, and Asia and has extensive experience designing program evaluations that incorporate youth voice. She has coached educators, youth workers, college volunteers, interns, and graduate students to create and implement curricula for young people. Her areas of expertise include education, youth development, arts and culture, project-based learning, child development, holistic wellness, mental health, and career exploration. Kahlil is an adjunct professor at the George Washington University in the Milken Institute School of Public Health and holds a master’s degree in economics with an emphasis on gender and international development. She first delivered programs for Crittenton Services in 2016. 

Lakeesha Wallace, Youth Development Program Coordinator, grew up in Portland, Oregon. She has earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Oregon. She has 10 years of experience helping underserved youth and their communities. She has a passion for helping others and hopes to one day start her own non-profit. Lakeesha joined Crittenton in August 2022.

Anyssa Dhaouadi, Youth Development Program Coordinator, was born and raised in New London, CT, Anyssa has always had a passion for community-based organizing and working with youth. She earned a BA in Sociology with a focus on Advocacy for Social Change and Education from American International College.
With over 8 years of experience in youth development, she specializes in developing and leading various out-of-school-time programs. Her goal is to provide a safe space for youth and help raise and educate new generations of confident, socially aware, and emotionally intelligent leaders using social emotional learning components and restorative justice practices. Along with youth and community organizing work, Anyssa has a great love for dance and the arts, and enjoys spending time in the studio and traveling. Anyssa joined Crittenton in August 2022.

Noraixa Castro, Youth Development Program Coordinator, was born and raised in Puerto Rico.  She has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with over 13 years of experience.  Ms. Castro also has a Master’s in Public Affairs with a specialization in Conflict Mediation.  She has worked in different settings such as Child Protective Services and the Department of Public Housing in Puerto Rico. Ms. Castro then worked in a DC Public Charter School. This was her first professional experience working in the United States. She is passionate about working with children, youth, and their families.  In her free time, she enjoys traveling and health/fitness.  Noraixa joined Crittenton Services in September 2022

Deija Blackman, Youth Development Program Coordinator, has earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a focus in psychology from Frostburg State  University. During her undergraduate studies, she interned at an elementary school, working with kindergarten students. She has also worked as a program facilitator at Watkins Mill High School for the 480 club for 4 years, providing services and helping students in the community reach their full potential by offering medical care, counseling, positive youth development, and health education experiences in a confidential and culturally-competent manner. She has facilitated and co-facilitated various school programs with groups of up to 25 students. Deija has also volunteered and coordinated many MCPS events with our youth. She is passionate about making a difference with our youth by being an ear or outlet, and providing spaces for youth to be able to feel comfortable at all times. Deija joined Crittenton in August 2022.

Marena Ford, Youth Development Program Coordinator, was born and raised in Montgomery County, Maryland. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Bowie State University in May of 2022 and earned her master’s degree in organizational communications from Bowie State University in May of 2024. During the matriculation of her graduate program as a full-time student, she also worked full-time as a Youth Development Specialist at Watkins Mill High School and was contracted under the 480 Club. She facilitated all-girl groups focused on positive youth development, provided mentorship, supported students’ personal and academic needs, as well as leveraged resources issued through the wellness centers in Montgomery County for mental, emotional, and personal support. She had worked within this role for roughly two years and had served two groups of up to 25 students per marking period. Marena has developed a passion for working with youth through the experience of pouring into the very community that once upon a time poured into her. Providing youth with tools to aid in their overall development to promote and propel them into their next phases of life through intentionality, cultivating safe spaces, and positive reinforcement. Marena joined Crittenton in September 2024.

LaTicia Moffitt, Youth Development Program Coordinator, grew up in Washington, DC, and delivers the SNEAKERS program at middle and high schools in Wards 5, 7, and 8. LaTicia has over 10 years of experience working closely with at-risk youth and their families, connecting them to vital resources and helping them navigate successful transitions within the DC communities.  She has completed Advanced Youth Development and Restorative Justice Facilitator training and is passionate about providing wrap-around services, fostering positive outcomes with every youth person she encounters, specifically young girls. After becoming a teen mom and benefiting from various girl empowerment programs, she vowed to pour back into young women the same way the women of those programs poured into her. In addition to her passion for working with young girls, LaTicia holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, owns a small catering business, and volunteers with a local football team. LaTicia joined Crittenton in September 2024.

Nia V. Gray, Executive Assistant & Resource Navigator, is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and community growth, bringing over a decade of administrative expertise and consulting experience to her roles. With a strong foundation in business management, process improvement, and project coordination, she excels in creating structure and efficiency that drive organizational success.

Deeply committed to mentorship and personal growth, Nia channels her skills to uplift both the team and the community, ensuring the organization’s mission thrives through proactive support and operational excellence.

Nia officially joined Crittenton full-time in November 2024 and remains dedicated to inspiring change, fostering collaboration, and empowering the next generation.

Aniyah Henderson, Youth Development Program Coordinator, was born in Philadelphia, PA, and raised in Greensboro, NC. Her passion for both community engagement and providing resources to vulnerable communities has been her motivation throughout her career. In North Carolina, she pursued her bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Western Carolina University. Then in 2023, she relocated to DC to pursue her master’s degree in Social Work at Howard University. A recent graduate of Howard University, Aniyah fosters the commitment to the enrichment of the mind and creating safe spaces for people to grow and heal. Her work has centered around empowering individuals and communities, particularly those who struggle with mental health challenges and substance misuse. Aniyah is a lifelong learner; she continually pursues opportunities that help enhance her skills and knowledge to better help provide resources and spaces for the communities she works with. She remains passionate about supporting both students and individuals in their journeys toward healing and self-improvement. Aniyah joined Crittenton in February of 2025.