MEET OUR TEAM

Ms. Sheena R. Foster, President & CEO, leads the organization’s mission to advance the health, education, and economic empowerment of teen girls across the region. A seasoned nonprofit executive with nearly 20 years of leadership experience, Sheena previously served as Executive Director of Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, the philanthropic partner to a National Park in Washington, D.C., where she strengthened community engagement, expanded stewardship programs, and secured major public and private investments.

A New Orleans native now residing in Montgomery County, Sheena’s work spans climate resilience, sustainable infrastructure, business development, and community capacity-building, with a deep personal commitment to equity and the holistic well-being of women and families. She holds a degree in Urban Sustainability, a Master of Public Administration, and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Theology with a focus on mission development.

Sheena is a Commissioner and Chair of the Montgomery County Commission for Women and serves on several boards, including the Maryland Legislative Agenda for Women (MLAW), Women of the ELCA, the ELCA Church Council Executive Committee, and the National Council of Churches Joint Action and Advocacy for Peace Convening Table. She is also a Fellow of the United Nations Association, the Clean Energy Leadership Institute, and the Council of Urban Professionals.

Her connection to Crittenton began years earlier as a volunteer with Women Executives in the Classroom and as a mentor at the organization’s Annual Leadership Tea. Sheena’s devotion to empowering women and girls began in her youth as a Girl Scout and later as a troop leader; work that continues to be a foundation of her life’s calling. A world traveler who has visited 37 countries, Sheena brings a global lens to her leadership and a lifelong devotion to uplifting women and girls. When she is not working, she’s cooking, mentoring, traveling, or spending time in the mountains or by the sea.  She credits her faith, family, and community for shaping her approach as a servant leader. Sheena joined Crittenton Services in December 2025.

Nia V. Gray, Executive Assistant to the CEO & Administrative Manager, brings over a decade of administrative leadership and consulting experience to Crittenton Services, supporting executive leadership with a results-driven, strategic approach. Since joining Crittenton in November 2024, Nia has served as a trusted partner to the CEO, recognized for her ability to anticipate needs, create clarity, and help translate vision into action.

With a strong foundation in business management, process improvement, and project coordination, Nia excels at creating structure and efficiency that drive organizational success. Executive-forward and detail-oriented, she is deeply passionate about building the systems and support that allow mission-driven work to thrive.

Committed to mentorship and personal growth, Nia channels her skills to uplift both the team and the community, advancing the organization’s mission through proactive support and operational excellence. She remains dedicated to inspiring change, fostering collaboration, and empowering the next generation in alignment with Crittenton’s mission.

Khali Northington Kenyatte, Director of Operations, Development, and Programs,  helps ensure that Crittenton’s work is rooted in the systems, collaboration, and shared purpose that allow staff and the girls we serve to feel empowered and able to grow with confidence and consistency. She oversees operations, HR, grants management, and program operations, and nurtures the organizational systems that make it possible for Crittenton’s work with teen girls to flourish. Khali’s leadership is grounded in care, collaboration, and clarity—building stability, strengthening internal processes, and fostering the cross-team coordination that allows Crittenton to deliver meaningful, mission-driven impact.

Khali approaches this work with a deep understanding that strong internal systems are only meaningful when they ultimately strengthen the experiences of the girls Crittenton serves. That belief shapes her commitment to creating safe, affirming spaces where youth can celebrate themselves, define their own realities, speak up, laugh, connect, and be loud without apology.

Before joining Crittenton, Khali spent more than 15 years in communications and public relations, experience she now draws on to strengthen programs, guide organizational operations, connect with communities, and ensure the voices of youth are heard and celebrated. She also founded 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. She continues this work as an adjunct professor, nurturing the next generation of thinkers and changemakers.

Khali holds a master’s degree from the University of Baltimore and a bachelor’s degree from Howard University. She joined Crittenton Services in September 2020.

Cassandra Volcy, Director of Programs, Outreach, and Partnerships, is a results-driven program administrator with over a decade of experience designing and leading youth development initiatives. As the Director of Program Outreach and Partnership at Crittenton Services of Greater Washington, she oversees program expansion across Maryland and Washington, DC, supporting more than 1,000 girls annually through evidence-based programs including Goal Setting Girls, SNEAKERS, and PEARLS. She leads cross-functional teams, strengthens partnerships, and guides state and federally funded projects that advance academic, social-emotional, and leadership outcomes for underrepresented youth.

Since joining Crittenton in 2017, Cassandra has improved program quality, expanded organizational reach, and led major girl-centered events such as the Leadership Summit, Teen Advocacy initiatives, and the Teen Girl Unity Walk. Her career also includes roles as Senior Program Manager, Youth Development Program Coordinator, and educational consultant at Janney Elementary School.

Cassandra holds a Master of Public Administration from Clark Atlanta University and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Management from the University at Albany. She is certified in teen life coaching, advanced youth development practice, youth mental health first aid, and CPR/First Aid. Passionate about equity and opportunity, she is dedicated to creating pathways that help every girl thrive.

Abigail Saturni, Senior Communications Manager, brings more than 6 years of experience managing social media platforms and nearly 4 years of professional communications experience. She is a Certified Digital Marketing Professional, accredited by the American Marketing Association, with a strong command of multi-channel marketing strategy, brand storytelling, and audience engagement.

At Crittenton Services of Greater Washington, Abby oversees all external communications, including The Crittenton Chronicle newsletter, social media strategy and execution, website management, event marketing, digital campaigns, and public announcements. She excels at developing cohesive messaging across platforms, optimizing content for reach and engagement, and leveraging analytics to guide communications and marketing decisions.

A passionate creative writer and storyteller, Abby’s skill set spans content development, editorial writing, copyediting, scriptwriting, and speech drafting. She is also experienced in multimedia production, from crafting compelling short-form content to editing long-form videos that highlight Crittenton’s mission and impact.

Abby’s commitment to humanitarian causes and community empowerment led her to join the Crittenton team. Outside of her work in youth advocacy, she is an active supporter of animal welfare and rescue. She has volunteered at animal rescue organizations and is the proud guardian of three rescue pets. Abby started as a consultant for Crittenton in 2020 and joined full-time in July 2022.

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. Mrs. Deb joined Crittenton Services in June 1993. 

Kiara Jackson, MSW, LGSW, Senior Youth Development Program Coordinator, delivers Crittenton programs across the Greater Washington area. Kiara earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Virginia State University in 2020 and received her Master of Social Work from Howard University in 2022. She is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Washington, D.C. With over nine years of experience working with children, teens, and young adults from diverse backgrounds, Kiara has built a distinguished career centered on empowering youth and strengthening families. Prior to joining Crittenton, she held a range of clinical and direct service roles that shaped her holistic, client-centered approach to social work. Her past experiences include serving as a Psychiatric Technician supporting adolescent girls with eating disorders and providing therapeutic day treatment services in both elementary and high school settings. During her undergraduate years, she supported youth and families through in-home counseling, outpatient therapy, crisis intervention, and mental health skill-building. Kiara also brings experience working with adults as a Recovery Support Specialist, offering guidance, practical support, and encouragement to individuals navigating substance use or mental health challenges. Additionally, she coordinated a teen pregnancy and postpartum support group at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, further deepening her commitment to reproductive health and youth support services. Driven by a passion for fostering resilience, confidence, and well-being, Kiara is dedicated to creating safe, supportive environments where young people and their families can thrive. Her work continues to reflect her belief in the power of community, empowerment, and compassionate care. Kiara joined Crittenton in August 2021.

Kahlil Kuykendall, Youth Development Program Consultant. Kahlil has more than 20 years of experience 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 in creating and implementing 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 various settings, including 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 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 in our youth by being an ear or an outlet and providing spaces where youth feel comfortable at all times. Deija joined Crittenton in August 2022.