pronouns: she/her
mobile: 919-694-3133
email: myuckman@hopecenteratpullen.org
Where you’ll find me when I’m not at work: White water rafting
Favorite quote: “It is not happy people who are thankful, it is thankful people who are happy”.
Hidden talent: Playing piano
Favorite HS class: Theater
Meredith is grateful for the opportunity to serve The Hope Center and help light a path toward a safe and stable future for former foster youth. She is an experienced administrator and has developed and shaped programs that support at-risk youth for over 20 years. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master’s of Divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Meredith first join the Hope Center team in 2014, serving as the Program Coordinator, to spearhead the development of our Teen Programs that prepare youth in foster care for a safe and stable to adulthood.
pronouns: she/her
mobile: 919-637-9661
email: csherman@hopecenteratpullen.org
Where you’ll find me when I’m not a work: On a yoga mat or on a family outing
Favorite Book (and movie): Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston
Hidden Talent: I like to believe that I am the best rapper alive
Favorite Highschool Class: English (I have a serious love for words and reading)
Chantel is excited and honored to serve in the role of Director of Programs at The Hope Center. Her passion for working alongside individuals who have a history in the foster care system extends beyond her professional experience. In her teen years, she was a recipient of foster care services and believes this experience proved to be her call to action.
Chantel has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Prior to joining The Hope Center, she worked directly with youth who were entering foster care, foster parents, and young adults transitioning out of foster care, for 14 years.
pronouns: she/her
mobile: 919-522-9707
email: bsherley@hopecenteratpullen.org
Where you’ll find me when I’m not at work: Attending/volunteering at a Comic Con, or out running.
Favorite quote: “Just because someone carries it well doesn’t mean it isn’t heavy.”
Hidden talent: Baking
Favorite HS class: AP Calculus
Brittney oversees development work at The Hope Center, including donations, grants, events, and communications. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in public relations and anthropology, and brings more than 15 years of fundraising experience in social services and animal welfare. She loves development work because it offers the best way for her to use her strengths to help those in need. In her free time, she enjoys an active lifestyle of running, playing tennis, and strength training. Brittney also loves spending time with her husband, whether it’s watching movies, playing Scrabble, or attending fan-based conventions.
pronouns: she/her
mobile: 919-636-3641
email: mvaughan@hopecenteratpullen.org
Where you’ll find me when I’m not at work: Cooking dinner with my husband, on a run, at the farmers’ market, or walking my two dogs around the neighborhood.
Favorite book: How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu
Favorite Quote: “The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit.”
Favorite HS class: Language/Literature
Originally from the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Molly graduated from Appalachian State University with a B.A. in Psychology before moving to the triangle area. With a professional background in farmers’ market management and animal welfare, Molly has always been a mission-driven professional. In her free time, Molly enjoys travel, cooking, reading, running, thrifting/vintage shopping, and hanging out with her friends and husband. She is grateful for the opportunity to champion The Hope Center mission as the Donor Relations and Administrative Coordinator!
pronouns: he/him
mobile: 984-895-6093
email: cgray@hopecenteratpullen.org
Where you’ll find me when I’m not at work: Absolutely anything outdoors – fishing, hiking, biking, swimming, camping.
Favorite quote: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” -Martin Luther King Jr.
Hidden talent: I really can cook, like really!
Favorite HS class: Math for sure, all things pertaining to numbers.
Christian Gray has dedicated his life to youth
development, leadership, and community impact. He began working with youth as a
teenager himself and, by the grace of God, has spent nearly two decades serving
in the nonprofit and community-based space. Christian holds a Master’s
degree in Youth, Family, & Community Sciences from North Carolina State
University, is a Certified Master Life Coach, and a former Division I
basketball coach.
Throughout his career, he has been blessed to support young
people through youth leadership summits, sports camps, mentorship
initiatives, and life-skills workshops, with a focus on bridging gaps, building
strong character, and helping youth develop the tools needed for long-term
success. His work is rooted in relationships, consistency, and the belief that
intentional guidance can change lives.
pronouns: she/her
mobile: 984-895-5927
email: apardo@hopecenteratpullen.org
Where you’ll find me when I’m not at work: Hanging out with friends or binge watching a show/movie series.
Favorite quote: “Success is rarely the result of one swell swoop, but more often the culmination of many, many small victories.” -Joseph M. Marshall III
Hidden talent: Spontaneously switching to a British accent at any time
Favorite HS class: English/Writing
Alexys graduated from East Carolina University with B.S. in Applied Sociology, with a concentration in Marriage and Family, and a minor in Gender Studies. She also received her master’s degree in social work at NC State in May 2024. She always knew that she wanted to make a positive impact on the world and her local community. She is excited for the opportunity to be part of the Hope Center team and looks forward to working with and empowering our youth!
pronouns: she/her
mobile: 919-349-8266
email:
cbrown@hopecenteratpullen.org
Where you’ll find me when I’m not at work: Spending time with family.
Favorite book: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince / Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Hidden talent: I love to dance and sing. I am always off beat and making up my own words to songs.
Favorite HS class: History
Originally from Syracuse, NY, Coco is an older sister, a godmother to five, and a dog mom! She has a Bachelor’s in Social Work and a Master’s in Public Administration with a focus in nonprofit administration from Buffalo State University. She started her career working as a teacher’s assistant in an infant room and became the family advocate for the same daycare. Further into her career, she worked as a training development specialist and group home supervisor, working with youth in foster care aged 14-21 years old. Now, as a Transition Specialist at The Hope Center, she works with former foster youth ages 18-27 and their families. She is the liaison for our Youth Advisory Board, and is working to become a certified birth and postpartum doula.
pronouns: she/her
mobile: 984-286-6023
email:
khopkins@hopecenteratpullen.org
Where you’ll find me when I’m not at work: Spending time with my family or near water.
Favorite quote: “Love liberates. It doesn’t just hold, that’s ego. Love liberates.” -Maya Angelou
Hidden talent: Taking things apart and putting them back together
Favorite HS class: Science
I am thrilled to join this amazing team of Transition Specialists. I hold an associate’s degree in human services and I am currently pursuing my B.S. in Psychology from North Carolina Central University. Before coming to The Hope Center, I worked with survivors of domestic and sexual violence, which deepened my passion for empowering others and supporting their healing journeys. I’ve always had a heart for working with youth and helping them recognize their strengths and potential. I’m very laid back – some days you get Tupac; most days you get Sade – which helps me connect with people from all walks of life. Outside of work, I enjoy collecting vinyl records, especially old school favorites, and taking quiet time to recharge. When life feels overwhelming, being near water calms my soul and restores my peace. At The Hope Center, I bring compassion, dedication, and a person-centered approach to helping our youth navigate life transitions. I live by this quote: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” – Maya Angelou.
pronouns: she/her
mobile: 984-286-3390
email:
mpeterson@hopecenteratpullen.org
Where you’ll find me when I’m not at work: Hanging out with family, finding the nearest beach, outing or event
Favorite book: Anything written by Omar Tyree
Hidden talent: I’m pretty good at doing hair.
Favorite HS class: Lunch (haha)… Science
Myisha is a graduate from Shaw University with a B.A. in Psychology and holds a current certification in Life Coaching. She has an extensive background in the human services field working as a case manager and program coordinator for homeless families and young adults transitioning into permanency. She is very excited to serve in the role of Transition Specialist where she uses an eclectic approach tailored to the unique needs of each client. Myisha enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and sitting in the sun with a good book!
pronouns: she/her
mobile: 919-637-5809
email: srodgers@hopecenteratpullen.org
Where you’ll find me when I’m not at work: You’ll find me on a date with my husband or home with the grandkids either jumping on the trampoline or dancing.
Favorite quote: “Don’t allow others to define who you are”
Hidden talent: Writing poetry
Favorite HS class: English
Stacey received her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Shaw University. Her career includes being a crisis counselor for domestic and sexual violence, licensed therapeutic foster parent, foster care social worker, as well as an intensive in-home worker with youth. Stacey is the founder and director of Sparkle Mentoring Program, a nonprofit organization for girls 12-18 providing one-on-one group mentoring. She is also a licensed minister, certified life coach, and is working towards her certification as a birth doula. She is married to Irving and together they have nine children and nine grandchildren. Stacey loves spending time with her family, going to the beach, and writing.
pronouns: she/her
mobile: 984-895-5923
email: twalker@hopecenteratpullen.org
Where you’ll find me when I’m not at work: Walking around a local lake trail or at the beach.
Favorite book: The Game of Life and How to Play by Florence Scovel Shinn.
Hidden talent: Comedic genius!
Favorite high school class: History
Terrica is excited to join the team serving as a Transition Specialist. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History. With a background in education and social services, she brings a compassionate, service-driven approach to supporting youth and young adults in transition. Guided by a humanitarian heart, she strives to leave a lasting impact through meaningful connections and practical guidance. As a lifelong student, she is passionate about learning and developing strategies for personal growth for herself and those she serves.
“Aging out is..hmm..to be honest, I really didn’t even know I aged out. It was because of the simple fact that I didn’t know anything about it–I didn’t know anything about my case, I didn’t go to court. I got to the age where I realized I didn’t have anymore court dates. I just put it in my mind that I was out of the system. There wasn’t really a transition for me because I was already used to living the way I lived. It was more like I already didn’t have anybody, so it was just the same scenario once I aged out. Why was I caught up in the system? That’s really my main thing, I still don’t understand.”
In 2016, more young people aged out of foster care in North Carolina than in the previous 15 years. In Wake County alone, 30–40 age out each year. Furthermore, Wake County experienced a spike in the number of children entering foster care in 2017. The services of The Hope Center are needed now more than ever before, and since 2013, we have increased the number of young people we serve from 30 to approximately 180.
The Hope Center provides support in the areas of housing, employment, life skills, education, mental and physical health, financial management, and establishing a support network, so that young people such as this young man quoted above don’t feel like they are alone in the world.
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