Aniya Mayo Co-Founder and Co-Director
Aniya Mayo graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she earned a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology. Aniya has worked for the YMCA for the past 5 years and is currently employed through Guilford County Schools, where she found her passion in working with the youth. Aniya founded Growing the Distance Inc, a non-profit organization, to serve as a positive outlet and resource for local youth by providing mentoring, academic development and character building activities. Aniya is an active youth advocate, and works selflessly to meet kids where they are and run the race to adulthood with them.
Sherena Sabla Co-Founder and Co-Director
Sherena Sabla founded Growing the Distance Inc.- Summer camp while holding a bachelors degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Sherena has worked with children for over 6 years. She currently serves as a 7th grade english teacher at North Star Academy. Sherena has an extreme passion for children and has found so much joy in doing so.
Ravyn Turner
Hello everyone! I am Ravyn Turner also known as Ms. Ravyn. I received my degree from UNCG, majoring in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Child Youth Development. I love to sing, play the piano, just about anything dealing with music. Keeping myself enthused, and in great spirits is how I operate my daily life! Engaging with the youth is one of my many passions and keeps me going! Having a positive impact on the children is what its all about! Growing the distance is a great program for kids that I am honored to be apart of!
Brianna Williams
Brianna Williams is an undergraduate student at North Carolina A&T State University where she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering with a minor in Applied Mathematics. Brianna is also seeking her mathematics teaching license to become a high school teacher upon graduation. Brianna thoroughly enjoys helping people, especially children, singing, being around friends and family, and traveling. One fun fact about her is that she is the co-owner of a new bakery business called “Thee Bakery Bar by Bri & Ci.”
Kristen Silver
Super fun, Super loud, super enthusiastic! Kristen received her Master’s from NCCU in both School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She currently works in a title I middle school. Loves working with the youth. She has a scary obsession with binge watching Netflix and being upset when she runs out of seasons/episodes. She likes to read books on social justice and write poetry around the clock. Super excited to be a part of the Growing the Distance team!
Abdul Pridgen
What’s up! I am Mr.Pridgen, better known as Mr.P, and I am a 22 year old North Carolina native. I am currently pursuing my degree in education through GTCC while also working with children as an employee of Guilford County Schools through the ACES program. I have been employed with GCS for 2 years and I plan to continue in hopes to continue to help change young lives. I look forward to another AWESOME summer with GTD and all of the AMAZING people who make this program!