MEET THE TEAM

Aniya Mayo graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she earned a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology. Aniya found her passion in working with the youth while volunteering and directing various youth programs. She later founded Growing the Distance Inc, with the mission to serve as a positive outlet and resource for children, by providing mentoring, academic development, character building and more. 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 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 taught 7th grade english for two years at one of the top performing charter schools in the nation. During her time at North Star Academy she was ranked the top performing teacher in the network. Sherena has an extreme passion for the youth and continues to be an advocate for education and children and family resources.

 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! 

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 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.”

Hello everyone! My name is Anya Murphy-Parker also known as Ms. Anya. I received my bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Relations from North Carolina A&T State University, and I am currently persuing my MSW at Fayetteville State University. My goal post graduation is to have a private mental health practice for adolescents and families. I love to sing, travel, and interested to learn new things! I love being an assest to a child’s growth and development because this is an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives, and it will be my everyday mission to make nothing but a positive impact. Im so excited to be working with Growing the Distance! 

Sam Chandler, Junior at Southwest Guilford High School (class of 2022). Some of my favorite hobbies include snowboarding, working out, and playing Spikeball with my friends. In the future, I plan on going to medical school to become a pediatric surgeon.

 Hello everyone, My name is Ms. Makayla Williams and I am a Senior at UNCG pursuing my Bachelors in Social Work. I have worked in childcare for 4 years and plan to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker upon receiving my masters degree in a few years. A few fun facts about me: I am originally from Tuscaloosa Al where I visit a lot! My favorite color is pink and I have been learning Spanish since i was 10 years old! I am passionate about youth development and believe that children are our future. My purpose this summer is to connect with the campers and make this the summer of their life! I look forward to spending the summer with your little ones! 

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!