|
How did you first get involved with SCAN?
I started growing mustaches with M4K Richmond in 2011 and started to become aware of so many wonderful organizations around Richmond like SCAN, ASK, and the Children's Hospital Fund, that help kids. Eventually I’ve arrived at a place in my life where I can give back more and wanted to become more involved…so here I am.
What has your life/work experience been that brought you to SCAN?
My dad was in Lion’s Club for as long as I can remember. He always told me it’s important to give back. M4K gave me an awareness into the various organizations in Richmond to help kids yet I didn’t know where I should try and contribute. Like many, childhood trauma and its aftereffects have played a role in my journey. Combining my awareness of SCAN, along with having the space to give back, brought me here.
What inspires you to stay involved with SCAN?
It’s simple. Any organization that helps to provide the support, resources, and outlets to kids in such difficult circumstances makes me want to give more and more of my time to help.
Is there anything you wish other people knew about SCAN?
I don’t think people understand how childhood trauma can lie dormant for decades, yet still manifest in such damaging ways through bad relationships, choices, and behaviors. Unfortunately, trauma is all too common in our world. Raising awareness through all the SCAN outreach initiatives helps educate the larger population to understand how serious of an issue trauma is, how pervasive it is, and how we all have people in our lives touched by trauma. The more people we touch, the more people will understand SCAN is not just focused on helping a few kids…they would realize the sheer size of the challenges we face and how important our mission is to help as soon as we can at as early an age as we can.
What has been the best experience with SCAN so far?
I’m brand new and only a few months in to being on the Board so my answer may be a little strange. I was glad to see at Board orientation just how seriously SCAN takes its mission…which meant background checks, fingerprinting, education, and training, among other things. I immediately knew I was in the right place…a place of people professionally dedicated to making a serious difference.
Do you have any goals or hopes for the next year?
I’ve had a copy of The Brothers Karamazov on my bookshelf for about 2 years, afraid to read it since it’s considered one of the best books written. I’d like to finally commit and dive into and complete the 823 pages.
Are you involved with any other community organizations, hobbies, or activities?
I'v been growing mustaches for kids for over a decade and have also spent time on the Leadership Advisory Board at the First Tee. I'm involved in many activities around Richmond, including the Richmond Bonsai Society.
What might someone be surprised to learn about you?
A lot of people know I play a full schedule of competitive amateur golf around Virginia. Some may not know I have a backyard of many bonsai trees, speak Spanish (FC Barcelona is my team), and am the guitar player in a rock band. Under the Spiderkelly name, we put out a record on Spotify in March 2023 titled Downsummer. Recently, we have been playing out under the name Black Dog RVA as a Led Zeppelin cover band.
Is there anything I didn’t ask that you wish I had?
Yes. What’s my favorite meal in RVA?
Squid, white beans, and arugula from Edo’s Squid and Steak Tartare from Can Can to start, any entrée from Belmont Food Shop, and Tres Leches Cake from Kuba Kuba with a side scoop of Espresso Oreo from Bev’s for dessert. Although I’ve never done it all in one night, I might have to start planning…
| 
