The Team Behind
Team Up Connections
Meet The Sturdivants
President & Executive Director
Darryl & Robin Sturdivant
Hello! I am Darryl Sturdivant, my beautiful wife is Robin Sturdivant! Children are our passion! From an early age, we have both been involved with assisting and caring for children. We are the proud parents of five. Two additional kids were added to our family from Liberia, Africa. We are very family-oriented and are not ashamed to pronounce the name of
JESUS CHRIST.
Our involvement with children is quite extensive. Over the last 20+ plus years, my wife and I have spent countless hours meeting and mentoring kids from all walks of life. We coached our own kids, which led us to coaching AAU Basketball for over 11 years. With a brief moment of parental pride, we can state that our two oldest sons played basketball at Charlotte Christian with Stephon and Seth Curry.
In 2020, my wife and I received our Doctorate Degrees in Christian Studies and Biblical Counseling through Partners to the Promise School of Christian Education, accredited through Trans-World Accrediting Commission International, under the UNC system religious platform. We are also youth Sunday school teachers at Central Church of God, located in Charlotte, North Carolina. We are committed to our tagline, A Mentoring Lifeline For Our Youth, just as much as we are committed to the children that enter the facility of Team Up Connections and that they will be treated with the utmost respect, fairness and love!
Darryl
I grew up on a small farm with my parents and 8 brothers and sisters. We lived in what can best be described as a 4-room barn with no central heat and no stove. We were fortunate to have two strong, hardworking parents that taught us faith, value, and discipline.
Shortly after high school, I was enlisted as a US Marine for nine years. Upon completion of my military career, I became a police officer, where I recently retired after 30 years of service (25 with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, five with University North Carolina-Charlotte Police and Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Department). The majority of my tenure as an officer were with the youth. My assignments consisted of being a D.A.R.E Officer (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), School Resource Officer and a JPOST Officer (working with troubled youth), and much more. Both professionally and personally, speaking life into the lives of our youth has been a passion as well as a purpose.
Robin
As fate would have it, I grew up in the same situation as many of the children we help today. My brother and I were raised in a single-parent household by my mother. That part of my life enables me to relate to the fears, anxieties, pressures, insecurities and the uncertainty that often arise in the homes of a single-parent family unit. It is also this part of my life that motivates me to speak life into the hearts of our youth.
After completing high school, I received an Associate Degree from a junior college which positioned me to work many years in the retail industry.
There was still a fire inside that motivated me to work on my personal development. At the age of 40, I returned to school to pursue my college degree. In 2008, I enrolled in the University of North Carolina Charlotte where I double-majored in History and Africana Studies. I received my Minor in Child & Family Development. I am now able to combine my passion for life, my faith, my family, my love for history, the advocacy for children, and the desire to uplift women as a foundation to purpose.
My journey has been both rewarding and a blessing:
Docent for the Levine Museum of the New South
Founder of "Be True To You" Women's Ministries
Co-Founder of "Conversations of the Heart" Women's Ministry
Substitute Teacher in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System
Substitute Teacher at Hickory Grove Christian School
Our Board Members
Board Member
Curriculum & Education Officer
Audrey Burks
Audrey is a Career Coach and Consultant who provides training and development, helping individuals, teams and organizations to reach their present and future career goals. She is an award-winning training and development professional with over two decades of experience in instructional design, employee development, career path and program management.
She is a certified Global Career Development Facilitator and the owner of Empowered Aspirations, LLC where she finds joy in serving and empowering others to be their best. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education, a Master of Human Resource Management and is certified with the Society for Human Resource Management.
Outside of work, Audrey is an active philanthropist who contributes her time to several community service organizations including Ronald McDonald House, Komen for the Cure, American Heart Association, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department Animal Care and Control, and various other organizations.
Board Member
Secretary
Gloria Walker
Gloria is an author, pastor and loves serving and learning from youth and young adults. She had the pleasure of serving as youth pastor and one of the overseers of the Children and Youth Ministries of The Abundant Life Church International in Charlotte, NC for over ten years.
She has a Bachelor's Degree in Christian Education from Partners to the Promise School of Christian Education and obtained a Masters Degree in June 2022. She is a
co-founder of the Conversation of the Heart Women's Ministry. The ministry is a resource to women and helps to strengthen them and bonds with them in unity, love and support.
Her love for youth and young adults is a forever love that was recognized and mentored by the late Dr. Bonita Lockhart (Abundant Life Church International) who saw something in her and once she did it was as if a light to purpose was turned on. Having been mentored she recognized the importance of mentoring and is committed to serving the next generation.
Gloria enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending college Alumni events, experiencing new restaurants, writing, traveling and making new memories.
Board Member
Compliance & Policy Officer
Keetra Sturdivant
Keetra has been working for the state of NC for 18.5 years with DPS and DAC. She has a BS in Criminal Justice and a Dual Master’s Degree in Management and Human Resources Management. She is a Master General Instructor and holds several speciality Instructor certifications such as BLS Instructor for ARC & AHA, Instructor Trainer for ASHI, BBP, RCDT, CRDT, OC, Implicit Bias, Staff and Offender, Unlawful Workplace Harassment, Fitness, Verbal De-escalation, Corrections Fatigue to Fulfillment, BSAC, ITS-SIDS, EPR, DJJDP Medical Emergency, Monadnock Expandable Baton, Educating Kids about Gun Violence (EKG) Instructor, Suicide Prevention Instructor, Effective Behavior Management Instructor, and PREA Instructor. She is the mother of two handsome young men and grandmother of two beautiful twin granddaughters. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to church, singing around the house, playing the piano, and training in the community.
“Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one else is watching.”
Board Member
Fiscal Officer
William Hardy
Throughout high school, I was a top prospect in the nation for football, indoor track, and baseball while playing for a travel team. Growing up with a loving family, father and mother, two sisters and one brother. I was always encouraged to do the right things in life.
I have a loving wife of 20 years, two beautiful children, and four grandchildren. I also spent a lot of time encouraging and helping my nieces and nephews. I have four nieces, four nephews, nine great-nephews, and five great-nieces.
The last 30 years have been truly amazing for me. I developed an extreme passion for the youth. I was the Vice President of my son’s AAU basketball team for 5 years and today I’m always motivating and encouraging youth in my community as well.
Will@TeamUpConnections.org
“Be the change you want to see in others.”
Our Staff
Case Manager
Charlene Oden
Hi, my name is Charlene. I believe we all have the capacity for positive, personal transformation. The keys to this are:
Knowing our true identity.
Realizing that in every circumstance we have the power of choice.
Believing that we are responsible for and capable of making choices that align with our highest good.
I am highly motivated to encourage and empower everyone to have positive transformation through a right relationship with God, themselves, and others so we can experience the good lives we are all worthy of.
Charlene@TeamUpConnections.org
Administrator
Cecilia Peake
I am a graphic designer & administrator. I met Darryl & Robin Sturdivant at church and help Team Up Connections with their website, social media pages, and administrative needs. I also help during the weekly sessions with the mentees.
On the weekends, I sing with the worship team at my church. I like visiting Charlotte cat cafes, going on nature walks outside, helping my husband cook, traveling, singing, and spending time with my husband, Rory, my cats, my family, and my friends.
Cecilia@TeamUpConnections.org
Bookkeeper
Novia Fisher
Novia is a quality-oriented professional who has been consistently praised as proactive and efficient by her coworkers and management. Over the course of her 15-year career, she has developed a skill set relevant to risk management, Ad hoc testing and compliance. Overall, she has consistently demonstrated problem solving and leadership abilities in every aspect of her life and career.
She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Sociology from Gardner-Webb University where she played four years of college basketball.
When Novia is not working hard at her career, this wife and mother of three enjoys spending time with her family, serving at her church, traveling, volunteering in the community and trying out new recipes.
Novia@TeamUpConnections.org
Administrative Assistant
Anthony Dunton
I worked as a sales person and as a sales manager for Consolidated Ice Cream. One of my greatest passions is cooking. I like sharing my life experiences with the young adults in TUC. My current administrative position allows me to communicate with TUC parents.
Facilitator & Security
Don Blackwell
Reflecting on my life, I see many stages that shaped the foundation of who I am today. As the youngest of six children, I grew up in a household with two parents. Both my Mother and my Father taught values, discipline, and frugality; making the most out of what we had. I watched my Father work hard to maintain the household, as he delivered all of his children safely to adulthood without the presence of drugs and the many other evils that society had to offer. In adulthood, I honored my Father by being equally self-sufficient and driven to accomplish my goals.
Even so, my adult life was not without many difficulties. After successes in my Law Enforcement career, my income grew higher, but my available cash seemed to remain the same; just one step less than what I needed to make ends meet. With many options available (both legal and illegal), I educated myself and made the right choices to grow beyond those circumstances and avoid many of life’s pitfalls.
Law Enforcement also exposed me to people from all walks of life. I learned that some people are born into horrible circumstances that are beyond their control. Things such as no parental support, direction, moral compass, positive mentors, or love in their lives. As these things are foundational, these youths are often left in a fragile state for most of their lives.
I passionately believe that with the right influences and support, many youths can change their circumstances and excel in life. I am proud to serve Team Up Connection as we strive to uplift the youth and the community…one child at a time!
Bus Driver & Facilitator
Terry Little
I am originally from Wadesboro, Nc. Darryl and I graduated from high school together. I come from a family where there were 4 boys and 4 girls.We raised to love family, and to always trust God. Showing respect to our elders was a must. I came to Charlotte in 1985, met my lovely wife Lisa in 1988, and we were married in 1990. We are the proud parents of two daughters and they both have one daughter. Our two granddaughters are our two heartbeats. I attended Clinton College in Rock Hill, SC ,and also Shaw University in Raleigh, NC, studying in Religious Studies, and Pastoral Care Counseling. I am currently serving my 21st year as Pastor of the church where the Lord placed me. I love working with youth, and my passion is teaching the Word of God to whomever. As I was inspired by God I started the Y3M at Church in 2016. Y3M is( YOUNG) MALE MENTORING MINISTRY. I am thankful to be with Team Up Connections.
Our Mentors & Volunteers
Mentor
Catherine Dunton
I retired from full time work as an accountant Sept. 30, 2020 and now work with the same company in a part-time position. I also serve as an accountant part-time for my church and as a financial officer. In all that I do, my goal is to do as unto the Lord.
Mentor
Arderrick Fant
Hi, my name is Arderrick Fant. I have over 20 years of experience in law enforcement. This includes 14 years at the Sherriff Office, 3 years as a Park Ranger, and 3 years at Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) as a Security Officer and as a Behavior Modification Technician. I currently work for CMS as a Security Officer. During my years working at the Sheriff Office, I worked with the Youthful Offenders 15-18 years of age and with maximum custody male adults inmates. I believe in treating everyone with respect. I met Darryl while working at Druid Hills Academy. While there I helped encourage and mold many students. I showed compassion and enthusiasm to every student I meet. My goal was to reach at least one student and help him or her to see that they can overcome any circumstance by making the right choices. I believe the younger generation is our future.
In my free time, I enjoy going to church, working out at the gym, traveling, and spending time with my beautiful wife, Tanell, and our children. My goal at Team Up is to be effective in creating an atmosphere of love and growth for everyone I come in contact with.
“It’s always how you do things.”
Mentor
Vicky Hardy
My name is Vicky Hardy. I am Assistant Manager for Badcock Furniture Store in Charlotte, NC. I am married with 2 children and 4 grandchildren. My heart and passion is to help the youth, steering them in the right direction and path of life to succeed in whatever they desire to become.
Mentor
Carrianne Hilliard
Author & Volunteer with TUC. I am an author, a speaker, and the Visionary of Help Adolescents Speak Out, LLC. I am a mother to one daughter and two grandboys. Along with helping other raised plenty of children. I am so many things and I will continue to evolve as I transition from the woman I was to the woman I am becoming. I love to provide coaching, courses, and encouragement.
www.carriannehilliard.com
Our Vision
Our Vision
To equip our youth with valuable life skills while advocating and providing an array of services through connecting the necessary resources that assist in the wholeness and wellbeing of each child.
Our Goal
To see the youth make a complete breakthrough in life, so they can be productive in society.
Our Mission
To aid the youth in using wisdom in making good and wise choices that will help them thrive in life.
The desire to speak life into the hearts of our youth is what motivated us to start our own program, Team Up Connections.
The acronym is short for T (Teaching), E (Educating), A (Advocating), M (Mentoring), U (Ultimate) and P (Principles) for life. These principles stem directly from the wisest person in the world, King Solomon, the book of Proverbs. It is our hope that we team up with other programs in order to provide for the complete development of our youth. One constant desire is to expose kids to experiences that accelerate their positive growth. As kids have numerous personalities, we have a broad network of activities to meet their demand. We want to see our youth break out, break though and thrive in life.
Our Partners
