PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Helen was born in Nepal and raised and naturalized in the US. She immigrated to Richmond in 2005. Resettling in a new country, Helen learned of and experienced the challenges of being a family with limited resources and support. Programs in the community and support from her social network was essential in helping her accomplish her goals and that’s why she connected with the Circles model.

Helen has a Masters degree in Social Work and currently works as the Director of Client Engagement at ReEstablish Richmond, an organization supporting newcomers to the U.S. After serving as the first Circles Coach at Circles RVA, she transitioned to supporting Circles chapters in the Mid-Atlantic Region for Circles USA. She values her culture and heritage and volunteers as a board member of two Ethnically Based Community Organizations. Outside of work, Helen loves spending time with her family – hanging out with her husband and two precious daughters, traveling together, spending time outside, cooking, baking, etc.

CIRCLES COACH

Vincent Ellis White, M.Ed., Q.I.D.P., is a trusted voice and longtime fatherhood champion, community leader, and child welfare advocate in Richmond. A former human services worker turned mentor, Vincent is the best-selling author of Finding Chris, My Father and creator of its successful traveling stage play. His work has earned numerous honors, including Style Weekly’s Top 40 Under 40, Allen & Allen’s “Hometown Hero,” Chesterfield’s BRAVO Award, and the Virginia Favorite Father’s Award. He has been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, and in the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and his story has been shared at universities nationwide.

Vincent is the creator and moderator of the “Difficult Conversations, Stronger Communities” panel series and serves on the board of Work of Art RVA. He also works as a contract specialist with the CDC and mentors youth at St. Joseph’s Villa. His proudest role is being father to his son, Jordan Ellis White, currently on a pre-med path at Kent State University.

OUTREACH AND VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Christina Taylor brings over a decade of experience in communications, workforce development, and management to her role as Outreach & Volunteer Engagement Coordinator with Circles RVA. She began her career as a Career Coach supporting adults and dislocated workers, later managing Crater Region’s workforce centers through the COVID-19 pandemic—experiences that strengthened her leadership, adaptability, and commitment to community impact. Christina is completing her Master’s in Strategic Communications at Liberty University and holds a Bachelor’s in Mass Communications from Virginia State University.

She is also the founder of The Christina Taylor Collective LLC, home to her professional development brand, Careers by Christina Taylor, and her mobile mixology service, Cocktails by ChrissyT. Through her business, she provides coaching, training, and creative services that expand opportunities for job seekers, employers, and communities. At Circles RVA, Christina is proud to connect volunteers, allies, and partners to the mission of helping families move out of poverty—permanently.

HOSPITALITY COORDINATOR

Lauren Woodbridge is a Registered Dietitian with a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a love for building the 5-star guest experience! Lauren has spent years observing first hand how culture and economy can impact communities through work in food banks and local garden organizations. Her background in culinary arts has given her the skills and knowledge for applying nutrition concepts to daily habits. She believes in the power of nourishing food, balance and becoming more connected with your body to better understand how it can support the life you desire. We must feed our body and brain first!

Lauren loves using food to connect individuals from all backgrounds and provide a comfortable space to make memories.

In her spare time, you can find her wandering around farmers markets, trying new recipes, hanging out with family and her dogs, or walking around a new city.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Rebecca O’Neill Carter, MSW, has called Richmond home since 2013.  Originally from Blacksburg, VA, she has spent her career helping young people play, grow, and celebrate their unique identities. Professionally and as a volunteer, she has worked in classrooms, homes, and communities to facilitate fun and meaningful experiences that spark curiosity, encourage confidence, and build community.  Guided by a deep commitment to justice and equity, she strives to create spaces where all children and young adults have the support they need to be able to concentrate on the important and joyful work of growing up.