Meet the Staff
Kayla Steele - Cofounder
Kayla graduated with a Bachelor's in International and Global Studies, with a focus in Human Rights and a Minor in Peace and Conflict Studies. She began her career working with refugees and survivors of human trafficking before transitioning to focus solely on at-risk youth.
Kayla is certified in providing Trauma Informed Care and is a certified National Gang Specialist. She dedicated her time, skills, and passion to co-founding Youth Collaborative, where she played a key role in shaping the organization’s mission and impact. After five years of dedicated service with the organization, Kayla has since retired from her professional role. However, she continues to actively support the organization and remains committed to its growth and success. In her free time, Kayla enjoys gardening and spending time with her family.
Terra Lataille - Cofounder and Executive Director
Terra holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice. She is also certified in Nonprofit Management through Duke University. With over 15 years of experience, Terra has dedicated her career to developing and implementing community-based programs for at-risk youth, with a focus on reducing recidivism and supporting long-term success.
Her work began immediately after graduation, driven by a deep passion for serving high-risk youth. She is a certified National Gang Specialist and is trained in Trauma Informed Care, equipping her with the tools to engage effectively with vulnerable populations.
As the Executive Director and Cofounder of Youth Collaborative, Terra is committed to supporting both staff and program development. Her leadership style emphasizes compassion, structure, and innovation in service delivery. Outside of her professional work, Terra finds joy in nature and is an avid lover of birds, flowers, art, and music.
Abby Ngo - Outreach Specialist
Abbigail earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Appalachian State University, with a concentration in Social and Racial Inequalities. During her academic journey, she cultivated a strong understanding of the systemic injustices that shape our society particularly in areas of social inequality, discrimination, and access to vital resources.
As part of her undergraduate studies, Abbigail completed an internship with Youth Collaborative, where she first began working closely with at-risk youth. Born and raised in Winston-Salem, she returned to her hometown after graduation to continue her commitment to community-based work. Abbigail is trained in Trauma Informed Care and is a certified National Gang Specialist. She brings both compassion and critical insight to her role, supporting youth with empathy and evidence-based practices. In her free time, she enjoys being with friends and family, listening to music, and cheering on her favorite sports teams.
Hayden Yarbrough - Outreach Specialist
Hayden holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Appalachian State University and is currently completing her Master of Social Work, while also serving as an intern with Youth Collaborative. Through her early work in community outreach with immigrant and refugee populations, Hayden developed a strong commitment to social justice and advocacy. Her passion for empowering at-risk youth has grown through hands-on experience and continued education. Hayden is certified in both Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid, trained in Trauma Informed Care, and is a certified National Gang Specialist.
Outside of her professional work, Hayden enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her beloved cat, Millie.
Samuel Ruiz-Santiago - Outreach Specialist Intern
Samuel is an Outreach Specialist Intern with Youth Collaborative. He holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice Technology Forensic Science from Forsyth Technical Community College, and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at Appalachian State University. In his role, Samuel primarily shadows experienced staff and offers support wherever it’s needed, gaining hands-on experience working directly with at-risk youth.
Passionate about making a difference in the Winston-Salem community, Samuel is committed to reducing youth gang violence and helping young people find positive paths forward. Outside of work, he’s an avid angler who enjoys every style of fishing from wading mountain streams for trout to chasing catfish in deep rivers, to casting lines along the coast.
Meet the Board
Carla Brown-Ndiaye-President
Carla Brown-Ndiaye-President
Carla Brown-Ndiaye-President
Carla Brown Ndiaye describes herself as an explorer who gains satisfaction from helping people who are living through challenging times. Carla has spent 25 years working in International Development, in senior leadership positions. She has over 17 years working as a Country Director in West Africa, where she oversaw the operation and impl
Carla Brown Ndiaye describes herself as an explorer who gains satisfaction from helping people who are living through challenging times. Carla has spent 25 years working in International Development, in senior leadership positions. She has over 17 years working as a Country Director in West Africa, where she oversaw the operation and implementation of education and youth, microfinance, health, housing, and humanitarian programs. She also oversaw a homeless prevention program in New York City. Carla has Master's Degrees in Public Health and International Affairs from Columbia University and she is bilingual.
Tyeson Douglas-Board Member
Carla Brown-Ndiaye-President
Carla Brown-Ndiaye-President
Tyeson Douglas, a thirty-six year old New York Native, who in his youth was heavily active in gangs, now has dedicated his life to his faith. A father of three children, Tyeson understands the importance of at-risk youth topics and seeks resolutions that will impact the community of Winston Salem for the better. As well, Tyeson is a commu
Tyeson Douglas, a thirty-six year old New York Native, who in his youth was heavily active in gangs, now has dedicated his life to his faith. A father of three children, Tyeson understands the importance of at-risk youth topics and seeks resolutions that will impact the community of Winston Salem for the better. As well, Tyeson is a community organizer with the greater Cleveland Congregations and an author of a published book "The Weeping Volcano", which discusses his days as a misguided gang member and conversion into a man of faith. An advocate for criminal & social justice reform, Tyeson seeks to engage impoverished communities one community at a time.
Deborah Best-Board Member
Carla Brown-Ndiaye-President
Deborah Best-Board Member
Deborah Best is the William L. Poteat Professor Emerita and Research Professor of Psychology at Wake Forest University, USA. She previously served as Chair of the Psychology Department and was the first woman to serve as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. She received her doctorate in cognitive developmental psychology from the Un
Deborah Best is the William L. Poteat Professor Emerita and Research Professor of Psychology at Wake Forest University, USA. She previously served as Chair of the Psychology Department and was the first woman to serve as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. She received her doctorate in cognitive developmental psychology from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. She is the author of many books and professional journal articles addressing children’s and adolescents’ cognitive and social development around the world. Over the years, she has been involved with a number of local non-profit organizations that work to improve children’s lives and opportunities.
Sam Macy-Board Member
Lynn P. Michael, JD-Board Member
Deborah Best-Board Member
Sam is a tax professional at Avior Tax and Accounting in Clemmons, NC. He finds a sense of purpose in leveraging expertise to uplift folks in the community by helping them navigate the complex and sometimes overwhelming world of tax. While pursuing his Master of Accounting degree from UNC- Chapel Hill, Sam served as an AmeriCorps colleg
Sam is a tax professional at Avior Tax and Accounting in Clemmons, NC. He finds a sense of purpose in leveraging expertise to uplift folks in the community by helping them navigate the complex and sometimes overwhelming world of tax. While pursuing his Master of Accounting degree from UNC- Chapel Hill, Sam served as an AmeriCorps college adviser at an underserved North Carolina high school. In his spare time, Sam loves to cycle and scuba dive.
Mike Grace-Board Member
Lynn P. Michael, JD-Board Member
Lynn P. Michael, JD-Board Member
Mike is a corporate attorney at Kilpatrick, Townsend, Stockton LLP, an international and AM 100 law firm. Mike focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, corporate restructurings, capital raising, financing transactions and general corporate matters. Prior to joining KTS, Mike was Legal Counsel at the S
Mike is a corporate attorney at Kilpatrick, Townsend, Stockton LLP, an international and AM 100 law firm. Mike focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, corporate restructurings, capital raising, financing transactions and general corporate matters. Prior to joining KTS, Mike was Legal Counsel at the Supreme Court of North Carolina where he provided legal support to the Chief Justice in his role as head of the North Carolina Judicial Branch. Previously, Mike was a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Chief Justice Mark Martin in the Supreme Court of North Carolina.
Lynn P. Michael, JD-Board Member
Lynn P. Michael, JD-Board Member
Lynn P. Michael, JD-Board Member
Lynn is a native of Forsyth County, NC. She has never lived anywhere else. She attended Forsyth Country Day School and Wake Forest University and WFU Law School. She is a member of the North Carolina State Bar. She concentrates her legal practice in the estate planning, estate administration and business succession planning fields. In a
Lynn is a native of Forsyth County, NC. She has never lived anywhere else. She attended Forsyth Country Day School and Wake Forest University and WFU Law School. She is a member of the North Carolina State Bar. She concentrates her legal practice in the estate planning, estate administration and business succession planning fields. In addition to practicing law, she has worked in the financial services industry, providing planning services to clients.
Lynn is widowed with two children, ages 20 and 22. She enjoys hot yoga, reading, running, and hiking.
Alvin Borders-Board Member
Rebecca Palmer-Board Member
Rebecca Palmer-Board Member
Alvin Borders is an award winning highly accomplished Human Services Professional with a successful track record in project design, program development, and project implementation. He is an effective trainer and motivational speaker assisting others in achieving their life goals. Alvin is active and engaged in the Forsyth County community.
Rebecca Palmer-Board Member
Rebecca Palmer-Board Member
Rebecca Palmer-Board Member
Rebecca Palmer, DO, MPH is an assistant professor at Wake Forest School of Medicine where she serves as a pediatric hospitalist and staff supervisor in the newborn nursery. As an academic pediatrician, she is engaged in both clinical care and educational efforts for medical students and residents. She is passionate about pediatric injur
Rebecca Palmer, DO, MPH is an assistant professor at Wake Forest School of Medicine where she serves as a pediatric hospitalist and staff supervisor in the newborn nursery. As an academic pediatrician, she is engaged in both clinical care and educational efforts for medical students and residents. She is passionate about pediatric injury prevention and completed her certification to become a Certified Car Passenger Technician. She engages in research and community engagement surrounding safe firearm storage, most recently serving on the Advisory Board for the NC Office of Violence Prevention.