Staff

Dwala Ferrell has been Executive Director of Pathways since its founding 13 years ago.  She holds graduate degrees in Clinical Social Work, Education, and Divinity and is a YouthBuild Directors Fellows Alumnus.

Michael Watts is Executive Director of Pathways’ housing subsidiary, Shalom Homes.  Mike has been rehabilitating homes in Petersburg since 1995.  He is a certified Class B contractor and directed Pathways’ certification as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO).

Janet Aardema, Fiscal Manager. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Davidson College and a Masters degree from Harvard University with special studies in Non-profit Management. Her life before Pathways included two years of service as an Americorps Volunteer in the Columbia River Gorge, wilderness trip leading throughout the US and Canada, and living and working on organic farms in the northwest and northeast. Her background in alternative education and non-profit finance led her to Pathways in 2006. While not crunching numbers she can be found tending her flock of ducks, gardening, or running (either after or from her precocious toddler).

Juanita Epps is the Program Director with a degree in History from Virginia State University.  She is currently working on her Masters degree and is A.B.T. status (all but thesis).  In the classroom she has shown her ability and skills by positively encouraging the students to develop their organization skills thinking processes.  Most recently, Ms. Epps was the Program Coordinator for Youth and Family Advocates, Inc. in Richmond, a most evident display of her concern for youth and youth culture.