Know our founder
Von served as a Restorative Justice Practitioner in Pittsburgh Public Schools, where he supported school staff by modeling culturally specific mentoring practices, managing class transitions, and providing intensive individual or group sessions to students. His efforts helped develop students’ social-emotional skills while empowering parents to become equitable partners with school staff.
As a servant leader through the AIM Initiative, Von takes on multiple roles, all rooted in service to students, schools, and their communities. He assesses community barriers and resources through observation, dialogue, and social capital tools to mobilize the necessary support systems. By being present, known, and actively engaged in students’ communities, he fosters meaningful and sustainable relationships.
In addition to his work in schools, Von is the Founder and President/CEO of several organizations, including Shadow Student Athlete Development Services, Inc., and Brothers of Christ, now known as B.S.O.C. Alongside Dr. D.S.L. Madden Jr., Founder/President/CEO of Resurrection New Covenant Church Inc., he leads impactful programs such as the A.I.M. Initiative, Evolve, and Camp F.U.N.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from Clarion University and an advanced certification in Strategies in Conflict Management from the University of Notre Dame’s College of Education and Mendoza College of Business
To further his professional development, Von has taken on leadership roles in both local and national organizations. He serves as a senior advisor and assistant trainer with Two Tenths Speed & Agility, LLC, Vice President of the South Side Bears Athletic Association, and formerly held positions such as Director of Development/Personnel at Voices Against Violence and Board Member of the Beltzhoover Neighborhood Council.
Additionally, he has coached basketball at Langley K-5 and football at Brashear High School, reinforcing his commitment to youth sports and development.
Von has also facilitated numerous educational and community leadership sessions. He led workshops at the 2014 University Council for Education Administration (UCEA) on uncovering community assets and shared leadership. With Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Equity Office, he engaged teachers in discussions on culturally responsive teaching, including topics such as “Building Culturally Responsive Relationships,” “What Love Has to Do With It,” and “Unpacking Effort and Engagement in Students of Color.” As a community expert for Duquesne University and a CORO subject matter expert, he has educated educators on bridging gaps between academia and communities and fostering authentic teacher-student connections. Additionally, as a national facilitator with The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, he trained first-, second-, and third-year teachers from top universities on strategies for teaching in urban school settings.
A former linebacker at Clarion University, Von understands the value of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, skills that have shaped his commitment to student-athletes and youth in his community. His experience in football instilled in him qualities such as accountability, time management, and adaptability, which he now passes on to the next generation.
By volunteering 35 hours each month for several years, he remains dedicated to giving back, ensuring that young men and women have access to the same opportunities that helped shape his own success.