Meet Our Staff
Angelica Johnson
President
I am a member of the Champaign and Urbana community. I can honestly say, that I am blessed to have God-fearing parents that inspired me to take this journey in opening my own youth center. My mother, a former teacher, started her own daycare within our home. She established more than a daycare, but a safe house.
She helped families from different walks of life, providing care, and prayer for those in need. Witnessing my mother selflessness as a child, taught me how to be a selfless person. As director of my own daycare, and soon to be youth center, those are the characteristics I implement in my field of work.
As the director of Angel’s Youth Center, I provide and care for children six weeks to 12 years of age. I truly love what I do for theses angels; It brings joy and happiness to my life. But none of this would be possible without my savior Jesus Christ providing grace and mercy as I take on the daily challenges facing some of our youth. My goal is to make sure all children in our community and surrounding areas succeed at being the very best they can be.
Pastor Angel Johnson
Vice president
My name is Pastor Angel Johnson and it is a blessing to represent the AYC. My experiences with young people cannot be summarized in a few paragraphs but as a Pastor and day care provider I feel obligated to be a part of this center. In fact, I believe with prayer and the support of the community this project will play a major role in the lives of our young people. My goal is to create a safe and inclusive space for young people to develop the necessary skills such as confidence and integrity to be self-determined leaders in our community.
Dwayne Barnes
CEO
Advocate, Analyst, and Educational Leader, attentive to quality and detail, trustworthy with ten years of work and academic experience. An accomplished educational leader with the ability to combine vision, ingenuity, and leadership qualities with supporting multiple projects. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and proven ability to collaborate easily with co-workers and work well independently, demonstrated an ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems.
Ashley Cooper
Social Service/Activity Coordinator
I am a native of the Champaign-Urbana area, and a true fan of the Orange and Blue! I attended the University of Arkansas in Pine Bluff, where I earned a Bachelors degree in Psychology, with a minor in Criminal Justice. I later attended Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville to obtain a Masters degree in Social Work. I have a unique passion for working with today's youth and adolescents, and I am a firm believer that with the proper guidance and support children CAN and WILL succeed!!
EARNEST JOHNSON
LEADERSHIP DIRECTOR
Karen Carter
Director and Secretary
I’m a God fearing, caring and devoted mother of two from Champaign - Urbana, Illinois. I think of myself as an outgoing person, although I’ve also been known to speak my mind. The things I love most in life are my relationship with God, spending time with my family and helping others. I’ve been in the customer service field for 25 years, and I really love it. The kinds of people I’d like to meet are ones who are excited about life and eager to learn. Angels Youth Center is important to me because today's children are our future.
Shunita wynne
Project Manager
Shunita Wynne is a brand influencer, with knowledge and understanding of hair, beauty and branding. She graduated from Illinois State University, with a bachelor degree in Mass Communications Radio in 2008. After graduation she moved to Minnesota where she worked and gain skills in the communication field. In 2010 Shunita earned her Masters degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. In 2011 she began to work doing radio promotions and marketing. In 2019 she completed her certification as a license Master Barber. She has landed her final job as a Marketing coordinator at Warner Media. She currently owns her own business, The Beat Barber LLC and loves to help others in all aspects of creativity. Her passion to give back to the community and youth is amazing. She is dedicated to enhancing our youth through building self love, learning different trades and cultivating skills, to enhance their quality of life. Her strategy is simple and she stands by the two P’s, Purpose and Passion. “My goal with Angel Youth Center is to teach entrepreneurship and educate youth on how gain employment in the entertainment field. I will apply hands on methods, so all the youth can gain real world experience with radio, barbering/cosmetology and media training. I will also teach them on self confidence, fashion and how to network.”