Every Child Deserves a Chance at Greatness
Our Mission
We help young people improve their mental health and overall well-being by combining mentorship with athletic activities. Through our program, youth learn to harness their natural talents to manage stress, build resilience, and thrive in challenging environments.
Our Vision
Empower Youth Through Movement
Meet Our Team
ERICA WARREN
Erica Warren is the Founder and CEO of Using Athletics to Cope, bringing over a decade of experience in mental health and youth services. She holds dual undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology, along with Master’s degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Forensic Psychology.
Erica’s career includes work as a Qualified Mental Health Professional in Virginia and North Carolina, serving both adults and at-risk youth. Drawing from her own journey as a former collegiate athlete, she combines professional expertise with personal passion to create opportunities for young people to build resilience, develop life skills, and thrive through movement and mentorship.
Jamie Warren-Henderson
Jamie Warren-Henderson holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice/Criminology with a minor in Sociology. With a background as a Recreational Therapist in an inpatient psychiatric facility and experience teaching Physical Education, Jamie brings a unique blend of mental health expertise and athletic leadership to Using Athletics to Cope.
Throughout her career, Jamie has worked closely with youth in vulnerable situations, gaining a deep understanding of the challenges they face both on and off the field. Her passion lies in creating safe, empowering spaces where young people can build confidence, resilience, and life skills through movement and mentorship.
Kiera McIvor
Kiera McIvor is a proud graduate of Radford University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. A software consultant by profession, she also brings over twenty years of experience in sports — playing, refereeing, and coaching.
Kiera credits athletics with shaping her character, teaching discipline, and providing a positive outlet that opened doors to new opportunities. Her passion is to ensure that youth have access to the same transformative benefits, using sports as a powerful tool for personal growth, resilience, and community connection.
Kimberly J. Barber
Kimberly J. Barber is a graduate of East Tennessee State University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of General Studies. She also earned a Master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies in Gender, Diversity, and Social Justice from ETSU and a Master’s in Psychology from Walden University.
With a career spanning nonprofit leadership, addiction science, trauma response, and child welfare services in both North Carolina and Tennessee, Kimberly is dedicated to serving vulnerable populations. She believes in the intrinsic power of the individual and the collective strength of community to help youth overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
