Every Child Deserves a Chance at Greatness
Our Mission
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we support youth mental health and overall well-being by combining mentorship with movement. Through athletics-based programs, young people learn to manage stress, build resilience, and develop healthy coping skills that help them thrive, on and off the field.
Our Vision
We envision a community where every young person has access to mentorship, movement, and mental health support. By 2030, our goal is to serve 200+ youth each year, breaking cycles of poverty and developing resilient, disciplined leaders who create change in their lives and communities.
We believe access to support should never depend on income.
Meet Our Team
Erica Warren
Founder & CEO
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 degrees in Psychology and Sociology, along with Master’s degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Forensic Psychology.
As a former collegiate athlete and Qualified Mental Health Professional in Virginia and North Carolina, Erica has worked with both adults and at-risk youth across community and clinical settings. She founded UAC to ensure young people have access to mentorship, movement, and support that builds resilience, life skills, and confidence.
Jamie Warren-Henderson
Leadership Team
Jamie Warren-Henderson holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology with a minor in Sociology. Her professional background includes work as a Recreational Therapist in an inpatient psychiatric setting, along with experience teaching Physical Education.
Jamie brings a powerful blend of mental health expertise and athletic leadership to Using Athletics to Cope. She has spent her career supporting youth in vulnerable situations, developing a deep understanding of the emotional, behavioral, and social challenges they face both on and off the field. Her passion is creating safe, empowering environments where young people feel supported, capable, and motivated to thrive.
Kiera McIvor
Leadership Team
Kiera is a graduate of Radford University, holding a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. Professionally, she works as a software consultant and brings over twenty years of experience in athletics through playing, refereeing, and coaching.
Kiera credits sports with shaping her discipline, character, and resilience, while opening doors to new opportunities throughout her life. She is passionate about ensuring young people have access to the same transformative benefits of athletics, using movement as a pathway to personal growth, confidence, and community connection.
Kimberly J. Barber
Leadership Team
Kimberly 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, along with a Master’s in Psychology from Walden University.
With experience spanning nonprofit leadership, addiction science, trauma response, and child welfare services in North Carolina and Tennessee, Kimberly is deeply committed to supporting vulnerable youth and families. She believes in the power of individual resilience and the strength of community to help young people overcome barriers and reach their full potential.
