Employee Spotlight: Hadjaratou Diallo
“I lead with empathy, listen with intention, and believe deeply in the strength of families.” For Hadjaratou Diallo, this work is personal. As a Family Peer Support Specialist at Alexander Youth Network, she stands in the gap for families, helping them find their voice in moments when they may feel overlooked, unheard, or overwhelmed. Since […]
Congratulations Blaine Sanders, 2026 Outstanding Individual Attorney Award
When Expertise Meets Purpose: Celebrating Blaine Sanders Some partnerships make the work easier. Others make the work possible. For Alexander Youth Network, Blaine Sanders has been both. We are proud to celebrate Blaine on receiving the 2026 Outstanding Individual Attorney Award at the Mecklenburg County Bar Law & Society Gala in Charlotte. This recognition honors […]
Alexander Youth Network Joins Charlotte Hornets for Mental Health Night
Across Charlotte, conversations around mental health are becoming more visible—and more important than ever. On Friday April 3rd, Alexander Youth Network joined the Charlotte Hornets for Mental Health Night, bringing awareness, connection, and community together in a powerful way. Celebrating Our Foster Families Mental Health Night with the Charlotte Hornets was also a celebration of the families at […]
Employee Spotlight: Ashley Nieves
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank Ashley Nieves doesn’t just quote this line; she lives it every single day. Ashley started with Alexander Youth Network back in 2014 as a Customer Care Specialist in the Access to Services department. At the […]
A Message from Our CEO: Alexander’s Commitment to North Carolina’s Children in 2026
As we welcome a new year, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the year behind us and the future ahead at Alexander Youth Network. This past year marked my first as CEO, and it has been a year of change, progress, and forward movement across the organization. We served thousands of children […]
Sharing Comfort and Joy Through the Teddy Bear Toss
Alexander Youth Network has been chosen as one of the local nonprofits that will receive donations from the Charlotte Checkers’ annual Teddy Bear Toss presented by Novant Health. This long-standing tradition will take place on Saturday, November 29 at 4 p.m. during the Checkers’ home game against the Toronto Marlies. Each year, fans fill the […]
Employee Spotlight: Nikki Cannon
For more than 16 years, Nikki Cannon has been a steady force of leadership and compassion at Alexander Youth Network. Her journey is rooted in a deeply personal calling to help children heal, grow, and find their way to brighter futures. Finding a Calling in the Work Nikki’s connection to the mission of Alexander Youth […]
Employee Spotlight: Fran Hart
Shaping Futures: Fran Hart’s Impact Across Generations “I know that what we do will have long-term effects. We may not see it right away, but we give them the tools to use in their future with the hope that they remember what they have learned and use it to be successful once they leave us.” […]
Employee Spotlight: Zach Riser
“Yesterday is gone, Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” This is the mantra that keeps Zach Riser grounded in his work as Day Treatment Program Manager at Alexander Youth Network. Since October 2020, Zach has brought energy, patience, and creativity to the children he serves, blending his love for […]
Employee Spotlight: Leonard Shinhoster, Our New Vice President of Program Operations
“I treat everyone with respect, not because of who they are, but because of who I am. You never know what someone’s carrying, and kindness might be the only calm they feel all day.” For 25 years, Leonard Shinhoster has been a steady, compassionate presence at Alexander Youth Network. His leadership is more than a […]