BUILDING FUTURES TEAM

Christina is currently attending the University of Missouri- St Louis where she is pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Studies with an emphasis in Youth and Adult. Christina has spent much of her professional career serving at the YMCA where she worked closely with the childcare department. There, she started out as a Site Director for the Y-Club program, and then moved into the Childcare and Summer Camp Director role. In addition, she worked for the Teen Leader program for several years. Christina enjoys giving back to her community and spending time with youth of all ages. Her volunteer experience includes serving at the St. Louis Food Bank, community food banks and with different youth and teen organizations such as the Matthew Dickeys Boys and Girls club.
Working for Building Futures has allowed Christina to continue to feed her passion of giving back to St. Louis youth in a unique and rewarding way. The meaningful exchange of lifelong skills taught to children in their formative years excites her because she knows that each child that participates in Building Futures programs leaves with a fresh outlook life, and the opportunity to succeed.
Christina is motivated by the knowledge that at the end of every day, the lessons she has taught each child give them the ability to change trajectory of their lives and enhance their relationships. And that is her true purpose.

Brayon received his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale (SIUC) where he majored in Cinema and Photography with a Minor in Art and Design. While at SIUC, he was active in the Photography Club and served as Treasurer. Brayon also attended the St. Louis Community College (Florissant Valley Campus) where he received his Associate in Fine Arts (AFA). While attending STLCC, he served as Vice President and President of the Photography Club. He was a member of the Student Government Association where he helped organize “Chalk For Peace” to stop violence in the community. Brayon enjoys working with the children that Building Futures serves, both in the schools and during the weekend classes held at the workshop.

Matthew spent his early years in the Netherlands and returned there to earn his Bachelor of Design from Design Academy Eindhoven. Matthew spent 8 years as the Lead Designer, Craftsman and Shop Foreman at Rusitc Grain, a St. Louis based custom furniture manufacturer. At Rusitc Grain he designed and fabricated furniture for residential, retail, office, and educational space. He is a gifted creative leader, and he has an appreciation for materials which he instills in the children he works with. Matthew is most passionate about working with his hands and with people.

Frank is an architect; builder; sustainable designer; furniture and cabinet maker; designed and built one of the first sustainable homes in St. Louis; Sierra Club leader for field trips abroad to do land conservation work; leader of camping outings for inner-city teens; Teacher of design-build courses for high school students. Frank is a founder of Building Futures and a full-time employee. As an employee, Frank attends and participates in all board meetings but is not a voting member.