Cytina Chavis is a Virginia native and grew up in Norfolk, VA. Cytina has a lifelong career of mentoring. Ever since she was old enough to lead and mentor other kids, she began stepping to the forefront to be a positive role model for others. As a teenager, Cytina was a cheerleader coach for Shoop Park Cowboys Norfolk flag girls’ squad. Cytina was a Sunday school teacher for younger kids. She began volunteering with her church’s (New Hope C.O.G.I.C.) summer youth program as a high school senior and was asked to join the staff as a teacher. Cytina taught with the program each summer during her undergraduate years. Cytina was a well- rounded student and her in and out of school activities included taking karate and earned 1st degree black belt, JV basketball, track and field, and marching band playing clarinet middle school through college in NSU Spartan Legion. Cytina attended Norfolk State University where she majored in Psychology. While attending NSU, Cytina became a youth leader under Mr. Robert Goodrum, Sr. the Norfolk Area director for Young Life. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts and received the Parsons Vice Presidential Seal of the Honors Program in May 2002. After graduating from NSU, Cytina went on to attend graduate school at Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA majoring in Clinical Psychology. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2005 with a Master of Science.
Though she moved away from her home town, her dedication to working with youth was not diminished. Cytina was a substitute teacher with Petersburg Public Schools for over seven years. During this time, Cytina was able to make positive impacts in the lives of several students and saw many kids as they matured and advanced through elementary, middle, and high school. Cytina has also worked as an In-home youth counselor with some local agencies and as a Casemanager for a residential treatment center for youth ages 13-18. Cytina worked for the Department of Juvenile Justice for over three years. Currently, she works as an At-Home Advisor.
For many years Cytina has held a desire in her heart to develop a youth program that would encourage and uplift youth and model those programs that had such a positive impact in her life. Currently, Cytina is the Founder and Executive Director of Work in Progress Youth Outreach Program. Founded in Petersburg, VA May 2015. Work in Progress uses methods such as mentoring, social skills development, and Christian based values and principles to help build positive, compassionate, and well-rounded young people.
