Who We Are

Pleasant Valley Connection, Inc. is a community center that offers activities, programs, assistance and more for residents of all ages through various social agencies.

It all started back in 1996 and 1997 when community members joined together to create a new beginning for the Pleasant Valley neighborhood. They shared a common vision for their neighborhood and identified four priorities for community involvement and empowerment:

After-school Program & Full-Day Summer Camp

Senior activities

Improved police activity

A centralized office to share information, referrals, and connect community services.

Greenville’s Community Center

The residents of Pleasant Valley concluded that a child development center, a tutorial/senior center, and an outreach facility was the best way to fulfill this vision. Government, nonprofit organizations, faith communities and health care providers listened to their dreams, and responded with an outpouring of love and support.

At the heart of the Pleasant Valley Community, we host monthly neighborhood association meetings — currently on hold — where elected officials check in with constituents, and police and fire department representatives inform the community about vital issues. Through these meetings, neighbors build relationships and become involved, celebrating successes and facing challenges together.

In 2003, Pleasant Valley Connection, Inc (PVC) opened their doors for new adventures and educational enrichment at our office, located just off Augusta Street on Old Augusta Road, straddling the city/county line.

Our Mission

Pleasant Valley Connection brings together community residents, families, churches, businesses and other resourceful organizations to improve the overall health, education and well being of everyone in the Greater Pleasant Valley Community.

Our Values

We believe that strong individuals and strong families are the foundation of a thriving community. We honor the unique diversity of our community by promoting a culture of inclusion and treating our residents, partners, and stakeholders with the highest levels of dignity, compassion and respect.

What We Do

We promote strong families and individuals of all ages as the basis of a strong community. We respect and value racial, cultural, religious and linguistic diversity and feel it is an asset to our community. We believe that the community owns and drives the programs provided and shares in the responsibility for sustaining the Pleasant Valley Connection.

Pleasant Valley Program Staff

Executive Director

Leda Young

Youth Programs Manager

Sonya Pearson

Michelle Goodwin-Calwile

Floater

Rosa Sullivan

Administrative Assistant

L’Twanya Anderson

Executive Director

Leda Young

Leda Young grew up in the backyard of the center. She recalls fond memories as a young girl grouping up in Pine Hill — while her parents (the late Robert Young and Agnes Young) were also making a difference as educators with Greenville County Schools.

Leda attended Hughes Academy and she is a proud graduate of Southside High School.

Following in her parents footsteps by eventually choosing education as a career, Leda has had opportunities to partner with multiple community organizations and agencies. She has served as a constant resource to students and parents.

Prior to embarking in her career as an educator, she received a BA in Business Administration, a M.Ed in Elementary Education and an M.A. Educational Leadership and Supervision.

Overall, her experience in outreach and as an educator for over twenty-five years in Greenville County Schools as administrator and teacher, bring a desired skill set which she is already being put to use in helping to further advance Pleasant Valley Connection.

As an educator and civic-minded community member, she believes that Building a Better Graduate is a collaborative effort between schools and communities. Through her leadership, Pleasant Valley Connection continues its mission to provide educational support, structured activities to youth, and other assistance to families in the Greater PVC community.

Youth Programs Manager

Sonya Pearson

The youngest of 5 children, Sonya Pearson was born in Greenville SC, Dec. 18,1981. After graduating from Greenville High School in 2000, she enrolled in Morris College where she pursued a major in Health and Science Education. During her time there, she was a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She ultimately graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science in 2005.

With 22 years of experience working in a childcare licensed DSS facility, Sonya has worked with all types of children. From 1998-2011, she worked at BSCDC as the after school director and assistant director. From 2014 to 2015, she served as the director of Imagination Station of Mauldin. She began working at Pleasant Valley Connection in 2017 as an after school counselor but has since moved up to the position of Youth Program Director.

Her only son, Ashton Pearson was born on January 1st, 2010.

Michelle Goodwin-Calwile

Michelle Goodwin-Calwile is a retired educator for Greenville County Schools, where she served in various capacities. She was a Family Literacy Teacher, Parent Educator, and Title I Facilitator. She serves on the Education Regional Center’s Advisory Board and is a member of the District 25 Neighborhood Association. She was a volunteer at Mt. Pleasant Community Center’s after school program, where she tutored second and third-graders in reading. She serves on various schools’ SIC and PTSA Boards in Area 25, and is a member of the Carolina High School Alumni Association. In addition, Ms. Goodwin-Calwile is a member of the Greenville County Education Association, South Carolina Education Association, National Education Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Aiken Chapel Baptist Church.  She was recently sworn in as the State Regional Director of The Piedmont for the Black Caucus of the South Carolina School Boards Association.

Ms. Goodwin-Calwile earned a Bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising from Winthrop University, a Master of Education degree from Converse College, and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration from Furman University.

Floater

Rosa Sullivan

Administrative Assistant

L’Twanya Anderson

Pleasant Valley Connection Board Members

Board Chair

David Mitchell

Board Vice Chair

Princella Lee-Bridges

Board Advisor

Cecie Sherman

Board Member

Tandy Bannister

Board Member

Kenneth Baxter

Board Member

Ben Edwards

Board Member

William Einstein

Board Member

Giovanna Geathers

Board Member

Ana Hanor

Board Advisor

William ‘Bill’ Johnson

Board Member

Matthew D. Long, Jr.

Board Member

Rebecca McKinney

Board Member

Ron Tate

Board Chair

David Mitchell

David Calvin Mitchell’s son of the late Sallie L. Mitchell and James Calvin Jones, is a resident of Greenville, SC. David grew up in the Overbrook and Greenline/Spartanburg Street communities. David attended Greenville County Schools, graduated from Greenville High School, and received an associate degree in Business from Spartanburg Methodist College, a bachelor’s degree in business from Limestone College, and a Master’s Degree in Human Resources from Clemson University. David also has postgraduate studies in Leadership from Columbia University, New York, and Organizational Development Certification from DePaul University, Chicago, IL. David is pursuing a Master of Divinity Degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Gardner-Webb University in preparation for -Ph.D. Studies.

After completing his education, David became an educator for the School District of Greenville County before moving on to work in the field of Human Resources working in Human Resources Management for RR Donnelley & Sons Company as Human Resources Supervisor and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals (Capsugel Division) as Human Resources Manager and Director. In 2000, David founded Talent Management Solutions as a part-time business venture, and in January 2004, David decided to go full-time in the business and leave corporate employment. David believes the experience gained in the Human Resources Management arena has provided him with the skills necessary to excel and be successful in the recruiting and staffing business. Talent Management Solutions is a proud member of the Greenville Chambers inaugural Minority Business Accelerator Program, and David is a Leadership Greenville Class 36 graduate.

David’s community and civic involvement extend to several boards and organizations, including the past Chairman and current member of the Greenville Transit Authority Board of Directors, former Chairman of the Greenville Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, Past Chairman and current Board Member of the Friends of Richland Cemetery, Regional Membership Chairman for 6th District of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. David served on the Inno-Venture, Prism, Small and Minority Business Awards Committee, and Small Business Diversity committees at the Greenville Chamber of Commerce. David is a Graduate of Leadership Greenville Class 36 and continues to work with Leadership Greenville programs as the former Leadership Greenville Chair and LG Selection Committee Member. David previously served as the Greenville County Democratic Party Chairman, Board Member of Legacy Early College School Board of Directors, and Current Chairman of the Pleasant Valley Connections Board of Directors. David serves God faithfully as a Member, Church Clerk, and Deacon Ministry at Mount Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, SC. He is a 34-year member of the greatest Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.

David is single and has two lovely daughters, Surena Mitchell and Selena Mitchell.

David enjoys playing basketball, golf, and deep sea fishing when time permits in his busy schedule.

Board Vice Chair

Princella Lee-Bridges

Princella Lee-Bridges’ unwavering commitment has enriched our organization for several years. Hailing from Anderson and bringing a wealth of experience as a military nurse, Lee-Bridges’ journey is nothing short of inspiring. Her tireless efforts extend beyond boardroom discussions; she’s actively bridging communities from Anderson to Augusta, leaving a profound impact on those she serves. Particularly noteworthy is her compassionate work with burn victims, showcasing her dedication to healing and community welfare. Join us in celebrating Princella Lee-Bridges, a beacon of service and empathy in our midst.

Board Advisor

Cecie Sherman

Board Member

Tandy Bannister

Board Member

Kenneth Baxter

Board Member

Ben Edwards

Board Member

William Einstein

Board Member

Giovanna Geathers

Board Member

Ana Hanor

Board Advisor

William ‘Bill’ Johnson

Board Member

Matthew D. Long, Jr.

Board Member

Rebecca McKinney

Board Member

Ron Tate

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