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.

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 Advisor

Cecie Sherman

Board Advisor

William ‘Bill’ Johnson

Board Member

Tandy Bannister

Board Member

Kenneth Baxter

Board Member

Ben Edwards

Board Member

William Einstein

Board Member

Ana Hanor

Board Vice Chair

Princella Lee-Bridges

Board Member

Matthew D. Long, Jr.

Board Member

Ron Tate

Board Member

Rebecca McKinney

Board Member

Giovanna Geathers

Board Chair

David Mitchell

Board Advisor

Cecie Sherman

Board Advisor

William ‘Bill’ Johnson

Board Member

Tandy Bannister

Board Member

Kenneth Baxter

Board Member

Ben Edwards

Board Member

William Einstein

Board Member

Ana Hanor

Board Vice Chair

Princella Lee-Bridges

Board Member

Matthew D. Long, Jr.

Board Member

Ron Tate

Board Member

Rebecca McKinney

Board Member

Giovanna Geathers

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