Our Team

Greg McCandless

As Executive Director, Greg serves as steward for UP RVA's mission and vision, ensuring that students and staff have everything they need to achieve equity through education.

Before UP RVA…
A Southern California native, Greg received a B.A. in English from Whittier College and a Master’s in Education from San Diego State University. He worked in college admissions for six years before spending 14 years as a college counselor, dean, and English teacher at the Sage Hill School in Newport Coast, California. In 2021, Greg moved to Richmond to join the UP RVA team.

In his free time…
Greg enjoys spending time with his husband and two young children. He also loves running, yoga, and getting lost in used record and book shops.

Paul Bateera

As UP RVA’s first full-time hire, Paul has been an integral part of the organization's evolution since 2016. He currently manages the day-to-day operations of the program, making sure that students and families have what they need to be successful.

Before UP RVA…Born and raised in the Richmond area, Paul graduated from the University of Virginia in 2014 with a B.A. in Biology. He worked for the Washington Nationals and the MLK Boys and Girls Club before being introduced to UP RVA while volunteering at Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal School.

In his free time…Paul enjoys playing disc golf, going to concerts, and hitting the playground with his wife and daughter.

Marchelle Roane

Marchelle is the air traffic controller for UP RVA. She ensures that every child gets where they need to go, when they need to get there. 

Before UP RVA… A Richmond native, Marchelle established “Services by Marchelle” in 1995, providing various services and companionship needs for people with a focus on the aging population. She joined UP RVA as a driver in 2018.

In her free time… Marchelle loves traveling, spending time with her husband and children, and, more than anything, being a “Yaya” to her grandchildren.

Amanda Hach

Amanda oversees each student’s academic journey, making sure to meet them where they are and establishing guardrails to help them stay on track. 

Before UP RVA…Amanda grew up in Richmond and graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.A. in History and a Master’s in Social Studies Secondary Education—which allowed her to stay for an extra football season. After four years teaching history at Pocahontas Middle School, Amanda transferred to Glen Allen High School, where, in addition to teaching U.S. History and African American History for 12 years, she founded a mentor program called S.T.E.P., the Student Transformation and Empowerment Project. 

In her free time… Amanda enjoys live music, anything outside, and spending time with family, friends, and her sweet dog Molly!

Caitlyn Carpenter

Caitlyn supports our high school students through the (occasionally nerve-wracking)
college research and application process with a steady hand and calming presence.
She also helps our college students stay on top of their goal of graduating on time with
marketable skills and experiences.

Before UP RVA…A product of Virginia schools, Caitlyn attended K-12 in Chesterfield
County and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2015 with a B.A. in
History and an M.A. in Teaching. For the last eight years, she has worked as a high
school history teacher in Henrico County. Prior to joining the UP RVA staff in 2024,
Caitlin volunteered as a tutor at our After-School Program and became particularly
attached to UP RVA’s mission and values.

In her free time…Caitlyn enjoys nothing more than having good conversations with
friends over a good meal and will always follow the sounds of live music of any variety!

Philomena Hughes

Before UP RVA...

Biz Read

Biz meets one-on-one with our high school students during their study halls at school and with our college students remotely. Together, Biz and UP RVA students work on time management skills, organization habits, self-advocacy, self-care, study strategies, and other life skills.

Before UP RVA…A graduate of The University of Virginia, Biz started her career in public relations and magazine writing. In 2020, she began her training through Landmark College’s Institute for Research and Training in Putney, Vermont, and then with Peg Dawson, EdD, and Richard Guare, PhD in the field of Executive Functioning. Biz worked with a UP RVA student during her practicum with Dawson and Guare. She joined the staff officially in 2021.

In her free time… Biz likes to trail run, play pickleball, visit her children in New York City and Denver, listen to live music, and read.

Brad Kaplan

Before UP RVA... Brad worked with three local nonprofits after moving to Richmond in the fall of 2020: Richmond Cycling Corps, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond, and the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond. Prior to that, he spent 12 years scouting football players for the Oakland Raiders.

In his free time... Brad enjoys competing in all kinds of games — from golf to board and card games — and is always looking for a good challenge. He lives in Richmond with his wife and their two young sons.

Sarah Cowles

Sarah works behind the scenes managing our database, supporting the development team, and assisting in fundraising initiatives and special events. 

Before UP RVA… Sarah graduated from Hood College with a B.A. in Business and served as Associate Director of Annual Giving at Collegiate School for 15 years. After a short break, she realized how much she missed not only the students but helping to make a difference in their lives and joined UP RVA in 2020 as Development Assistant.

In her free time… Sarah loves spending time with friends, family, and pets doing anything outdoors.

Tucker Surgner

Tucker is a connector. He maintains relationships with current donors, works closely with the Board of Directors Development Committee, and strives to cultivate new donors. He also manages UP RVA’s social media and helps out at After-School two times per week.

Before UP RVA… Born and raised in Richmond, Tucker graduated with a B.S in Communication Studies from James Madison University. He grew up with a mother who worked in development, and he saw the importance of helping others and how critical development is to an organization. 

In his free time… Tucker enjoys watching sports, playing golf, and being with friends and family.