How To Contact Us:

Address:

303 Norfolk Avenue SW

Roanoke, VA  24016

(540) 345-0003 phone

(540) 345-0025 fax

Staff:

Mary King , Program Administrator

maryking@yovaso.net

Mary became the Program Administrator for YOVASO on August 1, 2007 when the Virginia State Police Association was awarded sponsorship of the program. She had previously served as interim manager of YOVASO while it was temporarily under the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Mary has 11 years experience in transportation safety as a former public relations specialist with DMV’s Transportation Safety Administration in the Roanoke District 2 Office. Through YOVASO and DMV, she has worked to develop and promote many youth oriented traffic safety programs. During her tenure with DMV, she helped organize a teen safety program called REACH America which targeted drug and alcohol use by teens. She also helped develop a preschool traffic safety program called P.I.T.T.S. and was instrumental in developing a multi-faceted Holiday DUI Campaign involving media promotions, free taxi rides, billboards, restaurant participation and safe party guides.

As the mother of 3 children, ages 18, 13 and 11, she is very passionate about addressing issues concerning teenage drivers. “The number of teenagers we are losing in traffic crashes every year in Virginia is not acceptable,” she states. “My goal is to position YOVASO as the preeminent youth traffic safety organization in Virginia. Through YOVASO, she hopes to work with state agencies and organizations to effect positive changes in Virginia’s teen fatality rate.

Mary is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.S. degree in Mass Communications and Journalism. She has lived in Roanoke since 1983.

Elizabeth Ferguson, Training and Marketing Coordinator

elizabethferguson@yovaso.net

Elizabeth Ferguson came on board with YOVASO in late August 2007. She worked in supplemental education at a local tutoring service for five years as the Director of Education, and she then taught English at a local high school for two years. Elizabeth wanted to continue working with her passion – educating and serving youth – but in a less traditional classroom setting. The opportunity at YOVASO became available, and she was eager to work with such a dedicated organization.

As the Training and Marketing Coordinator for YOVASO, Elizabeth is responsible for conducting training programs, activities, and events to increase awareness and education among youth concerning traffic safety issues. Her main goal is to empower youth to make a difference! She holds YOVASO’s belief of spreading this important program statewide as well as increasing the potential for implementation on a national level.

Elizabeth is a native of the Roanoke area. She is a graduate of Cave Spring High School and Longwood University. She holds a degree in English with a specialty in secondary education. Elizabeth and her husband currently reside in Roanoke.

Morgan Dillon, Program Support Coordinator/Office Assistant and Regional Trainer, Ferrum College

morgandillon@yovaso.net

Morgan Dillon became active with YOVASO in 2004 when she joined the YOVASO Club at Franklin County High School in her sophomore year. She served as the treasurer of the club her junior year and was elected president her senior year in 2006.  That same year she was named to the YOVASO Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). The FCHS YOVASO Club excelled under Morgan's leadership and was named the "YOVASO Club of the Year" for 2006.  Morgan also won the YOVASO Youth Leadership Award and received a Volunteer Award for her work with YOVASO in 2006.

During Morgan's freshman year at Ferrum College, she was invited to be a Regional Trainer for YOVASO helping to train schools in the Franklin, Pittsylvania and Campbell County areas.  In the fall of 2008, she accepted the part-time position of Program Support Coordinator/Office Assistant for YOVASO headquarters. Morgan helps plan YOVASO campaigns and retreats, and she is coordinator for the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC).

Morgan is a sophomore at Ferrum College where she is a Criminal Justice major. She is from Franklin County and lives at home with her parents and brother.

Brittney Asbury, Regional Trainer, Virginia Tech

brittneyasbury@yovaso.net

Brittney became involved with YOVASO seven years ago when she was a freshman at William Byrd High School. She was a member of the YOVASO Club at Byrd all four years, serving as vice president her junior year and as president of the club her senior year in 2005. Brittney also worked as a special projects intern for YOVASO while in high school. In this position, she helped plan and facilitate retreats, gave presentations at Dare Camp, and helped with other YOVASO duties at the office. After graduation from William Byrd, Brittney was offered the opportunity to become one of YOVASO’s regional trainers. She enjoys being a trainer because she is passionate about traffic safety and wants to continue to help high school students understand the importance and seriousness of this issue.

Brittney is a junior at Virginia Tech where she is a Communication major with a Professional Writing and Marketing minor. After graduation from Virginia Tech, Brittney wants to work in the field of Public Relations, preferably Sports Public Relations. She loves all sports, especially college football and is crazy about her Hokie Football! She also enjoys working out, playing sports, being with friends and just enjoying life to the fullest.

Brittney is from Hardy and has lived there all of her life. She is the daughter of Brent and Linda Asbury. She has one amazing brother and a new wonderful sister-in-law who live in Lancaster, PA.

Mandy Lipps, Regional Trainer, James Madison University

mandylipps@yovaso.net

Mandy Lipps became active in YOVASO in 2003 as a freshman at Craig County High School. She was an active member of Craig County’s YOVASO club during all four years of high school, serving as their President both her junior and senior year. Mandy was named to the YOVASO Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) in 2005 and was invited to participate as a student presenter for the 2006 ACTS Conference. In 2006, Mandy also received the “YOVASO Volunteer of the Year Award.”

After graduating from Craig County High School in 2007, Mandy was given the opportunity to become a YOVASO Regional Trainer.  She helps in the training of YOVASO clubs in the northern part of Virginia. Mandy states, “Having the opportunity to stay involved with YOVASO after graduating high school was a huge blessing for me. I have always been extremely passionate about traffic safety and being able to continue to work with YOVASO is amazing. I am really looking forward to the coming years and getting to know the area YOVASO clubs.”