Our Team

Embrace Richmond Staff

Wendy McCaig

Chief Dream Releaser

Founder and Executive Director

Wendy McCaig is the founder and Executive Director of Embrace Richmond. She has been actively serving in the inner city of Richmond since 2003 and was the initial founder of what is now the Caritas Furniture Bank. She has an undergraduate degree in Accounting from Texas A&M University and is a former CPA. In 2007, Mrs. McCaig received her Master of Divinity from Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond and has been serving the local church since 1993. Wendy’s first book, “From the Sanctuary to the Streets”was published in 2010 by CASCADE Books an imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers. Wendy has been married to her high school sweetheart, Chris McCaig, since 1988 and they have three beautiful daughters Caitlin, Kristen and Caroline. Wendy loves kayaking, reading, writing, and camping.

Phone: 804-218-4320 Email: wendy@embracerichmond.org Blog: www.wendymccaig.com

Qasarah Spencer

Head Coach

Coach/Trainer

Qasarah joined Embrace in September 2010 after switching from the corporate to the non-profit sector. She has served as an associate minister, youth minister, ministry team leader and ministry consultant in Norfolk and Richmond. Qasarah holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in Social Work as well as a Master of Divinity from Norfolk State University, Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia Union University’s School of Theology. She believes ministry begins at home and everyone has a legacy to live and leave for future generations. She enjoys group facilitation, preaching and helping others grow. Qasarah loves spending time with her husband and six wonderful children.

Phone: 804-204-1240 Email: qasarah@embracerichmond.org

Jimmy Sanford

Lead Bridge Builder and Master Story Teller

Volunteer and Communications Coordinator

Jimmy photo

Jimmy joined Embrace in January 2013 after serving as a youth minister in Mechanicsville, Virginia. Jimmy holds an undergraduate degree in English from Mississippi College as well as a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He seeks to connect Embrace’s congregational partners to the fantastic work being done on the north side. Jimmy is married to the amazing Angela Sanford and has one son, Joshua. He enjoys reading and playing with his son.

Phone: 804-204-1240 Email: jimmy@embracerichmond.org

Brooke Taylor

VoCare Coordinator

Brooke joined Embrace in the Spring of 2013 in the capacity of VoCare Coordinator. She is currently enrolled in the

Master’s of Divinity program from the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. Brooke received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Howard University with a concentration in Political Science. She is extremely passionate about mentoring and revitalizing the amazing communities of Richmond. In her personal time, Brooke enjoys reading on various subjects and spending time with her partner.

Phone: 804-204-1240 Email: brooke@embracerichmond.org

Community Connectors

Charles Fitzgerald

Chief Clown and Get it Done Guy

Northside Community Connector /

Life Together Advancement Center Coordinator

Charles Fitzgerald joined the Embrace Richmond team in 2008

and served 4 consecutive terms of service as an AmeriCorps member before becoming the community connector for the Life Together Advancement Center in January 2013. Charles has established three recovery houses and helped dozens of chronically homeless men find permanent affordable housing. Charles has also helped dozens at-risk individuals maintain their homes by securing emergency assistance or by finding employment. In his new role as a vocational mentor at Embrace Richmond, Charles will be coaching and training neighborhood residents who are seeking to advance toward their personal or professional goals. Most importantly, Charles brings us the gift of his infectious smile, his positive attitude, and his wonderful ability to make us all laugh. Charles is currently pursuing his associates degree in Human Services at J. Sargent Reynolds.

Phone: 804-908-7157 Email: charles@embracerichmond.org

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Patrice Shelton

Head Cheerleader

Hillside Community Connector

A friend introduced Patrice to Embrace Richmond. “I needed to get out of my apartment, and once I got there, I liked that they were about helping people that really needed it.” Determined to step out into her new community, Patrice, who suffers from chronic arthritis, came to Embrace Richmond with the idea of creating family among her neighbors. It was Patrice’s passion for strengthening families that led to the formation of the Hillside Family Support Team, which she now leads. In addition, she also coordinates resident-led and community partner initiatives in the Hillside Recreation Center.