Amber Stephens
Director of
Administration
Brittany Stewart
Director of
Player Development
Brooksana McKinney
Director of
Coaches
As the Director of Administration (DOA), Amber is responsible for overseeing the financial aspects of the organization. Her role involves processing payments, handling registrations, and maintaining all necessary documentation. Additionally, Amber is tasked with organizing and executing fundraisers to support both athletes' and PVA's financial needs. Also, Amber, along with her Junior Assistant Coch, Jaelyn, heads the awesome 12U Spark team. Amber boasts an extensive coaching career spanning back to 2003, where she has dedicated her expertise to mentoring high school and junior high school athletes across various schools in the area. Her coaching roles have included stints at Southeast High School, Jefferson Middle School, Glenwood High and Middle Schools, and Tri-City High and Middle Schools. With a decade-long tenure at the Capital Area Volleyball Club, Amber not only coached but also managed operations, assuming the directorship for five years. She initiated her coaching journey with the Ambush Volleyball Club in 2002, transitioning into coaching in 2003 at the grade school level. Amber's athletic background includes two years of play at the college level, notably serving as team captain in 2003 at Springfield College in Illinois. Outside of her coaching endeavors, Amber holds a full-time position at Levi, Ray, and Shoup as a Senior Software Billing Administrator. She shares her life with her husband, Mike, and their four children: Abi, Hayden, Andrew, and Mia. Additionally, their household includes a dog, the goodest boy, named Rudy, three cats — Dakota, Pookie Bean, and Azzie — 2 Leopard Geckos named Log and Azaezal and a turtle named Ned.
As the Director of Player Development (DOPD), Brit creates and runs programs to help athletes improve their skills. This role works with players and coaches to ensure training covers technical skills, safety, and mental strength. Brit also helps athletes set and achieve their personal goals, ensuring each player receives the support they need to grow and perform at their best. Brit also head coaches the 18U Inferno. Brit was a standout player at Cumberland High School, earning all-conference MVP honors and leading her team to its first-ever state appearance in 2008. She earned a volleyball scholarship at Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC), competing as an all-MWAC middle hitter during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. While at LLCC, she began her coaching journey through the college’s high school league and with the Capital Area Volleyball Club (CAVC). Over the next 11 years, Brittany dedicated herself to coaching with CAVC, eventually serving as a director for three years. She consistently sought opportunities to expand her coaching experience and deepen her understanding of the game, leading camps, training sessions, and private lessons at local high schools. She also traveled to Iowa to conduct instructional camps, extending her impact beyond the local community. In 2021, she expanded her collegiate coaching experience as an assistant coach for the LLCC volleyball program. From 2022 to 2025, she also served as an assistant volleyball coach at Auburn High School. In addition to her coaching career, Brittany is currently pursuing a master’s degree in education, reflecting her commitment to athlete development, teaching, and lifelong learning. Outside of volleyball, Brittany enjoys time with her family. She is married to Cody, and they are proud parents of two boys, Athan and Anden, and their goldendoodle, Lucy.
As the Director of Coaches (DOC), Brook will work to build a strong coaching team and making sure they have the resources they need to succeed. Her role includes helping coaches with their planning and strategies, ensuring that coaches are well-supported and can perform their best. Brook will also work to support a healthy relationship between coaches and families. Along with her assistant, Kennedy, Brook also head coaches the 16U Fire. Brook dedicated three seasons to leading Glenwood High's volleyball program as Head Coach before deciding to shift her focus towards coaching club volleyball and starting a family. Prior to her tenure in Chatham, she gained experience as an assistant coach at Blackburn University (BU) for a year. Throughout these endeavors, she invested nine years coaching with Capital Area Volleyball Club (CAVC). As a player, Brook showcased her talent on the volleyball court for Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) from 2014 to 2015. Her collegiate career culminated in an impressive achievement, with her team securing the title of National Runner-Up in 2015. Subsequently, Brook transferred to MacMurray College (MMC) to pursue her passion for volleyball and attain a degree in Sports Management and Business. Brook is a dedicated early childhood educator at Pleasant Park in Chatham and currently pursuing further education to become a Childcare Center Director. Beyond her professional pursuits, Brook shares her life with her son, Marshall, boyfriend, Nick and two beloved canine companions, Carter and Cami.
Brooke Hall
Head Coach
Brooke is in her second year of coaching with PVA, stepping into her role as the 14U Head Coach with a steady presence and a quietly confident style. A former athlete with Capital Area Volleyball Club, PVA’s predecessor, she trained under all of the club’s directors before moving into coaching herself. She also spent four years competing for Glenwood schools, gaining valuable experience and a deep knowledge of the game that she brings into her coaching today. Brooke’s blend of experience, calm leadership, sharp wit, and genuine care for her athletes makes her an invaluable part of the 14U coaching staff. Her athletes benefit not only from her technical knowledge, but from the positivity and encouragement she brings to every practice and match. Outside the gym, Brooke works as an early education educator at Silverleaf Children’s Academy, where her calm demeanor and subtle sense of humor shape the way she connects with those around her. Though she tends to be on the quieter side, her sarcasm is legendary to those who know her well and adds a light, relatable touch to her coaching style. Brooke’s hobbies bring out her fun, imaginative side. She enjoys building Legos, coloring, and spending time with her dog, Goose. Family is an important part of Brooke’s world. She shares her life with her parents, Kelly and Justin, her sister Abbey, her dog Goose, and the family’s two additional dogs, Coop and Addie. Rounding out their lively household is their bearded dragon, Batman.
Chandrajo Ushman
Asst. Coach
Chandrajo enters her second year of coaching with PVA, bringing passion, discipline, and a strong athletic foundation to the 14U program. Her volleyball journey began with Capital Area Volleyball Club, the predecessor to PVA, where she played under all of the club’s directors before transitioning into coaching. She also competed for Auburn schools, giving her a deep understanding of the game and the competitive environment her athletes experience today. Outside the gym, Chandrajo serves as a Sergeant in the Army National Guard, where she is consistently recognized for her exceptional work ethic, drive, and willingness to support and uplift those around her. She is currently a full-time junior at SIUE, pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. During the academic year, she works in the campus Military and Veteran Office, assisting veterans and dependents with their education benefits. Over summer and winter breaks, she brings her enthusiasm for teaching to The Goddard School as a Teacher and Teacher Aide. Chandrajo’s creativity shines through her love for arts and crafts, and she proudly considers herself Pinterest obsessed. She enjoys spending time outdoors, shopping for jewelry, occasionally reading, and listening to music across all genres. Family means everything to her. She shares her life with her parents, Chandra and Michael Joe, her siblings Geneva and Michael, her nieces Adele and Paisley, her nephew Colton, and her two dogs, Hopper and Georgia. When she’s not with family, she is surrounded by the friends who mean so much to her. For Chandrajo, it’s always family and friends first—a value she brings with her into her coaching, building strong bonds and a supportive environment for her athletes.
Kennedy Netters
Asst. Coach
TBD
Jaelyn Hickey
Junior Asst. Coach
Jaelyn joins PVA as a 12U Junior Assistant Coach, bringing enthusiasm, fresh eyes and firsthand experience to the coaching staff. She has played volleyball for Trinity Lutheran School, Lanphier High School, Capital Area Volleyball Club, and was part of PVA’s inaugural year, giving her a well-rounded background across school and club competition. Outside of volleyball, Jaelyn is currently a junior in high school with ambitious plans for her future. She intends to pursue a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography with the dream of becoming a Prenatal Ultrasound Technician. Alongside her studies, she works at County Market and assists as a photographer’s assistant when needed, showcasing her strong work ethic and reliability. Jaelyn’s dedication to learning, her love for the sport, and her connection with young athletes already make her a valuable part of the PVA community. As she says: “Although the season has just begun, I have already grown very fond of the young athletes. I look forward to watching them continue to grow and advance in their volleyball careers.” When she’s not coaching or working, Jaelyn enjoys playing volleyball and spending quality time with her friends and her boyfriend, Ethan. She shares her life with her parents, Jeremy and Katy, her sister Emmy, and their three dogs, Wrigley, Flash, and Bolt, who keep their home lively and full of energy.