Our Team
Meet Our Amazing Team
Founder & Executive Director
Chynna Rayner
I, Chynna Rayner, am a community advocate and former educator with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education (Summa Cum Laude) and Communication. Together, these degrees allow me to connect deeply with young children while effectively engaging families, communities, and stakeholders. My background has prepared me to lead with clarity, compassion, and vision.
With over four years of experience in childcare, early education, and working closely with the government serving families in crisis, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges children face both inside and outside the classroom. My passion for education, coupled with real-world experience working alongside nonprofit organizations, opened my eyes to the systemic disparities in opportunities available to children in underserved communities.
Recognizing the urgent need for support – not just academically, but emotionally and socially – I founded the Gold Minds Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to unearthing brilliance in every young mind. Our mission is to provide educational resources, emotional support, enrichment programs, and family-focused initiatives that empower every child to thrive.
Through this foundation, I’ve combined my academic background, professional experience, and heart for service to create something meaningful – not just for myself, but for the next generation.
Director of Operations
Dr. Shalonda Schoonmaker
Dr. Shalonda Schoonmaker, a proud Detroit native, is deeply committed to strengthening communities, empowering families, and supporting youth through education and mentorship.
She holds a Doctorate in Christian Counseling and is the founder of SAR4Teengirls, a mentoring program established in 2016 that focuses on Conflict Resolution, Anger Management, Suicide Prevention and Intervention, Etiquette, and Character Development.
Affectionately known as Dr. S. by students and parents, she discovered her passion for English Language Arts while teaching in the Clayton and Henry County public school systems in Georgia beginning in 2023.
Dr. S. has now joined the Detroit Prep team, where she continues her mission of serving children and families through transformative educational experiences.
Volunteer Coordinator
Amanda Stuckey
Amanda brings six years of childcare experience spanning both home and center-based settings. She has supported children of all ages through daily routines, early learning activities, and positive social development.
She is committed to fostering safe, nurturing environments where every child can thrive. Her background includes close collaboration with families, adapting to each child’s unique needs, and promoting positive behavior—experience that aligns seamlessly with her passion for service and community engagement.
As the Volunteer Coordinator for the Gold Minds Foundation, Amanda is dedicated to empowering others to support the mission and expand the organization’s impact on young lives