When Henridell Davermand joined the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia last September as a PHENND AmeriCorps VISTA, she brought with her a background that might surprise you: a degree in Criminology from Florida State University, experience as a Forensic Care Coordinator in the mental health field, and a growing conviction that real change happens at the community level. What she didn’t yet have was a deep connection to cycling, but that was about to change.
Now in the latter half of her year-long service as BCGP’s Youth Bike Coordinator, Henridell reflects on a year of learning, leading, and watching young riders discover what a bicycle can open up for them.
Growing the Bike Explorers Program at Lewis Elkin
One of Henridell’s primary responsibilities this year was supporting the coordination of Bike Explorers at Lewis Elkin Elementary School — now in its second season at the school, engaging third and fourth grade students in riding and skill-building.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Gabe and Assistant Coach (and BCGP Board Member) Sharon, the spring 2026 season launched with a strong emphasis on both foundational riding skills and bike maintenance. Students started by learning helmet fitting, balance, and what it means to be a safe rider. They were introduced to the ABCs — Air, Brakes, and Chain — and got hands-on experience putting air in tires, checking chains, and even assisting with seat height adjustments and tire removal.
That combination of riding and maintenance is intentional. For many students at Lewis Elkins, this is their first time learning how to care for a bike, not just ride one. By the time they transition to riding, they bring with them a sense of ownership and confidence that goes far beyond what you’d expect from a school-based program.
Behind the scenes, Henridell was helping make all of that happen, managing program logistics like communications with the school, supporting recruitment and enrollment, refining the curriculum, and ensuring logistics ran smoothly across the season.
The PHENND VISTA Role
Henridell came to BCGP through Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development (PHENND), which places AmeriCorps VISTA members with community-focused organizations to build capacity and support long-term program development.
When she arrived, she described one of her early surprises at BCGP: discovering just how passionate Coalition team members were about cycling, not just as a job, but as a way of life. That energy proved contagious.
Over time, her role expanded well beyond coordination. She stepped into a supervisory role with coaches, took the lead on stakeholder communication with Elkins, and helped shape the program’s structure from the inside, working on everything from survey collection and data input to logistics and community partnerships.
In Her Own Words: A Q&A with Henridell
What were the key skills you’re walking away with from this year-long assignment?
“Some of the biggest skills I’ve developed are program management and leadership. I’ve stepped into more of a supervisory role with the coaches, taken the lead on communicating with Elkin, and helped manage different aspects of the program — recruitment, enrollment, curriculum, and logistics. I’ve also learned how to handle and improve survey collection and input, build out the program’s structure, and how to connect with stakeholders in the community. Collaboration has been a huge part of the experience, and I now feel a lot more confident working with external partners.”
What surprised you the most about working with younger students?
“I’ve been surprised by how much they’re able to absorb at a young age. They pick up on bike maintenance lessons, routines, and riding skills much more quickly than I expected. It showed me the importance of being intentional with what you’re teaching because they’re taking in a lot more than you might think.”
What’s one memorable highlight from the year?
“One of the biggest highlights was seeing the excitement and pure joy on the BCYC students’ faces during the Philly Bike Ride. It was a new experience for me as well, since I had never participated in a city-organized ride before, and it really showed me how BCGP’s programming exposes students to opportunities they might not otherwise have access to.
From helping them get registered and attaching their bibs, to making sure their bikes were ready with pre-ride safety checks, I was part of the experience from start to finish. It was fun to watch them fully enjoy the day — from riding through the city to dancing during the festivities and celebrating together afterward. Moments like that really highlighted the impact of the program.”
Any advice for a future VISTA?
“Stay open-minded and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Saying yes to things like shadowing different teams or attending events really adds to your experience. You end up meeting so many people across the city and at other organizations, and you get exposed to things you might not have expected. Those experiences can end up being some of the most valuable parts of your service year.”
Henridell arrived at BCGP with a background in systems, service, and community, and she leaves with something more personal: a front-row seat to what it looks like when a bike is used as a tool for empowerment and development of physical, mental, and community wellness skills. We’re grateful for everything she’s brought to the Education Team this year — her leadership, her thoughtfulness, and her genuine care for the young people in these programs.
As part of a 3-year partnership with PHENND, we are looking for the next VISTA to join our team — apply here! To learn more about PHENND AmeriCorps VISTA placements, please visit https://phennd.org/
Learn more about the Bike Explorers program here.