The CSA Team
Major Canady
The Canady Scholar-Athlete Award is a scholarship created by Kiski School ‘13 graduate and class captain, Major Canady. Canady attended Kiski his sophomore through senior year of high school after his family moved to Pittsburgh, PA in 2010. Canady was a two-sport athlete, earning a varsity letter in both soccer and basketball during all three years in which he attended Kiski. He was a team captain in both sports, is the all-time leading scorer in Kiski basketball history, and helped lead the soccer program to their first ever conference championship. After graduating, Canady went on to play college basketball at Drexel University, where he received his undergraduate degree in marketing and entrepreneurship, and his masters in sports coaching leadership. Canady now lives in Washington DC where he is in the medical device sales industry. Now that he has established himself professionally, he has a desire to give back to those who are currently following the same journey he found himself on years ago. To that end, he has created the Canady Scholar-Athlete Award.
Prior to his stint in Pennsylvania, Canady lived his whole life in good ole Wilson North Carolina where he was molded by his parents Darryl and Taleeta Canady. Canady also has one younger sibling named Essence.
North Carolina Bred. Pennsylvania molded. DC blooming!
Davon Bryan
Davon Bryan, a native of the Washington DC Metropolitan area has over 16 years of demonstrated experience working with individuals and families impacted by the struggles and trauma associated with mental health and developmental disorders and challenges.
While attending the College of Southern Maryland to pursue a Degree in Business, Davon worked for non-profit organizations, such as Melwood, Arc, and Community Connections in Prince George’s County as an Employment Specialist. In this role he provided supportive employment services to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to identify career interests and skills to connect them with meaningful competitive job opportunities within the local communities. After finishing College, Davon explored alternative career paths within Financial Institutions, Structured Settlement Companies, as well as the Federal Government.
In 2014, Davon recognized and embraced his passion for working with individuals with developmental challenges and pursued employment as a Mental Health Clinician in the Washington DC area. As a Mental Health Clinician, he works with individuals with co-occurring disorders, as well as developmental challenges. He provides supportive services to aid individuals to explore challenges, solutions, and resolutions; in addition to coping skills, resources, and advocating on their behalf. Davon’s notable deep compassion for showing-up for the individuals to which he serves, contributed to various awards and accolades, such as: MVP (2019) and Team Player (2021).
Davon has amassed several distinguished certifications in human services, including the University of Maryland Center of Human Services Development in Working Relationships; Communication skills, Community Integration and Inclusion; Certified in Behavior Change Principles and Managing Disruptive Behavior; Certified in Supporting Individuals and Families in Making Choices, and Certified in the Aging Process and the special needs of the elderly. Davon is certified as an Orator and in CPR/First Aide. In addition, he is certified as a Mandated Reporter to address individual’s welfare needs that may be harmful to themselves or others within DC communities.
Davon’s role will be to act as a Wellness Counselor to our scholars when requested. He will work with our students to help them overcome and manage different mental and emotional hurdles. His duties will include virtually meeting students to listen to their problems and providing resources to students to help them cope and strategically deal with their personal challenges.
Qwen Ballard
Qwen Ballard is the Website Manager for the Canady Scholar-Athlete Award and a lifelong friend of the founder, Major Canady.
Although Qwen currently works as a Software Engineer with approximately 4 years of experience, he originally graduated from NC State with a master’s and bachelor’s degree in Education before transitioning to a new industry. He has strong a passion for learning and hopes to be able to continue to use his skills to impact, influence, and give back to the youth.