Leadership With Purpose

The Visionary Leaders
Behind Neon Wheels

Neon Wheels Roller Skating Rink & Fun Center is led by people who believe every young person deserves safety, mentorship, encouragement, opportunity, and a place to belong.

The Neon Wheels leadership team — Edward Houston, Barbara Washington-Houston, and Sybria Davis

One Team. One Mission. One Vision.

From Our Leadership Team

We Could No Longer Sit Idle

After hearing about the tragic incidents involving teenagers charged in the murder of a restaurant owner in Waukegan, along with the heartbreaking killing of a teacher while driving, we realized our communities could no longer afford to sit idle.

We knew we had to take action. Neon Wheels was born from the desire to help save our youth, provide a safe place to belong, and create opportunities for young people to thrive, turn their lives around, and become successful.

Meet The Founders

The Leaders Building Lake County's Safe Haven

The founders of Neon Wheels are committed to building a safe, inspiring, and empowering destination for youth, families, and communities throughout Lake County, Illinois.

Edward Houston — Founder & Director of Community Engagement

Edward Houston

Founder & Director of Community Engagement

Founder & Director of Community Engagement

Building safe, positive spaces where youth and families are welcomed and supported.

Edward Houston brings a strong background in leadership, vision-building, community engagement, service-driven entrepreneurship, and youth advocacy. He holds a degree in Social Science, providing valuable insight into human behavior, communities, social systems, and the factors that help individuals and families thrive.

His passion, guided by spirituality and a heart for service, is rooted in creating safe, positive spaces where youth and families feel welcomed, encouraged, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Throughout his work, Edward has remained committed to strengthening communities through relationship-building, mentorship, outreach, and meaningful engagement that connects people to opportunities and resources that can positively impact their lives.

As Founder & Director of Community Engagement, Edward helps lead community partnerships, outreach initiatives, volunteer engagement, and relationship-building efforts that advance the mission of Neon Wheels Roller Skating Rink & Fun Center. He is dedicated to helping create a transformational destination where youth can discover purpose, build confidence, develop leadership skills, and access opportunities that support lifelong success.

Through his leadership, compassion, and commitment to service, Edward is helping build a stronger future for youth, families, and communities throughout Lake County, Illinois.

Vision Builder

Faith & Service

Community Leader


Founder & Executive Director

Creating a safe haven where young people feel valued and discover purpose.

Barbara Washington-Houston brings extensive experience in business leadership, nonprofit vision development, community advocacy, operations planning, youth-centered program development, and supply chain management. She holds a degree and numerous professional certifications in Supply Chain Management, providing a strong foundation in strategic planning, logistics, operations management, and organizational leadership.

Her passion is creating a safe haven where young people feel valued, build confidence, discover purpose, and gain access to opportunities that help them become successful. Through her leadership, she is committed to developing innovative programs and opportunities that help youth and families thrive.

As the visionary founder of Neon Wheels Roller Skating Rink & Fun Center, Barbara is leading the effort to create one of Lake County's most impactful youth and family destinations—combining recreation, education, mentorship, workforce development, and community engagement under one roof.

As Founder & Executive Director, Barbara is dedicated to building Neon Wheels Roller Skating Rink & Fun Center into a transformational community destination that empowers, inspires, and uplifts youth, families, and communities throughout Lake County, Illinois. Her vision combines safe recreation, educational enrichment, mentorship, workforce development, and family engagement to create lasting generational impact.

Driven by a belief that every child deserves a place to belong, Barbara continues to champion a future where young people are equipped with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential and become successful leaders of tomorrow.

Business Leader

Community Advocate

Youth Program Developer

Barbara Washington-Houston — Founder & Executive Director

Barbara Washington-Houston

Founder & Executive Director


Sybria Davis, MSW, LSW — Director of Youth & Family Services

Sybria Davis, MSW, LSW

Director of Youth & Family Services

MSW, LSW – Director of Youth & Family Services

Empowering youth through emotional wellness, mentorship, and resilience-building.

Sybria Davis, MSW, LSW, is a Licensed Social Worker and accomplished mental health professional with nearly 20 years of experience supporting youth, individuals, and families through counseling, advocacy, community engagement, and program development.

She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Nevada–Reno and has served in nonprofit organizations, clinical settings, and private practice. Throughout her career, she has specialized in adolescent and young adult development, helping young people overcome challenges, build resilience, and achieve positive life outcomes.

With nearly two decades of experience, Sybria has helped countless youth and families navigate challenges, build resilience, and access resources that support long-term success and well-being.

Sybria is deeply committed to empowering youth through emotional wellness, mentorship, resilience-building, and access to supportive resources that strengthen individuals, families, and communities. Her work is grounded in the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive in a safe, encouraging, and empowering environment.

As a key member of the Neon Wheels Roller Skating Rink & Fun Center Leadership Team, Sybria helps guide community engagement initiatives, strategic partnerships, family support services, and youth development programs designed to create lasting impact throughout Lake County, Illinois.

Through her leadership, compassion, and dedication to service, Sybria is helping build a transformational community destination where youth can develop confidence, strengthen life skills, discover purpose, and realize their full potential.

Licensed Social Worker

20 Years Mental Health

MSW · University of Nevada–Reno

United In Purpose

One Team. One Mission. One Vision For Lake County, Illinois.

The Neon Wheels leadership team is united by a shared commitment to youth empowerment, family connection, safe recreation, mentorship, and community transformation.

A young boy praying over an open book

Faith & Purpose

We believe this vision was created with purpose and must be led with compassion, integrity, and commitment.

A group of volunteers in matching shirts planting in the garden

Community & Service

We are committed to serving families, schools, churches, neighborhoods, and community partners with excellence.

A confident young man smiling outdoors at sunrise

Empowerment & Opportunity

We believe every young person deserves access to safety, mentorship, encouragement, and the opportunity to succeed.

A Place Where Future Leaders Are Formed

From Today's Youth To Tomorrow's Leaders

Neon Wheels was created to provide youth with a place where they feel safe, encouraged, inspired, supported, and empowered to become successful leaders, entrepreneurs, students, athletes, creators, and future professionals.

A teen with a mentor in a suit beneath a 'Lead Inspire Achieve' neon sign

Leaders

Helping youth develop confidence, character, responsibility, and positive decision-making skills.

A young woman at a laptop with a mentor beneath an 'Ideas Innovate Create' neon sign

Entrepreneurs

Introducing youth to financial literacy, workforce readiness, business exposure, and opportunity.

A teen athlete with basketball next to a doctor in a white coat Neon future professionals icon

Future Professionals

Providing mentorship, education, and life-skills support that help youth prepare for long-term success.

Join The Movement

Help Us Build A Legacy For Lake County, Illinois Youth

With your support, Neon Wheels can become a safe haven, youth empowerment center, and family destination where lives are changed.