Staff
Ashleigh Teasley
Director of Social Work & Supportive Services
Woodlawn
Daniel Wheelock
College and Careers High School Coordinator
Woodlawn
Eivan Herrera-Valdez
Academic Coordinator
Evanston
Erika Alcibar
Program Director
Evanston
Gabby Coombs
Program Director
Woodlawn
Gabe Johnson
High School Squash Coordinator
Woodlawn
Graham Meigher
Development Coordinator
Evanston / Woodlawn
J Conley
Manager of Academics & Enrichment
Woodlawn
Jake Oher
Chief Development Officer
Woodlawn
JaKari Thompson
Squash Coach
Evanston
Janae Meyer
Chief Executive Officer
Joushlyn Jones
Director of College & Careers
Woodlawn
Kameron Calbert
Manager of Squash & Fitness
Woodlawn
Katie Lawler
Assistant Director of Development
Evanston/Woodlawn
Mary Sillah
Chief of Facilities & Civic Engagement
Woodlawn
Miaya Kelley
Middle School Academic Coordinator
Woodlawn
Natalie Stanchina
High School Academic Coordinator
Evanston
Tatyana Morris
High School Academic Coordinator
Woodlawn
Tony Karam
Fitness Coordinator
Woodlawn
Daniel Wheelock
College and Careers High School Coordinator
Woodlawn
Daniel serves as the High School Coordinator for College and Careers, working with 11-12th graders and 1st year college students. Before MetroSquash, he taught for four years in San Antonio, Texas at the middle and high school level. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from Georgetown University, and is originally from Oak Park, Illinois. Daniel is excited to lend his knowledge and support to students to help them figure out the next chapter in their lives.
Graham Meigher
Development Coordinator
Evanston/ Woodlawn
Graham joined MetroSquash in the winter of 2023 as the Development Coordinator. Originally from the East Coast, he attended college at St. Lawrence University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology and sociology. Since graduating, he has worked in youth development, social work, and photography. After relocating to Evanston from Upstate New York, Graham was thrilled to discover MetroSquash by happenstance when he walked onto the squash courts at the McGaw YMCA. In high school, Graham secured his first job as a tennis instructor with a nonprofit that offers children tennis lessons and academic support. He is excited to share his knowledge and strengths at his new home away from home with MetroSquash.
Natalie Stanchina
High School Academic Coordinator
Evanston
Natalie is a High School Academic Coordinator at MetroSquash and works with the tenth and eleventh graders at our Evanston location. Natalie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Global Commerce from Denison University. She was a four-year member and two-year captain on the Denison Women’s Varsity Squash Team. As captain, she worked closely with Michael MacDonald, who was the previous Squash Director at Woodlawn from 2012-2015, which is how she gained familiarity with MetroSquash. Natalie is looking forward to getting to know her cohorts and getting on the squash court with them!
Eivan Herrera-Valdez
Academic Coordinator
Evanston
Eivan is working at MetroSquash as a 2023 NUPIP Fellow, a program that prepares recent college graduates for careers in public service. He recently graduated from Northwestern University in June with a degree in Psychology. Eivan also majored in Latinx Studies and minored in Gender and Sexuality Studies. Eivan plans to use his knowledge in these fields in order to support the mental, social, and academic development of the students in Metrosquash Evanston. At Northwestern, Eivan worked at the Development of Identities in Cultural Environments Lab where he worked with kids dealing with societal issues such as racism and sexism. Eivan wants to use his experience at Metrosquash to pursue a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work and continue working with young people that hold marginalized identities.
Mark Fuller
Director of Squash & Fitness
Evanston/ Woodlawn
Mark was the head of Squash at The University of Nottingham and was the Founder and Director of Star Sports Development which ran coaching and tournaments across the UK with a focus on expanding the game and growing participation. Mark is passionate about facilitating squash’s various benefits in communities, friendships, and health and is inspired by the challenge of creating, growing, and building projects. Mark was a full time Professional Squash player from June 2008 to April 2020. Achieved a highest world ranking of 118 and won a Professional Tour Title, Prague Open in 2015.
Tatyana Morris
High School Academic Coordinator
Woodlawn
Tatyana was born and raised in the Chicagoland area and is familiar with the Southside. She is a recent graduate of Lincoln University of Missouri. She studied Psychology with a minor in social work and history. Tatyana loves to paint, go to concerts, and listen to music in her spare time.
JaKari Thompson
Squash Coach
Evanston
JaKari is a MetroSquash alum and current squash lead at MetroSquash’s Evanston cohort. Getting his start at MetroSquash during his freshman year of high school in 2014, while attending King College Prep, JaKari began playing squash at the Henry Crown Field House. Following the opening of the Hussain MetroSquash Center, JaKari would become a MetroSquash student ambassador, helping spread awareness of the newly opened squash and education center.
Erika Alcibar
Program Director
Evanston
Erika Alcibar is MetroSquash Evanston’s Program Director. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for over two decades. Erika is a long-time youth advocate, serving in the out-of-school-time and traditional educational space in varying capacities. Erika brings a wealth of experience in the areas of program design, implementation, and evaluation, operations, fundraising and school administration. Erika has worked for a number of youth serving organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago, and Y.O.U. Prior to joining MetroSquash Erika served as Associate Director of Youth Development for Christopher House. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Social Work from Northeastern Illinois University. Erika is looking forward to working in Evanston to expand possibilities for success for all youth in the community.
Miaya Kelley
Middle School Academic Coordinator
Woodlawn
Miaya Kelley currently serves as one of the Middle School Academic Coordinators here at Metrosquash. She is also a proud Alumni of Metrosquash Class of 2016. After graduating May 2016 from Josephinum Academy, she later completed her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology at Alabama A&M University May 2020. Before returning to Metrosquash she served as a Teacher’s Assistant at Chicago Public Schools. Miaya also has experience working remotely for Chicago Public Schools Talent office specifically in the ADA department. During the Pandemic Miaya also worked remotely as a Teacher’s assistant for City Year.
Joushlyn Jones
Director of College & Careers
Woodlawn
Joushlyn Jones serves as MetroSquash’s Director of College and Careers. Before joining MetrosSquash, Joushlyn served as a program coordinator for the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition and the University of Chicago. Joushlyn is a former Teach for America special education teacher, Posse Foundation alumni, Chicago Housing Authority education advocate, and scholarship recipient. Joushlyn is excited to bring her experiences and networks to the MetroSquash community to assist students in tailoring their pathways to college and post-secondary fulfillment. Joushlyn holds her B.A. in Political Science from Agnes Scott College
Adam Cohen
Senior Development Coordinator
Woodlawn
Adam J. Cohen joined MetroSquash in the Fall of 2022 and serves as the Senior Development Coordinator for the organization. Before MetroSquash, Adam was in the world of higher education working with Columbia University, Fordham University, and Washington University in St. Louis in housing and development. Adam graduated with a Master’s in Higher Education & Student Affairs: Administration from New York University and holds a Bachelor’s from the University of Missouri in Political Communication. Beyond work, Adam holds passions in music and education where he was a Sinquefield Composition Awardee and serves as an editor for the New York University Journal of Student Affairs.
Tony Karam
Fitness Coordinator
Woodlawn
Tony Karam graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a Bachelor’s degree in History and was a member of the varsity lacrosse team. Later, he earned a Master’s degree in education, while he simultaneously worked full time at Young Scholars Liberty Partnership Program; a nonprofit organization that offers at-risk youth academic, social, and cultural enrichment opportunities with the goal to pursue post-secondary education. In addition, Tony has coached lacrosse and wrestling from youth to the college level where he developed a passion for sports and fitness and the invaluable lessons that each teaches.
Paul Dixon
Driver and Facility Assistant
Woodlawn
Paul Dixon is the Assistant Facilities Manager at Woodlawn. Paul joined Metrosquash as staff this January. Prior to joining the organization as staff, he was an active member of the Metrosquash parent committee for 9 years.
David Kay
Chief Executive Officer
David moved to Chicago in 2005 to help launch the program. Previously, David coached the men’s squash team at the University of Rochester. He was the head squash professional at the Union Club of New York and a top ranked player on the professional doubles tour. A native of Canada, David played competitive junior squash and attended Princeton University where he was an All-American and member of the 1993 National Championship team.
Janae Meyer
Chief Executive Officer
With over 20 years of experience in education equity, nonprofit management, and leadership development, Janaé Meyer has the honor and privilege of serving as MetroSquash’s Chief Executive Officer. Her primary responsibility is to champion MetroSquash’s unique approach to advancing healthy youth outcomes, combining academic support, squash & fitness and enrichment opportunities for youth 5th grade through college. She joined the organization in 2016 where she helped to grow organizational impact through intentional partnership, capacity-building, and broadening MetroSquash’s reach. Janaé worked alongside MetroSquash founding CEO David Kay to launch the organization’s satellite site in Evanston, IL, was instrumental in the organization’s 3-year strategic plan, and is excited for the next chapter of MetroSquash. Prior to MetroSquash, Janaé served as Program Director for “I Have A Dream” North Chicago where she helped to establish several initiatives, including guaranteed post-secondary support, to help ensure student success. She is a native South Side Chicagoan, earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and graduate degree from the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice from the University of Chicago. She is the proud mom of a son, Christian, who inspires her each and every day.
Mary Sillah
Chief of Facilities & Civic Engagement
Woodlawn
Mary Sillah is a proud MetroSquash parent and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Roosevelt University. Her career eventually transitioned to property and facility management, which was a perfect fit for her role as Chief of Facilities and Civic Engagement. With the opening of the MetroSquash Academic & Squash Center, Mary has come on board to manage all aspects of maintaining our first class space – from front desk support to vendor management.
Julie Monrad
Squash Manager, Design & Integration
Julie Monrad served as a volunteer for MetroSquash from 2017-18 and transitioned in the fall of 2018 to her role as Squash Manager, Integration and Design. She previously worked at the SEA office in New York City from 2015-16. Julie earned her B.A. from Harvard University and a culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu. After two years working in the culinary world, Julie is happy to return to working in urban squash.
Stephen Bartram
Individual Giving Coordinator
Woodlawn
Stephen joined MetroSquash in 2018 and now serves as Interim Development Manager. Prior to joining the organization, he was a mentor and served on the auxiliary board for 4 years. Stephen graduated from Dickinson College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Policy Studies Management. As a strong believer in the power of athletic and academic achievement to empower teens and young adults, his passion for MetroSquash is rooted in the belief that cultivating talent and potential through sport and the classroom can help young people thrive and become community leaders.
Aliyah Singleton
High School Coordinator, (11th & 12th Grade)
Aliyah joined MetroSquash in December of 2018 as the High School Coordinator and cohort lead for 11th and 12th grade students. Prior to joining, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Human Development from the University of Chicago in June of 2018. During her undergraduate studies, she mentored middle school girls with (WYSE) Women and Youth Supporting Each Other, a national mentorship organization. As a mentor and Sixth-Grade Coordinator, she designed and taught curriculum that focused on the topics of social media and safety, conflict resolution, gender/racial identity and discrimination, self-care and mental health, future career options, healthy relationships, reproductive health, community action, and more. Aliyah is passionate about empowering youth as they develop and grow to pursue their dreams and make real change in their communities.
Jesus Ayala Jr.
Chief of Program Strategy & Operations
Woodlawn
Jesus Ayala Jr. currently serves as MetroSquash’s Chief of Program Strategy and Operations. He is a lifelong advocate for public education and a champion for college access. After graduating from Chicago Public Schools, he completed his bachelor’s degree from Lake Forest College and received his MPA from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Before MetroSquash, Jesus helped City Colleges of Chicago Students persist through community college by serving as a Senior Manager of College Partnerships at One Million Degrees. He has also completed a Summer Fellowship at the City of Chicago Mayor’s Office where he worked on various policy projects. He has volunteer experience with the Jones College Prep Local School Council, buildOn, Mikva Challenge, and Chicago Scholars. He is excited to help his team and MetroSquash students realize their potential.
Katie Lawler
Assistant Director of Development
Evanston/Woodlawn
Katie Lawler joined MetroSquash in the fall of 2021 and serves as the Assistant Director of Development. She graduated from DePaul University with a major in Public Relations & Advertising. While attending DePaul, Katie volunteered and interned at many non-profit organizations in the Chicagoland area, sparking a passion to work for non-profits that are making impactful efforts. Prior to MetroSquash, Katie worked at a non-profit in Waukegan, IL leading the volunteer and marketing department. Katie enjoys cultivating positive relationships and is a mission-lead individual looking to continue to help better the world through neighbors helping neighbors.
Jamil Cary
Manager of Academics & Enrichment
Woodlawn
Jamil joined MetroSquash as the Senior High School Academic Coordinator after moving to Chicago from California. In California, Jamil worked as a high school teacher, specializing in bilingual education and college readiness. He hopes to work with MetroSquash to continue offsetting disparities of the education of children of color in his new position outside of the
classroom.
Gabe Johnson
High School Squash Coordinator
Woodlawn
Gabe has been with MetroSquash since he was a sophomore in high school. Gabe attended school at Kenwood Academy, where he graduated from the Year-Up program with a professional banking certificate. Gabe is still currently seeking to obtain an associates degree, and eventually a BA.
J Conley
Manager of Academics & Enrichment
Woodlawn
J is an enthusiastic South Side native and has a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies from the University of Chicago. Prior to coming back to MetroSquash, as she was previously an intern, J worked at UChicago as a Wellness Coordinator in the university’s student health center. Outside of work and academics, J enjoys creating content, music and fashion. J is excited to work with youth in an effort to prepare them to be the great people she knows they can be.
Anjelique Bomar
Academic Coordinator
Evanston
Anjelique joined MetroSquash in August 2021 after graduating from Northwestern University in 2021. She graduated with a degree in Learning Sciences with a concentration in Out-of-School Learning and a minor in Psychology. On Northwestern’s campus, Anjelique was involved in Americorps’s Jumpstart program that supports pre-schoolers in social, emotional learning as well as getting them ready to succeed and read in kindergarten. She also worked in a cognitive psychology lab entitled Project on Children’s Thinking for 2.5 years running and creating studies focusing on young student’s learning capabilities in mental rotation, computational STEM, and language skills. Anjelique looks forward to continuing her passion supporting students in academic settings while inspiring their personal, academic, and mental growth.
Jake Oher
Chief Development Officer
Woodlawn
Jake has 9+ years of experience and training in project and campaign management, with an emphasis on major gifts. His parents, both of whom have been involved with social services in New York City, fostered his passion for the public and social sectors. Jake started volunteering to help those less fortunate at an early age, where he first developed his devotion for helping those in need. He came to MetroSquash from the U.S. Soccer Federation where he managed national Major Gift efforts supervising 3 regional staff raising over $2.5M annually. Jake started his nonprofit career at CCS Fundraising where he worked on projects across the country including the Truman Presidential Library and the Archdiocese of Chicago where he led a team that raised over $500M+ from 70,000 gifts.
Gabby Coombs
Program Director
Woodlawn
Gabby Coombs joined MetroSquash in the fall of 2021 as the Woodlawn Program Director. Gabby holds a Master of Education in College Counseling and Student Affairs from DePaul University. Gabby previously worked in higher education for roughly 7 years at DePaul ranging in admissions, recruitment, event planning and management, academic advising, and enrollment. As a product of Chicago and a former CPS student she carries a special love for youth development and service to the students of this city. Gabby is excited to apply her knowledge, student support skills, and love of education to help create a vibrant and engaging program experience for MetroSquash students.
Kameron Calbert
Manager of Squash & Fitness
Woodlawn
Kameron has been a part of MetroSquash since he was a 6th grade student at one of our partner schools Ariel Community Academy. He is currently a senior at DePaul University studying Business Management. As the Middle School Squash Coordinator he is committed to both his studies and working effortlessly to generate great squash players.
Ashleigh Teasley
Director of Social Work & Supportive Services
Woodlawn
Ashleigh Teasley serves as MetroSquash’s current Senior Manager of Social Work and Supportive Services. As a Chicago native and former CPS student, Ashleigh is passionate about education access and after-school opportunities for students throughout the city. Over the last ten years, Ashleigh has worked in education, mental health, advocacy, and youth development. Ashleigh has recently completed her Master’s degree in Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration from The University of Chicago. Ashleigh is committed to helping students identify their coping skills early and building “toolkits” to aid in regulating their emotions. It takes a village to raise a child rings true for her; Ashleigh believes resource sharing and supportive community partnerships are vital for the success of all students and families. In this role, Ashleigh will serve as a connector to resources, and she is excited to serve MetroSquash students and families.
Alex Mason
Academic Coordinator
Evanston
Alex is working at MetroSquash as a 2022 NUPIP Fellow, a program that prepares recent college graduates for careers in public service. He graduated from Northwestern University in 2020 with a degree in English Literature. At Northwestern, Alex taught sex education at Lake View High School and music production and the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. He also did marketing for Supplies For Dreams, a nonprofit that supports CPS students with school supplies, mentoring, and field trips. During the pandemic Alex worked as an EMT in Chicago, and is excited to return to Evanston and pursue his passion for extracurricular programming.
Lyndee Yameson
Senior Grants Coordinator
Woodlawn
Lyndee Yamshon is MetroSquash’s Senior Grants Coordinator. Before joining MetroSquash, she served as a grants manager for Lookingglass Theatre and a Development Director for Family Service of South Lake County. While obtaining her doctorate in philosophy with a non-fiction writing concentration, Lyndee freelanced for the Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Reader, and additional national literary journals for her creative work. She also taught composition, creative writing, American, British, and world literature for ten plus years to college students. Lyndee enjoys incorporating her creative writing and theatrical background as a broad vision for research and storytelling.
6100 S Cottage Grove Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
1599 Maple Ave
Evanston, IL 60201