SquashSmarts
Staff |
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Yash joined our team in August 2023 after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor's degree in Economics and a master's degree in Nonprofit Management. Yash grew up in India, where he had the opportunity to work with Reacha, a nonprofit focused on identifying local communities' socio-economic needs across India and delivering sustainable, grass-roots solutions. Before SquashSmarts, he worked as a squash professional at a club, coaching top-level juniors. During his time at U. Penn, Yash was a two-time captain of the Varsity Men's Squash Team, an All-American award recipient, and established the program record for most wins in a college career. As Director of Squash and Fitness for West Philly High School, he combines his diverse perspective and passion for squash to create a lasting impact on the kids.
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Quinetta joined our team in July 2016 after completing an intensive two-year training program with City Year-Philadelphia. A seven-year graduate of SquashSmarts Middle and High School Program, she is an alumna of Philadelphia High School for Girls and Pennsylvania State University where she was a member of the English Honor Society. Quinetta has been invited to participate in a range of leadership programs from The Evaluation Capacity Building Initiative and the Investing-in-Future-Leaders program sponsored by The Pew Charitable Trusts as well as the The Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute sponsored by the Nelson Foundation. Her understanding of the culture and traditions of SquashSmarts -- and the challenges and opportunities presented by our neighborhoods and partner schools -- in addition to her focus on data, outcomes and staff development server her well as she leads the program staff and builds intentional, high-quality, year-round mentoring programs for our students.
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Olivia joined our team in April 2024 after an unparalleled 15-year career on the Professional Squash Association World Tour. Born in New York City to a pair of squash fanatics, Olivia achieved a career high ranking of World #11, captured 4 U.S. National Junior Championships, 2 U.S. National Women's Championships (2017, 2019) and amassed a total of nine Pan-American Games medals (4 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze!). As the most 'capped' U.S. Women’s Player, she represented the U.S. National Team for over sixteen years and captained the USA to their historic 2nd place finish at the 2022 Women's World Team Championships. Having discovered yoga at her local gym at the age of 14, Olivia has been an avid pursuer of holistic wellness, receiving her certification in Integrative Nutrition in 2023. Olivia is excited to bring her talents, knowledge, experience and pursuit of excellence to the students of SquashSmarts in hopes of helping each one find their best selves both on and off the court.
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Alix joined our team in July 2016 after serving as lead instructor for Tech Impact, a nonprofit empowering communities and nonprofits to use technology to better serve the world. She also founded a consulting and volunteerism service that helped families in Greater Philadelphia navigate the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process and implement appropriate Learning Disability (LD) services for students in area public schools. Her straight-forward, organized approach to addressing the group and individual needs of our graduates engages, excites and supports them. Alix coordinate SquashSmarts college and career guidance as well as our community outreach to parents and families. From research to tours, interviews to applications, essays to financial aid, corporate internships and parent councils, Alix tailors her support of each student and graduate to their specific needs.
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Kris Smith joined our team in August 2024 after serving as College Placement Manager for KIPP NJ for seven years helping Camden City students transition into college and career. Originally from New York, moving to Camden to attend Rutgers University and now working in Philadelphia, Kris has always strived to make a difference in the lives of inner-city students and help them find meaningful educational opportunities. As Associate Director for College & Career Support, Kris is dedicated to finding these same opportunities for our students, helping 11th and 12th graders navigate their post-secondary pathway options from exploration to matriculation. His decade-long experience in college and career access -- and knowledge of the nuances in this complex process -- is a valuable asset to our growing network of high school students, graduates and families.
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Debby joined our team in September 2017 as the Director of Academics for our North Philadelphia Middle School programs before transitioning to become the Director of Development in October 2019. Debby brings her youth education experience in to her fund raising role to inspire people across all sectors -- individuals, foundations, corporations and public officials -- to engage with our students, see our program and sustain our work. Prior to SquashSmarts, Debby worked for the Boston's Tenacity youth program. She holds a Bachelor's in Sociology & Spanish from Wellesley College and Master's in Education from Temple University. A West Philadelphia native and K-12 graduate of Philly public schools, Debby is well-versed in the strengths and challenges of our local school system. Notably, Debby spent time as a Spanish teacher with the School District and as a scholarship and teacher development researcher with the Philadelphia Education Fund. Debby is excited to combine her experience as an educator and non-profit advocate to advance SquashSmarts’ mission through strong partnerships.
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Dennis Garcia
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Dennis joined our team in October 2023. Originally from New Jersey, Dennis lived in Puebla, Mexico for five years before returning to the U.S. to earn his degree in Law & Justice from Rowan University. His studies, coupled with his experience in business management, initially lead him to a career in consulting, real estate, financial services, insurance, and retirement planning, but when the laws and policies around affirmative action changed, he was inspired to pursue his passion for education and youth. As High School Academic Director, his daily focus is on the development of our young people’s educational skills while building healthy social emotional habits and solid foundations in business and personal finance.
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Stephen Gregg
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Steve joined our team in May 2004 after four years with the United States Squash Racquets Association as its first Director of National Junior Development. Prior to the USSRA, Steve gained valuable coaching, administrative and leadership experience as a teaching professional and NCCA Division I college athlete at Trinity College in Hartford, CT. “I consider myself fortunate to lead a program whose mission provides opportunities for children to become passionate about sports and education.” A graduate and four-year varsity squash player at both Trinity and The Taft School in Connecticut, Steve's civic engagement and leadership include: co-founder of The Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative; co-founder of The National Urban Squash & Education Association; member of the Board of Governors & Squash Chair of The Philadelphia Cricket Club; speaker and host delegate for the Beyond Sports Summit & Awards; former co-President of The Trinity College Alumni Club of Philadelphia. Steve is an active singles and doubles squash player and a member of the US Squash and the Philadelphia Squash Association.
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Becky joined our team in December 2022 as Associate Director of Development. Becky's 30-year career as a teacher at Trinity-Pawling School, Friends' Central, and Baldwin Schools prepared her well for understanding the needs of our students. She earned a BA from St. Lawrence University and attended Dartmouth College for her MLAS prior to returning to her hometown of Philadelphia. Dedicated to education and opportunities for all, she is well-versed in what students need for success in and out of the classroom. She is excited to create partnerships with foundations and individuals in order to forward SquashSmarts mission for our students, families, and alumni.
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Sierra joined our team in April 2023. A seven-year graduate of SquashSmarts Middle and High School Program, she is an alumna of George Washington Carver High School of Engineering & Science. As our Community Program Director she will continue to engage SquashSmarts school and community partners with her optimistic outlook and energy. Her personal passion for improving mental and physical well-being will not only teach kids how to become more self aware, it will show them it’s okay to embrace the uncomfortable, which leaves room for growth. Sierra recently finished a professional internship with USLI and owns a clothing line called Cee Everything Clearly & Euphorically which she uses to promote clear and positive thinking.
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Maria joined our team in August 2022 as Director of Middle School Academics in North Philadelphia. Maria graduated from Temple University in 2018 with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Health. She has worked in non-profits across Philadelphia since graduating and has a wealth of experience working in youth programs. Maria has a passion for helping kids succeed in and out of school. As the North Philadelphia Middle School Academic Director, Maria brings her experiences in public health and education to create impactful academic programs for students.
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Dominique joined our team in August 2022. A North Philadelphia native with a passion to become a change agent in the education field, eradicate educational inequities, and reduce the number of African American students who are affected by the school to prison pipeline. She is a Temple Alumna receiving her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Community Engagement in 2018 and Master of Urban Education in 2021 with a concentration in education policy . Throughout her 8 years working in the Philadelphia education system, she has led after school programs with GEAR UP, served as a Behavioral Specialist, and Social Emotional Learning teacher. She joined SquashSmarts as the Middle School Academic Director because she wanted to "work with like minded individuals to create an effective and positive after school program for Philadelphia youth that promotes academics and life skills." She hopes her work will have a lifelong impact on students served at SquashSmarts.
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Raphael joined our team in August 2018. A seven-year graduate of SquashSmarts Middle and High School Program, he first served as a coach-mentor through Up2Us, transitioned in to working as the Assistant Transportation Director before assuming his current role role of Squash & Fitness Director for our West Philadelphia Middle School program. A graduate of Northeast High School, Raphie brings a positive energy that is infectious and influences both our staff and students whether supporting them on the court, during daily practices, in the vans, or in our matches and tournaments.
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Claribel Adrian Olivo P'24, P'27
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Claribel joined our team in September 2024 but first conneted five years prior when her daughters Lia ‘24 and Layla ’27 joined the middle school program in 2019. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Claribel graduated from the University Autonoma de Santo Domingo with a Bachelor's Degree in Publishing with a focus on Management & Creativity. She spent the next 15 years with Inmobiliaria Montero & Associates managing the rental department for a family real estate business. Upon arriving in the U.S., Claribel began volunteering with Family Partners of Hudson County in Jersey City. A role model who exudes energy and positivity in every task, Claribel motivates and inspires others through her teamwork and leadership. Claribel is committed to providing effective, personalized support to each of our parents in order to strengthen the families in our community.
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Javier Perez '21
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Javier joined our team in February 2023. A seven-year graduate of SquashSmarts Middle and High School Program, he serves as a squash coach-mentor through the Up2Us program. focusing on students in the West Philadelphia Middle School Program. A gradate of Olney Charter High School, Javier is excited to be supporting the staff and students both on the court or off the court. His personal passion for fitness and training is helping our students build a strong foundation in movement from the very start of their SquashSmarts journey.
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Abby joined our team in spring of 2017 as part of a six-month Co-Op internship through the Drexel University. A few months later, she joined the staff to assist our development and donor relations efforts. Abby is currently completing her studies as a senior at Drexel working towards her Bachelors in Psychology. A three-year member of Drexel's Women's Crew team she has a passion for children, athletics, academics and data-management.
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Kareem Price '09
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Kareem joined our team in September 2017. A seven-year graduate of SquashSmarts Middle and High School Program, he is an alumnus of the Community College of Philadelphia where he earned his Associate Degree in Business. Kareem returned to SquashSmarts first as a coach mentor through Up2Us where he mentored students from both the North and West Philadelphia middle and high school programs. He returned to SquashSmarts shortly after to manage and coordinate our student transportation program that ensures every student has safe passage to-and-from our facilities, programs, camps and summer activities.
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Jose Rubert-Zayas '17
Squash & Fitness Director & Program Site Director North Philadelphia Middle School |
Jose joined our team in July 2019. A seven-year graduate of SquashSmarts Middle and High School Program, he first joined the team as coach mentor through the Up2Us training program. He believes in "owning your impact" and uses his own personal positive youth sports experience to guide and instruct our North Philadelphia Middle School squash program. Jose's passion and talents helped earn him national attention by the Aspen Institute which named his engagement activities as 1 of 20 national-recognized "Project Play Champions"
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Jeanie joined our team in 2007 after working with the United States Squash Racquets Association for six years as its Office Assistant and Office Manager. The USSRA introduced her to the game of squash. “I am honored to work with the students of SquashSmarts and interact and help with the growth of the SquashSmarts community.” When only 2 of 3 students graduate on time in Philadelphia, Jeanie feels strongly that “SquashSmarts will enhance the high school and college student graduation rates and help the students develop into solid citizens and community leaders in Philadelphia.” Jeanie resides in Newtown Square, PA, is a mother of five children and has ten grandchildren. In every way, Jeanie is the heart-and-soul of SquashSmarts. She embodies the core values of honesty, compassion, integrity and hard work. She builds personal, meaningful relationships with every member of the program, taking time to greet every child who enters SquashSmarts with a smile and a hug.
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Josh joined our team in October 2021. A seven-year graduate of SquashSmarts Middle and High School Program and Bodine High School in 2018, Josh completed the two-year Up2Us Coach Training program supporting our North Philadelphia middle school team. In 2024, Josh transitioned to Alumni Outreach Coordinator focused on supporting and organizing engaging activities for our graduates. Josh is excited to remain an integral member of the program that’s helped him achieve so many of his goals while drawing upon his own experiences as a former team member.
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Cris joined our team in July 2022. A seven-year graduate of SquashSmarts Middle and High School Program, he is an alumnus of George Washington Carver High School of Engineering & Science and currently attends Temple University, majoring in Communications. Cris joined the team at SquashSmarts to give back to a program that has given so much to him and his community. As Director of Squash and Fitness for North Philly High School, with his college squash experience as well as his previous experiences as a student of the program, Cris will help students excel on the squash court and guide them towards applying those skills to daily life.
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Ashley Trawick
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Ashley joined our team in 2018 after receiving her Masters in Educational Leadership and Management from Temple University. Prior to, Ashley graduated from Gettysburg College in 2016 where she self-designed her major, “Social Development of At-Risk Youth”. Throughout high school and college, Ashley was fortunate enough to have been a member and intern of the nonprofit organization, Philadelphia Futures, whose mission is to help bridge the gap between students who attend schools within the School District of Philadelphia to provide them with access and success to and throughout college. As an alumna of a program that helps inner-city children succeed, Ashley is very passionate in mentoring and supporting at-risk youth to provide them with resources needed to succeed. As the Director of High School Academics, Ashley’s focused creative skills and energy as well as her experience and knowledge in education and Philadelphia will help SquashSmarts' mission to improve the lives of under served youth.
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