Yash Bhargava
High School Squash Director West Philadelphia Learn More...
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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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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Ranson joined our team in April 2025, bringing with him a commitment to youth development and a personal connection to SquashSmarts. A proud alumnus of the program, Ranson graduated in 2021 and now serves as a Coach Mentor, primarily working with our West Philadelphia middle school team. With a strong technical foundation in squash and an infectious passion for the game, Ranson leads by example—often adding a well-timed pop culture reference to keep practices fun and relatable. He spent two years at Saint Joseph’s University before dedicating three years to working at an afterschool program at Patterson Elementary School, where he supported Philadelphia youth. Now, Ranson is thrilled to give back to the program that helped shape his journey, guiding the next generation with heart, humor, and determination. |
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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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Megan joined our team in June 2026, bringing a diverse background in education, counseling, nonprofit operations, and youth development. A proud Philadelphia native and graduate of Philadelphia public schools, Megan is deeply connected to the city and passionate about creating opportunities for young people to thrive. As someone who believes in the power of sports to build confidence, discipline, and community, Megan is excited to support an organization that combines athletics and academics to change lives. A lifelong Philadelphia sports fan, she is honored to contribute to the work of helping students stay in school, stay active, and stay on track for graduation. Megan looks forward to supporting the staff, students, families, and broader SquashSmarts community as the organization continues to grow and impact the next generation of Philadelphia leaders. |
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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. Maria is a certified Wilson Reading Specialists having completed the 120-hour "Reading Allowed" training program. |
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Jazmin joined our team in March 2025. A Philadelphia native, Jazmin has a wealth of experience in both academic support and mental health services. She previously worked as a Financial Aid Specialist at Peirce College guiding students through the complexities of financial planning. She earned a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage & Family Counseling from Holy Family University, deepening her commitment to supporting student success. With several years dedicated to mental health counseling, Jazmin has worked extensively with individuals and families, providing compassionate support and effective strategies to navigate life’s challenges. This experience has honed her ability to connect with students and understand the diverse factors that influence their educational journeys. In her role at SquashSmarts, Jazmin is excited to integrate her background in counseling and academic support to empower students both on and off the court, and is committed to fostering an environment where students thrive academically, emotionally, and personally. |
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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. Maria is a certified Wilson Reading Specialists having completed the 120-hour "Reading Allowed" training program. |
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Nia joined our team in September 2025 after serving as a nonprofit program manager for a maternal and child health organization. She is a graduate of West Chester University of Pennsylvania where she obtained a Masters in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health. Nia is very passionate about uplifting and empowering her community through wellness and education. After working in the nonprofit space for several years, Nia returned to school to receive a Masters in Health Sciences; during that time she was trained as a behavioral health coach. As the Director of Integrated Health Services, Nia looks forward to applying her skills and experiences to help support the students, families, and expanded communities of SquashSmarts. |
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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 graduate 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 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. Shortly after he returned to SquashSmarts 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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Jaydin joined the team in October 2024, bringing with him a deep connection to SquashSmarts as a proud seven-year graduate of the program and alumnus of The Philadelphia Military Academy. After spending time at Rosemont College and gaining experience as a restaurant server and home health aide, Jaydin continued to volunteer weekly at SquashSmarts. When a staff position opened, he was a natural fit. Now serving through the Up2Us coaching program, he brings passion, leadership, and a commitment to creating the same supportive, family-like environment that shaped his own journey. |
Jose Rubert-Zayas '17
Squash & Fitness Director & Program Site Director North Philadelphia Middle School Email Learn More...
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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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 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. |