Leadership Team
With their diverse expertise and shared commitment to excellence, our leadership team drives our organization's vision and mission while fostering joy and success.
Director of After-School
Brittany Mejia
Director of Middle School After-School Programs
Brittany has been involved in youth development in the Downtown Manhattan community in many different capacities since she was fifteen years old. She grew up in Brooklyn and moved to Battery Park City during middle school. She obtained her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Biomedical Engineering. Upon graduating, she began working at Manhattan Youth as a teaching assistant in 2015. Brittany has also been Assistant Director and Program Director before becoming an Education Director. As the Program Director for City Knoll Middle School, her proudest accomplishment was taking her Lego Robotics team to compete at the University of Arkansas against 72 other teams, nine of which were from different countries. Brittany loves to learn new things and would be a full-time student if she could. She recently got married and enjoys traveling, cooking and dancing in her spare time.
× Multi-Site Supervisors
Adam Shea
Multi-Site Supervisor
Adam grew up in Connecticut and spent his teenage and early adult years working as a counselor at an overnight summer camp, where he eventually became camp director. He later moved to New York City to pursue a Masters in Social Work from Columbia University. Adam has worked as a Middle School After-School Director in New York City for over four years. At Salk, Adam strives to provide a well-balanced program that provides students opportunities to explore artistic and creative experiences. Adam also loves to volunteer, watch films, and experience nature on one of the many hiking trails outside of the city.
×Moyo Afolabi
Multi-Site Supervisor
Moyo's passion for youth development began in his early teenage years when he worked as a camp counselor and youth sports coach. He further nurtured this interest while studying at Wheaton College (MA), where he took several child development courses alongside his economics major. This experience helped him realize that youth development was the most impactful way to give back to his community.
After completing his undergraduate degree, Moyo returned to New York and continued to pursue his passion at Manhattan Youth, working as a Teaching Assistant and Activity Specialist for City Knoll Middle School for two years. In his third year, he was promoted to Program Director, a position he held for four years. Moyo now serves as a Multi-Site Supervisor, where he oversees and supports all aspects of programming in hopes of reaching and supporting more youth throughout the city.
Donnie Martino
Multi-Site Supervisor
Donnie Martino has been in youth development as long as they've been working, with experience ranging from working at summer camps, tutoring at libraries, and teaching middle school social studies. They discovered the exciting world of after school through Manhattan Youth, starting as an assistant director at MS 104, moving onto being the program director at School of the Future for four years before becoming a multi-site supervisor. They love using all these experiences to support their cohort of after school sites in providing safe, enjoyable programming for middle school participants.
Outside of work, they are likely up to things that they love to connect with students over, such as creative writing, wrangling their three cats, or trying to get through their backlog of movies that seems to keep growing every day.
Middle School Program Directors
Adler Bruno
Program Director
The Center School
Adler was inspired to work in youth development because he wanted to make a positive impact on kids’ lives, helping them grow through sports and education. His journey started with coaching basketball, which led him to pursue roles in program management. As the Program Director, Adler oversees afterschool programming, manages staff, and plans activities including but not limited to sports, cooking, robotics, and more. He ensures programs run smoothly and offers enriching experiences for students. Adler enjoys seeing kids develop new skills and gain confidence. He hopes they leave with a sense of teamwork, creativity, and personal growth. Adler's background as an Athletic Director and coach, along with skills in program development and management has prepared him to lead youth programs effectively. Outside of work, Adler enjoy sports and fitness, which helps him connect with kids, especially in our athletic and recreation programs. He also has a passion for project management, which keeps our activities organized and fun.
×Elizabeth Carhuamaca
Program Director
West End Secondary School
Elizabeth's journey into youth development began in high school as a teaching assistant, where she taught about Catholicism to third and fourth graders at a nearby church. After two or three years in that role, a close friend connected me with Manhattan Youth. I spent three to four years as a teaching assistant, then briefly transitioned to assistant director. She contributes to after-school programming by developing engaging activities that promote learning and personal growth. She focuses on creating a supportive environment where young people feel safe to explore their interests. What Elizabeth best enjoys most about working with young people is their energy and curiosity. She loves seeing their growth and resilience as they navigate challenges. Being a part of their journey and helping them discover their potential is incredibly rewarding. Her experience as a teaching assistant and assistant director has equipped me with strong leadership and organizational skills essential for the program director role. Working directly with youth has enhanced her ability to create engaging programs that cater to diverse interests. Additionally, her background in collaboration with staff and families has strengthened her communication and problem-solving skills, allowing her to foster a supportive and effective learning environment. Outside of work, Elizabeth has a passion for dancing, music, and art, all of which help me connect with the youth she serves. Whether it’s sharing favorite songs or engaging in creative art projects, these interests create a fun and expressive environment.
×Cynthia De Leon
Program Director
75 Morton
Cynthia has been with Manhattan Youth since 2012. She started working with kids when she was 14 years old as a Counselor In Training at a Summer Day Camp in Coney Island! She has always enjoyed working with kids, and as she got older she really found her niche working with middle schoolers. Her favorite part about working with kids is watching them do something that they enjoy, whether it's something they've done before or it's brand new to them. "That spark makes it all worth it!".
Outside of work Cynthia enjoys reading, cooking & baking, and lounging around with her 3 dogs (chihuahua, shih tzu, and rottweiler).
Will Garre
Program Director
American Sign Language and English Lower School
Will was inspired to pursue a career in youth development because he wanted a meaningful profession that involved face-to-face social interaction, mentorship, and education. His journey in the field began in 2005 in Boston, MA, when he volunteered with the youth Earn-a-Bike program at Bikes Not Bombs.
As the After-school Program Director at The American Sign Language and English Lower School, Will plans and implements after-school classes and clubs, maintains strong relationships with families, and engages daily with his students. He even finds time to join in games and sports with them, adding fun and connection to their routine.
Will finds great joy in mentoring young people and providing them with opportunities to learn and grow. His hope is that students in his after-school program not only develop valuable skills and wisdom but also have fun along the way.
Prior to his current role, Will was a middle school teacher for six years—three years in Boston and three years in New York. His teaching experience has been invaluable in his work, especially in helping him appreciate the unique qualities of middle school children.
Outside of his professional life, Will enjoys filling his time with various hobbies, which adds excitement to planning new activities for the students. As a lover of racquet sports, he is always up for a game of table tennis, badminton, or pickleball with the after-schoolers.
×Joseph Horowitz
Program Director
School of the Future
Joseph started his career in youth development and education in a large part because of Manhattan Youth! While in college he got a part time job leading clubs at School of the Future, and a teacher at the school encouraged him to pursue a degree in education. That was in 2018 and he hasn't looked back since! He is proud to say that he and his staff get to provide no cost high quality afterschool everyday to the community that helped shape who he is an educator and launched his career in youth development.
×Wesley Goodrich
Program Director
Judith S Kaye
Wesley's parents are public school teachers which always led to him being interested in youth development. He saw how they were able to affect the lives of their students and were inspired. When Wesley got the opportunity to work at Judith S Kaye High School as a program director he was excited, especially because of how JSK focuses on both trades and education. Allowing the high school students a chance to learn varying skills that may not be available to them at a regular high school. What Wesley loves most is working with the kids and finding out what they're passionate about, and his experience as a camp counselor has helped him with communicating with his students. When Wesley is not at JSK he's a filmmaker.
×Mike Jones
Program Director
Simon Baruch
Mike has worked in youth developmet for over fifteen years. He was at Good Shepherd Servcies and The Fresh Air Fund before coming to Manhattan Youth in 2015. MIke helped start the Manhattan Youth after-school program at Simon Baruch, where he served as Assistant Director for two years before becoming program director in 2017. As program director, Mike is passionate about building an environment where all students are able to create meaningful experiences and relationships with other students and teachers they might not know.
×Tiffany Keitt
Program Director
Quest To Learn
Tiffany has been working in youth development through afterschool programming since
fifteen years old as a Counselor in Training. She later climbed through programming, experiencing program infrastructure at each level through her current position. She has been a dedicated leader for almost six years with Manhattan Youth Recreation as a Program Director. Before, she was also a Program Director at The YWCA, a site based in Coney Island, and The New York Mission Society, a site based in Harlem. These community-based organizations operate Out-of-School programming throughout New York City through DYCD government funding.
Tiffany takes pride in spending her day focusing on the social-emotional development of her students and innovatively bridging the gaps in their thoughts into positive verbal expressions. Having participated in a CBO through her developmental years, she developed her passion for representing leaders who looked like her in spaces they lacked. She loves providing youth with resources and opportunities they may need more of within their three to four-block radius. As that love and joy continued to develop, it remained her driving force to excel within her career path of change and equity in overlooked and underserved neighborhoods.
She obtained her Bachelor of Arts from Lehman College and later her Master's in PublicAdministration from the Colin Powell School at City College. She was born and raised in Chelsea and currently lives in the heart of Manhattan. The greatest lesson she learned while traveling this road of many ups and downs is that two things can be true simultaneously. You canfeel lost and discouraged by the slowness of reality's time and your timeline. However, you canalso celebrate and be proud of your accomplishments. How you live in the moment develops the “you” in your ordered life steps.
Natalie Lebron
Program Director
Hudson River Middle School IS289
Natalie started in youth development after 2020, working with a younger age group, and loved being able to work with her students to provide a fun space for them after living through the difficult time that was 2020. She started off as a TA at 289 and after about 8 months she became the assistant director. She loved being able to bring her ideas to program while connecting some of her personal hobbies, such as creative writing, into after school. Now that she is a program director, she feels great knowing her students see her as someone they can come too and that they look forward to coming to after school every day. She takes pride in knowing that her program along with the hard work of her staff, leaves a lasting impression on their students even after they graduate.
×Clay Miller
Program Director
The Anderson School
Clay has been a part of the youth development field since he was born. His parents both worked in youth development in the arts and sports. He adored the work they did and followed in their footsteps. As a program director, he enjoyed getting to know all the young people that attend his afterschool program. He's given the opportunity to converse with them about their passions and dreams and that inspires his own passions. He started his education journey as a music and theatre teacher and has now taken on a bigger role in these students' lives as a director and finds it extremely fulfilling to help design a program where they get to explore their interests. Clay has also worked as a professional actor and has enjoyed creating more arts programming for his students this year.
×Keith Morris
Program Director
I.S. 397 - Spruce Street School
Keith has been working with Manhattan Youth since February 2022. He first started working with students in 2013, when he was in high school, as a counselor for summer camps and after-school clubs. When Keith realized the joy of teaching, he took every chance he got to work with students of all ages, eventually pursuing a Bachelor's in Educational Theatre at NYU, which he completed in 2021. As an artist and an educator, Keith cherishs the opportunity to connect with students through creative processes and collective discoveries. When he is not working at Spruce Street, he writes, directs, produces, and manages theatre and film productions. He especially loves being a role model, offering his students a glimpse into all the possibilities of the working world (in the arts and beyond) to help them aspire towards potential careers.
×Marylyne Myrthil
Program Director
Wagner Middle School
Marylyne's passion for youth development was sparked by a desire to create meaningful opportunities for young people to thrive outside of school hours. In her role at the Manhattan Youth, she collaborates with principals and educators to design engaging afterschool activities, oversee staff training, and ensure that her programs meet the diverse needs of students while fostering their academic, social, and emotional growth. Marylyne loves that young people come with an open-minded approach to life. They don't have the ego or the biases of adults and find that to be refreshing. Marylyne's background in educational program development, combined with hands-on experience in mentoring, program coordination, and youth advocacy, has equipped her with the skills to design impactful afterschool programs and foster positive youth development.
×Rhode Prophete
Program Director
Yorkville East
Hi, my name is Rhode Prophete, and I’m the dedicated Middle School Site Director for Manhattan Youth’s Afterschool Program at Yorkville East. With over a decade of experience working in youth development, I’m now in my second year at Yorkville East, where I’m passionate about creating a positive and inclusive environment that helps students thrive outside the classroom. I love designing engaging and enriching activities that support both academic growth and personal development. My background in event planning allows me to bring strong organizational and creative skills to the table, helping me manage complex schedules and deliver top-quality programming. Outside of Manhattan Youth, I also run my own wedding and event planning business, which keeps me connected to my creative passions and inspires me daily.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about athletics and technology, both of which help me connect with the youth I serve. As an athlete, I engage in various sports, which not only keeps me active but also allows me to relate to young people through shared experiences in teamwork, competition, and perseverance. Additionally, my interest in technology enables me to bridge generational gaps, as I can discuss the latest trends and tools that resonate with them. Whether it’s playing sports together or exploring new tech, these hobbies create opportunities for meaningful interactions, fostering trust and understanding in our relationships.
×Rodney Sanders
Program Director
Lower Manhattan Community Middle School
My journey in youth development began with my work in college athletics. Returning to NY, I worked for Kaplan and No Child Left Behind. Eventually, I started to work with CBOs partnering with DYCD. Every day is a new experience. Working in an afterschool program with middle schoolers can be incredibly rewarding for several reasons:
- I can make a difference in their lives by providing support, guidance, and mentorship during a crucial developmental stage.
- Building relationships with students can be fulfilling as you help them navigate challenges and celebrate their successes.
- At the beginning of the school year, I see personal growth and relationships develop and mature over a three-year period.
The reward is having students visit program and tell their stories of time spent in afterschool.
×Joshua Reyes
Program Director
Facing History
Joshua's journey began as a teacher's assistant in a graffiti art class, where his passion for art and music flourished. He quickly became an art specialist, dedicating myself to fostering creativity and connection among my students. As he built strong relationships within the community, he embraced the opportunity to become the Program Director of Facing History School. Joshua finds immense joy in witnessing his students grow and thrive and is proud to support their development alongside their dedicated parents. The Program Director role allows him to make a meaningful impact, a feeling he feels is truly unmatched.
×Kara Spencer
Program Director
I.S.289 - Hudson River Middle School
Kara started working in youth development at the age of 16 in after school programs and summer camps. She has been with Manhattan Youth since 2016, and each year continues to grow her programs and relationships with the community. She loves to share her passions in her after school schedule/curriculum, and has always welcomed new ideas for classes in arts, STEM, sports, and more! Kara enjoys the energy and creativity of working with students, and hopes they take their leadership and teamwork skills with them as they progress through their education.
×Mona Williams-Miller
Program Director
Computer School
I enjoy working with youth and helping them see their full potential. I am the program director at The Computer School after school program I provide a fun and safe environment for the children that attend the program. What I enjoy the most about working with young people is that they teach me something new every day so as much as they are learning from me, I am learning from them as well. I have worked with youth since high school I have always enjoyed it, so this career path has always been my passion. Outside of work I enjoy cooking, watching TV, and spending time with family and friends!
×Andrea Scott
Program Director
Professional Performing Arts School
Andrea's journey into youth development began while working as a healthcare professional with children with special needs. It was during this time that she recognized the critical importance of supporting and nurturing young people for their personal and academic growth. Her mission is to create environments where youth can thrive and excel in a safe and nurturing space.
As Program Director, Andrea manages and supervises a comprehensive after-school program, oversees staff, communicates regularly with the school community, and assists in the development of after-school curricula and schedules. She finds the greatest reward in seeing young people engage in meaningful activities, develop self-esteem, and succeed in life through programs designed to teach important life skills.
With over 20 years of experience in youth development, Andrea has built a strong foundation for creating environments that foster family involvement in the growth of youth and teens. Her extensive training in areas such as behavior management, child supervision, and effective communication has equipped her for success in her current role as Director.
Andrea's personal passions include the arts, music, dance, and cooking—interests that help her connect deeply with the students she serves, enriching the programs she leads.
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Assistant Program Directors
Ashaby Tejada
Assistant Director
Simon Baruch Middle School
Ashaby has spent six rewarding years with Manhattan Youth, where she worked as a Teaching Assistant for four years, and as an Assistant Director for two years. As a first-generation college graduate, Ashaby is deeply passionate about education and empowering others. Music is another important part of her life; She is a professional singer and has had the incredible opportunity to perform at venues like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Her favorite color is blue, which reflects her calm and creative nature. She loves combining her experiences in both education and the arts to inspire those around her.
×Brianna Roman
Assistant Director
Simon Baruch MS104
Brianna, born and raised in NYC, spent her childhood playing baseball and basketball throughout the boroughs, which sparked her passion for youth development. She went on to earn a BA in Sports Management from NYU, where she was also a member of the Softball team. After years spent coaching and managing the operations of youth teams, Brianna is dedicated to fostering student connections beyond the classroom. Now at Simon Baruch, she is excited to serve as the Assistant Program Director and Athletics Director. In this role, she aims to build a supportive environment where students and student-athletes can thrive. Brianna is committed to helping students engage in a fun, team-centered space, where they bond with teammates and coaches while gaining important life lessons and skills.
×Curriculum Development
Matt Grant
Curriculum Coordinator
Matt has served in the youth development field for over two decades. Since starting at Manhattan Youth in 2009, he's worked in nearly every department, from aquatics to Downtown Day Camp to after-school. From 2014 - 2022, he was a Program and Education Director for some of the largest schools in our middle school department.
Matt currently serves as Curriculum Coordinator for middle school, supporting activity and Education specialists in their work providing the high quality lessons to all after-school participants.
In his free time, Matt loves spending time with his wife and son, writing, reading, and watching films. He's currently writing a middle grade science fiction novel.
Media & Media Programs
Middle School Athletic League
