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, 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.
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Donnie Martino
Multi-Site Supervisor
Donnie Martino’s youth development experience ranges from working at summer camps to 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 in 2018, before moving on to directing the program at School of the Future for four years.
Now 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.
×Middle School Program Directors
Adler Bruno
Program Director
The Center School
Adler was inspired to work in youth development to make a positive impact in young people’s lives by helping them grow through sports and education. He started by coaching youth basketball, which led to pursuing roles in program management.
At Center, Adler loves seeing students develop new skills and gain confidence through many of the activities after-school offers like sports, cooking, robotics, and more. He enjoys seeing students leave program with a sense of teamwork, creativity, and personal growth.
Outside of work, Adler enjoys sports and fitness himself, which helps him connect with his students. He also shares a passion for project management, which keeps his after-school activities organized and fu
×Elizabeth Carhuamaca
Program Director
West End Secondary School
Elizabeth’s career in youth development began in high school, when she taught Catholic classes for a neighborhood church. After a friend connected her to Manhattan youth, she spent 3-4 years as a teaching assistant before becoming an assistant director, and later, program director.
At West End, she enjoys seeing young people’s energy, curiosity, growth, and resilience as they navigate challenges. She finds being a part of their journey and helping them discover their potential incredibly rewarding.
Outside of work, Elizabeth has a passion for dancing, music, and art, all of which help her connect with the youth she serves. Whether it’s sharing favorite songs or engaging in creative art projects, these interests help her create a fun and expressive environment in after-school
×Cynthia De Leon
Program Director
75 Morton
Cynthia began working with kids when she was 14 – as a counselor in training at Coney Island’s Summer Day Camp. Although working with kids has always been her passion, as she’s gotten older, she’s found her niche working with middle schoolers in particular.
Her favorite part about being in program is watching the young people do something they enjoy, whether it’s something they’ve done before or brand new to them.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cooking, baking, and lounging around with her three dogs.
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Will Garre
Program Director
American Sign Language and English Lower School
Will started his journey in the youth development field in 2005, volunteering at a youth Earn-a-Bike program in Boston, MA. He later taught middle school for six years in both Boston and NYC.
As Program Director at The American Sign Language and English Lower School, Will enjoys mentoring young people and providing opportunities for them to learn and grow. He hopes that his after-school students gain skills and wisdom at program, in addition to having fun.
Will fills his free time with various hobbies, which always gives him ideas for new activities for his students. He loves playing racquet sports like table tennis, badminton, and pickleball
×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. He started leading after-school classes at School of the Future during college. One of the teachers there encouraged him to pursue a degree in education.
Joseph is proud that he and his staff get to provide no-cost, high-quality after-school programs every day to the same community that shaped who he is as an educator.
×Wesley Goodrich
Program Director
Judith S Kaye
As the son of two public school teachers, Wesley has always been interested in youth development. He was inspired seeing how his parents were able to positively influence the lives of their students.
Wesley first came to Judith S. Kaye High School as the theater teacher. He appreciated how the school focused on both trades and education, allowing the students a chance to learn skills that may not be available to them in a regular high school environment. After two years as a film teacher and assistant director at Judith S. Kaye, he was promoted to program director.
When he's not at work, Wesley spends his time making films.
×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 after-school programming since she was a fifteen-year-old Counselor-in-Training. She later went on to obtain her Bachelor of Arts from Lehman College and later her Masters in Public Administration from the Colin Powell School at City College. Before coming to Manhattan Youth in 2018, she served as a Program Director at The YWCA in Coney Island and The New York Mission Society in Harlem.
At Quest to Learn, Tiffany takes pride in spending her day focusing on the social-emotional development of her students. Having participated in a CBO through her developmental years, she developed her passion for representing leaders who looked like her in spaces they didn’t frequent. She loves providing youth with resources and opportunities they may need more of within their three to four-block radius.
Outside of program, Tiffany enjoys reading and cooking.
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Natalie Lebron
Program Director
Hudson River Middle School IS289
Natalie’s career in youth development started during the pandemic. She began as a Teaching Assistant at 289 in 2020. She loved working with her students to provide a fun space for them during those difficult times. Eight months later, she was promoted to assistant director.
At program, Natalie brought her ideas and personal hobbies, such as creative writing, to the classes she taught. In 2024, Natalie was promoted to program director. She takes great pride in knowing that her program and the hard work of her staff leaves a lasting impression on the students even after they graduate.
×Clay Miller
Program Director
The Anderson School
Clay has been in the youth development field since he was born, as both his parents worked in youth arts and sports. Adoring the work they did, he followed in their footsteps. He started his career in education as a music and theater teacher before taking on a bigger role as program director.
At program, Clay enjoys conversing with the young people, about their passions and dreams, which in turn inspires his own. He finds it extremely fulfilling to help design a program where they can explore their interests. Clay is also a professional actor and has enjoyed creating more arts programming for the students of Anderson.
×Keith Morris
Program Director
I.S. 397 - Spruce Street School
Keith has been working with students since 2013, starting as a counselor for summer camp and after-school clubs. Once he realized the joy of teaching, he took every chance he could to work with students of all ages. He went on to pursue his Bachelors in Educational Theater at NYU.
As an artist and educator, Keith cherishes the opportunity to connect with students through creative processes and creative discoveries. He especially loves being a role model by offering his students a glimpse into the possibilities of the professional world.
When he’s not at Spruce , Keith writes, directs, produces, and manages film and theater productions.
×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. She started at Manhattan Youth in 2016 as a teaching assistant before becoming an assistant director and later, director.
As program director for Wagner, Marylyne enjoys ensuring that the program meets the diverse needs of the students while fostering their academic, social, and emotional growth. She loves that the young people come with an open-minded approach to life.
Outside of work, Marylyne enjoys reading and writing.
×Rhode Prophete
Program Director
Yorkville East
With a background in event planning and over a decade of experience in youth development, Rhode has been the program director at Yorkville since April 203. She first came to Manhattan Youth in 2019 as the assistant director at Wagner. Rhode is passionate about creating a positive and inclusive environment that helps students thrive outside the classroom. She loves designing engaging and enriching activities that support both academic growth and personal development.
Outside of Manhattan Youth, Rhode owns a wedding and event planning business, which keeps her connected to her creative passions and inspires her daily
×Rodney Sanders
Program Director
Lower Manhattan Community Middle School
Rodney’s journey in youth development began with his work in college athletics at Ohio University where he obtained his master’s degree in sports management. When he returned to NY, he worked for Kaplan and No Child Left Behind before transitioning to community-based organizations who partnered with the Department of Youth and Community Development.
Through the program at LMC, Rodney likes to make a difference in students’ lives by providing support, guidance, and mentorship during a crucial development stage. He finds fulfillment in building relationships with students as he helps them navigate challenges and celebrate successes.
When he’s not at work, Rodney loves watching sports.
×Joshua Reyes
Program Director
Facing History
Joshua started as a Manhattan Youth teaching assistant in a graffiti art class, allowing his passion for art and music to flourish. He soon became an activity specialist, dedicated to fostering creativity and connection among his students. After building strong relationships within the community, he eventually embraced the opportunity to become Program Director at Facing History. Joshua finds immense joy witnessing the students grow and thrive, and he’s proud to support their development alongside their dedicated parents.
×Kara Spencer
Program Director
I.S.289 - Hudson River Middle School
Kara started working in youth development at the age of sixteen in after-school programs and summer camps. She joined Manhattan Youth in 2016, first as an activity specialist and then later as a program director for 289 before coming to Lab. Each year, Kara continues to grow her program and relationships with the community. She loves sharing her passions through the after-school schedule and curriculum, and she always welcomes new ideas for classes in arts, STEM, sports, and more.
She enjoys the energy and creativity of working with young people, and hopes they take their leadership and teamwork skills with them as they progress through their educatio
×Mona Williams-Miller
Program Director
Computer School
Mona has worked with young people since she was in high school, so a career in youth development has always been a passion of hers. In 2023, she joined Manhattan Youth after a career in social work.
As program director at the Computer School, what Mona enjoys most about working with young people is that they teach her something new every day. She loves seeing students reach their full potential through the various programs they offer.
Outside of work Mona enjoys cooking, watching TV, and spending time with family and friend
×Andrea Scott
Program Director
Professional Performing Arts School
Andrea’s 20+ year career in youth development started in health care for students with special needs. It was then she recognized the critical importance of supporting and nurturing youth for their personal and academic growth.
At the theater-centric Professional Performing Arts School, Andrea enjoys seeing young people engage in activities that help them find success by building self-esteem and teaching important life skills. When she’s not at work, Andrea enjoys many of of the same hobbies her students do, such as arts, music, dance, and cooking.
×Dasia Wingate
Program Director
Clinton
Dasia got her start in the youth development field at 14 years old, when she was selected for the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). She loved the young people’s ability to find joy in the little things of life, and wanted to return to work with kids every year after.
At The Clinton School, Dasia’s goal is to offer a variety of activities to provide students with the opportunity to explore their interests, as well as encourage them to try something new. She loves when the program is able to provide an activity that helps a student enjoy being in school and have a sense of belonging.
When’s she’s not at work, Dasia enjoys spending time with family and cooking.
×Assistant Program Directors
Ashaby Tejada
Assistant Director
Simon Baruch Middle School
Ashaby is a first-generation college graduate deeply passionate about education and empowering others. She was a teaching assistant in Manhattan Youth after-school programs for four years before becoming Assistant Director.
In program, Ashaby enjoys interactions with students and listening to them about their day and any new interests they have.
Ashaby is also a professional singer and has performed at both Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. She loves combining her experiences in both education and the arts to inspire others.
×Brianna Roman
Assistant Director
Simon Baruch MS104
Born and raised in NYC, Brianna 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.
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. In program, 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.
Outside of the program, Brianna enjoys coaching for sports programs and teams, and most importantly, spending time with her family.
×Daniel Garcia
Assistant Director
NYC Lab School For Collaborative Studies
Daniel came to Manhattan Youth in 2017 as a teaching assistant, which he did for six years, assisting with many of the school’s sports teams. He was promoted to assistant director in 2024.
At Lab, Daniel’s interest in technology enables him to bridge generational gaps, as he can discuss the latest trends and tools that resonate with his students. His interest in sports also allows him to relate to young people through shared experiences in teamwork, competition, and perseverance.
Outside of work, Daniel is passionate about sports and technology.
×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
