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
Cynthia De Leon
Multi-Site Supervisor
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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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.
×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
×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 MS104
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.
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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.
×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.
×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.
×Rafael Quezada
Program Director
75 Morton
Rafael’s career in youth development began in high school, when he worked as a summer camp umpire and coach at Harlem RBI. After college, he was a paraprofessional for the New York City Department of Education before coming to Manhattan Youth as a sports coach in the elementary after-school program.
As Assistant Director at Morton, Rafael enjoys creating a supportive environment where students feel valued and empowered to grow academically and personally.
When he’s not at Morton, Rafael spends time visiting different parks throughout New York City and hanging out with family and friends
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Assistant Program Directors
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
