|
STAFF
Harlem RBI's Executive Director and Associate Executive Director lead a full-time
staff of 30 and have been with the organization for more than 19 years combined,
bringing continuity and cohesion to the organization. During the summer, the Harlem
RBI workforce grows to more than 75 staff members who serve as teachers, coaches
and program assistants. Click here to read about the
staff.

FULL-TIME
back to top
PART-TIME
Edgar Almodovar
Van Driver
Richard Hale
Carpenter
Jamie McClelland
IT Consultant
jamie@harlemrbi.org
|
 |
Angel Perez
Eagles Manager/REAL Kids Baseball Director
aperez@harlemrbi.org
Jason Polanco
Field Maintenance
|
back to top
FULL-TIME STAFF BIOS
Richard Berlin, Executive Director at Harlem RBI since 1997, is also a founding member of Harlem RBI's DREAM Charter School. Mr. Berlin began his connection with Harlem RBI as a volunteer baseball coach in 1994.Mr. Berlin holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and attended a Master's Program in Political Theory at the London School of Economics and Political Science in London, England. Additionally, he has completed certificate programs at Columbia University's Institute for Not-for-Profit Management in both Non-Profit Management and Leadership Development. Mr. Berlin has also been a Leadership Fellow at the Citizen's Committee for the Children of New York City. In addition to his roles as Executive Director of Harlem RBI and President and Founder of the DREAM Charter School, Mr. Berlin is also an adjunct faculty member at The New School University's Robert J. Milano Graduate School of Management and Urban Policy. Mr. Berlin currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Council of Community and College Leaders at the TASC Center for After-School Excellence and the National Advisory Board of the Johns Hopkins University's Center for Summer Learning.
Felice Boldin St. John, Development Manager, supports the Director of Individual and Corporate Giving to organize and facilitate special events and manages relationships with individual and corporate supporters through various campaigns. Prior to joining Harlem RBI, Felice was the Public Relations Specialist at Tri Rivers Surgical Associates.Felice earned her BA in Journalism and Public Relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her Masters of Arts in Mass Communication from the University of Georgia.
Kimberley Cambridge, Director of After-School Programs, maintains the efficient operations of Harlem RBI's after-school programs through program development, supervision and the creation of partnerships. Prior to Harlem RBI, Kimberley was the Director of Beacon and Out of School Time Technical Assistance Programs at the Youth Development Institute. She earned a BA in English from New York University and received a Certificate from Columbia University's Institute for Not-for-Profit Management.
David Charron, Program Coordinator, delivers Harlem RBI's TeamWorks Program for youth ages 15-16 offering youth opportunities to develop leadership and job readiness skills. Prior to Harlem RBI, Dave worked as a job readiness trainer at Citizen's Advice Bureau in the Bronx and as a Respite Worker and Team Leader at Family Services of Westchester Camp Success Program. Dave earned a Bachelor of Arts in both Psychology and Theater from Bates College.
Maleka Covington, Director of Development, directs annual fund development activities including Special Events planning, sponsorships and individual and corporate giving. Prior to Harlem RBI, Maleka was the Development Associate at The Family Center where she began as a clinical social worker. Maleka received an MSW from New York University and a BA in Psychology from American University.
Vincent Coleman, Baseball & Softball Program Director, operates the baseball and softball programs. Prior to joining the staff at Harlem RBI, Mr. Coleman managed several men's softball teams and was a board member of the United Christian Youth Athletic League. He volunteered as a junior boy's baseball coach and he continues to be a mentor. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Wilberforce University in Mass Media Communications and completed courses in Sports Marketing, Organizing an Event and Modern Real Estate Practices in New York. In 2003, Vince was awarded the “The Pasesetter Award” from the Partnership for After School Education for excellence as a youth worker in the after school field.
Rachel Cytron, Associate Executive Director, is responsible for the development, maintenance, and implementation of all Harlem RBI programs. In addition to her work at Harlem RBI, Rachel has created and implemented programs for at-risk youth in group-homes and worked as a field researcher for the Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation, studying education and teen parenting programs. She began at RBI as a volunteer coach for a junior girl’s softball team. Ms. Cytron has a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and has completed certificate courses in Mentoring offered by Fordham University and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of New York and in Middle Management & Leadership Development at Columbia University's Institute for Not-For-Profit Management.
Megan Demarkis, Director of Organizational Excellence, is responsible for the ongoing evaluation, codification and training processes that will ensure Harlem RBI's capacity to sustain quality programs over time.In 2007, Megan was awarded the honor of serving as an After School Ambassador under the After School Alliance whose mission is to ensure that all youth have access to quality After School programs. Megan graduated from Bard College with a degree in Literature before moving to Venezuela to learn Spanish and work with youth. She is also a Teach for America alumna and taught bilingual 2nd grade in Washington Heights for three years.Prior to joining the Harlem RBI staff, Megan helped create the Teach for America Teacher Training Institute in the Bronx where she served for two years as the Director of Operations.She has also worked as an advisor for the New York City Teaching Fellows. Megan has completed certificate programs at Columbia University's Institute for Not-for-Profit Management in Leadership Development and the Participatory Evaluation Institute through the CUNY Graduate School in collaboration with the Robert Bowne Foundation.
Jasmín Dendariarena, Receptionist at Harlem RBI, assures efficient management of front desk operation. She is responsible for answering and routing phone calls and she also assists with various projects, greets visitors and performs a variety of clerical duties. Prior to Harlem RBI, Jasmin was the Medical Record Receptionist at the Animal Medical Center and a Program Instructor at the East Harlem Tutorial Program. Jasmin earned her BA in Liberal Arts from Brooklyn College.
Elese Denis, External Communications Consultant, is responsible for researching and writing to effectively communicate Harlem RBI’s Mission, Vision and Programs and the resources required to achieve the organization’s short and long-term goals. Prior to working with Harlem RBI, Elese was a social worker and program coordinator for the Developmental Disabilities Center in Boulder, Colorado. Elese earned her MBA in Management and Finance from the A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University and her BA in Sociology from the University of Colorado.
Lesline Gardner, Senior Accountant, directs all financial activities and accounting functions including the general ledger, accounts payable/ receivable, purchasing, payroll, bank reconciliations, audit, insurance and tax reports and planning and monitoring of cash flow . Prior to Harlem RBI, Lesline was the Senior Accountant at KIPP NYC. Lesline earned a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Herman Lehman College.
Maria Gerena, Baseball & Softball Assistant, assists the Baseball & Softball Program Director in the operation of Harlem RBI's baseball and softball programs. Maria participated as a youth in Harlem RBI's programs and has since been as Office Manager Assistant, Afterschool Assistant, Care & Connect Program Supervisor and REAL Kids Summer Program Superisor for Harlem RBI. Maria comes to Harlem RBI with experience in life coaching teens and a passion for youth development.
Carlos Giménez, Technology Coordinator, is responsible for the technological functions of Harlem RBI and the DREAM Charter School. Carlos has over 12 years of experience in networking and application software development. Prior to joining Harlem RBI, Carlos was the IT Manager/Systems Administrator for El Diario/La Prensa and Hoy yewspapers. Carlos earned a Bachelor of Sciences in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Kioka Jackson, Office Manager, provides offices environment oversight in assuring efficient functioning of the fast-paces workplace. Prior to working at Harlem RBI, Kioka was the Administrative Manager at the Harriet Tubman Charter School. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Marketing from Marymount Manhattan College.
Maiesha Josephs, Program Coordinator, delivers Harlem RBI's TeamWorks Program for youth ages 15-16, offering youth opportunities to develop leadership and job readiness skills. Prior to working at Harlem RBI, Maiesha was the Assistant Center Director and Program Coordinator for the Police Athletic League. Maiesha earned her a BA in Political Science from Southampton College of Long Island University.
Damon Joiner, Caretaker, manages the upkeep and maintenance of Harlem RBI's offices and program space. Prior to Harlem RBI, Damon was a custodian at Wildcat Services Corporation and has worked extensively in construction. Damon graduated from Chelsea Vocational and earned an Electrician Certificate from Berks Trade Business School.
Kaylie Keesling, Development Coordinator, maintains the Development database and files, creates donor acknowledgements, and provides general support to the Development Team. Kaylie is a graduate from Pace University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in both Political Science and Communications. Prior to her arrival at Harlem RBI, Kaylie was a Coordinator for the Office of New York State Senate Democratic Conference Information Services Unit.
James Kusi-Appouh, Director of Operations, is responsible for direct oversight of several key administrative and operational business areas including: Human Resources, Office Administration, Information Technology and Facilities Management. Prior to working at Harlem RBI, James was the Assistant Director for Administration and Operations at CUNY Preparatory Transitional High School. James received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Masters of Arts in Public Administration from Binghamton University.
Bess Massey, Social Worker, develops and delivers a range of social services and supports that respond to the needs of Harlem RBI's teenage participants. Prior to working at Harlem RBI, Bess worked as a social worker at Good Shephard Services in Brooklyn. She received BA in Latin American Studies from Brown University and her MSW from Hunter College School of Social Work.
Matthew Miller, REAL Kids Program Manager, is responsible for leading staff and youth workers to implement the REAL Kids program curriculum and to ensure smooth program operations. Matthew has a twelve-year background in education and has worked in the East Harlem community at First Book East Harlem and the East Harlem Tutorial Program. Prior to Harlem RBI, Matthew was the Program Director at the Phipps Community Development Corporation. Matthew received a Bachelors of Fine Art from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in Nova Scotia, Canada, and has since earned a Masters of Arts, Curriculum and Teaching from Columbia University in New York and a Nonprofit Management Certificate as United Way Senior Fellow.
Rebecca Muir, Communications Associate, supports the Development Manager in creating, writing and editing copy for external communications. Prior to working at Harlem RBI, Rebecca was the Development Associate and Grant Writer for The Studio Theatre in Washington, DC. Rebecca received a BA in Professional Writing and Editing at Deakin University, Melbourne, in her native Australia.
Cheryl Nunes, Grants Associate, supports the Director of External Communication with researching and writing grant proposals and reports and writing communication materials to effectively communicate Harlem RBI’s Mission, Vision, and Programs. Previously, Cheryl worked as a Programs and Development Intern at Harlem RBI. Cheryl earned a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics from Swarthmore College.
Ruth O’Gara, TeamBuilders Program Manager, is responsible for leading staff and youth workers to implement the TeamBuilders program curriculum and to ensure smooth program operations. Prior to her work at Harlem RBI, Ruth worked as a School Administrator and Volunteer Coordinator for the Arlington Academy of Hope in Bududa District, Uganda. Ruth has also been a Corps Member Advisor and a Middle School Teacher for Teach for America, both in Queens, New York and Washington, D.C. Ruth received her Masters in the Science of Teaching from Pace University and a BA in English and Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia.
Sherry Ormond, DreamWorks Program Manager, is responsible for leading staff to implement the DreamWorks program curriculum and to ensure smooth program operations. Prior to Harlem RBI, Sherry facilitated trainings for after-school programs and designed curricula in a consulting capacity. Sherry has also worked for Child Care, Inc. as the Director of Out-of-School Time Projects and at Family Dynamics as a Beacon Director. Sherry received her Master’s of Public Arts and Public Administration at Metropolitan College of New York and has a Bachelor’s of Arts from the College of New Rochelle.
Yvette Santos, Receptionist and Site Facilities Manager at Harlem RBI, assures efficient management of Harlem RBI's program space and offices at 1948 1st Avenue. She is responsible for answering and routing phone calls, performing program related data entry, assisting with various projects and greeting visitors. Prior to Harlem RBI, Yvette was the Youth Development Program Assistant at the East Harlem Tutorial Program. Yvette graduated in Marketing from Norman Thomas High School.
Richard Souto, Chief Operating Officer, oversees Harlem RBI’s programs as well as finance and operations departments. Richard was previously Executive Director of New Heights Youth, a non profit organization that offers year-round educational and sports programs to young people in New York City. Prior to New Heights, Richard spent five years as the Associate Executive Director of Groundwork, Inc., a community-based non profit providing youth and family services in East New York, Brooklyn. Richard has also worked in corporate development in multiple industries, including healthcare, manufacturing and information technology. Richard has been involved with several non profit organizations as a volunteer and board member and is an Adjunct Professor at the Milano Graduate School for Management and Urban Policy of the New School University. Richard has a B.S. from Boston University, an MBA from Baruch College of the City of New York, and completed the Columbia University Institute for Non Profit Management Executive Level Program.
Althea Stevens, the TeamBuilders 7th Grade Program Coordinator, develops the TeamBuilders Program to challenge and engage youth to meet program goals. Althea previously worked at Henry Street Settlement, where she was employed as a counselor for the Boys and Girls Republic Middle School One Year Suspension Program. Althea received a Masters Degree in Urban Affairs from Hunter College and earned her Bachelors Degree of Art in Political Science from Long Island University.
Anne Tatreau, Executive Assistant, provides administrative support to the senior management team. Prior to Harlem RBI, Anne worked in Public Relations and Community Affairs at the National Football League, where she was a member of the League's not-for-profit NFL Charities group. She has also previously spent time as Manager and Administrative Assistant of Columbia University's Division I Men's Basketball program. She earned her B.A. in Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies from Barnard College.
back to top
|
 |
 |