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
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PART-TIME
Edgar Almodovar
Van Driver
Tamika Campbell
Baseball/Softball Administrator
tcampbell@harlemrbi.org
Kevin Deodath
Assistant Learning Coach
Jon Goldberg
IT Consultant
Richard Hale
Carpenter
Kyla Kupferstein
College Advisor
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Jamie McClelland
IT Consultant
jamie@harlemrbi.org
Angel Perez
Eagles Manager/REAL Kids Baseball Director
aperez@harlemrbi.org
Jason Polanco
Field Maintenance
Anne Tatreau
Receptionist
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FULL-TIME STAFF BIOS
Kelly Adams Brown,
Teen Life Center Director, develops and provides a range of social services and supports that
respond to the needs of Harlem RBI's teenage participants. Prior to working at
Harlem RBI, Kelly worked as a social worker in Youth Services at Henry Street
Settlement. She received her MSW from Smith College.
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.
Mr. Berlin is an adjunct faculty member at The New School University's Robert J. Milano Graduate School of Management and Urban Policy, and currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Council of Community and College Leaders at the Center for After School Excellence, sits on the Program Council at The Partnership for After School Education (PASE) and the National Advisory Board of the Johns Hopkins University's Center for Summer Learning.
Felice Boldin, Development Associate,
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.
Kiwan Cato, Learning Coach, is responsible for the implementation and supervision of the educational programs for Harlem RBI's teenage youth. Prior to Harlem RBI, Kiwan
was a consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and a volunteer in the United States Peace Corps. He earned a BA in English from Florida Memorial University.
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 Individual and Corporate Giving,
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.
Trishon Crawford, Office Manager and Executive
Assistant, ensures efficient functioning of our office environment by providing
office environment oversight, as well as administrative support to the senior
management team. Prior to Harlem RBI, Trishon worked for CBS News and the East
Harlem Tutorial Program.
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.
Jasmin 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, Director of External Communications, is responsible for all research and writing required 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.
Caitlin Goddard, REAL Kids Manager, provides leadership and management to the REAL Kids Program in collaboration with the REAL Kids Director. Prior to working at Harlem RBI, Caitlin was a teacher for Teach For America at the Burnet Street School in Newark, NJ. Caitlin received her BA from the University of Southern California and a Masters of Arts in English from NYU.
Joy Harris, Director of Operations, is responsible
for direct oversight of several key administrative and operational business areas,
including: Finance, Human Resources, Office Administration, Information Technology
and Facilities Management. Prior to working at Harlem RBI, Joy was the Co-Executive
Director and Managing Director of the East Harlem Tutorial Program. Joy received
her Certificate in Management from the Columbia University Graduate School of
Business and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Cincinnati.
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.
Raji Kalra, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer,
has overall responsibility for the fiscal, facilities, human resources, information technology and administrative functions of Harlem RBI. She will also be responsible for the fiscal and administrative support of Harlem RBI's affiliated Charter School. Prior to working at Harlem RBI, Raji was a Client Partner for Charter School Business Management and the Director of Finance for KIPP NYC (Knowledge is Power Program). Raji received a BA in Economics and Political Science from Columbia University. She also received an MA in International Affairs from Johns Hopkins University and an MBA from Columbia Business School.
Kaylie Keesling, Development Assistant, 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.
Marcela Maldonado, REAL Kids Administrative Assistant, supports the REAL Kids Program Manager and assures efficient functioning of the REAL Kids After-School and Summer Programs. Prior to working at Harlem RBI, Marcela was a teaching assistant at WCEED. Marcela is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education from Lehman College.
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.
Jaclyn McDonnell, Learning Coach, is responsible for the implementation and supervision of the educational programs for Harlem RBI's teenage youth. Prior to working at Harlem RBI, Jaclyn taught middle school English and Drama on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Jaclyn received her BA in English from Miami University and her MA in Educational Theater from New York University.
Luis Morales, Learning Coach, is responsible
for the implementation and supervision of the educational programs for Harlem
RBI's teenage youth. Luis has considerable experience working with youth. Prior
to working at Harlem RBI, Luis taught middle school English for three years in
the Bronx. While teaching, he completed a rigorous Masters program in English
Education at Lehman College.
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 Swathmore College.
Christina Olivares, Senior Program Coordinator, delivers Harlem RBI's College Prep Program for youth ages 13-18, offering youth the tools and support necessary to obtain admission to and enroll in college. Prior to working at Harlem RBI, Christina was a Youth Development Specialist for the New York City Department of Education. She has also worked with Community Word Project in Bronx, New York, and Prep for Prep. Christina earned her BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from Amherst College.
Jolanda Porter, 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, Jolanda was the Teen Education and Career Development Coordinator at West End House Boys and Girls Club. Jolanda earned her a BA in Clinical Psychology and in Music from Tufts University.
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.
Saran Shields, Team Enrichment Program Assistant Director, maintains a leadership presence with teens and is an on-site director for Team Enrichment after-school and summer programs. Saran has extensive experience in conflict resolution, facilitation, youth training and program development from her work with EARS (Effective Alternatives in Reconciliation Services). Saran started as a participant and has become a staff developer and lead facilitator. She holds a BA in Government from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Maria Torres-Garces, Junior Accountant, is
responsible for financial record-keeping for the organization including accounts payable and receivable functions, payroll and reconciliation.
Prior to Harlem RBI, Maria was the Assistant Accountant at Lehman College. She earned her BS in Accounting at Lehman College.
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