STEPPING IN AND STEPPING UP - STAFFING UPDATES
/Transition can be a challenge, but it’s also a cause for celebration. This fall we are welcoming a number of new faces to the SSYP community, and also celebrating a number of staff who have transitioned into new roles on our team! Check out below for more information on our amazing team!
WELCOME TO OUR NEW STAFF
Courtland Daniels, Deputy Director of Youth Development*
Courtland is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Boston and holds a bachelor’s degree in music. She has over 10 years of experience working in youth development with experience working in licensed after schools, recreational camps, mentoring and program development. Courtland is passionate about community engagement as well as watching youth thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.
Gabby Ligresti, Jesuit Volunteer Corp Fellow
Gabby Ligresti has joined St. Stephen's this year as the organization's Jesuit Volunteer, serving as the Arts Academic Coordinator for SSYP and Spiritual Education Coordinator for the Church. She is from New York and holds a Bachelor's degree in Applied Psychology and Hispanic Studies from Boston College. Gabby has a passion for working with young people and their families and is excited to be a part of the St. Stephen's team this year!
gabby@ssypboston.org
Casaundra Knight, Director of Finance
casaundra@ssypboston.org
Rochelle Barross, Bookkeeper
rochelle@ssypboston.org
*Starting October 2, 2023
STAFF IN NEW ROLES
Tyler Cavanagh, Associate Director of Development & Communications
Tyler holds a bachelor's degree in music with a concentration in vocal performance from Westfield State University. With almost 20 years of experience in nonprofit youth work, including licensed summer camps and childcare programs, teen leadership programming, mentoring, and arts education, Tyler is excited to bring his experience to the development side of the table. He has a passion for building community and creating opportunities to celebrate diversity and inclusion in all ages but especially in young people. Tyler currently lives on the South Shore where he is an active performer in community theatre, choirs, and recitals. He currently serves on both the board and faculty of Spotlight Music and Theatre Academy in Scituate MA.
tyler@ssypboston.org
Elwyn Cruz, YLC Site Manager
Elwyn Malyk Cruz was born and raised in Boston. His journey at SSYP has given him the opportunity to be a junior counselor, which prepared him for the role of a CIT. That experience then led him to becoming a lead counselor and Site Coordinator. Elwyn has had many roles and opportunities at SSYP and is currently stepping into the role of Site Manager for the Youth Leadership Corp.
elwyn@ssypboston.org
Lanaya Kimble, Teen Program Manager
Lanaya started at St. Stephens in Summer 2016 as a Counselor-In-Training (CIT) and continued through all four years of high school. In the summer of 2021, Lanaya took on more responsibility as the Site Assistant for LEARN, and in January 2022, was hired as an SSYP Fellow, where she will continue to serve as a Site Assistant. Starting in the fall of 2023 Lanaya has moved into the role of Teen Program Manager, overseeing all aspects of our teen programs.
lanaya@ssypboston.org
Tracey Merrill, Senior Director of Development
Tracey is thrilled to return to SSYP as its first, full-time Director of Development. Tracey has previously held part-time grant writing roles at SSYP. She is excited to work with Chris, SSYP's Governance Committee and the exceptional staff leadership team on advancing SSYP's mission through philanthropy. Tracey has worked on both the institutional side of fundraising, for among others, Quincy College, the Life is Good Kids Foundation and the YMCA, and provided development consulting services to a wide range arts, education and social service non-profits. She lives on the South Shore with her busy family, including two poorly behaved - but adorable - golden retrievers.
tracey@ssypboston.org
Sugey Rondón Reyes, Parent Organizing Coordinator
Sugey Rondon is a mother of three. She joined SSYP in 2019, starting out as a volunteer parent leader and later as a staff member. She is currently a Family Organizer, teaching families the importance of getting involved in their children's schools. Sugey has a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from the Universidad Tecnológica de Santiago DR. She came to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 2016. Sugey loves family togetherness, sharing and collaborating. She celebrates being able to motivate families about investing quality time with their children.
sugey@ssypboston.org
Latasha Scott, Assistant Director of Development
Latasha Scott is a New York native and currently lives in Roxbury, MA. She has been integrated with St. Stephen's since the fall of 2017 as a lead counselor. After several years of leading the YLC program, Latasha has transitioned into a new role on the development team. Latasha likes to build relationships and connect with the youth in a fresh way. She enjoys learning and teaching about current events.
latasha@ssypboston.org