Staff

Alex Ontogtokh

High School Coordinator of College & Careers

Woodlawn

Sydney Schulz

Middle School Academic Coordinator

Evanston

Benjamin Stallworth

Middle School Academic Coordinator

Woodlawn

Benjamin joined Metrosquash in June of 2022 as an Academic Intern. After years of being a valuable part of the team, Benjamin was promoted to Academic Coordinator in July of 2024. Having studied Comparative Human Development at UChicago and continuing his studies at UIC under the major Human Development and Learning, Benjamin has a deep passion for helping youth find their way to a healthy mind, body, and spirit. With more than 5 year combined experience working with children, Benjamin looks forward to making innovations in the curriculum space. He focuses on core subjects, homework completion, and the development of emotional intelligence.

benjamin@metrosquash.org

Brittany T

Chief Program Officer

Brittany brings over 15 years of dedicated experience in youth development, educational equity, special education advocacy, and family and community service. As the former Director of Education at Mercy Home, she played a pivotal role in fostering a cohesive, inclusive culture marked by authentic intellectual dialogue, high performance, and collaboration among staff and students alike.

In 2015, Brittany earned her Master’s degree in Social Work, graduating summa cum laude with a concentration in Children & Families, and was inducted into the Phi Alpha Honor Society for her academic excellence.

Growing up as a CPS student from an underserved community, Brittany’s passion for empowering youth from disadvantaged backgrounds is deeply personal. Her lived experience, combined with her professional expertise, drives her unwavering commitment to advocating for young people and their families.

brittany@metrosquash.org

Natalie Stanchina

High School Coordinator of College & Careers

Evanston

Natalie is a High School Academic Coordinator at MetroSquash and works with the tenth and eleventh graders at our Evanston location. Natalie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Global Commerce from Denison University. She was a four-year member and two-year captain on the Denison Women’s Varsity Squash Team. As captain, she worked closely with Michael MacDonald, who was the previous Squash Director at Woodlawn from 2012-2015, which is how she gained familiarity with MetroSquash. Natalie is looking forward to getting to know her cohorts and getting on the squash court with them!

natalie@metrosquash.org

  Mark Fuller

Senior Director of Squash & Fitness

Evanston/ Woodlawn

Mark was the head of Squash at The University of Nottingham and was the Founder and Director of Star Sports Development which ran coaching and tournaments across the UK with a focus on expanding the game and growing participation. Mark is passionate about facilitating squash’s various benefits in communities, friendships, and health and is inspired by the challenge of creating, growing, and building projects. Mark was a full time Professional Squash player from June 2008 to April 2020. Achieved a highest world ranking of 118 and won a Professional Tour Title, Prague Open in 2015.

Mark@metrosquash.org

Tatyana Morris

Assistant Director of College & Careers

Woodlawn

Tatyana was born and raised in the Chicagoland area and is familiar with the Southside. She is a recent graduate of Lincoln University of Missouri. She studied Psychology with a minor in social work and history. Tatyana loves to paint, go to concerts, and listen to music in her spare time.

Tatyana@metrosquash.org

JaKari Thompson

Squash Coach

Evanston

JaKari is a MetroSquash alum and current squash lead at MetroSquash’s Evanston cohort. Getting his start at MetroSquash during his freshman year of high school in 2014, while attending King College Prep, JaKari began playing squash at the Henry Crown Field House. Following the opening of the Hussain MetroSquash Center, JaKari would become a MetroSquash student ambassador, helping spread awareness of the newly opened squash and education center.

JaKari@metrosquash.org

Cameron Warren

Middle School Squash Coordinator

Woodlawn

Cameron is a MetroSquash alum of 7 years, and a mainstay of the program for 15 years having started the program in 5th grade in 2010. Cameron seeks to better the lives of all he comes across with his love for the game, competitive spirit, compassion, and high energy.
Photo attached.

cameron@metrosquash.org

Miaya Kelley

Middle School Academic Coordinator

Woodlawn

Miaya Kelley currently serves as one of the Middle School Academic Coordinators here at Metrosquash. She is also a proud Alumni of Metrosquash Class of 2016. After graduating May 2016 from Josephinum Academy, she later completed her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology at Alabama A&M University May 2020. Before returning to Metrosquash she served as a Teacher’s Assistant at Chicago Public Schools. Miaya also has experience working remotely for Chicago Public Schools Talent office specifically in the ADA department. During the Pandemic Miaya also worked remotely as a Teacher’s assistant for City Year.

Miaya@metrosquash.org

Adam Cohen

Senior Development Coordinator

Woodlawn

Adam J. Cohen joined MetroSquash in the Fall of 2022 and serves as the Senior Development Coordinator for the organization. Before MetroSquash, Adam was in the world of higher education working with Columbia University, Fordham University, and Washington University in St. Louis in housing and development. Adam graduated with a Master’s in Higher Education & Student Affairs: Administration from New York University and holds a Bachelor’s from the University of Missouri in Political Communication. Beyond work, Adam holds passions in music and education where he was a Sinquefield Composition Awardee and serves as an editor for the New York University Journal of Student Affairs.

adamcohen@metrosquash.org

Paul Dixon

Driver and Facility Assistant

Woodlawn

Paul Dixon is the Assistant Facilities Manager at Woodlawn. Paul joined Metrosquash as staff this January. Prior to joining the organization as staff, he was an active member of the Metrosquash parent committee for 9 years.

paul@metrosquash.org

  David Kay

Chief Executive Officer

David moved to Chicago in 2005 to help launch the program. Previously, David coached the men’s squash team at the University of Rochester. He was the head squash professional at the Union Club of New York and a top ranked player on the professional doubles tour. A native of Canada, David played competitive junior squash and attended Princeton University where he was an All-American and member of the 1993 National Championship team.

david@metrosquash.org | Phone : 773-251-1711

Janae Meyer

Chief Executive Officer

With over 20 years of experience in education equity, nonprofit management, and leadership development, Janaé Meyer has the honor and privilege of serving as MetroSquash’s Chief Executive Officer. Her primary responsibility is to champion MetroSquash’s unique approach to advancing healthy youth outcomes, combining academic support, squash & fitness and enrichment opportunities for youth 5th grade through college. She joined the organization in 2016 where she helped to grow organizational impact through intentional partnership, capacity-building, and broadening MetroSquash’s reach. Janaé worked alongside MetroSquash founding CEO David Kay to launch the organization’s satellite site in Evanston, IL, was instrumental in the organization’s 3-year strategic plan, and is excited for the next chapter of MetroSquash. Prior to MetroSquash, Janaé served as Program Director for “I Have A Dream” North Chicago where she helped to establish several initiatives, including guaranteed post-secondary support, to help ensure student success. She is a native South Side Chicagoan, earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and graduate degree from the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice from the University of Chicago. She is the proud mom of a son, Christian, who inspires her each and every day.

janae@metrosquash.org

Mary Sillah

Senior Director of Facilities & Civic Engagement

Woodlawn

Mary Sillah is a proud MetroSquash parent and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Roosevelt University. Her career eventually transitioned to property and facility management, which was a perfect fit for her role as Chief of Facilities and Civic Engagement. With the opening of the MetroSquash Academic & Squash Center, Mary has come on board to manage all aspects of maintaining our first class space – from front desk support to vendor management.

mary@metrosquash.org

  Julie Monrad

Squash Manager, Design & Integration

Julie Monrad served as a volunteer for MetroSquash from 2017-18 and transitioned in the fall of 2018 to her role as Squash Manager, Integration and Design. She previously worked at the SEA office in New York City from 2015-16. Julie earned her B.A. from Harvard University and a culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu. After two years working in the culinary world, Julie is happy to return to working in urban squash.

julie@metrosquash.org

  Stephen Bartram

Individual Giving Coordinator 

Woodlawn

Stephen joined MetroSquash in 2018 and now serves as Interim Development Manager. Prior to joining the organization, he was a mentor and served on the auxiliary board for 4 years. Stephen graduated from Dickinson College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Policy Studies Management. As a strong believer in the power of athletic and academic achievement to empower teens and young adults, his passion for MetroSquash is rooted in the belief that cultivating talent and potential through sport and the classroom can help young people thrive and become community leaders.

stephen@metrosquash.org

Aliyah Singleton

High School Coordinator, (11th & 12th Grade)

Aliyah joined MetroSquash in December of 2018 as the High School Coordinator and cohort lead for 11th and 12th grade students. Prior to joining, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Human Development from the University of Chicago in June of 2018. During her undergraduate studies, she mentored middle school girls with (WYSE) Women and Youth Supporting Each Other, a national mentorship organization. As a mentor and Sixth-Grade Coordinator, she designed and taught curriculum that focused on the topics of social media and safety, conflict resolution, gender/racial identity and discrimination, self-care and mental health, future career options, healthy relationships, reproductive health, community action, and more. Aliyah is passionate about empowering youth as they develop and grow to pursue their dreams and make real change in their communities.

aliyah@metrosquash.org

  Jesus Ayala Jr.

Chief Operating Officer

Jesus Ayala Jr. currently serves as MetroSquash’s Chief of Program Strategy and Operations. He is a lifelong advocate for public education and a champion for college access. After graduating from Chicago Public Schools, he completed his bachelor’s degree from Lake Forest College and received his MPA from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Before MetroSquash, Jesus helped City Colleges of Chicago Students persist through community college by serving as a Senior Manager of College Partnerships at One Million Degrees. He has also completed a Summer Fellowship at the City of Chicago Mayor’s Office where he worked on various policy projects. He has volunteer experience with the Jones College Prep Local School Council, buildOn, Mikva Challenge, and Chicago Scholars. He is excited to help his team and MetroSquash students realize their potential.

jesus@metrosquash.org

Jamil Cary

Manager of Academics & Enrichment

Woodlawn

Jamil joined MetroSquash as the Senior High School Academic Coordinator after moving to Chicago from California. In California, Jamil worked as a high school teacher, specializing in bilingual education and college readiness. He hopes to work with MetroSquash to continue offsetting disparities of the education of children of color in his new position outside of the
classroom.

jamil@metrosquash.org

Gabe Johnson

Senior High School Squash Coordinator

Woodlawn

Gabe has been with MetroSquash since he was a sophomore in high school. Gabe attended school at Kenwood Academy, where he graduated from the Year-Up program with a professional banking certificate. Gabe is still currently seeking to obtain an associates degree, and eventually a BA.

gabejohnson@metrosquash.org

J Conley

Manager of Academics & Enrichment

Woodlawn

J is an enthusiastic South Side native and has a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies from the University of Chicago. Prior to coming back to MetroSquash, as she was previously an intern, J worked at UChicago as a Wellness Coordinator in the university’s student health center. Outside of work and academics, J enjoys creating content, music and fashion. J is excited to work with youth in an effort to prepare them to be the great people she knows they can be.

jala@metrosquash.org

  Anjelique Bomar

Program Manager

Evanston

Anjelique joined MetroSquash in August 2021 after graduating from Northwestern University in 2021. She graduated with a degree in Learning Sciences with a concentration in Out-of-School Learning and a minor in Psychology. On Northwestern’s campus, Anjelique was involved in Americorps’s Jumpstart program that supports pre-schoolers in social, emotional learning as well as getting them ready to succeed and read in kindergarten. She also worked in a cognitive psychology lab entitled Project on Children’s Thinking for 2.5 years running and creating studies focusing on young student’s learning capabilities in mental rotation, computational STEM, and language skills. Anjelique looks forward to continuing her passion supporting students in academic settings while inspiring their personal, academic, and mental growth.

anjelique@metrosquash.org

Kameron Calbert

Manager of Squash & Fitness

Woodlawn

Kameron has been a part of MetroSquash since he was a 6th grade student at one of our partner schools Ariel Community Academy. He is currently a senior at DePaul University studying Business Management. As the Middle School Squash Coordinator he is committed to both his studies and working effortlessly to generate great squash players.

kameron@metrosquash.org

 Ashleigh Teasley

Program Director

Woodlawn

Ashleigh Teasley serves as MetroSquash’s current Senior Manager of Social Work and Supportive Services. As a Chicago native and former CPS student, Ashleigh is passionate about education access and after-school opportunities for students throughout the city. Over the last ten years, Ashleigh has worked in education, mental health, advocacy, and youth development. Ashleigh has recently completed her Master’s degree in Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration from The University of Chicago. Ashleigh is committed to helping students identify their coping skills early and building “toolkits” to aid in regulating their emotions. It takes a village to raise a child rings true for her; Ashleigh believes resource sharing and supportive community partnerships are vital for the success of all students and families. In this role, Ashleigh will serve as a connector to resources, and she is excited to serve MetroSquash students and families.

ashleigh@metrosquash.org

 Alex Mason

Academic Coordinator

Evanston

Alex is working at MetroSquash as a 2022 NUPIP Fellow, a program that prepares recent college graduates for careers in public service. He graduated from Northwestern University in 2020 with a degree in English Literature. At Northwestern, Alex taught sex education at Lake View High School and music production and the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. He also did marketing for Supplies For Dreams, a nonprofit that supports CPS students with school supplies, mentoring, and field trips. During the pandemic Alex worked as an EMT in Chicago, and is excited to return to Evanston and pursue his passion for extracurricular programming.

alexmason@metrosquash.org 

Lyndee Yameson

Senior Grants Coordinator

Woodlawn

Lyndee Yamshon is MetroSquash’s Senior Grants Coordinator. Before joining MetroSquash, she served as a grants manager for Lookingglass Theatre and a Development Director for Family Service of South Lake County. While obtaining her doctorate in philosophy with a non-fiction writing concentration, Lyndee freelanced for the Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Reader, and additional national literary journals for her creative work. She also taught composition, creative writing, American, British, and world literature for ten plus years to college students. Lyndee enjoys incorporating her creative writing and theatrical background as a broad vision for research and storytelling.

lyndee@metrosquash.org