YouthBuild’s staff is composed of committed educators, administrators, counselors, vocational instructors and AmeriCorps members. We are a diverse team of professionals, united in our high standards and commitment to serving the best interests of the students.
No matter their role at the school, every employee at YouthBuild plays a part in creating a safe and positive educational environment where amazing transformations can take place.
YouthBuild Philly has been named a Top Workplace in Philadelphia for six years running. Click here to see available positions at YouthBuild Philly.
Got a question for us? Fill out our contact form and we’ll direct your inquiry to the right person.
Administration
Scott Emerick, Executive Director
Eva Lexie, Executive Assistant
Program Administration
Brian Leffler, Program Director
Colleen Counihan, Program Operations Coordinator
Hallie Fischer, DOL Grant Coordinator
Operations
Adesanya Karade, Director of Operations – Finance & Administration
Frederick Bader, School Psychologist, Compliance Coordinator
Bill Baig, Network Administrator
Priscilla Tennant, Human Resources Director
Ian Kauffman, Controller
Alexander Rocke, Grants & Contracts Analyst
Development
Meredith Molloy, Director of Development
Nikkia Moss, Communications & Development Associate
Paul Luong, Grants and Data Manager
Ted Molloy, Individual Giving Coordinator
Academic Education
Sarah Burgess, Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Willa Deitch, Language Arts Teacher
Erika Starr Celley, Mathematics Teacher
Rebekah Dommel, Mathematics Teacher
Christina Neilson, Mathematics Teacher
Peter Celona, Science Teacher
Kenya Ramey, Social Studies Teacher
David Rivoire, Special Education Coordinator
Richard Chalme, Special Education Teacher
Ashlee DeWald, Special Education Teacher
Erin Young, Special Education Teacher
Postsecondary Career Development
Michael Imperato, Director of Postsecondary Career Development
Michael Noel, Postsecondary Coordinator
Stephanie Strockis, Postsecondary Coordinator
Justin Lockley, Postsecondary Coordinator
Shawn Murray, Career Partnerships Manager
Robin Walker, Career Pathway Coordinator
Ricky Strickler, Professional Development Coordinator for Alumni
Jackie Giovanniello, Career Training Coordinator
Student Life & AmeriCorps
Ameen Akbar, Director of Student Life
Zuri Stone, Assistant Director of Student Life
AmeriCorps
Tanza Pugliese, AmeriCorps Grant Coordinator
Taylor Hartung, Community Projects Coordinator
AmeriCorps VISTA
Eric Shapiro, VISTA Data in Education Success Project Leader
Case Management
Patricia Rozier, Case Manager
Frank Redmond, Case Manager
Charla Hill, Case Manager
Doris Spears, Community Resources Coordinator
Vocational Education
Stephanie Waller, Training & Placement Coordinator
George Jenkins, Building Trades Instructor
Ronald Payton, Youth Development Specialist
Business Administration /Customer Service
Melissa Jackson, Business Administration Scholars Coordinator
Jennifer Schifano, Barista Instructor
Healthcare
Nakesha Moore, Healthcare Coordinator
Brenda Alfaro, Healthcare Program Officer
