Squash Haven relies on a small full time staff base whose work is complemented by the volunteer efforts of Yale University’s squash teams and academic volunteers. Every staff member is dedicated to the success and growth of our students, feel free to reach out to us with any questions and concerns.
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.Gordon Armour
Volunteer Teacher and Squash Coach [email protected] Gordon recently retired from teaching English and being a class dean at Choate for 33 years. His daughter Charlotte was the AmeriCorps Vistas staff member two years ago and Shanghaied him into teaching a class at Squash Haven in the summer of 2017. Gordon also coached squash at Choate, so he will be helping with both enrichment and squash. He lives in New Haven, rides his bike many miles when the weather allows and plays the classical guitar. His wife Anne often bakes goodies for him to bring in to the office. Christi Boscarino-Elligers Program Director [email protected] Christi Boscarino-Elligers joined Julie and the team in the fall of 2008 as Squash Haven’s first full time Academic Director. Christi came to Squash Haven after two years of experience as a Teach for America corps member in New Haven, teaching 7th and 8th grade Language Arts. Christi is a Windsor, CT native and a graduate of Northwestern University, where she majored in French and Political Science. Christi develops and oversees Squash Haven’s academic program with an enrichment focus on literacy, discussion, and critical thinking. Christi’s passion for the work is continually fueled by the model that allows her to work comprehensively with students over long periods of time. Julie Greenwood Executive Director [email protected] Julie was hired by Squash Haven's Board of Directors in 2007 to launch Squash Haven. Under her leadership, the program has grown from 20 aspiring young people in 5th and 6th grades to 170 in 5th through college. Julie believes passionately in youth development, education, and community building, and values deeply the intersection of all three at Squash Haven. She is an alumna of New Haven's Community Leadership Program, Executive Orientation Program, Democracy School, and is a former board member of the Squash and Education Alliance. Julie graduated from Williams College, where was a 3 time All-American and the recipient of the Purple Key Award for the outstanding female athlete in her class. She earned her Master's in Education from Stanford. Julie lives in New Haven with her husband, Kieran, and sons, Dylan and Rory. Rachel McLaughlin Teacher and Community Engagement Coordinator [email protected] Rachel joins Squash Haven from Philadelphia, where she was an Advocate Supervisor for the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Philly. Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Rachel received her Bachelors in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She then moved to Philadelphia where she completed her Masters in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Rachel has extensive experience working with school aged kids both in the classroom setting and as an Educational Decision Maker for children who did not have a parent or guardian who were able to. In her spare time, Rachel loves to read and be outdoors; she has a special place in her heart for all things mythology and ancient history. Rachel brings a passion for community building and youth advocacy, and she loves to incorporate that work with Squash Haven students. Santiago Moran Squash Director [email protected] Santiago graduated from Connecticut College, during his time there he was a 4-year varsity player, playing as high as number 4 during his senior year. He majored in Economics and minored in Latin American Studies. After graduation, he moved to Houston, Texas where he was the Squash Director at Mission Squash for 7 years. He is excited to be back in the Northeast at Squash Haven. He is here working with the Squash Haven students to provide a high-quality Squash and Fitness curriculum, while also mentoring and supporting them to transition the skills they learn on the court to everyday life. Santiago's goal is to give the students here opportunities that he never had with the sport and to prepare them to become highly elite national Squash players. He strongly believes in providing them with the best coaching experience to make them into some of the best S.E.A. and U.S. national players. He comes with experience coaching players at the Gold and JCT levels. Phillips Ogunleye Interim Director of College and Career [email protected] Phillips Ogunleye is a dedicated professional serving as Squash Haven’s Interim Director of College and Career. With a passion for helping young individuals navigate the path to higher education, self-discovery, and self-betterment, Phillips has made it his mission to empower students to achieve their academic and personal goals. He’s a former student athlete and graduated from Temple University in 2016 and spent time in various industries after college. His background includes Real Estate, Fintech, Program Management, and Sales & Entrepreneurship. When he’s not working he enjoys listening to music, watching food TikToks, going to the gym, and playing video games. Alyssa Pascual Teacher and Program Coordinator [email protected] Alyssa earned her BS in Health Science and MAT in Teaching from Stony Brook University. She initially worked in the medical field as a nurse’s aid, scribe, and medical assistant. Alyssa left medicine for teaching in the pursuit of a career that felt more fulfilling. Teaching ignited a passion in her for working with youth, and providing them with the support and resources necessary to overcome barriers and realize their full potential. As a proud daughter of Filipino immigrants, she finds this work especially meaningful and knows firsthand the impact that having an encouraging community can make. Alyssa looks forward to making a meaningful difference in the lives of students as Teacher and Program Coordinator at Squash Haven. In her spare time she likes to read, lift weights, try new recipes, and go on hikes with her Corgi, Fred. Franki Velasquez Squash Coach [email protected] Franki first joined Squash Haven in 6th grade. He started out as a student and is now a Squash US Squash Level 2 Certified Coach. Throughout his time in the program, Franki competed in a number of high-level tournaments, was the #1 player on the boys’ high school team as a senior, and was a member of five Squash and Education Alliance National Team Titles. Franki is a proud first generation college graduate, having received his degree from Southern Connecticut State University. Franki’s family has strong ties to Squash Haven, as his three younger siblings are also in the program. Outside of work, Franki enjoys going to the gym and playing soccer. He is excited about sharing his passion for squash with his younger teammates and mentoring them on and off the court. |
