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 Senior 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. Mike Callaway Squash Professional [email protected] With over 30 years of experience, Mike Callaway is a Level IV Certified Professional Coach and a respected member of the U.S. Coaching Panel and Squash Professionals Association (SPA). He has coached national teams from England, the United States, Colombia, and Israel, with appearances at elite events including the World Junior Men’s Championships. Known for his strategic insight and motivational leadership, Mike has guided athletes from beginners to world-ranked professionals. Off the court, Mike is a dedicated family man. Married with two children—both collegiate squash players at St. Lawrence University—he enjoys traveling, cycling, golf, and watching soccer. His legacy is defined by competitive success and a lifelong commitment to growing the sport and developing athletes. 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 their intersection at Squash Haven. She is an alumna of New Haven's Community Leadership Program, Executive Orientation Program, Democracy School, and is Co-Chair of the Board of Children's Preschool. 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. Eric Jimenez Teacher & Program/College Access Coordinator [email protected] Eric is excited to join the Squash Haven team as a Teacher and Program and College Access Coordinator. He is passionate about youth education, bringing community together through learning, and supporting young people in reaching their goals through mentorship and belonging. Originally from Peekskill, NY, Eric received a bachelors in Ethnicity, Race, and Migration from Yale University in 2023 and has lived in New Haven since. Over the past two years, Eric taught at Cold Spring School where he spent one year as an Associate Fitness Instructor and one as an Associate 4/5 Teacher. In his free time, Eric coaches baseball at Walter Pop Smith Little League and enjoys skateboarding, knitting, listening to music, and playing video games. Diana Moreno Director of College and Career Diana is thrilled to be joining Squash Haven as the Director of College and Career. A native of Dallas, TX, Diana has worked in education for the past ten years, where she has always sought to lift underrepresented voices and their communities as well as creating spaces where students feel empowered to show up as their authentic selves. She is very passionate about expanding access to college and ensuring post-secondary success for first-generation students. Diana is a proud Mexican-American and first-generation graduate and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), a Master’s in Education Leadership from Harvard, and is currently working on her doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania. She loves reading romantic comedies, hockey, musical theater, and Taylor Swift. Franki Velasquez Lead Squash Professional [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. MJ Zelk Teacher & Program/College Access Coordinator [email protected] MJ is grateful to join Squash Haven as a Teacher & Program/College Access Coordinator. As a QuestBridge Match Scholar at Wellesley College, MJ knows firsthand the transformative impact of organizations like Squash Haven. Majoring in Psychology, they have dedicated their studies and post-graduate work to understanding how to guide young folks through the complexities of coming of age today. Equipped with his experience in Montessori classrooms, alternative education labs, and youth program design, he hopes to become a pillar of support for Squash Haven students, providing holistic care and building honest spaces of learning and belonging. Outside of work, you'll often find MJ shuffling through RnB archives. They're also starting to warm to city living, but their homegrown rural Floridian first loves— the sky and the hush of wind passing through leaves— will never leave them. |
