{"id":106,"date":"2024-10-20T14:40:15","date_gmt":"2024-10-20T18:40:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youngmanwithaplan.org\/?page_id=106"},"modified":"2026-09-04T14:18:49","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T18:18:49","slug":"staff-mentors","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/youngmanwithaplan.org\/es\/our-team\/staff-mentors\/","title":{"rendered":"Staff & Mentors"},"content":{"rendered":"
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STAFF<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Jaykyri Simpson, MBA, Ed.D<\/a><\/h3>

Executive Director<\/h4>
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Dr. Jaykyri Simpson is the Executive Director of Young Man with a Plan, a holistic mentoring program serving young Black and Latino men \u201cin the middle\u201d across 8 Boston schools. Under Jaykyri\u2019...Read More<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n

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Lenward Gatison II<\/a><\/h3>

Assistant Director<\/h4>
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Lenward joined the Young Man with a Plan program staff in 2022 as Assistant Director after serving the organization in a mentoring capacity for over five years. Lenward began working with YMW...Read More<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n

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Desmond Kennard<\/a><\/h3>

Director of Program Operations<\/h4>
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Desmond Kennard is a native of Boston and graduate of Medaille College with a major in Psychology. Des has dedicated his career to youth development. He worked with autistic students in the B...Read More<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n

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Justin McAfee<\/a><\/h3>

Program Manager<\/h4>
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Justin joined YMWAP in 2022 in a school based mentor role. In 2024 he became a part of our programming staff as a Program Manager, bringing a deep commitment to serving youth and a strong con...Read More<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n

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Marcia Felth, M.Ed<\/a><\/h3>

Sr. Director, Strategy, Growth & Innovation<\/h4>
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Marcia brings over thirty years of experience in corporate and nonprofit program development, consulting, and grant writing to the YMWAP team. She was a member of the team of school leaders a...Read More<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n

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Sandy Madero<\/a><\/h3>

Director of Development<\/h4>
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Sandy Madero brings over 13 years of nonprofit leadership and a relationship-first approach to her role as Director of Development at YMWAP. Deeply committed to nurturing partnerships that bu...Read More<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n

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Elo Deneus<\/a><\/h3>

Assistant Director of Development<\/h4>
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Elo joined Young Man with a Plan in February 2024 as the Assistant Director of Development. In this role, he leverages his background in business, fundraising, and relationship management to ...Read More<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n

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T. Max Coren<\/a><\/h3>

Development and Communications Manager<\/h4>
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Born and raised in the Boston area, Max is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island’s Harrington School of Communications and Media with a degree in Communications and Public Relati...Read More<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n

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Martin Familia<\/a><\/h3>

Director of Finance and Human Resources<\/h4>
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Martin is a seasoned finance professional with a passion for community development. As the Director of Finance and Human Resources, he brings over 15 years of experience in financial manageme...Read More<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n

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Jaykyri Simpson, MBA, Ed.D<\/h2>

Executive Director<\/h4>
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Jaykyri Simpson, MBA, Ed.D<\/h2>

Executive Director<\/h4>
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Dr. Jaykyri Simpson is the Executive Director of Young Man with a Plan, a holistic mentoring program serving young Black and Latino men \u201cin the middle\u201d across 8 Boston schools. Under Jaykyri\u2019s leadership, YMWAP has grown from a small program serving 30 students to a 501c3 organization serving over 250 students and alumni in a unique mix of in- and after-school mentoring and success planning.<\/p>\n

Jaykyri received his B.A. at the University of New England (UNE) where he captained their division-winning basketball team, and his MBA from St. Joseph\u2019s College in Maine. In 2021, Jaykyri earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership from New England College. His dissertation research explored college persistence in Black males. Jaykyri incorporates everything learned through his research into the curriculum for the young men in the program.<\/p>\n

Prior to leading YMWAP, Jaykyri launched Project Ochendo at New Mission High School in Boston, where he taught and mentored students of color, helping them improve study skills and grades, and to access and persist at college.\u00a0 Jaykyri also has a deep connection to sports. He played college basketball for all four years, starting at a small junior college in Texas and transferring to the University of New England (UNE) to finish his collegiate career.\u00a0 He served as basketball coach for two years at UNE, and as a basketball coach, admissions counselor, and retention coordinator for three years at Mt. Ida College. In addition to coaching on the collegiate level, Dr. Simpson has coached high school football at New Mission High.<\/p>\n

Jaykyri was in the 2020 cohort of the Lewis Family Foundation\u2019s Strong Leader Program, TSNE\u2019s 2021 Nonprofit Executive Directors of Color Program, and serves on the EdVestors Racial Equity Task Force since 2022, where he leads teacher dialogues and conducts research on educational topics including engaging men of color in the classroom, creating spaces of belonging, and factors impacting college access and persistence. He was also named a 2021 INP Changemaker, a 2022 SIF Social Innovator, and is a member of the 2024 Nellie Mae Educational Foundation Speakers Bureau.<\/p>\n

Jaykyri is a thought leader whose knowledge of youth is frequently sought by educators, funders, and community leaders. He has been a consultant and guest educator at New England College and has presented at The Possible Zone, the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, Life Science Cares, Social Innovation Forum, Boston Beyond, The Philanthropy Connection, EdVestors, Third Sector New England, and at CT Rise and Teacher Powered Schools conferences. In 2023 The New Commonwealth Fund recognized YMWAP\u2019s deep community impact by inviting the organization to participate as a \u201ctrusted partner\u201d in a state-funded maternal health equity public health initiative.<\/p>\n

Originally from Cleburne, Texas, Jaykyri is also a founding member of Men on a Mission, a nonprofit in his Texas hometown.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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Lenward Gatison II<\/h2>

Assistant Director<\/h4>
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Lenward Gatison II<\/h2>

Assistant Director<\/h4>
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Lenward joined the Young Man with a Plan program staff in 2022 as Assistant Director after serving the organization in a mentoring capacity for over five years. Lenward began working with YMWAP as Codman Academy\u2019s school-based mentor and remained engaged with the program and students even after leaving Codman. His previous employment includes roles as Dean of Students at Uncommon Schools and Wellness Director at Codman Academy. Lenward is also a Real Estate Investor and General Contractor managing 23 rental apartments in New England.\u00a0 Lenward is also a member of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity where he serves as current Chapter President and committee chair for the New England region of brothers.\u00a0 Lenward earned a B.A. in Psychology from UMass Boston, where he played varsity ice hockey for the Beacons until his graduation in 2011. Lenward is still an active member of the Beacon community and give annual to the Ice Hockey Team he once played for. <\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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Desmond Kennard<\/h2>

Director of Program Operations<\/h4>
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Desmond Kennard<\/h2>

Director of Program Operations<\/h4>
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Desmond Kennard is a native of Boston and graduate of Medaille College with a major in Psychology. Des has dedicated his career to youth development. He worked with autistic students in the Boston Public Schools to design and implement life skills and enrichment activities. Des also was a Senior Youth Counselor at Cooper Community Center in Roxbury. Desmond leads program operations and helps YMWAP build career knowledge and pipelines. In 2023, when YMWAP\u2019s achieved 501c3 status, Des expanded his role to include support of financial operations. He is a certified career coach who has participated in EdVestor\u2019s Career Path development program and leads Success Planning for YMWAP students and alumni. Des brings a working knowledge of Spanish to YMWAP. Des is a 2021 INP Changemaker and received the 2022 Light of Dawnn award for his front-line work during the Covid pandemic.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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Justin McAfee<\/h2>

Program Manager<\/h4>
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Justin McAfee<\/h2>

Program Manager<\/h4>
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Justin joined YMWAP in 2022 in a school based mentor role. In 2024 he became a part of our programming staff as a Program Manager, bringing a deep commitment to serving youth and a strong connection to his hometown of Mattapan. Justin was formerly a wellness teacher and basketball coach at Codman Academy. He also worked at Bedford High School as a campus aide and football\/basketball coach, demonstrating his dedication to mentoring students through sports and education.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to his work in schools, Justin served as a stabilization case manager at Project Place, a nonprofit organization. There, he taught a stabilization class, helping formerly incarcerated individuals and those struggling with addiction to rebuild their lives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Justin earned his B.S. in Counseling Psychology from Johnson and Wales University in 2017 , where he was also the chapter president of his organization Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship Incorporated for three years. Before attending Johnson and Wales, Justin played varsity football and basketball at Becker College, further showcasing his leadership and teamwork skills.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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Marcia Felth, M.Ed<\/h2>

Sr. Director, Strategy, Growth & Innovation<\/h4>
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Marcia Felth, M.Ed<\/h2>

Sr. Director, Strategy, Growth & Innovation<\/h4>
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Marcia brings over thirty years of experience in corporate and nonprofit program development, consulting, and grant writing to the YMWAP team. She was a member of the team of school leaders and consultants who created YMWAP\u2019s original design and launched the program in 2015. In her current role, Marcia leads strategy, growth and sustainability initiatives.<\/div>\n
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Marcia has designed corporate programs to attract, develop and retain top talent at Fidelity, HP, and Corning, Inc, and consulted on the design of leadership development and mentoring programs. She received her B.A. in American Studies from Barnard College, Columbia University (first gen!) and her M.Ed. from the University of Vermont.<\/p>\n

She has been certified as an executive coach from the Center for Creative Leadership and as a writing group leader from the Amherst Writers Program. Outside of YMWAP, Marcia teaches poetry to senior citizens, supports traditional blues musicians in their grant proposals, and helps high school students write compelling essays for college applications.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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Sandy Madero<\/h2>

Director of Development<\/h4>
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Sandy Madero<\/h2>

Director of Development<\/h4>
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Sandy Madero brings over 13 years of nonprofit leadership and a relationship-first approach to her role as Director of Development at YMWAP. Deeply committed to nurturing partnerships that build lasting community impact, Sandy focuses on strategic fundraising, thoughtful donor stewardship, and building the organizational systems needed to help young men of color thrive academically and personally.<\/span><\/p>\n

Originally from Venezuela, Sandy earned her bachelor\u2019s degree in economics from the Universidad de Alcal\u00e1 in Spain before moving to the United States to pursue concurrent master\u2019s degrees – an MBA in Nonprofit Management and a Master\u2019s in Sustainable International Development – at Brandeis University.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prior to joining YMWAP, Sandy served as Director of Operations at the Right Question Institute and as Social Enterprise Manager at Project Place, where she directed a business venture creating employment pathways and offering case management support for women in the Greater Boston area.<\/span><\/p>\n

An active believer in community-led change, Sandy serves as a volunteer and Chair of the Fundraising Committee for the New England Association for Colombian Children (NEACOL) and is an active member of The Philanthropy Connection (TPC).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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Elo Deneus<\/h2>

Assistant Director of Development<\/h4>
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Elo Deneus<\/h2>

Assistant Director of Development<\/h4>
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Elo joined Young Man with a Plan in February 2024 as the Assistant Director of Development. In this role, he leverages his background in business, fundraising, and relationship management to strengthen the organization’s financial sustainability and growth.<\/p>\n

Beyond his work at YMWAP, Elo serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Resident Services Department of the Cambridge Housing Authority, where he supports fundraising strategies for youth programming and families.<\/p>\n

Before joining YMWAP, Elo served as Development Manager at the Mystic River Watershed Association, where he led corporate engagement and partnership development. His professional background also includes experience in sales and recruiting.<\/p>\n

Elo earned his B.S. in Business Administration from Bryant University, where he was also a member of the football team.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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T. Max Coren<\/h2>

Development and Communications Manager<\/h4>
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T. Max Coren<\/h2>

Development and Communications Manager<\/h4>
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Born and raised in the Boston area, Max is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island’s Harrington School of Communications and Media with a degree in Communications and Public Relations with a minor in Business. He has a passion for youth development and communication, with extensive experience in leadership and digital media. Max served as Assistant Director at Camp Hale, where he led recruitment, training, and supervision of staff, ensuring a positive and impactful camp experience for all. His work also included curriculum development, program enhancement, and community outreach to expand the camp\u2019s reach.<\/p>\n

Max has also worked as a Communications Assistant at MIT Sloan School of Management, where he managed administrative tasks for a communications team, coordinated social media and multimedia content, and supported major project workstreams. His role as a Communications Fellow at the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership allowed him to hone his skills in website design, social media strategy, and public relations. Max brings a strategic mindset and a collaborative approach to all his work, focusing on creativity, communication, and leadership.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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Martin Familia<\/h2>

Director of Finance and Human Resources<\/h4>
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Martin Familia<\/h2>

Director of Finance and Human Resources<\/h4>
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Martin is a seasoned finance professional with a passion for community development. As the Director of Finance and Human Resources, he brings over 15 years of experience in financial management, leadership, and community engagement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Born in the Dominican Republic, Martin moved to Boston at the age of two and has called it home ever since. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2009 with a degree in Economics. Martin’s finance career spans multiple industries, including commercial banking and non-profit management. In his role , he has played a key role in building financial systems, ensuring compliance, and leading human resources.<\/span><\/p>\n

Martin is dedicated to giving back to his community. He served as a member of Codman Academy Charter Public School’s Board of Trustees for 7 years and led financial literacy seminars for high school students, empowering them with essential life skills.<\/span><\/p>\n

With his expertise in finance and commitment to community development, Martin continues to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals and organizations.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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SCHOOL-BASED MENTORS<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Equally critical to the program is our team of school-based mentors, primarily Black or Latino men, who assist at groups and provide young men with academic support in each of our eight partner schools.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bruce Baptista<\/a><\/h3>

Boston Collegiate Charter School | School Based Mentor<\/h4>
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Bruce Baptista is the Dean of Students at Boston Collegiate Charter School (BCCS). Bruce shares, \u201cThe young men at BCCS have gained a sense of camaraderie and a supportive community through t...Read More<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n

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Mitchell Hercule<\/a><\/h3>

Ruth Batson Academy | School Based Mentor<\/h4>
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Mitchell is the Physical Education teacher at Ruth Batson Academy (formerly BCLA). He is the coach for the Varsity girls\u2019 basketball program (defending city champions), the JV boys\u2019 soccer te...Read More<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n

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Eleazar Clayton<\/a><\/h3>

New Mission High School | School Based Mentor<\/h4>
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Born in Jacksonville, FL, and raised in Boston, Eleazar Clayton graduated from East Boston High School where he received a scholarship to North Platte Jr. College. He later graduated from the...Read More<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n

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Lance Mitchell<\/a><\/h3>

Tech Boston Academy | School Based Mentor<\/h4>
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Lance grew up in Delray Beach, Florida, in Palm Beach County. He graduated from Assumption University in Worcester, MA, in 2011 with a B.A. in Human Services. During his time at Assumption, L...Read More<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n

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Gregory Hill<\/a><\/h3>

Albert D. Holland School of Technology | School Based Mentor<\/h4>
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Bio coming soon!  Read More<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n

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Jermaine Patterson<\/a><\/h3>

Boston Green Academy | School Based Mentor<\/h4>
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Bio coming soon!  Read More<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n

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Dashawn Fils Aime<\/a><\/h3>

Boston Prep | School-Based Mentor<\/h4>
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Bruce Baptista<\/h2>

Boston Collegiate Charter School | School Based Mentor<\/h4>
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Bruce Baptista<\/h2>

Boston Collegiate Charter School | School Based Mentor<\/h4>
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Bruce Baptista is the Dean of Students at Boston Collegiate Charter School (BCCS). Bruce shares, \u201cThe young men at BCCS have gained a sense of camaraderie and a supportive community through their participation in YMWAP. Their involvement extends beyond casual friendships, as they actively check in with their peers to ensure they are keeping up with their schoolwork. This level of support and accountability is indicative of the strong bond they’ve developed within the program. They continue to maintain these connections through regular texting and offer assistance to one another during challenging times. YMWAP has cultivated a sense of unity and mutual support among the students, turning them into a closely-knit brotherhood.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n

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Mitchell Hercule<\/h2>

Ruth Batson Academy | School Based Mentor<\/h4>
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