GYLC 2015 Staff Biographies
Matt Castrina (Program Director) oversees the programs in the High School Non-STEM and
College Academy including the Global Young Leaders Conference. Since 2003, Matt has developed
and/or implemented programs for high-achieving high school, college, university and continuing
education students in Australia, Austria, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, India, New
Zealand, South Africa and the United States. Prior to joining Envision, Matt worked for two years in
the Czech Republic as an English teacher. He is a graduate of La Salle University in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Kaley Levine (Program Manager) attended the University of Pittsburgh, where she received her B.S.
in Psychology. During college, she interned at The Children’s Institute, working in its special education
school, as well as coached a swim team in Northern Virginia during the summers. She has been a
substitute teacher in Fairfax County, VA for grades K-12 and has worked in a variety of capacities for
the Global Young Leaders Conference US & China, the National Young Leaders Conference, the
National Youth Leadership Forum on National Security, and the National Young Leaders State
Conference, and the Presidential Inaugural Conference.
Aaron Miller (Program Coordinator) is a graduate of St. Johns University in Queens, New York,
where he received a B.A in Public Administration and Policy. After graduation, Aaron joined the
Global Young Leaders Conference as a Program Coordinator for New York City operations. At the
completion of the conference, he traveled to the village of Samegrelo, Republic of Georgia, to teach
English as a second language. Currently, he is pursuing his M.A. in International Affairs from Lebanese
American University in Beirut, Lebanon, and is also studying Lebanese Arabic. Aaron has also served
as a Speaker Coordinator for the Global Young Leaders Conference and National Youth Leadership
Forum on Law & CSI, Operations Team Member for the Presidential Inaugural Conference, and
Faculty Advisor for the National Young Leaders State Conference.
Travis Holmes (Program Coordinator) is a New York native who has graduated from St John’s
University with a degree in Politics & Government. While at St John’s he worked with European
exchange students helping them to gain a better understanding of the English language and culture in
addition to giving guided tours of the greater Metropolitan area of New York City. Travis has served
in multiple roles with Envision including Operations Team Member and Operations Coordinator for
the National Youth Leadership Forum: Career in National Security and the Global Young Leaders
Conference.
Joy R. Mason (Program Coordinator) is a native Washingtonian and a Certified Meeting
Professional (CMP). Joy has spent t most of her professional career planning meetings for several DC
area non-profits such as, American Society of Association Executives, International Franchise
Association and the Association of American Medical Colleges. She will serve as Program Coordinator
for the Pre-Conference Program of the Global Young Leaders Conference.
Miguel Albornoz (Program Coordinator) is taking a break from his work as a consultant for the
Inter-American Development Bank to join Envision for the first time this summer. Prior to working
with Envision, he studied International Affairs and Spanish at James Madison University and
graduated with a Master of Public Policy degree in International Development from the University of
Maryland. While at graduate school, Miguel led a study abroad trip to the Peruvian Amazon to study
illegal gold mining and community-led ecotourism as a development strategy.
Ali Meighan (EDUCATION COORDINATOR) is a graduate of Syracuse University where she received a
B.A. in Art History. Having studied abroad in Beijing and Shanghai during college, after graduating
she moved to Shanghai, China, where she spent four years working at an international school, teaching
English and Geography to middle school students from across the globe. Besides classroom teaching,
she also helped develop curriculum standards and served as a manager and mentor to other teachers.
While in Shanghai, she also worked as a private tutor. She has previously worked as an Education
Coordinator for the Global Young Leaders Conference Pre-Program Orientation. Currently, she is
pursuing her M.A. in International Education from SIT Graduate Institute in Brattleboro, VT.
Jessica Heilweil (Operations Coordinator) graduated from Davidson College in North Carolina with
a degree in Psychology and a minor in Economics. After college she worked for the Supply Chain
Council in membership and conference planning and for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in grassroots
and issue advocacy. She currently serves on the steering committee for a local high school’s College
and Career Center, and is pursuing a certificate in College Counseling. In previous years, Jessica has
served on the operations team for the Global Young Leaders Conference and the National Youth
Leadership Forum: Explore Stem programs.
William "Min" Sheehy (Operations Coordinator) is a graduate of the University of Montana
where he received a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Chinese. He studied abroad in China at
Shanghai International Studies University studying Mandarin Chinese. He has participated in Model
United Nations as a delegate, chairman, and team president in the US and China. Since 2010, he has
volunteered as a debate coach at Sentinel High School. William interned as a peer adviser to promote
and help students study abroad.
Field Staff
Samara Silverman (Faculty Advisor) is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa with a
Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education. She graduated with Departmental Honors and
Cum Laude. She is currently on staff at the CICS Northtown Academy in Chicago, Illinois. Samara
has participated in the National Student Leadership Conference, Global Young Leaders Conference,
Collegiate Presidential Inaugural Conference, and was the keynote speaker at the Junior National
Young Leaders Conference. Samara enjoys cultural travel and has recently visited Czech Republic,
Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Samara was a faculty advisor for the Global Young Leaders
Conference in 2014.
Denise Meehl (Faculty Advisor) is a recent graduate of Washington College in Chestertown,
Maryland, where she majored in History and minored in Secondary Education Studies. During her
studies, she spent a semester at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She plans on teaching high
school social studies this upcoming school year.
Sherry Solomon (Faculty Advisor) received her undergraduate degree in Education from the
University of Houston and her Masters from Houston Baptist University. She is an experienced
educator and is a professor at Kennesaw State University in their First Year and Transition Studies
Department. Sherry has traveled around the world with many students and is also a fellow in the U. S.
Supreme Court's Historical Society. She has sponsored the Model United Nation and Close Up
Programs.
Langton Mahechani (Faculty Advisor) in 2011 was a graduate student of Conflict & Coexistence at
the Heller School for Social Policy and Management. In addition to that, he worked as Teaching
Assistant of a Social Science class, one of the few courses provided by Brandeis University's Myra
Kraft Transitional Year Program (TYP). During the summer of that same year, he worked as a Faculty
Advisor with the Global Young Leadership Conference. Langton is an Ohio University alumnus where
he studied Political Science before joining the Enough Project of the Center for American Progress in
2010. Ever since he completing his graduate studies, Langton interned with both the Carter Center’s
Conflict Resolution Program and CNN’s International NewSource, respectively.
Eric Kesse (Faculty Advisor) is currently a graduate student at Ohio University (OU), Athens, where
he is pursuing an M.A. in International Studies (with concentration in African Studies). After his
college education, Eric worked as a Teaching/Research Assistant at the University of Cape Coast,
Ghana, where he engaged undergraduates in both classroom and field research work. He currently
works as a Graduate Assistant at the African Studies Department, OU, where he organizes academic
workshops, seminars, and symposiums. He also works (as a volunteer) with the Ohio Valley
International Council (OVIC) – and as part of job, Eric organizes and coordinates culturally-diverse
programs in elementary, middle, and high schools in Ohio. He also serves as a cultural consultant to
both students and tutors in elementary, middle, and high schools.
Monica Reichert (Faculty Advisor) is a returning GYLC Faculty Advisor and has graduated from
the University of Bucharest, in Romania with a BA in International Relations and a minor in English.
After graduating, Monica worked with Children to Love for seven years as a Program Coordinator and
Translator. Currently Monica owns and operates her own furniture boutique and interior design
company, called Mid-Century Modern by Monica. She is married to Jon Reichert, one of the fellow
Faculty Advisors, and they live in sunny southwest Florida.
Jon Reichert (Faculty Advisor) is a returning GLYC Faculty Advisor and has graduated from Hawaii
Pacific University with a MA in Global Leadership and Sustainable Development, and a BA in Cross
Cultural Studies and International Development from North Central University. Jon has over 20 years
over experience working and living overseas and has been to over 30 countries. Jon is also a former
Faculty Advisor with the Jr. NYLC and was an Associate Director of Programs for the NYSP program
at Wake Forrest University in 2007. Currently Jon owns and operates his own consulting company,
Sustainable Business Solutions. He is married to Monica Reichert, one of the fellow Faculty Advisors,
and they live in sunny southwest Florida.
Hannah Chamberlain (Faculty Advisor) is a student at Florida State University where she is
studying Political Science and English with a concentration in Government Communications. Hannah
had her first Envision Experience in the summer of 2010 when she was a student scholar attending the
National Young Leaders Conference. Hannah is thrilled to be working as a Faculty Advisor to give
this year's scholars an experience that is as enriching and memorable as her own.
Cherisse Woolard (Faculty Advisor) graduated from Michigan State University in with a B.A. in
Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration on International Studies. Cherisse also has a Minor in
Mandarin Chinese. She interned at the Center for American Progress on the Higher Ed, Not Debt
Campaign and she has a strong interest in International Affairs and language learning. Besides English,
she can speak Mandarin and Spanish. In a few years, Cherisse hopes to go back to school and get a
M.A. in International Relations or a M.B.A. in International Business. This is her first time working
for Envision.
Jessica Gadomski (Faculty Advisor) attended Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, where
she received her B.A. in Political Science. After college, Jessica became an enrichment teacher and a
behavior therapist for children with special needs. Jessica currently teaches elementary school on the
Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. In addition to teaching, Jessica also coaches middle school
cheerleading and recently organized a Relay Recess in conjunction with the American Cancer Society.
As an alumna of both Lead America and NYLC, Jessica is very excited to be part of the Envision team
this summer.
Richard K. Pyle, Sr (Faculty Advisor) is a career intelligence officer with more than 30 years in the
CIA, U.S. Department of State, and the Intelligence Community. He earned an undergraduate degree
from the University of Rhode Island in political science and English, a graduate degree from URI in
international relations, and a graduate degree from Princeton University in comparative politics. Mr.
Pyle has lived and worked abroad for more than 12 years in Europe, the Caribbean, Africa, and the
Maghreb. He has taught at the university level as a professor of political science and has taught social
studies, English and French as a substitute teacher in secondary schools. He is part of a team that
interviews local high school students who apply to Princeton. Mr. Pyle played football in college. He is
a former infantry soldier who served abroad in the U.S. Army.
Claudia Rebolledo (Faculty Advisor) has a degree in psychology as well as early education teaching
and is a DC native. She currently holds a position as the bi-lingual parent counselor and professional
development trainer for Guilford Child Development. Claudia recently received her National
Endorsement for Cultural Competence and TA through the Federal Grant Race to the Top Early
Learning Challenge. One of Claudia’s passions is to work teens/youth in her community in the areas
of higher education and helping those who need the additional help because of funding and or
documentation status get the resources necessary to attend college. Claudia is joining the Global Young
Leaders Conference for the first time.
Ratna Joshi (Faculty Advisor), is a professor & mediator for AMC Consultants. Grew up in Ann
Arbor Michigan, and moved to Palm Springs Florida in 1984. She pursued her academics acquiring a
Bachelor’s degree from Florida Atlantic University in Public Relation and Minor in Feminine
Philosophies. Thereafter she graduated with three more Masters Degrees in areas of Conflict
Resolutions and Analysis, Criminal Justice and Higher Education from Nova Southeastern University,
South University and Kaplan University. She is proud member of Honor Society of Golden Key
International and has worked in Colleges and Universities as a Professor. She has facilitated many
college conferences and high school seminars focusing on Bullying, Domestic Violence and Peace
studies in Florida. In 2012, she moved to Pittsburgh with her husband. She pursued her involvements
in Pittsburgh Child advocacy and Civic Leadership in K-12.
Kara-Marie (Faculty Advisor) will be a junior at Virginia Tech this Fall. She is working towards a
double major in Spanish and International Studies, focusing on Security and Foreign Policy, as well as
minoring in Communications. She is a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and will be studying
abroad in Valencia, Spain this coming spring. Washington, D.C. (her hometown!) and NYC are two
of her favorite places and she can't wait for an amazing summer with GYLC!
Faythe Missick (Faythe Missick) was born in NYC, NY but grew up in the west suburbs of Chicago,
IL. Faythe is a graduating grad student from Eastern Illinois University. She will be receiving her
Master's of Science in International/Comparative Politics in the summer of 2015. She also received my
Undergraduate Degree from EIU in Political Science. In my career goals, she hope to work for an
International Organization where she am able to deal with conflict resolution in developing countries.
An interesting fact about myself is that she am an African Dance teacher of five years.
Taylor Bond ( Faculty Advisor) is a recent graduate from the University of Georgia where she
received a B.S.Ed for grades K-5. Through school, she was able to work with all different grade levels
as well as at several elementary schools in Athens, GA. Before graduating, she spent her summers
interacting with kids through camp counseling, babysitting, volunteering, and selling snow cones at
daycares. She worked in a behavioral classroom with three different grade levels prior to her current
job in a Pre-K classroom. This will be her first summer working with Envision and she is excited for
the experience.
Christiana Jackson (Faculty Advisor) graduated from Temple University with degrees in Political
Science and German, minoring in History. After graduating, she was awarded a Fulbright Grant to
Germany as an English Teaching Assistant, where she co-taught grades 5-13. She recently completed
her two-year commitment with Teach for America as a high school English teacher in Charlotte, NC
and plans to stay in the classroom. This is her first summer with Envision and the Global Young
Leader's Conference.
Charice Williams (Pre-Program Orientation) is a graduate of Towson University where she
received a B.S. degree in Education. Since graduation she obtained several positions as an education
specialist teaching GED preparedness and Job Readiness Skills to high school students. She
conducted, taught, assessed and ensured that all students participating in the program received quality
education in order to pass the GED state test. Charice taught and has written Customer Service
curriculum for Welfare to Work programs for young adults matriculating back into the work force. She
is currently a substitute teacher in Washington, DC for grades Pre-k – 6.
Erin Dunne (Faculty Advisor) studies International Studies and History and is a member of the
Honors Program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As a undergraduate Erin has
studied abroad in both France and Brazil in addition to interning with a member of the Canadian
Parliament in Ottawa, Canada. In Ann Arbor, Erin is involved in a number of student organizations
and serves on the Board of Directors for WCBN FM Ann Arbor, a local radio station. Erin is thrilled
to be working with the Global Young Leaders Conference this summer.
Hilary Disch (Faculty Advisor) earned her MA in Southeast Asian Studies from the University of
Wisconsin—Madison, where she focused her studies on Theravada Buddhism, gender, and
anthropology. She has spent a total of nearly five years working and studying in northern Thailand.
Mostly recently, she lived in Chiang Mai where she taught English to elementary students, volunteered
with a local NGO (We women foundation), and began an independent research project. She is looking
forward to her very first summer with Envision.
McKenzie Wessel (Faculty Advisor) is an undergraduate student at the University of Cincinnati
pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership with a minor in Economics. During the
school year she works as an Academic Coach where her job is to teach students success-building habits
in college and relieve them of their GPA probationary status. Besides that, McKenzie is a campus
veteran tour guide for the University of Cincinnati, a member of the Chi Omega Fraternity, and the
Alpha Lambda Delta honorary society. She recently spent her last summer studying abroad
in Lüneburg, Germany while also getting the chance to travel to major European cities. Her hopes are
to graduate in the spring of 2017 and then attend graduate school for a Masters in Human Resources.
Mary Gathogo (Faculty Advisor) is a graduate of Kenyatta University, Kenya where she graduated
with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Mary taught in several public and private high schools in Kenya
before joining Ohio University, Athens where she graduated with a Master’s in Applied Linguistics
and a Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Currently, she is concluding her PhD
studies in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs at the same university. Mary has
worked as a Faculty Advisor for the National Youth Leadership Forum for Medicine and Global Young
Leaders Conference.
Anna-Kaye Rowe (Faculty Advisor) is an aspiring development practitioner and social
entrepreneur. She is a proud graduate of the University of the West Indies, Mona in Kingston, Jamaica
where she received a B. A. in Media and Communication. Anna-Kaye has coordinated several youth
leadership and empowerment programs and enjoys learning about different cultures. She has served
in various capacities within the non-profit sector in Jamaica and has garnered a wealth of experience
in leadership, activism and media management. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in
Communication and Development Studies at Ohio University.
Tracy Tinga (Faculty Advisor) graduated with a Master’s degree in International StudiesCommunication & Development from Ohio University. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in
Communication at Temple University. Previously she has worked with GYLC as Education Support.
Gregory Casement (Faculty Advisor) Born and raised in a New York, Gregory Casement received a
Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Delaware and will be pursuing a Master’s Degree at the
University of Miami this Fall. Greg has been teaching and coaching young people for many years and
is currently a music teacher in the DC metro area. Greg has been a faculty advisor for the Junior
National Young Leaders Conference: Alumni Boston, and is very excited to be a faculty advisor the
Global Young Leaders Conference this summer
Wadner Pierre (Faculty Advisor) is a Haitian award-winning and trilingual photojournalist. He
received a Master of Science in International Relations from University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK,
with a focus on Security and Human Development in Latin America. He graduated from Loyola
University New Orleans with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a minor in Sociology. Pierre is a
contributing writer for Global Diplomatic Forum where he publishes on current international politics
-Diplomacy and Security.
Sabeena Thomas (Faculty Advisor) is a graduate of Ohio University where she pursued her masters'
degree in International Affairs with a focus in health. She was born and raised in Jamaica West Indies.
She is a former a customs office in the said country. She has also worked as an academic adviser to
undergraduate students at Ohio University, over the past which was a very fulfilling and life changing
experience that further sparked her interest into higher education. Her interests are health promotion
and education, higher education/student advising. She is passionate about meeting new people,
learning new things, gaining the most from different life experiences as well as making a difference in
the lives of others. Her future plans include embarking on a PhD. in public health sciences at the West
Virginia University in the fall.
Stephen Joseph LaBrie (Faculty Advisor) from Oakland California currently based in Washington,
D.C. as a Doctoral Candidate in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies at Howard University. He
was selected by U.C.E.A and awarded as a Barbara Jackson Scholar for 2014-2016. With over 20
years of teaching experience in various subjects at the secondary level, college and one year as a guest
lecturer at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana West Africa, Stephen LaBrie has influenced many
students to reach their goals and aspirations. Stephen LaBrie is instrumental in three major areas; the
arts, academics, and athletics. He is veteran sports/basketball official referee and published poet as
well as one of the top scholars at Howard University. Bachelor of Science in International Business
from San Francisco State University and MBA from Howard University as well. He has spent the
previous two summers with envision as a faculty adviser for JrNYLC and GYLC. Stephen is
affectionately known by his students as Mr. Steve. He brings a wealth of experience, knowledge,
research and a unique and affable approach to experiential learning.
Anja Downing (Night Operator) is a Washington, D.C. native and a current student in her senior year
at North Carolina A&T State University studying Agriculture Education. During the span of her
undergraduate career, Anja has been an active member of the community and the campus by educating
students on the importance of health and nutrition. Upon graduation, she plans on continuing her
education by perusing her master's degree in Public Health Nutrition.