The Apex for Youth staff consists of skilled, experienced and caring administrators and educators who come from diverse backgrounds and speak multiple languages.
Executive Director
Jiyoon oversees the administration, operations, and strategic direction at Apex, working closely with staff, board, donors, and community partners. Since joining Apex in 2011, Jiyoon has developed Apex’s core programs, cultivated Apex’s rich organizational culture, and helped to grow the organization more than tenfold. She believes in the power of mentoring and has mentored youth throughout her life. Prior to Apex, Jiyoon worked in education and advocacy at nonprofit organizations across NYC, including the Asian American Legal Defense & Education Fund and Grand Street Settlement. A proud New Yorker, she attended Hunter College High School and SUNY Geneseo, where she studied English, sociology, and psychology, and became involved in activism. She enjoys dancing, cooking, hiking, and traveling — and has driven cross country three times.
Director of Development
wendy.huau (@ apexforyouth.org)
Wendy leads the development team at Apex, which is in charge of relationships with donors, corporations, and foundations. Previously, Wendy served as the New York regional major gift officer for UC Berkeley as well as the senior associate director of alumni-student mentoring programs at Columbia University. Wendy is passionate about communities of people coming together to create more equitable and just societies. Wendy graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA in Mass Communications and a minor in Education. She lives in Harlem with her partner and three kids. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, baking sourdough bread, and reading fantasy and science fiction.
Director of Operations
alex.kogan (@ apexforyouth.org)
Alex oversees finance and operations at Apex. Prior to joining Apex, Alex served as the Director of Finance, Operations and Analytics at Bank Street College’s Children’s Programs, and as Director of Finance and Administration at Jewish Community Project. Alex is passionate about working with nonprofits to support organizational growth and sustainability, as well as empower youth and staff teams. Alex holds a B.A. in Psychology and Economics from Hunter College. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his dogs, traveling, and listening to podcasts.
Director of Programs
yaya.yuan (@ apexforyouth.org)
Yaya oversees all of Apex’s volunteer programs as Director of Programs. Yaya brings with her extensive experience in working with diverse communities of young people, beginning with her experience as a history teacher in Shanghai, China. She has developed and led many programs in the U.S. and abroad focusing on positive youth development. She holds a B.A. from Grinnell College and an M.S.W from Columbia University. During her spare time, Yaya enjoys exploring the many neighborhoods and cuisines of New York City.
Deputy Director of Development
stephanie.amarnick (@ apexforyouth.org)
Stephanie oversees development and fundraising and focuses on partnerships, donor cultivation, fundraising events, and grant writing. She has spent her career supporting non profit organizations in New York City with events, fundraising, volunteer management, and operational needs. Stephanie holds a BA in Business Administration and Marketing from Temple University – Fox School of Business and Management. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, swimming, cycling, and spending time with her two daughters.
Marketing Coordinator
james.chen (@ apexforyouth.org)
James helps oversee marketing efforts and social media, as well as assisting with development and operations. Prior to joining Apex, he worked in various client experience, marketing, and operations roles. James is passionate about increasing Asian American representation in our communities and empowering youth. James holds a B.S.E. in Computer Science from Princeton University. In his free time, he enjoys playing music, basketball, and video games.
Data and Development Operations Coordinator
lily.fu (@ apexforyouth.org)
Lily works on development and data at Apex. She perviously worked in compliance and risk management and was the Middle School Program Coordinator at Apex. She graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in Political Science and minor in Public Policy. In her free time, she enjoys listening to kpop, playing video games, and fostering cats.
Marketing & Communications Manager
veasna.has (@ apexforyouth.org)
Veasna manages Apex’s marketing and external communications efforts. She has previously managed communications strategy and messaging for arts and cultural organizations including Little Island, Ballet Hispanico, ArtPlace America, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Outside of work, she explores memoir and essay writing and was most recently a 2020 Kundiman Mentorship Lab fellow in Creative Nonfiction. Her writing focuses on themes of family and cultural identity, rooted in her Cambodian American upbringing. Originally from Long Beach, CA, Veasna holds a BA in Anthropology from the University of Chicago with a minor in Cinema and Media Studies.
Operations Manager
allen.leung (@ apexforyouth.org)
Allen manages the day to day operations at Apex. He comes to Apex with a diverse background of experiences. Starting his career in Investment Banking, he spent 12 years working on Wall Street. He went on to start multiple casual dining restaurants and lounges where he developed a keen understanding of all aspects of operating and managing small businesses. At Apex he maintains the efficient continuation of Operations. He has been with Apex since 2016. During his free time, he likes trying new restaurants. He is also a huge NY Rangers fan.
Executive Assistant & Administrative Coordinator
jennifer.li (@ apexforyouth.org)
Jenn provides administrative support to the leadership team at Apex. Prior to Apex, she worked in other administrative positions at Park East Synagogue. She graduated from Brooklyn College with a B.A. in Philosophy and a minor in Marketing. In her free time, she is on the hunt for the best sci-films out there as well as another riveting poetry collection to add to her shelf.
Events Manager
nicole.picinich (@ apexforyouth.org)
Nicole oversees fundraising, cultivation, and volunteer events at Apex. She previously held roles managing and supporting events at Columbia University for alumni, student, and family populations. She is passionate about bringing engaging experiences to life that foster community and connection. A native New Yorker, Nicole earned her B.A. in Media Studies from Hunter College. Outside of work she enjoys traveling, cooking, shopping, and listening to music.
Program Data Analysis Manager
chloe.rinehart (@ apexforyouth.org)
Chloe leads Apex’s data collection, monitoring, and evaluation efforts to build capacity for self-assessment and to measure and report on the impact of Apex for Youth’s programming. Chloe has more than seven years of experience in applied research and data analysis focused in the areas of youth development and college and career access, and most recently managed and supported various evaluation projects as a Research Associate at Metis Associates. She is passionate about the use of data to empower individuals and communities to highlight and root out inequities. Chloe holds a B.A. in Government and Latin American Studies from Wesleyan University. Outside of work, she enjoys building meaningful relationships with friends and neighbors and playing ultimate frisbee.
Corporate Partnerships Manager
serena.wong (@ apexforyouth.org)
Serena manages a growing portfolio of relationships, volunteer engagements, and new partnerships with corporations. She is a fashion industry veteran who has held roles in buying and account management for global fashion brands. Her passion for social justice, volunteering, and uplifting communities led her to the social impact sector. She received a B.A. in Economics and a minor in Communications from UC Davis. During her spare time, Serena enjoys discovering new eateries, fitness, dancing, and cultural experiences.
Art Therapist
melissa.alvey (@ apexforyouth.org)
Melissa is a licensed art therapist on Apex’s Mental Health team. Before joining Apex, Melissa worked providing therapeutic support to survivors of torture and asylum seekers, as well as with children and families in various clinical and educational settings. She practices a strengths-based, client-centered, and trauma-informed approach to healing, and as a multi-racial therapist, Melissa values the intersections of identity, culture, and community. She received a B.A. in Design from the University of California at Davis and an M.A. in Art Therapy from New York University. As an artist and art therapist, Melissa values the creative process as a means to discovering narratives of resilience. She is a painter, an avid reader, and adventurer who really enjoys ocean swims.
Elementary Program Manager, Online Programs
nikhil.arur (@ apexforyouth.org)
Nik helps oversee Apex’s virtual programming for elementary school students. Prior to joining Apex, he spent time in the federal education policy space in Washington, DC and managing and developing afterschool programs in Denver and the Bay Area. Nik is passionate about culturally sustaining ethnic studies curricula for Asian American students, and using entertainment media to help youth foster positive associations with their identities. Outside of work, you can find him at a concert, playing soccer, or biking around.
National Mentoring Program Manager
jonathan.chang (@ apexforyouth.org)
Jonathan integrates positive youth development frameworks into Apex’s mentoring programs. He utilizes a strengths-based and restorative approach to develop resilience in young people while guiding volunteers to be effective agents of change. Previously, he has organized with other Asian American organizations in New York City to dismantle systems of oppression and create meaningful change in the lives of young people. Jonathan holds an MSW from Columbia University and B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Elementary Program Coordinator, Manhattan
mikaela.chang (@ apexforyouth.org)
Mikaela coordinates Apex’s Elementary Programs in Manhattan. Prior to Apex, she taught history to high school students while supporting various after school activities and facilitating student affinity group initiatives. Mikaela completed her undergraduate work in International Studies and Education at Middlebury College. Through her work at Apex she is excited to empower youth with the tools to understand identity, build strong foundations for community, and to strive towards justice. In her free time she enjoys going on walks, listening to music, and frequenting coffee shops.
Middle School Social Worker
shirley.chen (@ apexforyouth.org)
Shirley is the Middle School Social Worker at Apex. Prior to joining Apex, she worked with young people of color as a clinically licensed social worker, providing individual/group therapy to college students and youth in mental health settings. She was born and raised in NYC’s Chinatown and received her BSW from the University at Albany, and MSW from Hunter College. Her approach working with young people is person-centered, trauma-informed, and relationally driven, with particular attention to systemic contexts that shape social injustice. In her free time, Shirley enjoys practicing yoga, reading, and exploring new places.
Athletics Program Coordinator
kojo.dansoh (@ apexforyouth.org)
Kojo is the Athletics Program Coordinator at our partner sites in Brooklyn. He has a Master’s degree in Applied Health Informatics specializing in project management from Stony Brook University. He spent many years in the sports world working in different basketball leagues and coaching at different youth camps. Kojo hopes to use his expertise to help Apex’s Athletics program grow to a new level, developing athletes with skills that will help them achieve success both in the classroom and on the sports field. In Kojo’s spare time he likes to play basketball, travel, cook, and watch reruns of different Marvel movies.
Elementary Afterschool Site Director
beau.dorien (@ apexforyouth.org)
Beau manages the Elementary After School Program at PS 184. Prior to joining Apex Beau served as a director at the Robotics camp, NORY & worked at the Fresh Air Fund providing low income NYC children with unique programs. Additionally, Beau has experience as a high school teacher and teaching English as a 2nd language overseas. Beau holds a B.A. in history and is currently completing his M.S. in adolescence social studies education. In his free time Beau enjoys kayaking, listening to music and hanging out with friends and family.
Associate Director of College and Career Success
assumpta.galang (@ apexforyouth.org)
Assumpta manages, supports, and develops programming for all the students who have gone through Apex programs with their post-secondary paths. This includes supporting them with their academic and professional pursuits. She has been working in college and post-secondary access and support programs for underrepresented young adults in New York City for over thirteen years. Prior to this work, Assumpta was a high school health educator at a school-based health center in Oakland, CA. Assumpta holds a B.A. in Psychology from UC Berkeley and an MPH from Columbia University. In her spare time, Assumpta enjoys yoga, cooking, trying new cuisines, and exploring the city.
Community Network Coordinator
fulton.hou (@ apexforyouth.org)
Fulton was born and raised in NYC and currently helps bridge relationships between Apex and the local community in Chinatown. He has been with Apex as a mentor for over 4 years and has been involved with other community efforts on the side, whether it be related to supporting small businesses or combatting Asian hate. Outside of work, he spends most of his time playing basketball, scrolling through Tiktok and studying the current trends of today’s internet culture.
High School Mentoring Program Coordinator
mohema.hussain (@ apexforyouth.org)
Mohema is a Program Coordinator for the High School Mentoring Program. She graduated from Fordham University with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Communications and Culture. During her undergraduate years, Mohema worked as an after school teacher in Washington Heights and as a mentor for the Fordham University Commuter First Year Mentorship Program. She has also interned with the National Urban League and G&S Communications Agency. Mohema has a strong passion for work related to non-profits, youth development and advocacy, and is excited to work with the Apex for Youth to empower New York City students to reach their full potential.
Elementary Program Manager, Manhattan
jennifer.kong (@ apexforyouth.org)
Jennifer is the Elementary Program Manager at Apex’s sites in Manhattan. She is committed to fostering value among immigrant youth through community work, identity exploration, and relationship-building. Jennifer approaches her work with optimism and the belief that students have the agency to uplift and become visionaries for their community. Before joining Apex, she worked in education and youth development both locally and abroad. Jennifer studied Cultural Anthropology at Rutgers University and International Education at NYU. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys biking, surfing at Rockaway, and discovering new pizza spots.
Elementary Program Coordinator, Brooklyn
heather.lee (@ apexforyouth.org)
Heather coordinates Apex’s Elementary Saturday Program at our partner site, PS 169 Sunset Park School, in Brooklyn. Prior to joining Apex, she served as an AmeriCorps member at an education nonprofit supporting low-income, immigrant students and families in Arlington, VA. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and Psychology with an emphasis in Social Services from Clemson University. Heather is passionate about social justice and education equality. In her free time, she enjoys strolling through Central Park, Facetiming friends and family, going to concerts and shows, traveling, and journaling.
Associate Director of Mental Health
ivy.li (@ apexforyouth.org)
Ivy oversees the mental health services at Apex. Prior to joining Apex, Ivy has worked extensively with Asian American non-profit organizations, where she played pivotal roles in developing and leading high impact programs to support Asian American and immigrant communities. Through her different roles working with diverse communities, Ivy developed a profound understanding of ways in which social systems, cultures, and personal experiences can shape personal and community well-being. Therefore, in her clinical practice, Ivy adopts a strength-based and trauma-informed approach to help individuals define their personal narratives and develop effective coping mechanisms. Ivy is a licensed social worker. She received her B.S. in Social Work from Syracuse University and an MSW from Columbia University. Ivy loves to travel, cook, and capture the little moments in photos.
Middle School Mentoring Program Coordinator
qing.li (@ apexforyouth.org)
Qing coordinates the Middle School Mentoring Program. Prior to Apex, she served as an AmeriCorps Member in an elementary school in East Harlem. She holds a B.A. in International Political Economy from Fordham University with a focus on foreign languages. She is passionate about advocating for education equity and building authentic relationships at scale. In her spare time, Qing enjoys trying out new foods, listening to podcasts, and being in the nature.
Athletics Program Coordinator
haywood.matthews (@ apexforyouth.org)
Haywood is the Athletics Program Coordinator at our partner sites in Manhattan and Brooklyn. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management specializing in operations from Stony Brook University. He has spent many years in the sports realm training and advising many high level athletes globally. Haywood brings diverse skills to help bring the Athletics program to a new level as Apex grows exponentially. Haywood has mentored athletes around the world and loves to give back to the youth as athletics has helped him grow and experience various new avenues in life. During his spare time, Haywood loves to workout, hike, trade stocks and travel.
Middle School Mentoring Program Manager
alison.moy (@ apexforyouth.org)
Alison oversees the Middle School Mentoring Program at Apex. She is passionate about supporting and helping youth grow through relationships. Alison brings her diverse experience in education, learning & development, and social work. Prior to Apex, she was a middle school teacher at a NYC public school for 7 years. A NYC native, Alison holds a B.A. in Psychology from Wesleyan University and an M.A. in Math Education from CCNY. In her spare time, Alison loves to create things and stay active through biking, running, and dancing.
Art Specialist
grace.noh (@ apexforyouth.org)
Grace Noh is an art specialist on the Mental Health team at Apex. Prior to joining at Apex, she took a lead role to pioneer in-person & remote art therapy programs and build group therapy curriculums for school settings both in NYC and Seoul. She has diverse work experience with different age groups including at-risk students from immigrant families, students of families who defected from North Korea, and those who experienced the loss of a loved one.
Grace received her M.A. in Art Therapy from New York University and earned her B.F.A in Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, writing, museum hopping, and riding a bike.
College and Career Coordinator
owen.rapaport (@ apexforyouth.org)
Owen supports the College and Career Access department at Apex, helping to produce and implement programs for students as they plan for their lives after high school. He has worked with youth in various environments, from the classroom to foster care, as well as supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This role will allow him to continue creating opportunities for students to develop their skills and discover their goals. Outside of work, Owen is probably cooking with friends, getting lost in the city, or trying a new coffee spot.
Associate Director of Elementary Programs
kavita.shah (@ apexforyouth.org)
Kavita supports Apex for Youth’s Elementary Saturday programs in Brooklyn and Manhattan for students in K-5th grade. Prior to Apex, she worked at the Fresh Air Fund providing enriching summer experiences to NYC youth from low-income families. Kavita hold a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Scranton and a M.S. in Applied Psychological Methods from Fordham University. She is passionate about strengthening low-income communities and increasing their opportunities for civic engagement. In her free time, she enjoys board games, playing with her dog, and listening to podcasts.
Elementary Program Manager, Brooklyn
isabelle.stclair (@ apexforyouth.org)
Isabelle is Apex’s Elementary Program Manager in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Prior to Apex, she served as the Coordinator of Tutoring and Academic Skills at NYU Shanghai and as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Hualien, Taiwan. Isabelle graduated from Wellesley College with a degree in Peace and Justice Studies and Asian American Studies. She is committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for immigrant youth and providing them with the tools for community and self empowerment. In her free time, Isabelle likes to read, play soccer, climb, and bake.
High School Mentoring Program Coordinator
ellie.yeo (@ apexforyouth.org)
As the High School Mentoring Program Coordinator, Ellie helps with curriculum planning, mentoring pair support, and communication. Her MSc dissertation at the University of Oxford focused on the effects of racism on Chinese American Youth. She is so happy to work in a position that combines her passion for education and racial justice and allows her to serve her community. For fun, she loves watching true crime documentaries while playing with her cat.
Athletics Program Manager
ian.yu (@ apexforyouth.org)
Ian oversees Apex’s athletics programs. Ian brings his experience from playing Division III basketball at Hunter College and has organized basketball clinics and leagues in Chinatown, NY for youth and adults. His passion for sports helps with teaching the students teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance. Outside of athletics, Ian also manages Apex’s social media accounts. With the help of the Apex team we love putting together content to highlight all the amazing work that Apex does with the community.
Site Director at Apex SONYC Middle School After School Program at P.S. 184
chifai.yuen (@ apexforyouth.org)
Chi Fai manages the SONYC Middle School After School Program at P.S.184. Prior to joining Apex, Chi Fai was helping oversee a SONYC and College Access & Success program serving Asian youth in the Lower East Side. Chi Fai holds a B.B.A in Finance from Baruch College. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, doing food challenges, playing handball, and powerbuilding.
Associate Director of Mentoring Programs
amy.zhao (@ apexforyouth.org)
Amy oversees middle and high school mentoring programs at Apex. Prior to joining Apex, she taught English to middle and high school students in a rural community in Phitsanulok, Thailand through the Fulbright Program. Amy is passionate about youth leadership development and civic engagement, and loves supporting young people explore who they are and grow. She holds a BS in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Writing from Northeastern University. In her free time, she loves cooking, reading, biking around the city, and eating ice cream.
