TEAM DOC WAYNE
Doc Wayne is a mission-driven organization. From our clinicians and interns to our administrators, board members, and executive team, every team member believes that our work changes lives. Learn more about the people who make Doc Wayne great.
OUR STAFF
SAM ACKER
SHE/HER
As Doc Wayne’s Operations Manager, Sam contributes to the staff experience through supporting HR processes, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiatives, and by managing essential systems that help the organization run smoothly.
Before joining Doc Wayne in August of 2020, Sam taught English as a Second Language to high schoolers in Korea. She studied Psychology with a minor in The Studies of Women, Gender, and Sexuality at Harvard College. Sam has always been passionate about working with people and working on teams. She played various sports growing up in California, and was a 4 year letterwinner and senior caption of her Division 1 collegiate water polo team. In the future, Sam is thinking about continuing her education to become a clinician and/or educator.
REBECCA ALOIS, MA
SHE/HER
CLINICAL GAME CHANGER
As a Clinical Game Changer, Rebecca is responsible for facilitating sports-based group therapy sessions while also managing a caseload of individual clients. Rebecca earned her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine from Boston University School of Medicine.
Prior to this, Rebecca attended Providence College where she completed her B.A in Psychology and a minor in Business Administration. Rebecca comes from a large family of athletes, and grew up playing any sport she had the opportunity to. She particularly loves basketball and lacrosse, and while at Providence, Rebecca was a founding member of the school’s first Women’s Lacrosse Program. Her lifelong involvement in sports, as both a coach and player, has fostered her belief in the positive impact that sports can have on an individual’s well-being. Rebecca emphasizes building positive relationships in her interventions, as she believes this to be foundational for improving self-esteem and for addressing other skills youth may be working on, so that they can grow both socially and emotionally. Rebecca is excited to join Doc Wayne where she can combine her passions of sports with helping youth reach their full potential.
SHANICA BYNOE
SHE/HER
LEAD FACILITATOR,
THE CHAMPIONS NETWORK™
As Lead Facilitator, Shanica contributes to the development and enhancement of training offerings at Doc Wayne. She supervises the Facilitators of The Champions Network™ and serves as the primary trainer of the team. Shanica has her B.A. in Human Development and Family Studies and her M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis. During high school, she participated on the Track & Field team as a thrower and captain- oftentimes considered “the mother” of the team. Shanica is originally from Barbados and prides on being a proud Bajan. Additionally, she enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures and considers this an integral part of her self-care.
MOLLY CONNELLY
SHE/HER
CLINICAL GAME CHANGER
Molly is a Clinical Game Changer with Doc Wayne, where she provides group and individual therapy to kids, teens and young adults. She received her BA in Psychology from Wheaton College (MA) and then went on to graduate with her MS in Counseling Psychology at Northeastern University this past spring. Molly has always loved sports, and growing up was on the basketball, softball, soccer, and volleyball teams--she started playing basketball at just seven years old! She also loves expressing herself creatively by singing, painting and writing. Molly believes that movement helps alleviate stress, and can help us complete uncomfortable emotions, making it a great method to use in therapy and in day to day self care routines!
ALEX CRAIG
SHE/HER
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES COORDINATOR,
THE CHAMPIONS NETWORK™
As the Strategic Initiatives Coordinator, Alex supports external training efforts, coordinates and prepares grant applications, and supports the agency’s event planning. Alex was formerly a Clinical Intern at Doc Wayne while earning her B.S. in Psychology and Neuroscience from Haverford College – where she was a member for their volleyball and softball teams. Upon graduating, she has served as the Co-Chair of Doc Wayne’s Young Professionals Board and gained additional experience working in positive youth development in Greater Boston. Alex is excited to be back and eager to support the team!
LIV EMERICH, LCSW
THEY/SHE
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES MANAGER, THE CHAMPIONS NETWORK™
Olivia Emerich serves as The Champions Network™’s Strategic Initiatives Manager. Within this role, Olivia supports strategic planning, partner cultivation, and communication among the Champions Network™ team. Prior to this role, Olivia served as a Trilingual Clinical Game Changer at Doc Wayne, supporting youth through individual and group sport based therapy. Previously, Olivia has worked with several youth based non-profits, both domestically and globally. Olivia also served for two years as an education volunteer for the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone. As a graduate of the Global Social Work Master’s Program at Boston College, Olivia is passionate about forwarding social justice through her commitment to antiracism and meeting the mental health needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Olivia is fluent in English, Spanish, and Krio.
KATHRYN FALCÓN, M.S.
SHE/ELLA
BILINGUAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Kathryn joined Doc Wayne in June 2019 as a Bilingual Program Coordinator. She is Cuban American and originally from Miami, Florida. She attended the University of Central Florida where she earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice and Certificate in Criminal Profiling. Kathryn then went on to earn her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Massachusetts Boston.
At Doc Wayne, Kathryn is responsible for running group therapy sessions at multiple sites including a Spanish-led group at Waltham High School as part of Wraparound Waltham. Wraparound Waltham is a grant-funded initiative which aims to increase graduation rates among LatinX students who are newly arrived and/or still learning English by addressing the non-academic barriers to health. Doc Wayne is a proud partner in this collaborative. Kathryn is also responsible for meeting with individual clients and supervising clinical interns. She has a blackbelt in Taekwondo and has grown up playing soccer, volleyball, and basketball. She also continues to play intramural soccer during her free time.
ANNA FOLTA
ADMINISTRATOR,
THE CHAMPIONS NETWORK™
As The Champions Network™ Administrator, Anna will be supporting the external training program in its day-to-day operations and assisting with communication efforts for The Champions Network™’s growth and partnerships. She earned her B.A. in Medical Anthropology and International Relations from Brandeis University. Anna played volleyball and soccer growing up and participated in intramural co-ed volleyball throughout college. She grew up in China, but is Korean-American and speaks English, Korean, and Mandarin.
THOMAS FISCHMAN
HE/HIM
YOUTH COACH &
THERAPEUTIC MENTOR
As a youth coach and therapeutic mentor, Thomas leads and facilitates recess activities at a local Boston Public School five days a week and meets with 3-4 clients weekly for one-on-one hour therapy-like mentor sessions. Thomas graduated from the University of Michigan in the spring of 2022 with a B.A in Cognitive Science and a minor in Entrepreneurship. Thomas is originally from Wellesley, MA, and grew up playing baseball, soccer, and basketball. He is also an avid sports fan, specifically Boston’s teams. Thomas’s number one passion has always been sports, whether it is playing or watching. With that passion, he loves Doc Wayne and what the organization is all about because it combines his interests in sports with his passion for mental health and helping those that need mentoring or a person to talk to.
TROY FRENCH, LCSW
HE/HIM
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
As a Program Coordinator, Troy provides mental health services for both individuals and groups. Additionally, he works collaboratively with program sites and families to provide the best approach and support to reach the program’s goals as well as individuals’ personal goals. Troy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and earned his B.A. in Youth Development from Springfield College and his Master’s in Social Work from Westfield State University. Troy has a strong commitment and passion for sport-based therapy and loves to engage with youth clinically on a basketball court or sports field. Troy was a collegiate runner and continues to run and bike.
MICK GALVIN, LCSW
HE/HIM
CLINICAL GAME CHANGER
As a Clinical Game Changer, Mick is responsible for facilitating group and individual therapy sessions. He received his Master’s in social work from the Boston College (BC) School of Social Work. Prior to BC, Mick attended Providence College and graduated with a B.A. in social work and Sociology. He is a licensed clinical social worker.
Mick grew up in Goshen, New York, and remains a passionate New York sports fan despite being in the heart of New England. He eats, breathes, and sleeps sports – especially football, baseball, and hockey. Mick’s family calls him the “Sports Dictionary” because of his endless knowledge of random sports facts. Mick has always had a passion for working with youth of all ages and has lots of experience working with this population.
SYRENA HERNANDEZ
SHE/HER
CLINICAL GAME CHANGER
Syrena is a Clinical Game Changer at Doc Wayne. She has a B.A. from Syracuse University in Psychology with minors in Child & Family Studies and Forensic Science. She also graduated from Syracuse University in 2020 with a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Clinically, Syrena is most interested in building strong therapeutic relationships with her clients to work towards self acceptance and other goals her clients aim for. She has played sports since she was 4 years old (soccer, figure skating, cross country) and participated in club sports (rugby and gymnastics) while in college. Moreover, Syrena is excited to be part of a team that has taken an unconventional approach to mental health.
ANDREW HOOKER
YOUTH COACH
COMING SOON.
BRIANNA JIMENEZ
SHE/HER
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
As the Communications Coordinator, Brianna Jimenez develops, maintains and supports Doc Wayne’s external and internal communications. Her role is creating and implementing plans for promoting the organization’s work over various online platforms, working with PR, and supporting the external communications efforts. Brianna joined the Doc Wayne team in October of 2020. She comes with more than five years in the digital marketing and communications realm for nonprofits. Brianna graduated from the College of Central Florida with a degree in Communications. She holds a certificate in DEIB from Cornell University, as well as certificates in Email Marketing, Marketing Strategy, Project Management, and Nonprofit Management. She is currently seeking a degree in Diversity in Leadership through the University of Central Florida. Additionally she She enjoys long walks with her dog, Pepper, and taking her kayak out in the Florida springs in her spare time.
MATTHEW KELLY
YOUTH COACH
COMING SOON.
ERIN KILPATRICK, LCSW
SHE/HER
PROGRAM MANAGER
As Program Manager, Erin is responsible for the supervision of our clinical intern team, managing partnerships within our Boston and MetroWest programs, and managing our growing therapeutic recess program. Erin earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Sacred Heart University and went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston University. Erin is a licensed clinical social worker passionate about community-based work that serves clients in the places they feel most comfortable. She is also dedicated to the growth of our clinical interns at Doc Wayne and helping them find their passions. Erin grew up playing softball and running cross country. She loves playing tag and dodgeball with kiddos in groups!
NICK LINDHEIM
YOUTH COACH
Nick is a Youth Coach with Doc Wayne, and works with the therapeutic recess program. He began his college career at Middlesex Community College, and recently received his B.A in Psychology at Lesley University. Nick played organized basketball throughout his childhood, and continues to play for fun. He is also very passionate about mental health and psychology research.
ERIN LOEHNER
SHE/HER
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
As a Program Coordinator, Erin leads sport-based group therapy sessions and provides individual therapy sessions to youth of all ages. In addition, Erin acts as a primary point person for a number of collaborative partners. Erin earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Regis College where she played soccer and lacrosse. She then went on to earn her Master’s in Counseling from Springfield College with concentrations in both Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Athletic Counseling. Through Doc Wayne’s unique approach to mental health services, Erin enjoys bringing together her love for being active and helping others.
BEN MACHLIN
HE/HIM
GRANTS & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
As Grants & Development Manager, Ben builds and maintains relationships with Doc Wayne’s generous supporters, helping to secure new funding opportunities for the organization’s growth and prosperity. He earned a B.A. in English from Rutgers University as well as an M.A. in English from Northeastern University and taught college writing for two years before joining the team. Ben has previously worked with youth as a school tutor, camp counselor, and hockey coach. He is also the author of a comic book entitled How to Draw Bad: A Collection of Comics which encourages creativity and perseverance to adults and children alike. He hopes to someday write and illustrate his own series of children’s books. Ben loves to play sports in his free time and has always enjoyed working with youth, so he cherishes the opportunity to fuse those passions in his work with Doc Wayne!
MEGHAN MAYVILLE
SHE/HER
RECESS PROGRAM MANAGER
Meghan is the Recess Program Manager here at Doc Wayne. She helps run recess programs and meets with clients individually as a TM. Meghan loves all sports and the ability to change lives through them. She played soccer collegiately at Georgia Southern University and has coached at the Division I, II, and III levels, as well as coached at the youth level. Meghan’s background is in teaching all sports to students aged 3-18. She strives to continue teaching life skills through the lens of sport.
KANIKA MINOCHA, LMHC
SHE/HER
DIVERSITY EQUITY INCLUSION AND BELONGING MANAGER
As the Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Manager, Kanika is responsible for creating a culture of safety, equity, and inclusivity, both within the staff and for our youth and partners. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with an Ed.M. and M.A. in Psychological Counseling from Teachers College at Columbia University. She has received training in Trauma Informed Care and Gender Diversity and Inclusion. In previous professional settings, Kanika has worked with athletes and immigrants and is very dedicated to her clinical roots, along with her passion for justice and equity.
Kanika was born and raised in India and moved to the US to compete in Division I varsity golf at San Jose State University. She started playing competitive golf at the age of 11 and was once ranked as high as the #2 junior golfer in India. Kanika loves to cook, and needs her boxing classes for self-care!
STEPH MOY
YOUTH COACH
As a Youth Coach, Stephanie supports our Therapeutic Recess program. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Suffolk University where she was a member of the women's ice hockey team. Stephanie has focused on ice hockey for the past 10 years but has also played basketball and lacrosse. She is excited to be a part of the Doc Wayne team where she is able to share her passions of working with youth, mental health, and sports.
CATHERINE RASTER, LCSW
SHE/HER
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
As a Program Coordinator, Catherine (Cat) is responsible for providing sport-based therapy to both group and individual clients, managing partnerships with other programs, and supervising clinical interns. Cat is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, earning her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Indiana University and her Master’s in Social Work from Boston College.
Growing up in a large sports family in Indiana, Cat was exposed to all things sports related but found herself most comfortable on the soccer field. She went on to play D1 soccer at IUPUI and still continues to play in co-ed leagues across the Boston area. Sports offered Cat so many important lessons and she hopes to provide that similar experience to the kiddos she works with in the mental health arena.
JENNY RIEMER
SHE/HER
CLINICAL GAME CHANGER
As a Clinical Game Changer, Jenny is responsible for facilitating groups and individual therapy sessions. She is an Asian-American female-identifying individual who has a passion for utilizing youth’s strengths and interests to provide support in a way that is approachable and energizing. She started out as a clinical intern with us during her first graduate year, stayed on as per-diem, and is now excited to be a full-time member with an organization she feels passionately about. She earned her B.A. in Human Service Studies at Elon University, where she was a varsity soccer athlete. She then went on to Boston University, where she received her MSW (Master’s of Social Work).
Jenny has competed in a variety of sports her whole life, both playing and coaching for all youth levels up to Division 1 soccer. On and off the field, her values have been grounded in teamwork, collaboration, and empowerment. She loves to share these lessons and passions with the youth she works with. She is honored to be a part of a team that understands and emphasizes strengths-based practices for our youth!
LANIE RIM
SHE/HER
OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Coming Soon.
APRIL ROWELL, LCSW
SHE/HER
CLINICAL GAME CHANGER
As a school based Clinical Game Changer, April is responsible for providing group and individual therapy to youth as well as conducting psychosocial assessments and intakes as needed. April was born and raised in Boston. Some of her favorite sports to play in middle and high school consisted of Dodgeball, Kickball, Soccer and Track. April received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Fisher College in 2017 and recently graduated in May with her Master of Social Work degree from Simmons University. April has ample experience working with youth socially, academically, and clinically in summer camp and Boston Public Schools settings. Given her experience as an AmeriCorps member with City Year Boston, and serving as a clinical social work intern at BINcA and Codman Square Health Center during her time in graduate school, April believes that her role as a school-based Clinical Game Changer will continue to help her develop the essential skills necessary to provide children and their families with the proper resources and services they need to succeed in and out of the classroom setting.
AYMÉE SUAREZ
SHE/HER
ASSISTANT PROGRAM DIRECTOR
As the Assistant Program Director at Doc Wayne Youth Services, Aymée works closely with Program Director Maggie Yuan to manage program partnerships and clinical services. She is a bilingual Licensed Mental Health Clinician who provides services in English and Spanish. Aymée has experience in program management in both outpatient and group home settings.
Aymée received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Lehigh University. From there, she received her M.Ed. in Counseling with a specialization in Sport and Performance Psychology from Boston University. Aymée specializes in working with children and adolescents who have experienced complex trauma. Her work earned her the inaugural “Outstanding Alumni Award” in Counseling from Boston University, Wheelock College of Education and Human Development.
Since a young age, Aymée has participated in sports including; soccer, track, fencing, snowboarding, and lacrosse. In college, she discovered her passion for rowing and had been a competitive rower for over a decade. Although she has recently retired from competition, she continues to practice an active lifestyle, including hiking different National Parks in the US and abroad.
MAKENNA SISEMORE
SHE/HER
DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT
COMING SOON.
MO SLOTNICK
SHE/HER
YOUTH COACH
Coach Mo recently joined staff as a Youth Coach for our Therapeutic Recess program and is continuing in her second year as a Graduate Clinical Intern. She graduated from Randolph-Macon College with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Speech Communications where she also played soccer for four years. She has an MBA from Texas A&M and is certified as a Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Running Coach, Cycle Instructor and Yoga Teacher. Currently, she is working on her MSW through Rutgers University. She also works as a Recruiter.
Coach Mo believes in the mind, body and health connection, mental and physical wellness and in the power of sports, teamwork and community. Teamwork is a life sport and the mission of Doc Wayne resonates with her because she believes sports can change the world one person at a time.
NORMA SURPRIS
SHE/HER
CLINICAL OPERATIONS MANAGER
As the Clinical Operations Manager, Norma is responsible for operationalizing clinical operations across multiple programs and supporting the delivery of high-quality and effective clinical services.
Norma earned her Master’s in Social Work at Simmons University. Norma has always had a passion for mental health and working with children and families. In Norma’s teenage years, she was on a Double Dutch team and competed as a speed jumper, finishing second in the finals. In the future, Norma would like to further her education and pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Health.
CONSULTANTS AND SUPPORT STAFF
SHALINI KASIDA
THE CHAMPIONS NETWORK™ CONSULTANT
Shalini Kasida serves as the Champions Network™’s Consultant as well as a board member of Doc Wayne. As a consultant, Shalini supports the Champions Network™ team in cultivating relationships with partners, creating strategic planning for the future of the Champions Network™, and supporting the formalization of the credentialing program. Prior to Doc Wayne, Shalini was the Operations Director at Parents for Peace, a non-profit organization that focuses on prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation of individuals that are moving toward a path of violent extremism. Shalini is an established board member and advisor to several Executive Directors including the National Police Foundation’s Center on Mass Violence and Expedition Ayiti. Prior to Shalini’s work in the non-profit sector, she worked for 25 years in leadership and management roles, managing consulting practices, pre-sales, and product marketing groups at enterprise software companies. She is a graduate of the University of Greenwich, London, UK.
THUAN NGUYEN
DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
As a Champions Network™ Facilitator and Development Consultant, Thuan is responsible for providing external partners with the skills needed to provide improved mental health services to youth in their own communities. He earned a B.A. in Sustainable Development from Appalachian State University and a masters in International Governance and Public Affairs from Luiss University in Rome, Italy and CIFE in Nice, France. Thuan’s career has been centered around education and community development and is committed to improving resources for youth and families to lead happy, healthy lives. Thuan loves all types of sports and incorporates sports everywhere he goes.
JOHN PHARRIS
TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANT
As a Technology Consultant , John is responsible for supporting video conference training sessions and meetings for employees and agency clientele. He earned his B.A. in Mass Communications and Broadcast Engineering from The University of Illinois at Chicago. John says he loves that working with Doc Wayne allows him to be part of the solution for the greater good. John loves baseball and is a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation where he volunteers as a youth baseball coach.
ANNA VILLARREAL
DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
As Development Consultant, Anna builds and maintains relationships with individual donors. Building our constituency is key to helping Doc Wayne raise awareness about mental health needs and individual gifts help Doc Wayne expand access to serve more youth. She played Division One soccer at Baylor University and holds her J.D. Anna is an active philanthropist and entrepreneur. Her main areas of interest are mental health through sports and healthcare initiatives specifically related to women’s health and eye disorders causing blindness. Anna serves as a guest professor and corporate sponsor at Northeastern University and has previously worked as a soccer coach and camp counselor. She is the owner of several patents aimed at improving healthcare for women and often serves as a keynote speaker to advocate for more inclusion of females in research. As a lifelong athlete, Anna believes in the power of sport to help keep people happy and healthy. Anna is an avid golfer and runner and every so often gets back on the soccer field. Her free time is consumed with being active and helping leave the world a better place than she found it.
MAX WEINSTEIN
TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANT
As a technology consultant, Max helps run the technological side of the Champions Network™ trainings. He studied Mathematics at Brandeis University and will pursue his Masters at Tufts starting this year. In high school, Max played varsity tennis, and he continues to play with friends and family. He has many side interests, including jazz, poetry, and vegetarian cooking.