Boston nonprofit continues to grow in response to ongoing youth mental health crisis
BOSTON (August 3, 2022) – Doc Wayne Youth Services (“Doc Wayne”), a Boston-based nonprofit whose sport-based therapy improves mental health, recently welcomed Alisha Greenberg and Frank F. Coulom III to its Board of Directors, bringing its membership to 14.
Doc Wayne fuses sport and therapy to heal and strengthen youth that face difficulties associated with mental health, chronic trauma and domestic and community violence around the globe. Clinicians (“coaches”) lead programs in a gym or on a field vs. a clinical setting at community and residential treatment centers, and are embedded into school curricula. The approach fosters openness and trust, and enables the development of new life skills and learning teamwork with the benefits of physical activity.
“We are all aware of the devastating impact the pandemic and other world crises continue to have on the mental health of youth around the world,” commented Board Chair Christopher S. Ernest. “As Doc Wayne’s growth continues with the global adoption of its model through the Champions Network™ training program, the deep nonprofit, growth management and sports expertise Alisha and Frank bring to the organization will be immeasurable.”
In response to escalating inquiries over the years, in 2020, Doc Wayne launched its Champions Network™ in person and remote training and professional credentialing programs. Organizations, clinicians, teachers, coaches and other youth development professionals are trained in how to provide trauma-informed, sport-based and equity-focused mental health support. During the last year, Doc Wayne has trained people and organizations in 25 countries (some in conflict zones), impacting over 500,000+ youth thus far.
Alisha Greenberg is a Sports Philanthropy Advisor with 20 years of experience. An early leader in the space, she has run her own sports and philanthropy agency educating and advising social impact leaders since 2009. In addition, Alisha serves as director of the prestigious RWJF Sports Award on behalf of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the nation’s largest philanthropy dedicated solely to health. She is the co-founder and co-director of the Sports and Entertainment Impact Certificate (SEIC), which offers the gold standard in trusted professional development for leaders across the sport, entertainment, and philanthropy industries.
Early in her career, Alisha spent time working with the Sports Philanthropy Project (SPP), managing all sports partnerships with teams, athletes, leagues and others, enabling her to build an extensive network within the field. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Marketing and Management from Indiana University, Bloomington, and a Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate from Georgetown University.
“I remember being instantly intrigued the first time I read about the work of Doc Wayne. The idea of offering access to mental wellness through the connection point of sport is so innovative and unique. Sports has been at the heart of my professional career for two decades and mental wellness is an issue I care very deeply about on a personal level. I am honored to have the opportunity to join the board and continue to advocate for this important work.”
Frank F. Coulom III is First Vice President, Associate Complex Manager at Morgan Stanley, a role where his focus is on recruiting and retaining talented Financial Advisors all while promoting a first class client experience. A graduate of University of Hartford with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Finance, he has worked for Morgan Stanley for nearly five years, previously having served as Business Development Manager in the Boston and Upstate New York markets. Prior to his work at Morgan Stanley, Frank was an Internal Wholesaler of Life Insurance and Annuities at MetLife before becoming Regional Sales Director at Columbia Threadneedle Investments in 2013.
“I am thrilled and humbled to be joining the board of Doc Wayne. Growing up, I was given the opportunity to play youth sports and I’m so grateful for the outlet it provided me and the lessons it taught me. The lessons of teamwork, leadership and perseverance will last a lifetime and the immediate mental support system we are able to provide through Doc Wayne’s unique approach is truly remarkable.”
Doc Wayne was formed by Susan Wayne in 2002 in memory of her brother Dr. Eli Wayne, a pediatrician and tremendous supporter of using sport as a medium for positive youth development. Among others, the organization has been recognized with the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Sports Award.
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Doc Wayne is an award-winning non-profit that has pioneered the leading approach of sport-based therapy and catalyzed a mental health movement. We provide training, tools, and services that address emotional, behavioral, traumatic, racial, gender, and cultural-based barriers by providing equitable access to better mental health for all. Our clinician-led curricula puts sport into practice, strengthening social-emotional skills in young learners to build healthier, more resilient global communities. Doc Wayne, headquartered in Boston with an office in Framingham, MA, also has a growing global team based in various locations around the world.
Contact:
Heidi Boie