YouthBuild’s staff is composed of committed educators, administrators, counselors, vocational instructors and AmeriCorps members. We are a diverse team of professionals, united in our high standards and commitment to serving the best interests of the students.
No matter their role at the school, every employee at YouthBuild plays a part in creating a safe and positive educational environment where amazing transformations can take place.
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Administration
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Le’Yondo Dunn is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School. His passion for working in education stemmed from his own experiences, which mirror many students attending YouthBuild. He firmly believes that all students should have access to a high-quality education and educators who believe endlessly in their potential regardless of their zip codes.
His excitement about leading YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School arises from its inspiring mission and the opportunities it provides young adults. The school’s commitment to fostering an environment of love, support, and respect for the whole person deeply resonates with him. By empowering students with vital skills and connecting them to opportunities, YouthBuild equips them to graduate high school successfully and transition to college and career paths as critically conscious leaders devoted to positive change for themselves and their communities.
Before assuming the role of CEO at YouthBuild, Le’Yondo made significant contributions to the field of education during his time as the principal at Simon Gratz High School in North Philadelphia. There, he spearheaded an impactful anti-gun violence initiative, leading to its subsequent adoption by the entire Mastery Charter system, implemented across all secondary schools. For the first time since 2012, Le’Yondo successfully united Gratz as a comprehensive 9-12 high school under one leadership team, bringing improved educational opportunities. He also launched Career and Technical Education programming to ensure students have multiple pathway options when transitioning to their postsecondary paths. Prior, he worked as a school administrator in several other large, high-performing charter management organizations.
Le’Yondo’s dedication to education advocacy began in Southeast Louisiana, his home state, where he first recognized the power of education to create positive change. He also played a crucial role in supporting the founding of one of the first charter schools in the state of Washington, where he witnessed the transformative potential of alternative education models. Mr. Dunn attended the University of New Orleans and St. Joseph’s University. Le’Yondo resides in Germantown with his wife, who is also an educator, and son.
Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Adesanya is an energetic, results-oriented, and mission driven Senior Management Professional with more than 20 years’ progressive experience leading finance and operations, global projects, and grants administration for large domestic and international non-profit organizations. She has a proven track record in reorganizing, streamlining, and strengthening operations to maximize performance. She is a collaborative, creative problem solver that enjoys working with a forward thinking mission-driven team in a fun fast-paced environment.
Adesanya is a world traveler and has worked in many countries, including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Peru, Haiti, and Thailand.
In her spare time, Adesanya enjoys relaxing at the beach, studying positive psychology, and hanging out with her dogs.
Principal
Kazmir Davis joined YouthBuild Philly Charter School in June 2023 as Principal, overseeing the organization’s program team. A Philadelphia native and Temple University graduate, Kazmir earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Kazmir began her teaching career in Prince George’s County, Maryland in 2005. Kazmir continued graduate studies at the University of Maryland concentrating on Teacher Leadership in School & Minority and Urban Education. She completed graduate studies and obtained a Masters of Educational Leadership degree from Holy Family University. Over the course of her twenty years in the urban education space, Kazmir has passionately served the students and families of Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland, the School District of Philadelphia, KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools and Mastery Charter Schools as both a teacher and school leader. Kazmir possesses a relentless desire for her students to succeed as she guides them on a journey to self-discovery, development and academic achievement. She consistently demonstrates her commitment to do whatever it takes to ensure every moment matters for every young person. In her role, Kazmir provides a clear vision for learning for all students; ensures a safe, secure, and orderly learning environment; and cultivates strong relationships with and acts in service to diverse stakeholders, including families and communities. Kazmir enjoys family time with her husband, Terrence, and their precious sons, Zion Isaiah and Zamir Elijah.
Chief of Staff and Strategy
Taylor Uyehara is the Chief of Staff and Strategy at YouthBuild Philadelphia, working with the leadership team to implement our ambitious 5-year strategic plan. He is a passionate educator who is committed to ensuring that all students have equitable access to high-quality educational supports that empower them to achieve their postsecondary goals.
Prior to joining the YouthBuild team, Taylor served as assistant principal of instruction at Simon Gratz High School for 6 years, supporting the math, science, foreign language, postsecondary, and career & technical education departments. Before that, he served as a math teacher, teacher coach, and assistant principal at Olney High School for 7 years.
Taylor was born and raised in California and has a bachelor’s degree in Business Economics and Global Studies from UC Santa Barbara and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University. Outside of work he loves to travel, spend time outdoors with his wife and two children, and follow Golden State Warriors basketball.
Operations
Director of Information Technology
Sam Markow joined YouthBuild Philly in July 2024 as the Director of Information Technology. With over 25 years of experience spanning the healthcare, publishing, and consumer goods industries, Sam has cultivated a deep passion for IT since childhood. His curiosity about how things work and his drive to solve complex problems have been the cornerstones of his career.
Sam is dedicated to leveraging technology to improve the lives of both staff and students at YouthBuild Philly. He believes that by providing access to advanced technological resources and innovative solutions, he can foster a more efficient, engaging, and supportive educational environment for everyone.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys woodworking, baking for friends and family, and playing disc golf.
IT Support Specialist
Josh is the IT Help Desk Specialist at Youthbuild Philadelphia. He began his career at Youthbuild in 2017 as an intern and has worked his way up to an official Help Desk position. He stresses the importance of Customer Service and has made it his goal to ensure his staff, customers, and clients feel comfortable and confident in his ability to troubleshoot. As an African-American in the STEM field, Josh hopes that students will see him as an example and use him as a blueprint, wanting them to be able to look in the mirror and see themselves as someone capable. Josh is currently working towards Cyber Security certifications and has a passion for keeping information safe and educating people on the practices of safe technology usage.
Executive Assistant to CEO
Kianna Cooper is the Executive Assistant to the CEO at YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School. With a Bachelor of Art in Art Therapy and a minor in Education, Kianna has a diverse background in non-profit service coordination and delivery for diverse populations, and has worked with a number of organizations ranging from educational to art institutions. Prior to YouthBuild, Kianna worked as a Violence Prevention Counselor for K-12 students in West/South West Philadelphia.
Kianna is passionate about the development and implementation of educational and civic engagement programming. She aims to promote physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being among today’s youth for a successful secondary transition process, as well as the cultivation of change, growth, and self-actualization so that they may become active members in their community.
Kianna is also a practicing Ceramic Artist, whose work primarily focuses on the intrinsic identity of black women in spaces void of whiteness. In her free time, you can find Kianna teaching ceramic workshops at The Clay Studio, or in one of Philadelphia’s many parks with her nose and a good book.
Human Resources
Senior Director of Human Resources
Megan Gundogdu is the Senior Director of Human Resources at YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School. She is a passionate, progressive educator who has served Public and Charter School Students and families in New York City and Philadelphia for over 20 years. She believes that all students should have highly-qualified, engaging adults guiding them to be critical citizens of their community and believes that a people-centered workplace environment can provide all members of the community the opportunity to learn and thrive.
Megan loves to stay active in both fitness and travel, adventuring near and far with her four children and partner. She spends a lot of time in her partner’s home country of Turkey and encourages anyone she can to visit!
Megan has a Bachelor’s degree from Sweet Briar College and Masters degrees from Fordham University and Mercy College.
Finance
Controller
Allison is an accounting professional and Certified Public Accountant with eight years of experience in the Non-for-Profit industry. She began her career in public accounting, managing the audits of a variety of organizations. She is currently the Controller at YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School and is dedicated to supporting young people in the City of Philadelphia to become leaders in their communities.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and dog. She loves to travel and is always looking for the next place to visit!
She received her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Accounting from the Pennsylvania State University.
Accounting Manager
Brian is the Senior Accountant in the Youthbuild Finance Department. He’s earned his Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, and Management of Information Systems from Drexel University. Brian spent three years working in Public Accounting at Grant Thornton before joining Youthbuild in January, 2021. Brian was inspired by the mission of Youthbuild and decided he wanted to utilize his abilities for an organization that is benefitting the community. He was drawn towards Youthbuild when he learned that all staff, including those in administration, are able to partake in mentoring and community building.
Junior Accountant
Program Operations
Director of School Operations
Program Operations Specialist
School Operations Specialist
Operations and Facilities Coordinator
Building Engineer
Development and Communications
Director of Development
Theo Molloy is YouthBuild Philly’s Director of Development, introducing new individuals, foundations and partners to the organization, as well as working with current donors and Trustees to enhance YouthBuild’s programming and innovation. Theo enjoys representing YouthBuild at local professional events and fundraisers, and also loves interacting with students and helping share their stories.
While earning his Bachelor’s in Political Science from Syracuse University, Theo volunteered as a tutor in a 1st grade classroom, sparking his interest in youth service and education that led to his first position as a 3rd grade special education teacher. He switched to the non-profit world in 2010, where he started in Development and eventually served as the Vice President of Operations for an organization raising awareness of and acquiring services for victims of pediatric brain injuries – he helped the organization open a school for this population in New York City in 2013.
Originally from the Los Angeles area, Theo returned to his parents’ hometown of Philadelphia in 2014 and began working at YouthBuild in April 2015. He enjoys traveling and exploring Philadelphia’s vibrant food and live music scenes, and is acclimating himself to life as a Sixers and Eagles fan.
Director of Communications
Khalil Bullock is a passionate and driven communications professional from West Philadelphia and a proud Temple University alum (B.A. Strategic Communications, Public Relations Track, 2018).
Since graduating, Khalil’s professional experience spans corporate, government, agency, and nonprofit sectors including a stint with Tierney Agency as well as the Urban League of Philadelphia. In his current role as the Director of Communications at YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School, he manages the school’s marketing and communications efforts. A background in public relations and a love for storytelling has allowed Khalil to serve as a positive voice for his clients on a local and national scale.
Khalil is also a proud brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Zeta Omicron Lambda Chapter, who is always looking for good vibes, volunteer opportunities, and ways to give back to his community.
Development and Communications Coordinator
Angel Jarrett-Crenshaw is the Development and Communications Coordinator at YouthBuild Philly Charter School and a graduate of Kutztown University where she received a B.S. in Cinematography, Television, and Media Production.
With a background in social media content creation and filmmaking, Angel supports YouthBuild Philly’s communications team in amplifying the school’s marketing and communication efforts. Angel utilizes her skills to engage with students, alumni, friends, and family of YB on social media and to create lasting memories for current students through photos and videos.
Angel has a strong passion for highlighting diversity in her work, through her position at YB she is given the opportunity to capture students’ joy in a positive way. Outside of work, Angel expresses her creativity in other mediums like songwriting and dancing.
Grants and Compliance
Grants and Data Manager
Paul Luong is the Grants and Data Manager at YouthBuild Philadelphia. He received his MS in Information Systems from Drexel University and previously worked as a data specialist at A.C. Nielsen in Hong Kong. Before coming to YouthBuild, Paul spent seven years accumulating data collection and analytical experience at The Philadelphia AIDS Consortium first as their Computer Systems Administrator and then as their Director of Planning and Information Systems where he was also in charge of reporting to state government.
Paul has lived on a few different continents and speaks Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish and French. In his spare time, he volunteers to teach the elderly to use the internet and other relevant computer programs. He also enjoys cooking; he has won a few cooking titles and he currently hosts an extracurricular club where he teaches students how to cook for themselves.
WIOA Grants Coordinator
Jen is the WIOA Grants Coordinator at YouthBuild Philly. Jen has over a decade of experience in education in various settings (charter schools, public schools, and adult education centers) in roles including instruction, program design, and program management. She has her MSW in macro social work and is passionate about rethinking education and the systems that support and inhibit it. Outside of work, she enjoys attempting to garden, trying new recipes, and painting/crafting.
Academics
Hybrid Math Teacher and College Access Teacher
Born and raised in Philadelphia by parents who migrated from the Caribbean, Christina was instilled with the importance and power of love, faith, humility, knowledge, and community. It is with these core values that she adopted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy of education: “Intelligence plus character- that is the goal of true education.” Christina completed her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at Haverford College before enrolling in UPenn’s Teacher Education Program where she earned her master’s degree in Secondary Education. She has served as a teacher in the School District of Philadelphia and Camden School System as well as an Academic Coordinator at The Community College of Philadelphia’s Gateway to College Program. At YouthBuild, Christina has the unique opportunity of not just being a math teacher, but being a mentor, a community member, and so much more. While Christina counts it a blessing to serve as an educator, what she finds most invaluable is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students, to learn and to grow together.
Language Arts Teacher
Emma is a literacy educator and writer originally from the Boston area. She studied English and Linguistics as an undergraduate at Carleton College, and received a master’s degree in Literacy Education from the University of Pennsylvania. As an educator, she has worked with K-8 students on phonics skills and publishing projects, started a Writing Center for high school students, and taught first-year composition at a community college. She loves seeing students of all ages gain a deeper understanding of literacy and become more comfortable with new ways of using language. Additional interests include ballroom dancing, listening to podcasts while exploring the city, and bothering her two cats.
Science Teacher
Mr. Jeremy is a Biology teacher at YouthBuild Philly Charter School and a 20 year veteran teacher. He is passionate about supporting students and seeing their full potential, igniting positive change and fostering curiosity and respect for the natural world.
Jeremy earned his Environmental Geography Degree from San Diego State University and earned 2 teaching credentials in both science and social studies. He is proud of being the Co-Founder of a refugee tutoring organization in San Diego. Over the years, he has supported many teachers as a mentor teacher and love learning from and inspiring both his colleagues and students. What energizes him at YouthBuild is learning from his student’s resilience and seeing holistic positive growth in the amazing young people he works with. He also appreciates their smiles.
If Jeremy is not at YouthBuild, you can find him enjoying time with his family, neighbors and friends, drinking coffee on his porch, traveling the world and gardening. You might also catch him kayaking local waterways with his family, or surfing both the east and west coasts.
Mathematics Teacher
Language Arts Teacher
Social Justice Teacher
College and Career Partnerships
Associate Director of Partnerships and Alumni Success
Zurrell has been a longtime supporter of YouthBuild prior to joining the organization in 2018. He graduated from YouthBuild in 2009 and has since gone on to earn his Associate’s degree from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and Bachelor’s degree from Temple University.
For years Zurrell has made an impact on youth and the community. He has served a year of service through AmeriCorps VISTA for the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia helping bring free youth programs to inner-city youth. He has also operated as a Sports Coordinator and Youth Program Director for the Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA coordinating and developing youth programs for families and youth in the North Philadelphia community.
In 2017, Zurrell decided to make a change and focus more on supporting the next generation of young adults. Zurrell was presented with an opportunity to become a temporary Career Coach at YouthBuild. Success as a Career Coach has provided him a greater opportunity to serve as a Career Coordinator, Success Coordinator and now the Associate Director of Partnerships and Alumni Success working in the Student and Alumni Success Department. Zurrell hopes to use his story to inspire students and alumni to become the next generation of leaders.
Specialized Services
School Psychologist, Compliance Coordinator and Right to Know Officer
Dr. Bader is a Licensed Psychologist here at YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School. He also serves as the Right to Know Officer and has been with YouthBuild Philadelphia since 1998. In his current role, Dr. Bader oversees the Special-Education, Counseling, and English-Learners programs. He believes that it is critical that we identify and support young people who face internal barriers to their success in life, especially at this critical juncture in their lives.
Special Education Teacher
Erin Young is both a Special Education Teacher and a licensed Reading Specialist. She has worked in the Special Education field for over 10 years. She graduated with her Bachelors in Special Education from East Carolina University and later got her Masters in Education and Reading Specialist from Cabrini University.
Special Education Teacher
Shannon is a Special Education Teacher at YouthBuild Philadelphia. She attended undergrad at West Chester University and graduate school at St. Joe’s University. Prior to joining YB in 2020, Shannon spent 10 years teaching students with language-based learning difficulties and 3 years as a 9th grade Dean of Students. Shannon is very passionate about being an advocate for young people and supporting them in achieving their goals. When she’s not working, Shannon enjoys spending time in nature with her dog Clyde.
English Language Teacher/Coordinator
Rebecca joined YouthBuild as an AmeriCorps member in 2002, as a new college grad with a Sociology degree. The students at YB inspired her to become a teacher. She returned to school to earn a Master’s of Education in Reading/Writing/Literacy and went on to work as a high school literacy specialist. She returned to YouthBuild in 2017 as English Language Teacher/Coordinator, collaborating with colleagues to support multilingual students and ensuring the school is in compliance with state and federal guidance for educating English learners. Rebecca holds PA teacher certificates for secondary English, Reading Specialist, and ESL Program Specialist and a graduate certificate in Restorative Practices. When not at school, Rebecca enjoys being outdoors, baking, scrolling TikTok and Twitter, and organizing park clean ups and fun events for kids in Mifflin Square Park.
Director of Specialized Services
Fatimah Johnson is the Director of Specialized Services for YouthBuild Philly. She has spent many years in service to students with needs first as a teacher and later as an administrator, but always as an advocate.
Prior to joining YouthBuild, Fatimah served as the Supervisor for Special Education Services at Independence Charter School West. As one of the founding members of the school she developed and shaped the special education department from the beginning.
Ms. Johnson received advanced degrees in special education from California State University, Los Angeles and Edinboro University. In her spare time Ms. Johnson likes to knit, take long walks, and sample new cuisines.
Special Education Teacher
Eric Sidener is a Special Education teacher at YouthBuild Philly. He has taught in public and charter schools in and around Philadelphia, and has been delighted to see how much fun it is to help young people learn to push past obstacles, to learn and to grow. He went to Temple University for his BA, UPenn for his Master’s in Education, and back to Temple U for additional instruction.
Eric enjoys cooking for his wife and 3 children, training his dog, Wombo, and is also interested in nearly everything in the world from canoeing, camping, and hang gliding to carpentry and plastic recycling.
Supplemental Special Education Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Counseling
School Social Worker
School Social Worker
Student Life
Director of School Culture
Dean of Students
Shamar Smith is the Dean of Students at YouthBuild Philly, charged with supporting student life and managing the schools climate and culture. Smith has worked within the education sector for over 5 years in multiple capacities. In his previous role at Simon Gratz as a Classroom Counselor for the school’s anchor program, he supported over 1,100 students. In his spare time, Smith enjoys spending time with his family and daughter and traveling occasionally, both internationally and locally.
Dean of Students
Attendance Specialist
Mr. Rich has been teaching at YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School since 2016. He specializes in collaborating with teachers to ensure that instructional materials are suitable for all learners. Mr. Rich supports students both inside and outside of the classroom to ensure that they are moving towards their goals. In his free time, he enjoys photography, traveling, eating, bike riding, and sports.
AmeriCorps Community Projects Coordinators
Community Projects Coordinator
Community Projects Coordinator
Community Projects Coordinator
Community Projects Coordinator
AmeriCorps VISTAs
Student and Alumni Success
Director of Student Success
Sam is the Director of Student Success at YouthBuild. Her primary duties include overseeing the Student Success, Postsecondary, and Counseling programs, responding to students’ social-emotional needs, addressing student barriers, and building community partnerships. Sam received her MSW from West Chester University and is a licensed social worker in Pennsylvania. She also holds Education Specialist I and Certified Trauma Professional certifications. Sam considers herself a strong advocate for student mental health and strives to create a proactive mental health culture at YouthBuild. In her free time, Sam enjoys going on adventures with her dog, Sully!
Student Advisor
Student Advisor
Student Advisor
Donheen Boone has been an educator in Philadelphia for 10 years. In his journey as an educator he has worked for KIPP Philadelphia Charter School as a 6th Grader Teacher. Donheen then transitioned into a Wellness Director/Enrichment Instructor where he partnered with various organizations to provide health and wellness programming for students ages 11-14. In addition, Donheen also managed after school programming at KIPP Philadelphia Charter School, running comprehension programming from the hours of 4pm-5pm Monday through Thursday. In his recent years Donheen has been a Dean of School/Student Culture for five years at Simon Gratz Highschool. In this role he supported students in various capacities, but specifically being the lead Dean in Restorative Practices, along with PBIS strategies and SEL support. Currently, Donheen assumes the role of Student Advisor at Youthbuild Philadelphia Charter School.
Student Advisor
Student Advisor
Workforce Development
Building Trades
Associate Director of Building Trades
Building Trades Instructor
Building Trades Instructor
Business & Entrepreneurship
Business and Entrepreneurship Teacher
Part-Time Business & Entrepreneurship Teacher
Culinary Arts and Wellness
Culinary Arts and Wellness Instructor
Culinary Arts Instructor
Healthcare
Healthcare Instructor
Denisha Robinson is a Philadelphia native and the Healthcare Instructor at YouthBuild Philly with 5 years of experience shaping and inspiring black and brown students in underserved communities. Specializing in social emotional learning and professional development , Denisha uses that experience to empower students to take control of their education and progress towards their dreams.
By focusing on access to quality education, Denisha has been able to put their Sports and Recreation Management degree they earned at Temple University to good use. Over the years, she has shifted her lenses from using sports as a vehicle to drive education to transforming students ability to critically think about how they impact themselves and people in their community. The best part about Denisha’s job is seeing her students reach their goals despite what they had to overcome. It is her goal to make sure all her students have access to quality education and support.
When they’re not at YouthBuild Philly, Denisha is an avid world traveler and a full time boy mom.
Healthcare Instructor
YouthBuild Philly has been named a Top Workplace in Philadelphia for six years running. Interested in working with us?
