Brandon Adams - Coach, Program Associate

Brandon is a New Heights Alum (Class of ’06) who as the Program Associate provides support for the organization’s day to day program operations. Some of his roles include providing Administrative and field support for the HS Assist program as well as managing program scheduling needs. Brandon graduated with a B.A. from Manhattan College (’10) double majoring in Marketing & Global Business Studies. Born & raised in NYC, Brandon joined the New Heights program in 2003 and completed his prep years at the Kent School, CT. (’06). Brandon began his coaching career during his summers while playing his college basketball at Manhattan. E-Mail Brandon at Badams@newheightsnyc.org

Chris Alesi - Coach, College Assist Coordinator 

Chris plays a key role in managing the College Assist program. His primary role is to provide guidance and support to our 9-12th grade student-athletes and their families as they navigate the college process to ensure each student-athlete graduates high school and finds the best individual fit for college. He is also involved in many facets of the organization, including program administration, outreach and coaching. Born and raised in NYC, Chris was a former student-athlete himself, playing for his legendary father Coach Jack Alesi at Xaverian High School in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Chris is a graduate of CUNY-Bernard Baruch (’05) and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. He is also an Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach at his alma mater Xaverian. E-mail Chris at calesi@newheightsnyc.org.

Rahme Anderson, Coach, Program Coordinator

Rahme brings a wealth of youth development and coaching experience to New Heights. At New Heights, he plays multiple roles, including support for student-athletes and families, program outreach, and basketball program and coaching support. He also plays a key role in Summer Academy and the Saturday Skills program. Rahme has been involved with New Heights for over four years. Prior to joining New Heights, Rahme coached at Bishop Loughlin High School, his alma mater, for four years and served as the Head Coach of the freshman team.

Adam Berkowitz - Coach, Associate Executive Director

Adam oversees and manages the College Bound program.  He has been involved with New Heights since its inception and is involved in many facets of the organization, including coaching, program administration, development, events and public relations. He is an expert on college eligibility and NCAA Clearinghouse requirements and regularly lectures young athletes and coaches on the subject. Adam is a graduate of Dartmouth College (`93) and holds a Master’s Degree in Communications from Fordham University. He is also a Senior News Editor at the New York Daily News and has coached youth and high school basketball for the past 18 years. E-mail Adam at aberkowitz@newheightsnyc.org.

Li’Esha Garcia – Coach, Finance and Operations Manager

Li’Esha is a New Heights alum (Class of ‘05) who as the Finance & Operations Associate oversees the organization’s finances and daily office operations. Li’Esha graduated from Long Island University with a B.S. and an M.A. (’10) in Accounting. While at Long Island, Li’Esha played on Women’s Basketball team (05-09). Li’Esha also serves as a board member for Sports Challenge Leadership Academy, a non-profit summer sports and leadership program. She also currently coaches middle school girls at New Heights.E-mail Li’Esha at lgarcia@newheightsnyc.org.

Sekou Hamer - Academic Coordinator 

Sekou Hamer brings a wealth of education and youth work experience to New Heights. He is responsible for managing all academic support services and overseeing the High School Assist component of the program, primarily for our 7th and 8th grade student-athletes. Before joining New Heights, Sekou worked for the Board of Education, Boys and Girls Harbor and most recently at The Oliver Scholars Program as a Scholar Coordinator. Sekou has enjoyed a successful career counseling and motivating young people within the inner-city public, parochial and independent school settings and looks to continue this work with the student athletes at New Heights. Sekou is a graduate of the Dalton School in NYC and a two time basketball All-Patriot League student-athlete at Bucknell University, where he graduated with a BA in Psychology (’96). Sekou lives in the Bronx with his wife and three children. Email Sekou at shamer@newheightsnyc.org.

Shahna-Lee James – Coach, Communications Associate

Shahna-Lee is  New Heights Alum (Class of ’06) who has rejoined the New Heights Team as the Communications Associate. Shahna-Lee first joined the New Heights program in 2002. Graduating from Berkeley Carroll in 2005 and with the help of the New Heights’ High School Assist Program she then went on to complete a Post Graduate year at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH (’06). Shahna-Lee graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2010 and 2012 with a B.S. and an M.P.H. respectively.  Email Shahna-Lee at sjames@newheightsnyc.org

Jasmine Jeffers – Grantwriting Associate

Jasmine comes to New Heights through the Princeton AlumniCorps fellowship program, which fosters an interest in civil engagement among recent college graduates. At New Heights, Jasmine supports many of the organization’s communication and outreach efforts, including grant writing, marketing and social media management. Before joining the New Heights team, Jasmine worked as a Policy Associate with the Poverty and Race Research Action Council in Washington, DC. Jasmine graduated from Princeton University in 2011 with an A.B. in English. E-mail Jasmine at jjeffers@newheightsnyc.org.

Rocky Rosa - Coach, Program Coordinator

Rock coordinates all of New Heights programs, paying special attention to family relationships and sports-education integration. Prior to joining New Heights, he spent eight years as a Program Coordinator in the Children’s Aid Society’s Carrera Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program. Born and raised in New York City, Rock has more than 15 years of coaching and youth development experience. E-mail Rocky at rrosa@newheightsnyc.org.

Ted Smith - Coach, Executive Director

Ted is responsible for leading and managing the organization and overseeing all programs, finance, development, partnerships and operations. Born and raised in New York City, Ted played professional basketball in England from 2000-05. While in England, he worked as a Project Analyst at ARK (Absolute Returns for Kids), a social investor in charitable children’s projects. He received his Master’s Degree in Evidence-Based Social Work from Oxford University (‘04). Ted also did extensive youth development and coaching work in schools and community programs in the greater London area, and he wrote a weekly basketball and community news column for the BBC website. Ted received his BA in Psychology from Yale University (‘00). As a student-athlete, he was a basketball Academic All-Ivy (‘00) and District 1 Academic All-American. E-mail Ted at tsmith@newheightsnyc.org.