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, High School Assist Coordinator

Chris plays a key role in managing the High School Assist program. His primary role is to provide guidance to our 7th and 8th grade student-athletes and their families as they embark upon the high school selection process. 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.

Adam Berkowitz - Coach, College Assist Consultant

Adam plays a key role in managing the College Assist 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 - Finance and Operations Associate

Li’Esha is a New Heights alum (Class of ‘05) who as the Finance & Operations Associate manages 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 - College Assist Coordinator

Sekou Hamer brings a wealth of education and youth work experience to New Heights. He is responsible for managing our College Assist program and supporting our high school 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.

Jasmine Jeffers - Communication and 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.

Elena Pérez - Development Associate

Elena is an energetic young professional who as the Development Associate manages the development and stewardship of New Heights donors and the planning of all special events. Prior to New Heights, she worked with the Center for Human Services Research to evaluate social service programs seeking to improve educational outcomes for at-risk youth. Elena graduated from Stanford University with a B.A. in Psychology (’08) and an M.A. in Latin American Studies (’09). While in the Bay Area, she worked doing event planning and relationship management for the Mural, Music & Arts Project, a nonprofit that uses the arts to engage youth in academic achievement and provide opportunities for youth development. E-mail Elena at eperez@newheightsnyc.org.

Robyn Pretlow - Director of Academic Programs

Robyn is an experienced and enthusiastic educational leader who currently serves as our Director of Academic Programs. Before joining New Heights, Robyn was a co-founder and school administrator of Capital City PCS Upper School in Washington, D.C., a member of the Coalition for Essential Schools Small Schools Project. Robyn began her career in education as a DC Teaching Fellow. Established in 2001 in partnership with the DC Public Schools and the New Teacher Project, the DC Teaching Fellows is a rigorous alternate route to certification for individuals who become accomplished and talented teachers. Robyn received a Masters Degree in Education from George Washington University, a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and a degree in Comparative Area Studies from Duke University. She demonstrates an unwavering passion and commitment to improving the lives of and supporting student-athletes as they find the balance between academics and basketball. E-mail Robyn at rpretlow@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.

Kimani Young - Coach, Athletic Director

Kimani oversees the basketball program at New Heights and is responsible for the development of the New Heights coaching staff, the management of all travel teams and schedules and the implementation of the Saturday Skills developmental program. Prior to his arrival at New Heights in 2006, Kimani worked as a Program Director at the Police Athletic League (PAL) in Brooklyn, and he has more than ten years of experience as a coach and youth development professional in New York City. Kimani received his BA from the University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) where he scored more than 1,000 points and played for legendary coach Don Haskins. E-mail Kimani at kyoung@newheightsnyc.org.