Staff
 George PolskyFounder & Executive Director George received a BA in Spanish literature from Harvard University, where he was a co-captain of the 3-time national champion varsity squash team and earned All-Ivy and All-American titles. After his 1992 graduation, George spent 4 years teaching Spanish in Seattle middle and high schools. He also played squash for the U.S. team in the 1997 Maccabiah games. George obtained a MA in 1999 from the NYU School of Social Work and is a certified social worker in the state of New York. |
 Leah BrownProgram Director Leah received a BA in psychology and sociology from Wesleyan University in 1997 and a MA in student personnel (higher education) administration from Teachers College, Columbia University in 1998. She has extensive experience tutoring students at all levels from elementary through college, and has worked developing educational programs and curriculum for non-profit organizations. |
 Sage RamadgeDirector of Strategic Development Sage graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 1999 with a BA in International Relations. He was a volunteer squash coach and tutor before joining the staff as Academic Director in 2002, and also served as Program Director. Prior to StreetSquash, Sage was a Project Manager at a Chicago-based web development company. In addition to squash, Sage played club rugby for 5 years with the Chicago Lions and Old Blue New York, and plays soccer on the Lower East Side. Sage is a member of Coro Leadership New York XX. |
 Brad YoungDirector of Alumni Outreach Brad graduated from Denison University with a BA in History and Educational Studies. He went on to get a Masters in American Studies from Columbia. While at Denison, he competed on the varsity squash team and was also a student-teacher. While completing his masters, Brad joined StreetSquash as a part-time tutor, college prep and SAT teacher, and squash coach. He is excited about continuing to improve the quality of alumni programs and services. |
 Sareen PearlDirector of College Prep Programs Sareen graduated from Boston University in 2006 with a BA in international relations and earned a master’s degree in education in risk and prevention from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2007. At BU, Sareen volunteered as a tutor and literacy coach with Tenacity, an academics and tennis program. She also interned with Peace First (formerly Peace Games), where she taught violence prevention and life skills education. Sareen served as a StreetSquash Academic Director from 2007-2010. |
 Christian HenzeSenior Director of Squash, Teams 5 & 6 Christian graduated from Williams College in 2010 with a BA in Political Science. Beginning at number 10 spot his freshman year, Christian continually climbed the ladder throughout his career at Williams, finishing at the number 3 position and serving as co-captain his senior year. The Williams squash team finished in the top 10 nationally in each of his four years, peaking at number 6 in 2007. His coaching expertise includes working at college squash camps in past summers, as well as volunteering at the StreetSquash Summer Discovery program in 2009. |
 Tai GarciaDirector of Academics, Teams 5 & 6 Tai graduated from Providence College in 2005 with a BA in English and a minor in Art and Black Studies after completing a yearlong intensive fine arts program at Rhode Island School of Design. She is completing a Masters in School Counseling at Long Island University in May 2011. After working 2 years as a Case Manager for Catholic Charities in Brooklyn, NY she began working with Harlem youth as an art enrichment teacher at Future Leaders Institute and as an Academic Advisor with the Harlem Children’s Zone. Tai has been dedicated to working with inner-city youth for 5 years, making sure they believe in their personal and academic potential. |
 Kush MahanSquash Director, Teams 1, 2 & 7 Kush graduated from Bates College in 2010 with a BA in Psychology. He started freshmen year at the number 3 spot for the Bates Squash Team, and played number 1 throughout his junior and senior year. Kush was co-captain his senior year, and helped Bates to achieve a top 10 finish his sophmore year. Kush’s coaching experience ranges from a recent post as the Assistant Pro at the Pyramid Squash Club, to working at a number of college squash camps during the summers. |
 Sasha Diamond-LenowAcademic Director, Teams 1, 2 & 7 Sasha graduated from Columbia University with an MSW in 2009 and is a licensed New York State Social Worker. She received her BS at Skidmore College in Social Work and Spanish and played 4 years of Varsity Softball, acting as captain for 2 years, and and earning all-league academic and athletic honors as a catcher. Sasha has worked at various youth development organizations in New York City including the Urban Dove, BuildOn, HarlemRBI, and Girls for Gender Equity. |
 Cici MathenyAcademic Director, Teams 3 & 4 Cici graduated from Brown University in 2009 with a BA in English Literature. For two summers she taught French kids at a camp run by the American School of Paris. She worked for a year as a part-time tutor at StreetSquash before joining the staff as Academic Director in 2010. |
 Mark RapisardaSquash Director, Teams 3 & 4 Mark graduated from Amherst College in 2008 with a BA in Political Science. He served as co-captain on the Amherst team his senior year and was selected to the All-NESCAC and All-Sportsmanship Team in addition to receiving a scholar athlete award. Since graduation Mark has worked as a paralegal and as the Assistant Coach to the Amherst Men’s team (2010-2011 season). Mark has also worked and/or volunteered with various youth development organizations in New York City including Project Reach Youth, Youth-at-Risk, and the EverybodyWins! Foundation. |
 Susie LewisDirector of Operations Susie received her BA in Political Science and French from Wellesley College in 1990 and then headed to Prague where she taught English for a year. Before moving to New York City in February 2000, she worked as a Broadcast Producer and Business Affairs Manager for various advertising agencies in Atlanta and Boston. |
 Sade WattsReceptionist/Office Manager Sade is a graduate of the StreetSquash class of 2005. In addition to running the front desk reception and organizing our library, she is currently studying for her nursing degree. |
 Michelle CromerReceptionist/Custodian Michelle has been working at StreetSquash since the building opened. Her son Tariq Holland has been in the program since 7th grade. |
 James GarnerCustodian James is the stepfather of Nasean Catron, a student in the 9th grade. |