creating a better tomorrow, today
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
NICOLE Gladding
Nicole has 17 years of experience improving the lives of young individuals. Nicole's focus at EYS is to drive organizational growth while overseeing the strategic direction and operations of the organization. Nicole's commitment to advocating for inclusion is evident through her work for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has spearheaded campaigns in New York to "Spread the Word to End the Word," aiming to eliminate derogatory language and promote respect and acceptance. Nicole plays a pivotal role in creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for youth in need. She is driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those she serves. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending quality time with her family and taking on new and more complex baking recipes.
program director
tayvante holmes
Outside of work, Tayvante enjoys physical fitness activities and occasionally indulges in golfing as a hobby.
Program Manager
Samantha Chila
She has her Bachelor's Degree in Educational Studies and Community Leadership and 17 years of experience working with children of varying ages. Sam has a decade dedicated to trauma-informed care in large programs while training and mentoring staff to ensure the highest standards of care.
Driven by a passion for helping youth, Samantha is dedicated to fostering positive change, promoting collaboration, and building community. She strives to create a nurturing environment that leaves a lasting impact on the lives of those she serves. Samantha's commitment to excellence is exemplified by her 5-star rating from Florida's Early Learning Coalition, as well as her recognition for outstanding leadership in her field. With a focus on creating transformative experiences, she continues to inspire and empower the youth in her care.
In her free time, Samantha enjoys spending time with family, photography, party planning, and crafting.
director of mentorship
angel olivo
Angel has 10 years of experience in supervising high risk individuals and managing behavioral crises. Spearheading Elevated Youth Services mentorship program, he oversees intensive support for kids with mental illnesses, intellectual disabilities, forensic involvement, and challenging behaviors.
One of Angel's key skills is ensuring a safe, therapeutic, and engaging environment by providing youth with 24/7 support working collaboratively with clinical leaders to design, implement, and refine the integration of services within the team model of care. Outside of work, Angel enjoys working in his home, traveling, and physical fitness.
Mentorship Specialist
Darshelle Weekly
With over 15 years of experience working with at-risk youth and adults, Darshelle specializes in conflict resolution, milieu control, crisis management, and behavior modification within therapeutic settings. Darshelle has made a significant impact in his field. He played a crucial role in establishing the first series of Virginia Alternative Assessment Programs (VAAP) classrooms in Albemarle County, Virginia, which aim to provide alternative pathways to academic proficiency for children with severe cognitive disabilities. In his spare time, Darshelle is an ISSA certified strength and conditioning coach with a passion for powerlifting and strongman competitions. He also volunteers time to foster the athletic development of youth athletes.
Training & Development Coordinator
Juan Hernandez
Juan is a seasoned Training Coordinator with over 25 years of experience in team building and person-centered staff development. Juan's training philosophy is built on core values of empathy, continuous learning, collaborative problem-solving, and resilience building. He trains staff to approach every interaction with deep understanding and compassion, encouraging ongoing professional development that mirrors the growth mindset instilled in youth. His programs empower staff to work together in finding innovative solutions for complex challenges, while equipping them with tools to build their own resilience. With his wealth of experience and holistic approach to personal and professional development, Juan continues to make a significant impact in staff training and youth development.
education specialist
Danielle Mills
Originally from upstate New York, Danielle has a bachelor's degree in psychology and special elementary education, with a master's in special education. She has many years of experience working in school systems as a special education teacher, as well as working in residential homes for people with developmental disabilities. She has extensive knowledge of working with behavior interventions, physical, emotional, and developmental disabilities, residential programs, and education programming. Danielle has high expectations of her students and loves to celebrate their successes together. In her free time, Danielle enjoys cooking, as well as spending time with her husband, family, and her cats.
Medical Facilitator
Kianna Mills
My hometown: Bronx, NY
Fun fact about me: I had over 50 scholarship offers to play Division I basketball and went to college on a full academic/basketball scholarship.
What drives you to work in this field? After experiencing trauma, I wanted to show youth that no matter what you experience in life, there is an opportunity to learn from your experiences and make a positive outcome.
on-site supervisor
Maurice Stovall
My hometown: West Philadelphia, PA Fun fact about me: My first college football touchdown catch was on the cover of Sports Illustrated Magazine. Go Irish! What drives you to work in this field? Growing up in the inner city of Philadelphia, there were children in my neighborhood that were very talented. However, they did not have the support system needed at their homes. I understand the benefits and importance of mentorship and having a support system that encourages young individuals to excel in life.
on-site supervisor
Noris Soriano
on-site supervisor
Taje Miller
on-site supervisor
Taya Centeno
