This is a list of the Youth Program staff and their backgrounds. Please, click on a name below to go to a specific biography and click on their name to send an e-mail to the individual.
Talitha Abramsen: Senior Program Manager
Michelle Allman: Education Program Manager
Nikki Bynoe: Program Manager
Janet Daisley: Senior Program Manager
William Diehl, Ed.D.: Education Cluster Lead and Senior Program Manager
Sonnya Espinal: Program Manager
Renée Graef: Diploma Plus Curriculum Specialist
Edgar Howe: Program Manager
John R. Jenkins, Ed.D.: Diploma Plus School Coach (New York City Network)
Samuel Martin: Director of Workforce and Community Partnership Team
Anika Nailah: Education Project Specialist
John Niles: Director of Operations
Florence Reddish: Program Manager
Kathy Rho: Education Specialist
Williar St. Vil: Diploma Plus Network Manager (New York City Network)
Senior Program Manager
Talitha Abramsen serves as Senior Program Manager, operating out of CommCorp’s Western Massachusetts office. Ms. Abramsen is currently the project lead for Communities and Schools for Success (CS²), a statewide educational initiative located in eight communities across the state, which focuses on raising students’ academic performance while providing access to work experiences and other real-world activities.CS² cultivates school-community partnerships and replicates promising practices that nurture young people’s resilience, so they can flourish in school and the workplace and ultimately transform themselves and their society for the better.
Prior to CommCorp, Ms. Abramsen served as development associate for the Media Education Foundation, a national non-profit media literacy organization that produces educational resources for teachers in secondary and higher education. There she was responsible for research, development, and community outreach efforts.
Ms. Abramsen brings a strong background in youth development, as well as diversity and equity training to her work, having served as a youth worker in Springfield, MA, and a consultant to various agencies and schools on issues of social justice and school violence.
Ms. Abramsen also worked as the principal consultant for FRESH: a school-community partnership that included a community service learning course in Western Massachusetts. In her work as a consultant, Ms. Abramsen designs and provides trainings for youth workers and educators on the topics of youth development, homophobia, and adultism. Recently, she restructured her workshops to intentionally model effective youth-adult partnerships, and trained a young high school student to co-facilitate these professional development workshops with her.
Ms. Abramsen obtained her B.A. in Women’s Studies from Smith College and her M.Ed. in Multicultural Education, with a specialization in Social Justice Education, from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
Education Program Manager
As an education program manager for CommCorp’s Diploma Plus team, Michelle Allman provides technical assistance to existing Diploma Plus schools and the expanding network in order to support and improve teaching and learning in the math classroom.
Before joining CommCorp, Ms. Allman taught mathematics for over ten years in a number of different settings. Most recently, she taught for five years at a Diploma Plus school in Brockton where, as department head, she developed and implemented a student-centered, relevant and challenging mathematics curriculum and school-wide program in order to enabled the school to successfully implement the Diploma Plus model. Ms. Allman continues to work with Cambridge College and the Education Development Center on curriculum development projects.
Ms. Allman earned her Bachelor’s Degree in mathematics from Wesleyan University. She attended Tufts University where she completed her coursework for her Master’s Degree in mathematics. Currently, she is enrolled in Northeastern University where she is working towards her Master of Arts in Teaching.
Program Manager
Nikki Bynoe is the Employability Program Manager for the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services Initiative, a statewide initiative focused on the delivery of quality education and employability services to youth in the juvenile justice system. The goal of this partnership is to create a continuum of options and opportunities - comprehensive case management, high-quality education and training, vocational programs, and other services - that will give young people involved with the juvenile justice system the knowledge, skills, and confidence to build a better future.
In this role, Mrs. Bynoe is responsible for managing the vocational and employability activities and products under Commonwealth Corporation’s Department of Youth Services Initiative.
Prior to joining the DYS team, Nikki served as a Program Manager for Pathways to Success by 21 (P21) with Commonwealth Corporation. Pathways to Success by 21 (P21) is a statewide effort to improve the future prospects for vulnerable youth ages 16-21 across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Nikki is committed to assisting underserved populations increase their chances of success. Mrs. Bynoe has worked in the human service field for over 12 years, working extensively with youth and families placed at risk. Nikki Bynoe obtained a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Massachusetts and a Master's Degree in Management from Springfield College.
Senior Program Manager
Janet Daisley currently serves as the senior project manager of a statewide initiative focused on the delivery of quality education and employability services to youth in the care of the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services. The goal of this partnership is to create a continuum of options and opportunities - comprehensive case management, high-quality education and training, vocational programs, and other services - that will give young people involved with the DYS system the knowledge, skills, and confidence to build a better future.
Prior to her role with the DYS initiative, Ms. Daisley served as the senior program manager for a national school reform initiative called Communities and Schools for Success (CS²) administered by Commonwealth Corporation. Ms. Daisley also has served as a seasoned trainer and provided strategic planning and meeting facilitation support to a range of Commonwealth Corporation clients.
Prior to joining CommCorp, Ms. Daisley was a program manager for school-to-career initiatives at the Hampshire Educational Collaborative (HEC) in Northampton, Massachusetts. She joined HEC after serving as the deputy director for the Connecticut Business and Industry Association's Education Foundation in Hartford, Connecticut. During her tenure with the Foundation, Ms. Daisley was responsible for the management of the organization's programs and the development and implementation of new initiatives linking the business, public policy and education communities.
In the late 1990s, Ms. Daisley served as the associate director of the Urban Mathematics Collaborative Project, a Ford Foundation effort dedicated to providing professional development opportunities for mathematics teachers. Ms. Daisley has also served as a policy analyst to the education committees of two legislatures - the Massachusetts State Legislature and the Connecticut General Assembly.
Education Cluster Lead and Senior Program Manager
Bill Diehl is senior program manager and lead for the Education Cluster at Commonwealth Corporation. Within the Education Cluster, Dr. Diehl oversees a number of programs including: Diploma Plus, a nationally recognized alternative education model with schools in Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and California; LiteracyWorks, a community-wide initiative to strengthen and expand literacy efforts for children, youth and adults in the context of economic, social and educational conditions, especially for vulnerable families in low-income neighborhoods; DYS-Leed, an extensive effort to strengthen the educational programs for adjudicated and incarcerated youth in Massachusetts; and Step Up Springfield and the Boston Campaign for Proficiency, efforts to involve the community in bringing all young people to proficiency in math, literacy and character development.
Bill also manages several adolescent literacy initiatives as well as an evaluation of the conversion of Leominster High School into five small schools under the Coalition of Essential Schools. Additionally, Bill serves as one of the Western Massachusetts liaisons for Commonwealth Corporation programs.
Bill came to CommCorp from the Michigan Partnership for New Education, where he managed the efforts of this leading educational reform initiative in two cities in Michigan. He has also been a teacher in alternative education programs in North Philadelphia and in rural South Carolina, a school administrator in Michigan and on the faculty in education at Indiana University, Michigan State, and the Universities of Michigan and Georgia.
He is a graduate of Indiana University with a doctorate in Secondary and Adult Literacy Much of his research and writing have focused on literacy, developmental education, at-risk youth, school-to-work, and authentic and project-based learning. He has published over 25 articles, two textbooks and several manuals. Bill's work has received national awards, including a major research award from the International Reading Association. He serves with several local, state and national education groups and has chaired the Massachusetts Board of Education's Parent and Community Education and Involvement Council.
Program Manager
Sonnya Espinal brings to Commonwealth Corporation a passion for education and a commitment to helping underserved youth overcome obstacles and succeed in life. Ms. Espinal, born in Colombia and transplanted to the suburbs of New Jersey at the age of 5, had to prevail over many barriers herself in order to accomplish her goals and attain success. Within CommCorp, Ms. Espinal currently serves as Program Manager of Communities and Schools for Success (CS²), a statewide educational initiative located in eight communities across the state, which focuses on raising students' academic performance while providing access to work experiences and other real-world activities. CS² cultivates school-community partnerships and replicates promising practices that nurture young people's resilience, so they can flourish in school and the workplace and ultimately transform themselves and their society for the better.
Prior to joining the CS² team, Ms. Espinal served as Project Manager for State Relations in the National Programs division at Lesley University. Ms. Espinal also possesses significant professional experience in education, as an adult ESL teacher and high school Spanish teacher in the U.S., and as an English teacher abroad in Japan. She has also volunteered extensively in various organizations to work with the international and immigrant population and to promote cultural diversity. In addition, she is fluent in Spanish and proficient in Japanese.
Ms. Espinal received her Bachelor of Arts degree and teacher certification in Spanish from Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA. She received her Master of Arts degree in Intercultural Relations from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. While a research intern in 2006 for the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM), Ms. Espinal conducted extensive qualitative and quantitative research, culminating in an important study on public policy, and the institutional and cultural barriers existing nationwide, and specifically in Massachusetts, that affect college enrollment and retention of Hispanic/Latino students in higher education. To view Ms. Espinal's AICUM report, click here.
Diploma Plus Curriculum Specialist
Renée Graef is the Curriculum Specialist for the Diploma Plus Network. She is responsible for creating and maintaining curriculum and training documents and manuals for the DP sites. Ms. Graef works to translate state standards into the competency based DP model and then help develop curricular activities and assessments that will engage and motivate both DP staff and students to successfully implement and reach the Diploma Plus Essentials.
Before joining CommCorp, Renée Graef was an English teacher and Administrator at a Salem Charter School, a Program and Training Manager at City Year in Boston, and helped start and then taught at a Big Picture School in Detroit, MI for four years.
Renée Graef is a graduate of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor with a degree in Education, English, and Sociology. She is currently taking graduate classes in Curriculum Development and Service Learning through the University of Wisconsin.
Program Manager
Edgar Howe is a Program Manager for Pathways to Success by 21 (P21). Pathways to Success by 21 (P21), is a statewide effort to improve the future prospects for vulnerable youth ages 16-21 across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Prior to joining CommCorp, Edgar spent the majority of his working career in human services as a Social Worker for the Department of Social Services, a Probation Officer for the Massachusetts Trial Court, and a Caseworker for the Department of Youth Services. Prior to state employment, Edgar operated a Homework Center for elementary aged youth in a housing development for low-income families. He also operated a Talent Search Program for the Higher Education Information Center, in two Boston Public High Schools. The Talent Search Program recruited low-income and first generation bound college students into the program. The students explored career awareness while receiving guidance through the college admission and financial aid process.
Edgar holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Hampton University and a Master of Management Degree from Cambridge College.
Diploma Plus School Coach (New York City Network)
John R. Jenkins has devoted the last 16 years of his life to developing and sharing his passion for children and urban education as a Teacher, Facilitator and Administrator in New York Public Schools. In 2003, John received his Doctorate Degree in Education Administration from New York University. His study explored how African-American males interpreted their school experiences. Currently, Dr. Jenkins is building his own educational consulting firm: Jenkins Learning and Development Group. His focus is teacher training and development, parent and student advocacy in school systems and new school development. He is also an instructor in the Mercy College New Teacher Residency Program.
Dr. Jenkins’s work is rooted in exploring the impact of power, privilege and oppression on urban education centers and the students and communities they serve. He is excited about recently joining the Diploma Plus Team where he can utilize his skills and past experiences to create more opportunities for successful educational experiences in America’s urban centers.
Director of Workforce and Community Partnership Team
In his capacity as a member of CommCorp's WIA (Workforce Investment Act) Youth team, Samuel Martin provides technical assistance to Youth Councils and to the sixteen Workforce Investment Boards across Massachusetts.
Prior to joining CommCorp, Sam held a number of direct care and program management positions. He has 10 years of experience working in the juvenile justice and public healthcare arenas, developing, managing and integrating critical services to vulnerable populations. He has facilitated collaboration among constituent and stakeholder groups, including residents of public housing, universities, government agencies and community-based organizations.
Sam has a Bachelor's Degree from Hampton University and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Boston College.
Education Project Specialist
Anika Nailah, Education Specialist with CommCorp, is currently a Diploma Plus site liaison and education coach to several DP sites in western Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. In his capacity, she works with sites and teachers on program assessment and implementation issues. Bringing years of innovative educational expertise to bear, she provides technical assistance to sites, including group and individual professional development. She also works on relationship development of current and potential Diploma Plus site partners. Ms. Nailah also works on other CYDE education projects, most notably adolescent literacy projects and the Campaigns for Proficiency, where she helps in developing and conducting workshops for parents and community partners.
A Black Writers Alliance 2002 Gold Pen Award Nominee, Anika is also the author of Free and Other Stories, chosen as one of the best short story collections of 2002 by Black Issues Book Review, and also selected for inclusion in The New York Public Library’s 2003 Books For the Teen Age List. Intimately involved in the field of education for 30 years, she has worked with youth from around the world in several United States locations.
After founding an agency that recruited writers in New York City to work with classroom teachers, Ms. Nailah founded a highly successful youth arts empowerment initiative in the Boston area, Books Of Hope, that continues to facilitate a network of over 100 housing project youth who write, publish, and sell their own books. In addition, Anika designed and implemented literacy curriculum for childcare workers and homeless women, as well as Masters of Education candidates. With a Bachelors Degree in English Education from New York University, she is a former Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative Nonfiction and Advanced Fiction at Wheaton College, has served as a Writing Assessor, Writing/Research Coach for Cambridge College, as well as a Faculty Trainer for New York City Technical College and Cambridge College’s National Institute of Teaching Excellence.
Director of Operations
As Director of Operations of CommCorp's youth programs division, John Niles supports the operations of allyouth programs for Commonwealth Corporation. Prior to joining CommCorp, he served for three years as the executive director of the Massachusetts Office for School to Work Transition, where he directed the $33 million federal School-to-Work Opportunities Initiative.
Mr. Niles also served as the Director for State Programs at Jobs for the Future, Inc. and has worked as an independent consultant specializing in workforce development, school-to-career transition and youth development.
He has worked at the state level in Colorado, Indiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Wisconsin on projects that involve policy development and program operation in the area of youth education and training.
Program Manager
As a member of the WIA Youth team, Florrie Reddish provides technical assistance to Massachusetts Workforce Areas regarding WIA youth policy. For the P21 initiation, she acts as liaison to several areas and staffs the P21 Youth Voice subcommittee. Ms Reddish leads an "Enhancing Youth Connections to One-Stop Career Centers" workgroup.
Prior to joining CommCorp in 1999, Ms. Reddish was a career counselor with Boston Career Link, a one-stop career center. There she coordinated the provision of services to dislocated workers, provided career services to inmates at Suffolk County House of Corrections and created a job search support group that continues today to serve displaced workers.
In the mid-90s, Ms. Reddish was a civilian transition counselor at the South Coastal Career Development Administration in Quincy, Massachusetts, where she was selected to open a career center at Weymouth Naval Air Station and provide career counseling and services in conjunction with civilian and military staff.
Ms. Reddish is a graduate of Boston State College and holds a B.S. in Secondary Education and a M.Ed. in Counseling.
Kathy Rho
Education Specialist
Kathy Rho is the Education Program Manager of a statewide initiative focused on the delivery of quality education and employability services to youth in the care of the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services (DYS). Her work focuses predominantly on professional development for DYS teachers including supporting culturally responsive teacher training. In addition, she also oversees the creation and management of the DYS Instructional Guides, which are aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and tailored to the unique needs of working in a juvenile justice setting.
Previous to working on the DYS initiative, Ms. Rho was an Education Specialist with CommCorp serving programs and initiatives in the Boston area. Her work included the Boston Campaign for Proficiency, the Department of Youth Services, Diploma Plus, and collaboration with the Boston Public School’s Office of High School Renewal on alternative education programs.
Before joining CommCorp, Ms. Rho taught high school science in Houston, Texas, for seven years. Her long-term professional interest is in strengthening school and community collaborations in their efforts to improve academic support and increase access of social and health services to adolescent youth and their families.
Ms. Rho graduated from Smith College with a B.A. in biological studies. She received her master’s degree in Risk and Prevention at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Williar St. Vil
Diploma Plus Network Manager (New York City Network)
Willair St.Vil brings to CommCorp a great deal of life
experience, savvy and intuition in addition to his
documented work, educational and volunteer history.
His professional and volunteer experience spans
across education, youth development, workforce
development, economic development and leadership
development. He has worked for Federation Employment &
Guidance Services, United Way of New York City, City
of Seattle – Office of Economic Development and
Seedco-NPAC.
Willair is a life long learner in constant search for
further personal development. He has the following as
his motto:
- Society must strive for access to economic
prosperity for all
- Be ashamed to die until you have won some battle for
humanity
