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Meet the Heart of YEDA

From our board of directors to our coaches, trainers, and parent volunteers, these are the dedicated individuals who make YEDA’s mission a reality.

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Guiding the Mission

Board of Directors

YEDA’s board of directors provides the leadership and vision that drive our mission forward. Each member brings expertise and ideas to expand the potential of YEDA, ensuring we reach students in the most impactful ways. In addition to overseeing organizational functions, our board plays a key role in fundraising to support our programs

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Monika Payne

Executive Director

Monika Payne serves as the Executive Director of YEDA, supporting founder Greg Ellison in expanding youth programs that nurture the mind, body, and spirit in underserved communities. As President and CEO of Caljohn Asset Management, LLC, she brings expertise in strategic planning, operations, and marketing consulting, with a background in organizing major events and programs.

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Rosalyn Jamison

Board Member

Rosalyn Jamison is a Pharmacy Manager for Cardinal Health Nuclear Pharmacy Services. Prior to becoming a Pharmacy Manager, Rosalyn has experience with Cardinal Health as a Senior Sales Consultant and Marketing Manager. Rosalyn is a Chicago native from the Lincoln Park and South Suburban areas and has served on several boards including the Alisia Dieudonne Foundation and the KLEO Community Family Life Center. 

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Christopher Smitherman

Board Member

Christopher Smitherman II is a Real Estate and Restaurant Operations professional currently working for the McDonald’s corporation searching for and acquiring property for McDonald’s in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Christopher has several years’ experience as a certified professional resume writer and public speaker providing training and consultation on career services for a wide range of professionals. 

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Taylor Porter

Board Member

Taylor Porter is a Chicago Native. A graduate and alumni board member of Saint Xavier University, Taylor currently works at McDonald’s Corporation as Customer Care Business Consultant working with executive leadership to monitor franchise owner customer satisfaction ratings. Taylor specializes in project management, strategic alignment, and restaurant operations. 

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Reina Paraiso

Board Member

Reina Paraiso is the Director of Digital Technology, McDonald’s LIOM, ensuring key digital initiatives enhance customer experience and drive best practices. She also serves as the Global Liaison for McDonald’s APMEN and actively supports Ronald McDonald House Charities in Chicagoland. In 2020, she received the OCA Corporate Achievement Award for her leadership and contributions to McDonald’s and the AAPI community.

Greg Ellison, Founder

YEDA was founded by Greg Ellison in 2021 with a vision to bring community togetherness and youth development to the Chicago South Suburbs. With a background in management, coaching, and mentorship, Greg has dedicated his retirement to empowering the next generation. As a pillar of the community, Greg continues to pioneer innovative ways to engage and uplift youth while fostering collaboration among local organizations.

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Mentors and Leaders

Coaches & Trainers

YEDA’s coaches and trainers dedicate their time and expertise to developing young athletes both on and off the field. Beyond sports, they serve as mentors, instilling values like teamwork, discipline, and leadership. Each coach undergoes rigorous background screening to ensure the safety and well-being of every child in our programs.

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Donovan O'neil

Travel Team Coach

Coach Donovan has been coaching for 10 years. His basketball experience, love for the game, and love for the youth ignites his passion to train and develop the next generation of student athletes.

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Carl Scott

Travel Team Coach

Coach Carl brings a background in public service and a deep commitment to youth development. His leadership and dedication to mentorship help shape young athletes into confident, disciplined individuals, both on and off the court. Through basketball, he instills teamwork, perseverance, and a strong sense of community.

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Marcus 

Coach & Trainer

Coach Marcus, a dedicated travel team coach and YEDA’s Basketball Skills Trainer, is committed to strengthening fundamental skills and basketball IQ. His strategic approach to training helps young athletes refine their technique, improve game awareness, and develop the confidence needed to compete at a higher level.

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Kenan 

Travel Team Coach

Coach Kenan brings years of experience as both a teacher and a coach, dedicated to guiding and mentoring young athletes on and off the court. His passion for education and sports helps instill discipline, confidence, and teamwork, empowering students to reach their full potential in basketball and life.

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Andre Hogan

Travel Team Coach

Coach Dre is passionate about restoring and uplifting the communities he serves. With strong values and a dedication to mentorship, he invests his time in coaching, guiding, and educating young athletes. His commitment to teaching life skills through basketball helps shape confident, disciplined, and empowered individuals.

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Warren Foster

Soccer Coach & Trainer

Coach Warren, managing partner and program director of Klicsports, is one of the most committed and passionate coaches with experience in coaching both boys and girls in Futsal and soccer. He currently holds the title as head coach at Ceba United F.C. & IFS Middle School Boys Soccer.

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Patrick Price

Travel Team Coach

Coach Price is a dedicated mentor who has committed his career to uplifting young athletes and strengthening the community. With a passion for skill development and character building, he inspires players to grow both on and off the court, fostering confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for the game.

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Ivan Sampson II

Travel Team Coach

Coach Sampson brings a deep love for the game and a passion for developing young athletes. Dedicated to teaching both skills and life lessons, he inspires players to grow in confidence, discipline, and teamwork. His mentorship helps shape the next generation, both on and off the court.

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Bob Ferguson

Soccer Coach & Trainer

Bob Ferguson, Klicsports Direct of Futsal & Soccer, is one of the most experienced and dedicated coach and personal trainers, currently affiliated with PAKS, CEBA, USA.., and formerly of Westchester Youth Soccer League (WYSL) N.Y. He has been coaching since 1999 and currently possess a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) National License. Coach Bob’s experience, extraordinary communication skills and ability to motivate players, gives him the winning edge. 

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The Backbone of Our Community

Parent Volunteers

Our parent volunteers are invaluable to YEDA’s success. They assist with everything from event organization to mentorship, ensuring our programs run smoothly and our youth feel supported. While the individuals listed here represent our current core team, we want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the many parents and community members who have selflessly given their time, attention, and resources to support YEDA’s mission.

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Sukari Lawson

As a dedicated YEDA parent, Sukari is always ready to help—whether assisting with fundraisers like the Car Wash, Pasta Pour, and Skating Event, supporting the Back-to-School Fair, or serving on the fundraising committee. She also travels with the team, providing transportation when needed. Having been part of YEDA since the beginning, Sukari’s commitment continues to make a lasting impact. We appreciate her dedication and look forward to many more seasons with her support!

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Jessica Price

As co-chair of the fundraising committee, Jessica plays a key role in supporting YEDA’s events and initiatives. Always willing to help wherever needed, she’s a dedicated presence at fundraisers and team activities. She jokingly refers to herself as “Monika’s right hand”, but her efforts speak for themselves. Her commitment and enthusiasm make a lasting impact, and we’re grateful for all she does to support YEDA!

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The Hogans

The Hogans, owners of Kamadu Marketing, support YEDA with marketing, design, ads management, and admin tasks. Their whole family gets involved, using their experience and resources to help YEDA grow and connect with parents seeking impactful youth programs.

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Join the Team!

Whether you’re interested in joining the board, becoming a coach, or volunteering your time, YEDA is always looking for passionate individuals to help us make a difference.

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