about
Our Team
Derek Basthemer
Grants Process Manager
Derek is the Grants Process Manager at BCYF and a nerd at heart. His varied knowledge of technology has allowed him to touch many industries, from printing and publishing to the arts. His curiosity has made him a life-long learner and well-suited to managing and implementing new technologies, as well as translating technobabble for the layperson. He looks forward to using these skills to help foster an equitable grantmaking and reporting experience for all of BCYF’s grantees.
Outside of work, Derek enjoys music, theatre, travel, and will talk your ear off about Star Trek.
Logan Booker
Executive Assistant to the President
Jamie Boyle
Program Officer
Jamie is a dedicated professional with over 10 years of experience in customer service, project management, and arts engagement. Skilled in fostering positive relationships, managing complex tasks, and providing exceptional support to diverse stakeholders. Committed to youth development and community engagement through involvement in arts programs. Dedicated and passionate musician and theater practitioner in the Maryland, Virginia, and DC regions since 2006, specializing in musical theater.
Michelle Brownson
Administrative Coordinator, Learning, Evaluation & Data Management
A Baltimore City native, Michelle Brownson is the Administrative Coordinator for Learning, Evaluation, and Data Management for the BCYF. With over 25 years of experience as an administrative professional, Michelle brings resource-intensive insight and the ability to implement best practices while prioritizing and producing favorable results.
In her previous role, she worked within the Maryland State Department of Education, operating as the Finance Administrator for the Division of Career and College Readiness. Michelle is strategic and works hard to bring value to the team so that all can successfully move the needle to get the job done.
Destiny Coleman
Events & Operations Manager
Destiny Coleman is the Administrative Coordinator for Baltimore Children and Youth Fund. She is an East Baltimore native graduating from the Institute of Notre Dame. She has dedicated a decade of focus to sales and marketing, operations, client relations, and customer success. Previously, Destiny was a contracting Executive Administrative Assistant for a few of Maryland’s brightest commercial real estate companies.
Beyond the title, Destiny advocates for racial equity, an increase in youth-led programs, and humility. She has been actively working in the community alongside other small outreach organizations to change the narrative. Destiny stands as a strong advocate for the nonprofit sector due to her dedication to the community.
Emily Cory
Board Administrator
Crystal DeWindt
Human Resources Associate
Colleen Han
Program Officer
I graduated from University of Nevada, Reno, with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Studies. I have a non-profit background addressing critical issues such as ending Commercial Sex Trafficking, Early Head Start, and promoting high quality child care to low income and Native American families. Most recently, I worked with a nonprofit organization that funded community-based efforts to prevent child maltreatment and strengthen families. I have a strong passion for helping our community and building meaningful relationships with our future leaders.
Brandon Hansen
Vice President of External Affairs
Brandon Hansen is the Vice President of External Affairs at the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund. In his role, Brandon leads communications, fundraising, and external partnerships that support community-driven investment in Baltimore’s youth-development ecosystem. He has also held previous positions at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company and Two River Theater. Brandon has served as a grant panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts, Maryland State Arts Council, and as an Advisor to Baltimore Corps Brain Trust and New Wave Singers of Baltimore–an LGBTQ+ Choir.
Kaitlin Keefer
Grant Compliance Assossiate
Born and raised in Northern Virginia and moved to Maryland after serving in Ukraine for the Peace Corps as a Youth Development Volunteer. She worked for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for just over 10 years. She worked in Annapolis for a year, then 9 years in Baltimore city. While working at these two charters, she oversaw and trained the staff on how to best develop and teach the programs for our youth. Her goal was to provide fun and unique opportunities that inspired all our youth to think big and outside the triangle! In her free time she enjoys hiking with her pups and her partner or friends, or reading a good book.
Sherrona Lawrence
Vice President of Operations & Culture
Sherrona Lawrence is a seasoned Human Resources professional with over 20 years of experience working in the Government, non-profit, and global sectors. She has extensive experience in recruitment, compensation, benefits administration, wellness, employee relations, and organizational leadership. Sherrona holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management, as well as a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, both from Columbia Southern University. She is also certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and a Certified Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP). Sherrona is dedicated to improving the culture of the employee and employer relationship and is passionate about helping organizations create a positive and productive work environment.
Maria Lay
Contracts & Grants Manager
Maria Lay is the Grants & Contracts Manager for Baltimore Children and Youth Fund. She is a West Baltimore native with over 20 years of experience in economic data analysis, compliance, and administration across government and nonprofit sectors. Maria holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations & Promotions from Morgan State University’s School of Global Journalism & Communications. She also holds an MBA specializing in Human Resources Management from Louisiana State University. Outside of work, Maria is a classically trained singer who has traveled the world performing multiple genres with countless well-known artists. She loves creative writing, dry humor, animals, and home improvement projects.
Alysia Lee
President & CEO
Alysia receives national recognition for advancing access, equity, and decolonization with artists, organizations, and communities. Her methods center on anti-racism, creativity, and justice.
Previously, Lee was the education program supervisor for Fine Arts Education for the Maryland State Department of Education across five arts disciplines: music, dance, visual art, theatre, and media arts. She supported the statewide arts learning community by advancing policies for arts-rich, lifelong learning in and through the arts for all Marylanders, producing over 1,000 hours of robust technical assistance annually, and managing a robust grant portfolio.
Alysia founded a grassroots youth development organization, Sister Cities Girlchoir (SCG). In its 11th season, Sister Cities Girlchoir is an award-winning and trendsetting choral education program with performance credits from Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and numerous school and community stages.
Recent recognitions include awards from The Kennedy Center, The Knight Foundation, the National Association of University Women, the Stockton Bartol Foundation, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and BEQ Pride. Recent speaking/facilitation engagements include the U.S. Department of Education, The Kennedy Center, VH-1 Save the Music, Carnegie Hall, Arts Education Partnership, TEDX, many colleges and universities, and national and state professional associations.
Sheree Miller
Director of Grantmaking, Portfolio
Born and raised in Baltimore, Sheree truly understands the inner city’s challenges. She is passionate about identifying and treating the disease of drug addiction and advocates for the fair treatment of all incarcerated people. In recent years, Sheree has provided technical assistance for several youth-based grassroots and non-profit organizations across MD and DC.
Sheree is married with two sons and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Coppin State University. She promotes dignity, respect, safety, hope, and care at-promise youth.
Joi Parker
Program Officer
Joi Parker is a proud product of Baltimore City, born and raised in East Baltimore. She attended Baltimore City Schools and graduated from Lake Clifton Eastern High School. She has over 20 years of experience in Customer Service, Resource/Project Management, and Data Analysis. Joi’s most recent position was as a Senior Analyst in Vendor/Partner Management in the Telecommunications field. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Science/Information Systems from Coppin State University and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Strayer University. By leveraging her skills, experience, and passion for Baltimore City, Joi is excited to work with the communities that raised her.
Kyle Pompey
Creative Content Associate
Barry Robinson
Purchasing Assistant
Barry Robinson is a detail-oriented and highly organized administrative professional with over a decade of experience supporting executives, managing operations, and coordinating complex logistics across diverse industries, including real estate, non-profit, and the arts. He brings a proven ability to streamline procurement processes, reconcile expenses, and liaise effectively with vendors and service providers. Known for juggling multiple priorities with precision, Barry maintains accurate records and ensures seamless operations under pressure. With strong problem-solving skills, clear communication, and a proactive approach, he excels in supporting purchasing and administrative functions.
Kevin Rucker
Graphic Designer
Kevin Rucker (he/him) joins the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund as the Creative Assets Manager, with over a decade of experience leading the creative direction and branding for numerous freelance clients, in-house organizations, and Federal government contracts. Prior to joining BCYF, Kevin held the position of Senior Graphic Designer and E-Learning Course Developer as a Federal contractor for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Outside of work, he dedicates his time to supporting local small businesses, producing logos and graphics that bring their brands to fruition. Kevin is excited to apply the same visionary dedication to develop and expand BCYF’s brand identity to amplify the work being led by and for youth in Baltimore.
Harold Young
Program Officer
Harold is a Baltimore native who received his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Maryland College Park. Since graduating, Harold has been dedicated to helping the citizens of Baltimore in various ways throughout his career. He has previously been a Case Worker and Trainer for Baltimore City Department of Social Services, a Prevention Coordinator at Behavioral Health System Baltimore, and a Family Engagement Specialist at Baltimore City Public Schools. Harold is also an active actor and comedian and has performed in various theaters and comedy festivals across North America. He is currently a member of the Artistic Council at the Baltimore Improv Group where he also performs occasionally. Harold is excited about continuing his work with Baltimore’s children, youth, and families.
Hana Zaro
Director of Grantmaking, Compliance
Hana received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Maryland – College Park and earned her Master’s in School Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. Before earning her Master’s degree, Hana worked at the Division of Psychiatric Services Research at the University of Maryland School of Medicine on an intervention study with high-risk participants. She has spent the past three years working as a Baltimore County Public Schools School Counselor. She has dedicated her time to creating equitable learning spaces for students and providing them with individualized resources to help them succeed. Hana is excited to utilize her varied skills and experience to support Baltimore children, youth and families.
