Program
Team
Kasey Boston
Executive Director
Avery Webb
LLL Program Coordinator/ Operations Manager
Marisa Serrano
Director of Development
Stephon Lilly
Program Director
Nardege Joseph
Community Engagement and Facilities Manager
Latasha Scott
Development Assistant/Special Events Manager
Kamoru Gonzalez
Music Coordinator
Kaeli Huh
4th/5th Grade social work intern
Chloe Vautrin
Program Specialist
Charisse Thompson
Social Media/Program Specialist/College and Career Coordinator
Hannah Kao
4th/5th Grade Program Coordinator
Elwyn Cruz
Program Coordinator/IT Manager/ College and Career Coordinator
Joao Ferreira (Joe)
Program Specialist/YouthScaper Manager
Gretl Josselyn
Program Specialist
Shalaine Shortall
Social Worker
Kasey Boston
KBoston@brooklineteencenter.org
Executive Director
College: Mars Hill University & Harvard Graduate School of Education
Hometown: Dunedin, Florida
About:
Kasey Boston joins the BTC after over 15 years of youth development and nonprofit management experience. She most recently served as the Chief Program Officer, working with Boston youth, teens, and families at St. Stephen’s Youth Programs. Some of the highlights and proudest moments in her work with teens include establishing service learning and college exploration trips during school breaks and supporting hundreds of teens to expand their skill set and bloom through their first employment opportunity. She strongly values long-term relationships and supporting youth through the journey from young, inhibited middle schoolers to confident high school and college graduates. Outside of work, she enjoys chasing the sunniest spot in the yard with a good book, trying local restaurants, exploring new running routes, and coaching her daughter’s soccer team, the U6 Crocodiles. Kasey lives in Quincy with her wife, two daughters, and French bulldog.
How do you create a safe place for teens?
I cultivate an environment for authentic and trusting relationships to flourish with both peers and adults.
What is your dream for teens?
My dream is for all teens to discover what brings them joy (and what does not), to develop and deepen their critical thinking skills, and to build the confidence to make meaningful change in their community and pursue passions that inspire them to achieve greatness.
Top 5:
Book: All About Love by bell hooks
Song: Hold Out Your Hand by Brandi Carlile
Movie: Inside Out
Travel: Provincetown, Cape Cod
Food: Quesadillas, French fries, sushi, saag paneer
Marsia Serrano
MSerrano@brooklineteencenter.org
Director Of Development
College: Northeastern University
Hometown: Brookline, MA
About:
Marisa Serrano, Director of Development, brings a background in Fundraising, special events, volunteer management, and community engagement to the BTC. Formerly the Director of Development at Shelter Music Boston, an organization that brings classical music to underserved people, Marisa is committed to supporting non-profits by sharing their mission with the community and raising funds so organizations can deliver critical services. Marisa stepped down from the BTC Board of Directors in 2024 so she could step into this new role as staff. Marisa believes in teens and loves watching young people uncover the countless opportunities at the BTC. Marisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Northeastern University and has taught English language learners in Madrid, Spain, and even right here in the Public Schools of Brookline. Marisa is Spin Certified and taught Cycle and Strength Training classes at Dana Hall School and at local gyms around Brookline and Boston, empowering people of all ages to reach their personal fitness goals. Marisa is a Hip Hop, R&B, Latin, and Dance music superfan and loves the energy and community of the teens, staff, and Board at the BTC.
How do you create a safe place for teens?
I believe that building trusting and dependable relationships is the catalyst for creating safe spaces. Being an active listener and showing compassion by putting yourself in the shoes of someone else is important and shows that you’re truly invested in whatever challenges or concerns a young person is managing. I also think that showing up for someone, especially when they’re not at their best, proves to a young person that you’re there for them without condition.
What is your dream for teens?
My dream for teens is for them to always have an outlet where they can explore and comfortably express their identities, passions, and creativity.
Top 5:
Book: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Song: The Scientist By Coldplay
Movie: The Princess Bride
Travel: Southern Spain
Food: Pasta or Chicken Tikka Masala
Avery Webb
LLL Program Coordinator/Operations Manager
College: Emmanuel College, B.A. and Suffolk University, M.S.
Hometown: Hollis, New Hampshire
About:
Avery joined BTC in November 2023 as a program specialist. She got her Developmental Psychology degree from Emmanuel College while playing on the collegiate softball team for four years, and furthered her education at Suffolk University in their Master’s program. She has years of experience working with young children in daycares and preschools as well as coaching young softball players of all ages. When not at the BTC, she enjoys exercising, reading, listening to music, and spending time with family, friends, and pets.
How do you create a safe place for teens?
I believe it is incredibly important to build rapport with teens so they feel comfortable and able to express their true selves and any concerns they have in their everyday lives. Open communication, active listening, and being a resource for them are crucial, whether it’s for help with school or in their personal lives.
What is your dream for teens?
My dream for teens is for them to always have an outlet where they can explore and comfortably express their identities, passions, and creativity.
Top 5:
Book: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Song: The Scientist By Coldplay
Movie: The Princess Bride
Travel: Southern Spain
Food: Pasta or Chicken Tikka Masala
About:
Before joining the Teen Center, Stephon served as the Associate Program Director at Playworks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of elementary-aged children through safe, inclusive play. With nearly 20 years of experience working with children, Stephon has also spent time supporting youth in group homes and other community settings. Originally from New York, he has been a proud resident of Boston for the past 12 years. Outside of work, Stephon enjoys creating music and building with LEGO. He lives in Boston with his wife, whom he met while working at a group home, and their 3-year-old daughter.
How do you create a safe place for teens?
I create a safe space for teens by being my authentic self at all times. I believe that it is important for teens to see themselves in the leaders around them, and to know that they are valued and accepted just as they are. When teens see leaders who are genuine and relatable, they feel empowered to embrace their own identities and to trust in the support around them.
What is your dream for teens?
I envision a future where teenagers feel empowered to make decisions that they believe are right for themselves, not for anyone else. I strive to create an environment where teens can explore their individuality without fear of judgment, fostering the self-awareness and resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and authenticity!
Top 5:
Book: Where’s Waldo
Song: Don’t Play by Jungle
Movie: Home Alone (1&2)
Travel: Amsterdam
Food: Cheeseburgers
Latasha Scott
lscott@brooklineteencenter.org
Development Assistant /Special Events Manager
College: Northeastern University, Dean College
Hometown: Rochester, NY
About:
Latasha Scott is a young African American woman hailing from Roxbury, MA, Passionate about bridging gaps. She revels in providing resources and connecting the dots for people. Her love for reading, doodling, and capturing moments through photography fills her spare time with joy and creativity. Her favorite color is Orange.
How do you create a safe place for teens?
I like to meet teens where they are. I don’t really think safe spaces exist; however, I like to create a brave space for teens to step up or step back when they need to.
What is your dream for teens?
To overcome any adversity that comes their way when living a complex life as a teen.
Top 5:
Book: 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
Song: Sun and Moon by Anees
Movie: The Grinch
Travel: Senegal, Africa
Food: Spicy Vodka Pasta
Nardege Joseph
NJoseph@brooklineteencenter.org
Community Engagement and Facilities Manager
College: Suffolk University
Hometown: Cambridge, Massachusetts
About:
As an educator and advocate for teens and young adults, Nardege joined the BTC Family in August of 2023 with excitement. Nardege has worked with youth for over fifteen years through teaching and coaching. She has found that our young adults need to be seen and heard. Our teens are the future leaders of the world; it’s my obligation to teach, guide, and support them.
When Nardege is not teaching or coaching, she loves spending time with her family, her daughter Allure, and her mini poodle, Kash. She enjoys cooking, reading, basketball, traveling, and arts and crafts.
How do you create a safe place for teens?
I encourage them to respect each other, exercise their freedom of speech, and utilize my talents to create a judgment-free environment for them.
What is your dream for teens?
My dream for teens is for them to be themselves and be comfortable in their own identity.
Top 5:
Book: N/A
Song: Live Your Life by T.I. feat Rihanna
Movie: Poetic Justice
Travel: Myrtle Beach, S.C., Caribbean
Food: Mommy’s Haitian Cuisine
Kamoru Gonzalez
KGonzalez@brooklineteencenter.org
Music Coordinator
College: Berklee College of Music
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
About:
Kamoru joined the BTC after 8 years of working with teens in educational environments. He is a Composer and Music Producer who graduated from Berklee College of Music (2022) and also graduated as an Anthropologist from the National University of Colombia (2012). With a wide range of experience between public and private schools, and diverse urban and ethnic communities around America, he also brings to the BTC the music industry experience that he gained in Miami and Los Angeles, where he worked at the record label “Rich Music” and the prestigious studio “Igloo Music”, where he assisted with projects for Universal Music, Sony, Disney, and Netflix.
Kamoru is focused on making the BTC Music Studio a safe space for teens to express themselves through music, perform, write songs, and find their own voice, with the strong belief that music is therapeutic for teens. On the other hand, Kamoru also wants to consolidate “BTC Records” as an in-house label for the teens to release their songs and create a music scene where they can network.
In Kamoru’s free time, he loves sports, cooking, and traveling with friends.
How do you create a safe place for teens?
Being able to connect the teens with music, that is another way of dialogue; it’s a great way to help them recognize each other’s way of talking and interacting in harmony, no matter how different the musical language of the other player is. I think that’s the best field for cultivating respect and hearing from each other.
What is your dream for teens?
I would love for them to have the tools for discovering themselves through music and arts and also the autonomy and character to build their own future.
Top 5:
Book: Blindness by José Saramago
Song: Redbone by Childish Gambino
Movie: Fight Club
Travel: Great Barrier Reef in Australia
Food: Thai and Vietnamese food
Charisse Thompson
CThompson@brooklineteencenter.org
Social Media/Program Specialist/College and Career Coordinator
College: Salem State University
Hometown: Chelsea, MA
About:
Charisse began working at the BTC as a Social Media and Program Specialist in November 2023. When she’s not working, she spends her free time reading, playing video games, and with her family.
How do you create a safe place for teens?
I create a safe space for teens by allowing them the freedom to be themselves and helping them explore their growing interests.
What is your dream for teens:
My dream for teens is for them not to be afraid.
Top 5:
Book: Babel by R.F. Kuang
Song: Oblivion by Labrinth
Movie: La La Land
Travel: Rome, Italy
Food: Spanish Rice and Pork
Joao Ferreira
Jferreira@brooklineteencenter.org
Program Specialist/ YouthScaper Manager
Hometown: Malden, MA
About:
Joined in November 2023, Joao has worked in Teen Centers since he was in high school. His previous job was Lead Coordinator of the East Boston Community Council’s Aspiring Youth Center. Joao has worked in different environments to enrich his own knowledge and be able to help with whatever he is able to. He enjoys helping anyone and everyone he can. In Joao’s free time, he enjoys spending time with his dog, drawing, and playing video games.
How do you create a safe place for teens?
By building and fostering a place of connections and relationships with everyone who may not know they need it. By providing a sense of belonging by putting ourselves on their level and treating the teens as our friends and our peers, which shows that we care about them. Once that connection is made, they will know that they can feel safe around us.
What is your dream for teens?
I want the teens to see that right now, at this moment in their lives, their only limitation is themselves, and that once they remove that limitation, they can achieve anything they put their minds to. Putting aside their fears and rising above their own expectations for themselves.
Top 5:
Book: N/A
Song: Everything To Me By Anees
Movie: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Travel: Washington, D.C.
Food: Birria Burrito
Chole Vautrin
cvautrin@brooklineteencenter.org
Program Specialist
College: Elon University
Hometown: Ladera Ranch, CA
About:
Chloe is currently joining BTC as an intern from Boston College, where she is pursuing her Master’s in Social Work. Prior to that, she attended Elon University in North Carolina, studying human service studies and early childhood development. She has worked with kids in a ton of different settings for the past 8 years and is excited to see all the ways she can support teens’ passions at BTC. Outside of work, Chloe loves to practice yoga, read, spend time with family, and craft.
How do you create a safe place for teens?
Chloe is passionate about giving teens room to explore and become who they are, knowing they have adults in their corner.
What is your dream for teens?
To feel comfortable engaging in their passions and sharing in new experiences.
Top 5:
Book: Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Song: I’ve Seen It by Olivia Dean
Movie: Love, Rosie
Travel: Copenhagen, Denmark
Food: Italian
Elwyn Cruz
College, Career & Program Coordinator
Hometown: Boston, MA
College: UMass Boston
About:
Elwyn has dedicated much of his teen years to working with youth, and he feels privileged to serve the South End community where he grew up. His experiences have shaped a deep commitment to empowering young people, and he is passionate about continuing this work as a lifelong career.
How do you create a safe place for teens?
Creating a safe place for teens goes beyond just providing a physical place to gather. I believe that building strong relationships with them and fostering a sense of comfort and trust in themselves and their community is just as important.
What is your dream for teens?
My dream for the teens is for them to see and grasp every opportunity possible to learn and build themselves.
Top 5:
Book: The Hate U Give
Song: Rapper J. Cole
Movie: Divergent
Travel: Cancun
Food: Italian
Kaeli Huh
4th/5th Grade Social Work Intern
Hometown: California, Bay Area
College: Tufts University
About:
Kaeli is a first-year graduate student at the Boston College School of Social Work. She is from the Bay Area, California, but has spent the last four years here attending Tufts University. In her free time, Kaeli likes being outside, running, walking, and spending time with friends.
How do you create a safe place for teens?
I try my best to be open, honest, and unconditionally loving. I let them know that I’m on their team.
What is your dream for teens?
My dream is for teens to be given the agency and freedom to explore who they want to be, as well as for them to trust and know they have a whole team of people behind them.
Top 5:
Book: When Breath Becomes Air
Song: Fu-Gee-La by Fugees
Movie: Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Travel: Amsterdam or Seoul
Food: Dolsot Bibimbap
Hannah Kao
4th/5th Grade Program Coordinator
Hometown: Massachusetts
About:
Hannah has always had a passion for working with youth and families in both academic and recreational settings. In her free time, Hannah loves to read and spend time with her dog.
How do you create a safe place for teens?
Listening to teens and creating relationships built on trust, respect, and acceptance.
What is your dream for teens?
For teens to explore their passions, discover creative outlets, and have a sense of belonging in this world.
Top 5:
Book: Anything Romantic
Movie: Up and My Neighbor Totoro
Travel: The Beach
Food: Udon Noodles and Fried Rice
Gretl Josselyn
Program Specialist
Hometown: White River Junction, VT
College: University Of Connecticut
About:
Gretl uses they/them pronouns and is a graduate student at the Boston College School of Social Work. They found their passion in working with and mentoring young kids and teens through their past experiences as a camp counselor, mentor, and behavior technician. In their free time, they love taking long walks, exploring nature, and trying new foods with their partner.
How do you create a safe place for teens?
I believe that actions speak louder than words. Consistently showing up for the teens, participating in activities, and listening to and believing them helps to create a safe and comfortable environment. Encouraging them to be themselves and knowing that they have me as a resource and mentor allows for a safe space.
What is your dream for teens?
For them to have the resources to live a happy and fulfilling life where they can reach their full potential and embrace how special and unique each of them is.
Top 5:
Book: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Song: Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish
Movie: The Breakfast Club
Travel: Ireland
Food: Burrito Bowl
Shalaine Shortall
Social Worker
Hometown:
College:
About:
How do you create a safe place for teens?
By making sure everyone feels welcomed, valued, and comfortable being themselves, knowing that they can share openly without fear of being judged.
What is your dream for teens?
To know that there is only one of them in this world- no replicas, no one exactly like them- and that comparison is the thief of joy.
Top 5:
Book: The Book of Ruth-Jane Hamilton
Song: Tauren Wells- Empty
Movie: My Girl
Travel: Japan
Food: Rice and steak with a Garden salad
Get in touch
40 Aspinwall Ave
Brookline, MA, 02446
(617)-396-8349
Administrative Hours
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9AM – 5PM
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