We have great news to share about two CRYSP employees who were recently promoted and are taking on new responsibilities. And we have some new board members on the CRYSP board.
Monica Scharf, Program Coordinator
Moving on up!
Monica Scharf, who started last year as an intern and then executive assistant is our new Program Coordinator. Monica organizes our Youth Sports For All program, where she establishes partnerships with sports organizations, recruits kids, and works with parents to enroll children in great afterschool and summer camp sports programs.
“I'm excited to add my creativity and enthusiasm for sports programming to this new role with CRYSP,” she said. “I will work hard to provide new (as well as grow current) programs and partnerships that will benefit our local communities.” In addition to organizing the Youth Sports for All program, Monica has taken on large special events and tournaments at The Fields. She also supports CRYSP communications and provides customer service both on the field and behind the scenes. When she’s not working, Monica loves transforming thrift store finds into up-cycled treasures.
Jaime Melvin, Facility Coordinator
Jaime Melvin, who was one of CRYSP's first field monitor's at The Fields, back in 2019, is stepping into the position of Facility Coordinator. Jaime makes sure onsite operations run smoothly for a safe and fun environment and works closely with Tyran Rich, deputy operations manager. In his free time, Jaime loves to watch and practice mixed martial arts, and he also enjoys basketball.
Congratulations to Monica and Jaime!
New Board Members
We’re so glad to have three new board members, putting their time and energy into helping make space to play in DC.
Brian Atkins has over 15 years of leadership experience in community engagement with Events DC, Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative, Inc., and now, JPMorgan Chase & Co. where he educates residents, small business owners and nonprofits in financial health and is the firm’s liaison with wards 7 and 8. Raised in Southeast DC, Brian is passionate about bridging the gap between organizations and communities and creating access for underserved youth to career and education programs and higher education, including on the board of the William Lockridge Foundation.
Bridgett Frey has lived on Capitol Hill/Kingman Park for over 15 years and serves in a leadership position with Friends of Kingman Park Civic Association, and she loves to spend time in the community with her beagle Stevie. She has volunteered with George Washington University, where she earned her Masters in Public Administration, N Street Village, and DC Scores' annual One Night, One Goal event. She previously worked on Capitol Hill and now works in strategic communications in the private sectors.
Sharita Slayton is a solutions-oriented African American female with a heart for the success of the youth and seniors of the District of Columbia. She volunteers as the Board Chair of the Legacy Collaborative Senior Village and Managing Director for Dynamic Solutions for the Aging. She has a Bachelor's degree in Management and Business and an Associate’s degree in Management Technology. As a native Washingtonian, residing in Eastland Gardens of Ward 7, she believes that solutions come from those who are being directly affected and that we must include them to be effective.