Staff Directory
Andrew Barnett
Executive Director
andrew.barnett@smyal.org
(direct) 202.567.3151
(t) 202.546.5940 ext. 101
Andrew Barnett was named Executive Director in February 2009. Andrew first became involved with SMYAL as a volunteer before joining the staff in 2005, and held several leadership roles including overseeing the organization's operations and communications department and serving as Acting Executive Director. Native to the Washington, DC metro area, Andrew began his involvement in LGBT youth advocacy by cofounding a Gay-Straight Alliance as a senior at St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School. He received his B.A. from the Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA, concentrating his studies in literature as a response to oppression. In addition to his work at SMYAL, Andrew has been involved with several Amnesty International volunteer groups, most recently with DC OUTfront, a group focused on addressing LGBT human rights issues around the world.
Alexis Browne
Youth Leadership Specialist
alexis.browne@smyal.org
(t) 202.546.5940 ext. 110
A 2009 graduate of T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, VA, Alexis Browne is already a passionate and experienced advocate for LGBT civil rights. Alexis became involved with SMYAL after serving as President of her school's Gay Straight Alliance (GSA). In 2008, she was selected as a member of the inaugural class of SMYAL's Youth Advocacy Internship. Her exceptional performance in the program was an important factor in hiring Alexis as one of SMYAL's Youth Leadership Specialists. In this position, Alexis helps to facilitate leadership development and cultural competency trainings to the current Youth Advocate Interns and youth service providers in the Washington metropolitan area.
Sean Conner
Development Specialist
sean.conner@smyal.org
(direct) 202.567.3156
(t) 202.546.5940 ext. 106
Sean joined the SMYAL staff in November 2009, after returning to the DC area from Hampton Roads, VA. He is an alumnus of the College of William and Mary, where he received his BA in Sociology. He also completed a program at the 2001 Residential Governor's School at Lynchburg College, focusing on Number Theory. Sean previously served at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in administration, operations, and communications--working primarily on vivisection oversight issues. He splits his professional time between SMYAL and the Human Rights Campaign Shop, facilitates and manages web content for Gay District, and volunteers for both animal rights and LGBTQ issues.
Jacquetta Gillespie
MSW Intern
jacqueline.gillespie@smyal.org
(direct) 202.567.3162
(t) 202.546.5940 ext. 112
Jacquetta hails from Raleigh, NC and joined SMYAL in August 2010. She attended the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where she received her BA in Psychology. She is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Social Work at Howard University in Washington, DC. In the past, she has worked in various arenas concerning LGBTQ and Women's issues, to include work on the production of a documentary addressing the issue of hate crimes in the South. Jacquetta is excited learn and to apply her knowledge to serve LGBTQ youth and support the mission of SMYAL.
Leandrea Gilliam
Care Advocacy Program Manager
leandrea.gilliam@smyal.org
(direct) 202.567.3166
(t) 202.546.5940 ext. 116
Leandrea is a native Washingtonian and joined the SMYAL staff in January 2006. Prior to becoming a member of the SMYAL team, Leandrea worked as a Disaster Assistance Case Specialist for the Department of Homeland Security assisting disaster victims worldwide to obtain housing and financial assistance, as well as medical and other emergency needs. Leandrea has always been an active supporter of the LGBTQ community having served on the Board of Directors for Transgender Health Empowerment (THE). Leandrea is eager to apply her expertise to further serve LGBTQ youth and support the mission of SMYAL.
Amena Johnson
Director of Programs
amena.johnson@smyal.org
(direct) 202.567.3154
(t) 202.546.5940 ext. 104
Prior to SMYAL, Amena was a Community Initiatives Associate at the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN) in Washington, DC. While at GLSEN she supported GLSEN Chapters throughout the country to ensure safety for each member of every school community regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. In addition to SMYAL and GLSEN, Amena was the Training Manager for Temple University's Center for Intergenerational Learning's National Training Network in Philadelphia, PA and the Program Manager for the National Conference for Community and Justice Delaware Region in Wilmington, DE. She has also contributed 10 months of community service in Delaware as an AmeriCorps member with Public Allies. Amena received a BFA in Drama Therapy from Longwood University and an MS in Organizational Leadership from Wilmington College.
Alexander "AJ" King
HIV Prevention Coordinator
alexander.king@smyal.org
(direct) 202.567.3155
(t) 202.546.5940 ext. 105
AJ is currently attending Prince George's Community College as a Sociology major. AJ participated in the non-profit organization, City at Peace for 3 years, an organization that promotes non-violent conflict-resolution through the performing arts. During his final year in the program, AJ was a production team leader. AJ also worked at the largest LGBTQ bookstore in Washington, DC, Lambda Rising, until it’s final day of business in January of 2010. In the summer of 2009, AJ was one of the lead facilitators for Adrian Fenty's DC Summer Youth Employment Program, where he taught youth the employment-related skills, and how to handle oppression and power dynamics in today's society. In 2010, AJ again was a lead facilitator for the DC Summer Youth Employment Program, as City at Peace teamed with MetroTeen AIDS to create a PSA video on HIV prevention, as well as a street theatre performance on teen pregnancy entitled, "Unprotected."
Jason Maglaughlin
Director of Development
jason.maglaughlin@smyal.org
(direct) 202.567.3159
(t) 202.546.5940 ext. 109
(cell) 202.330.3313
Jason Maglaughlin joined the SMYAL team as Director of Development in August 2009. Jason has several years of fundraising, capacity building, donor stewardship, and communications experience. After returning from a three-year assignment as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in the United Republic of Tanzania, he served as Development Manager at Heads Up, a Washington, DC based nonprofit. As Director of Development, Jason oversees initiatives to engage community partners, increase public awareness of SMYAL, and secure financial resources for the organization. Jason's passion for social justice, youth development, community empowerment, and LGBTQ advocacy guide his work at SMYAL and other civic engagement and community based activities he remains involved with. Jason has a B.S. in Anthropology and a B.A. in Religious Studies from the College of Charleston.
Erin Mascarella
Master of Social Work Intern
Master of Social Work Intern
Erin Mascarella joined the SMYAL team as a Master of Social Work Intern in January 2010. In this role, Erin co-facilitates weekly support group and recreational group; participates in outreach and training within the D.C. metro area community; and is currently developing the new women's retreat for SMYAL's female youth. Erin previously worked as a Case Manager at My Sister's Place, Inc., a domestic violence emergency shelter for women and children, and brings five years of marketing and management experience from her previous career in business. Erin has a B.A. in Psychology from American University and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Social Policy and Practice.
Sara Mindel, LICSW
Director of Clinical Services
sara.mindel@smyal.org
(direct) 202.567.3153
(t) 202.546.5940 ext. 103
Sara Mindel currently serves as SMYAL's Director of Clinical Services. In addition, she has a psychotherapy private practice specializing in trauma, addiction, depression and LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender)/sexuality issues. She has held positions as a psychotherapist in the Mental Health and Addictions Program at Whitman Walker Clinic and served as a Social Worker at the Lambda Center at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington. Sara was previously on the Board of Directors of Youth Pride Alliance where she held the position of Vice President and Youth Pride Day Director. Prior to this experience, Sara was part of the Crystal Meth Working Group and worked for SMYAL (Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League) as a Clinical Supervisor. Regarded as an authority on LGBT youth issues, Sara has provided multiple competency trainings to youth service and mental health providers in the Washington metropolitan area. Through this advocacy, Sara has worked with the Family and Juvenile Court Systems, the Psychiatric Institute of Washington, and the District of Columbia Public Schools. Sara currently holds positions on WEAVE's (Women Empowered Against Violence) LGBT IPV (Intimate Partner Violence) Committee and DCCPC (District of Columbia Concerned Provider Coalition).
Gerald Montoya
Operations Manager
gerald.montoya@smyal.org
(direct) 202.567.3165
(t) 202.546.5940 ext. 115
Gerald joined the SMYAL staff in October 2007. Gerald has graduated from American University, Washington DC in 2005 with a degree on International Studies - Peace and Conflict Resolution. After graduation, he has worked for the Institute of International Finance in Washington DC, as Administrative Assistant of the Emerging Markets Department until he joined SMYAL. Gerald is originally from Lima, Peru and has lived in the US since 2001. He works at the same time as an actor in various local theatres and sings for private events in the Washington, DC Metro area.
Stephanie Remick
Youth Leadership Coordinator
stephanie.remick@smyal.org
(direct) 202.567.3163
(t) 202.546.5940 ext. 113
Stephanie joined the SMYAL team in October 2009 after completing a two year teaching commitment as a Teach For America (TFA) Corps Member in Houston, TX. Prior to joining SMYAL, Stephanie spent the summer of 2009 as a TFA Political Advocacy and Leadership Initiative Fellow with the American Youth Policy Forum. Stephanie is originally from the Albany, NY area and completed her Bachelor's degree in Political Science at a public university, SUNY Geneseo. While in college, Stephanie enjoyed an opportunity to study abroad in Moscow, Russia, as well as various theatrical productions, which she participated in as a performer and director.
Anthony "Cortez" Riley
Youth Leadership Specialist
anthony.riley@smyal.org
(t) 202.546.5940 ext. 108
Anthony "Cortez" Riley is a Political Science Major at the College of Southern Maryland. Prior to becoming a SMYAL staff member he was a SMYAL Youth Advocacy Intern where he studied LGBTQ issues and public policy. Cortez was the Chapter President for Best Buddies at his local high school for two years where he helped students with intellectual disabilities build friendships beyond the classroom. He has also volunteered for other local organizations such as the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department and The American Red Cross Southern Maryland Chapter.