Meet Some of our Staff

Join our team - you’ll be glad you did!

Ages 18+: Become a Coach-Mentor

Ages 12+: Volunteer as (junior) coach, homework helper, art/music mentor or in another capacity using this form.

Jeannine Fallon Anckaitis is the Executive Director of CUYS. She stepped into the role in February 2020 after serving on the organization’s board for the previous 18 months. Jeannine has over 25 years experience in public relations and marketing. Following a long, busy career in the automotive industry, she shifted her focus to the non-profit community in 2016. In addition to her work at CUYS, Jeannine has tutored at Chester Charter School of the Arts and volunteered regularly at St. Katharine Drexel’s free food and clothing pantry in Chester. Additionally, she has served on the board of the Friends of the Swarthmore Public Library, earned “Champion Volunteer” status through her work for Cradles to Crayons and was the founding Community Service Coordinator for Swarthmore Rutledge Elementary School. Jeannine earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Lafayette College.

Chris Shavers, a Chester native, is a Coach-Mentor who strongly believes in mentoring youth, as well as healthy physical and mental growth. He graduated from Delaware County Community College and, when not coaching, works with inside sales at John Bridge Sons Midway and as a writer at Faceless Entertainment LLC. Chris played soccer and baseball from 2005- 2011. Along with athletics, he enjoys writing, drawing, singing, music performance, acting, dancing, math, and learning new things. Chris explained, “I strongly believe the youth need not just idols but mentors. I have skills that young people and children could benefit from. So why not share?” His philosophy: “Don't grow up to be like me. Grow up to be better than me." Find out more about Chris at Faceless_Raven on Instagram, Dragiare on Facebook, and Faceless Entertainment LLC on Facebook.

Raina Kuzemka joined the team as the Program Manager in 2024. A Media, PA native, Raina excelled in youth soccer with Nether United and 1776 United FC before advancing to play Division 1 soccer at William & Mary. She earned her degree in Finance with a concentration in Business Analytics. After gaining valuable experience as a summer coach, Raina is excited to return to the organization, bringing her extensive background in coaching and business internships. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a summer coach and am ecstatic to be working alongside Jeannine in a larger role within the organization,” says Raina. Raina loves working and connecting with kids, and has experience engaging with kids of all ages. Her passion for the sport and deep understanding of both soccer and business make her a great asset to our team.

Kelly Nagle is a Site Director at Chester Charter Scholars Academy. She has been in this role since 2019. Kelly has been a teacher for 21 years and has her degree in Elementary Education, Special Education, and Literature 6-12. She received her Master’s of Education in Literacy from West Chester University in 2007 and is currently a K-12 reading specialist as CCSA. Kelly grew up in Chester and is grateful to be able to work with children from Chester both in teaching and through the Chester Upland Youth Soccer organization.

Maritza Garcia is a Nursing major at Widener University and a dedicated Coach-Mentor. With 9 years of soccer experience, she is excited to now coach and inspire younger soccer players to develop a passion for the sport. Off the soccer field and beyond academics, Maritza serves as a Resident Assistant, works as a Starbucks barista, and holds the role of Operations Manager at CVS. 

Jackson Birster is a Physical Therapy major at Widener University from Horsham, PA. He has played soccer since he was three and has been looking for a way to stay in touch with the game besides actually playing. Some things he loves to do are being outside, spending time with friends, and of course playing the beautiful game. 

Jayla Paige is a freshman nursing major at Widener University. With her 3 years of soccer experience, she is not only excited to share her skills of the sport, but also the importance of team-building. In her free time, she enjoys biking and going to the gym.

Brianna Zuch is a sophomore nursing major at Widener University and has been playing soccer since she was four years old.  She played all four years at Donegal High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania as well as for multiple club teams including Hershey FC.  She is very excited to coach and mentor the kids this fall in her first season, building up confidence, relationships, and new soccer skills. She enjoys hiking, listening to new music, painting, and having a fun night in with friends.

Junior Lucero is a finance major at Widener University, and has played soccer since he was 7 years old. He played High School and club soccer. When he is not playing soccer, he is usually at the gym or going on walks! He loves this sport and is ready to teach the next generation!

Drew Annable is a Coach-Mentor and a Biomedical Engineering Student at Widener University. He attended Haddon Heights High School where he played soccer for four years. He also was a soccer referee for the New Jersey Soccer League. He is an active member involved in different Widener clubs and activities. Drew is excited to continuing to work with the kids of Chester to improve their skills and most importantly to have fun!

Andrew Hurrell is a Physical Therapy major at Widener University and a 4 year member of the men’s soccer team. Aside from serving as Coach-Mentor, he also took part in WALI (Widener Athletic Leadership Initiative) and was a chair member of SAAC (Student Athletic Advisory Committee). “I really enjoy mentoring kids in the game I love.”

Dahlia Kuzemka grew up in Media, PA, and played soccer with local club and school teams her whole life. An Elementary Education major at Washington College and a women's soccer team member there, she is a member of CUYS’s summer staff. “I enjoy being outdoors, playing soccer with friends, taking my dogs on walks, and going to the beach with my family. I am looking forward to helping out this summer and sharing my love for the sport with the kids!”

Beckett Strachan is a summer CUYS coach-mentor and a biology major at the University of Vermont. “I have played soccer ever since I was 4 and I’m excited to be able to give back to the sport. Off the field, I enjoy being outdoors, running, and listening to music.”

Nico Taylor is a summer CUYS coach-mentor and a Penn State student who has been playing soccer since he was four years old. “It has taught me many lessons and brought me a ton of joy, and I believe I have the responsibility to pass on that experience. I also love rock climbing, hiking, playing sports other than soccer, and lifting.”

Michael Doweary is a volunteer from York, PA. He attended William Penn (aka York High) where he played basketball and football, and his favorite subject was math. Currently he serves as Receiver for the City of Chester, and volunteers with the Big Brother/Big Sister program and as a Mason as well as with CUYS. His motto: “Working together, everyone achieves more.”

Staff Alumni:

Leo-Paul Wahl was a Coach-Mentor and CUYS’ newsletter editor, and helped coordinate additional volunteer opportunities with CUYS for his fraternity. He is a Biomedical Engineering Student at Widener University. Leo-Paul was involved with soccer as a player for 15 years and was excited to be able to fulfill the role of a coach and help younger players experience soccer. Off the soccer field he spends his time listening to and arranging music, and served as a Resident Assistant.

Gavin Vanstone was a nursing major at Widener University and a Coach-Mentor at CUYS. He enjoys soccer at every level, but when he's not thinking about soccer, he enjoys spending time outside paddleboarding or hiking and cooking.

Erica Houseknecht was a Physical Therapy student at Widener University and a member of the Widener band. She enjoys spending time outdoors walking her dog, kayaking, fishing and hiking, and participating in outreaches to the community. Erica played soccer from age 6 to high school. “I enjoy the Coach-Mentor experience with CUYS as it brought me back to the sport that I have always loved.”

Isaiah Moreef was a Robotic Engineering student at Widener University. He was on the swim team as a freestyle and backstroke sprinter. Isaiah enjoys being outdoors, whether it’s throwing a ball around or going rafting. In his first year as a Coach-Mentor, he remarked, “I loved meeting all of the kids and seeing how much they enjoyed the program. It was great to be a part of something that you can tell had a positive impact on a group.”

Morgan Novak was a Physical Therapy student at Widener University and a volunteer for the Soccer for Success program. A few of her favorite things include watching sports, attending sport events, and listening to music. She commented, “I enjoy volunteering and taking part in the Soccer for Success program because it is very rewarding to see the children's soccer skills improve.”

Verdell Walker is a Delaware County native who played soccer during all her years at Chichester Middle and High School, and planned to play for a women’s soccer league in Philadelphia. She loves the game and the opportunity to share it with the children of CUYS as a Coach-Mentor.

Vincent B Csercsevits was a Coach-Mentor from Norristown, PA, where he was a Track and Field sprinter and soccer player for all four years of high school. he was a Mechanical Engineering Major at Widener University, where he also volunteered as a student mentor for the school’s integrated professional studies program, helping students with physical and mental disabilities. Why did he join CUYS? “I like coaching the kids as it is important that they have a program where they can play soccer and have fun,” Vinny says. Find out more about Vinny at https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-csercsevits/

Andrea Closurdo was a civil engineering major at Widener University and a peer mentor for freshman engineering students. Some of her favorite things to do include watching/talking about sports and taking part in volunteering/community service opportunities. Andrea also shared, “I played soccer when I was younger and I am super excited to be a part of such a welcoming community and team!”

Tara Orlando was a Coach-Mentor from Elverson, PA who played soccer her whole life. She attended Widener University, majoring in occupational therapy, and loves going to the beach. “I work for CUYS because I love to help children and get to teach them new skills that hopefully they’re able to enjoy and continue to do in the future.”