Our Staff
LIZA PAPPAS
Executive Director
Dr. Liza Pappas has been with GYO-IL since July 2019 when it became the statewide administrator. Dr. Pappas previously worked as an education policy and budget analyst for the NYC government, an instructor in teacher education for the City University of New York, and an education researcher for a number of universities, school districts, and consulting groups across the country. Additionally, she is proud of the partnership work she has engaged in with community-led organizations over the past 25 years.
Liza is a basketball enthusiast and is still petitioning for a spot in the WNBA.
D.A. CASTRO
Director of Partnership Sustainability
As Director of Partnership Sustainability, Dr. D.A. Castro (Castro) brings over 10 years of community organizing experience as well as his background in cultural and educational policy studies to GYO-IL. Dr. Castro engages historic and new community-based partners, as well as universities, community colleges, and school districts toward the goals of recruiting and retaining community-connected teachers. In addition, he leads our Diverse Male Teacher Initiative, focused on recruiting and supporting men of color in teacher pathway programs. Castro is a lifelong Chicago resident and proud Chicago Public Neighborhood School alum.
During his free time, Castro enjoys rooting for his favorite baseball team, the New York Mets.
ROEY AHRAM
Director of Strategy and Learning
Dr. Roey Ahram is passionate about designing and supporting programs that further equity and social justice. As an educational researcher, Dr. Ahram helps organizations engage in meaningful learning projects, develop and refine their strategic visions, and expand their capacity to generate scalable solutions to society’s most pressing education problems. Prior to his work as an educational researcher, he was a high school math teacher. At GYO-IL, Roey works closely with consortia programs from development to implemention as well as leads our data collection, analysis, and reporting processes.
Roey is a fervent Phillies fan.
M.T. GARRETÓN
Director of Coaching and Induction
A native of Chile, Dr. Maria Teresa (MT) Garretón has worked in teacher education in Chicago for four decades. In 1999, MT wrote the initial federal grant, in partnership with the Logan Square Neighborhood Association, to design and implement Nueva Generación. Nueva Generación, a parent mentor program, evolved into the GYO-IL program. MT is a firm believer in the collaboration between universities and community-based organizations as the basis for a solid preparation of effective community-connected teachers. Dr. Garretón was a Professor at Chicago State University for 29 years and Northeastern Illinois for another 11. She is proud of her partnership work with Chicago Public Schools in the preparation of bilingual education teachers.
In her free time, MT likes to hang out with her grandkids, read, and take art classes.
HERMAN REEVES
Manager of Teacher Marketing Recruitment
Herman brings 15 years of experience in education to his role as Manager of Marketing Recruitment at GYO-IL. A philosophy major at the University of Chicago, Herman entered the education sector by attaining his Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. Starting as a teacher in Chicago Public Schools, Herman then lead the district’s New Teacher Induction and Mentoring Programs. Most recently, he supported ProRetention in developing and delivering supports to higher education institutions to recruit, retain and enhance the experience of students and employees.
Herman is an avid tennis fan who enjoys watching and playing.
DOUG BOWER
University Deans’ Liaison
Dr. Doug Bower has been working with GYO-IL since 2020 and currently serves in the capacity of University Deans’ Liaison with a specific focus on Central and Southern Illinois. Doug comes to GYO-IL with over 30 years of experience with Eastern Illinois University, the last 22 years as Associate Dean and Dean of the College of Education. He has been extremely active statewide on issues related to teacher education recruitment, licensure, and retention. He is a past president of the Illinois Association of Colleges of Teacher Education and a past member of the Illinois State Board of Education State Preparation and Licensure Board.
Doug loves to travel with his wife Mary, and is a sports enthusiast, especially soccer and basketball.
JERRY HINDS
Candidate Coordinator, The Diverse Male Teacher Initiative
Jerry Hinds, a proud Southside of Chicago native, graduated from the University of Illinois - Champaign Urbana with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology, specializing in African American studies. With over a decade of dedicated service, Jerry has been a pivotal force, focusing on marginalized communities in both Champaign-Urbana and Chicago. His professional experience includes providing mentorship, developing impactful programs, and fostering community connections. From his early engagement in Social Emotional Learning to his roles as an event planner, teacher, and data analyst for 501(c)(3) organizations, Jerry's journey showcases his commitment to education, social impact, and community empowerment.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Jerry finds joy in thrilling movies, live music, yoga, and spending cherished moments with his feline companion.
JOANNA MEDINA–MOY
Coordinator of Data Visualization and Communication
Joanna uses the power of data and storytelling to demonstrate GYO-IL’s impact. Joanna has worked in various positions within non-profit organizations across Chicago for the last 20 years and has been with GYO since 2018.
In her downtime, she likes to take long walks with her dog while daydreaming about the future.
MYTZY RODRIGUEZ-KUFNER
Candidate Coordinator, Lake County
Dr. Mytzy V. Rodriguez-Kufner is GYO’s Lake County Candidate Coordinator and an Advisor/Recruitment Specialist at the University Center of Lake County. Dr. Rodriguez-Kufner earned a B.S in Anthropology and Biology from Loyola University Chicago, a M.A.T from Columbia College Chicago, a MA Ed. from Dominican University, and an Ed.D. in Teaching and Learning from Walden University. She also studied Podiatric Medicine for two years before deciding to focus on the field of education. Dr. Rodriguez-Kufner's varied background in rural and urban areas in education, entrepreneurship, data science, housing, medicine, philanthropy, photography, and research, have provided her with a well-rounded worldview in teaching and learning. Mytzy’s life goal is to pass on to future generations an appreciation of STEAM and to create environmental and cultural stewards through the different positions she holds, enriching her community through catalytic projects.
RICHARD NETTLES
Chicago/Lake County Program Director
Richard is a Waukegan native and Chicago resident who takes great pride in working toward equitable student outcomes. Richard comes to GYO-IL with over a decade of experience in teacher preparation and public education. In his current position, he works to ensure the Chicago and Lake County consortium is positioned to carry out GYO's mission, expanding the pool of diverse teacher candidates who remain committed to their communities. He holds a Bachelors degree (BA) in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a Masters degree (MAT) in Urban Education from the University of Chicago. In his free time, Richard enjoys reviewing pantry snacks and following high school basketball.
LUIS MEZA
Candidate Coordinator
Luis has been with GYO since 2018 and for the past several years, has served as GYO-Chicago’s lead coordinator at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), where the majority of GYO Chicago candidates attend. He works directly with teacher candidates as well as with NEIU administration, faculty, and staff to better coordinate supports and services. Luis’s previous work experience was in youth development and adult education.
Luis is a dedicated do-it-yourselfer and enjoys learning new useful skills.
TAMMY BOLDEN
Success Coach and Candidate Coordinator
Tammy Bolden grew up in the Englewood community and still lives there. She has defied many odds that have been statistically placed against her. Tammy is a first-generation college student, graduating from William Rainy Harper HS, and then transitioning to Richard J Daley college where she received an Associate degree in accounting. She subsequently earned a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from National Louis University and a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership. As GYO-Chicago's first Success Coach (and as a candidate coordinator at Chicago State University), Tammy brings skills in academic advising, mentoring, tutoring, program coordination, and teaching adult learners.
Tammy loves animals, yoga, and music.
MARY OSAZUWA
Candidate Coordinator and Alumni Coordinator
Mary has a special interest in supporting others to meet their goals through Education. She ensures Chicago-area candidates are on track to earn their teaching licensure. Additionally, in her role as GYO-Chicago’s Coordinator at Chicago City Colleges, she assists candidates in their prerequisite coursework. Mary earned an undergraduate degree in psychology at Miami University of Ohio and completed her graduate degree in Counselor Education at the University of Dayton.
Mary is an avid reader (proudly up-to-date on the entire Marvel Universe films/series!) and a budding foodie working on discovering all the hidden eatery gems in and around Chicago!
VALENTIN (TINO) TORRES
Programs Assistant
Valentin works with GYO-Chicago coordinators to provide teacher candidates with needed supports. He is also tasked with running GYO-IL’s social media pages as well as other creative projects.
In his downtime, he likes to take long walks with Joanna’s dog and cringe at the past.
JUN S. SUH, C.P.A.
Grant Manager
Jun Suh has extensive experience in accounting, audits, budgeting, financial analysis, and forecasting, having worked for various non-for-profit organizations across Illinois for 16 years. He is adept in setting up and maintaining internal control systems according to Chicago, state, and federal government requirements. In 2000, he became a certified public accountant.
Jun was an avid runner, and now, only runs to catch a flight.
WATTIS GENTRY
Accountant
Wattis joined GYO-IL in 2021 and brings experience in financial statements, bank reconciliations, and general accounting. Wattis earned a Bachelor of Ars Degree in Sociology from DePaul University, and later completed graduate work in business administration focused on accounting.