Meet the Ybb Team
At YouthBuild Boston, our team is dedicated to empowering the next generation of builders, designers, and community leaders. We are a passionate group of educators, designers, construction professionals, and advocates who share a common goal: to provide young people with the skills, support, and opportunities they need to succeed in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. Our staff is committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment where students are encouraged to explore their potential, build their futures, and make a positive impact in their communities. With diverse expertise and a shared vision, the YBB team works together to inspire and uplift youth through hands-on training, mentorship, and career development.
Duncan Coakley
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Duncan’s rather unique background includes two careers - real estate lawyer & general contractor. As a result, he provides strong communication & organizational skills and “hands on” knowledge of construction. A lifelong resident of Boston, Duncan is committed to effecting change throughout the city. At YouthBuild Boston, he empowers young people through vocational education and assists non-profit organization through project partnerships.
Jeremy Donovan
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Jeremy is a Vocational Instructor with a background in architecture and a deep interest in materiality. After experiences in both the design and construction side of the building industry, he has become passionate about changing the way we think about material and waste. He believes in the empowerment and satisfaction that results from creating tangible things, and is motivated to show the next generation of tradespeople and makers the impact they can have on their environments. In his free time he likes listening to music, drawing, and making furniture and art out of wood, metal and glass.
Verena Niederhoefer
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Verena Niederhoefer holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from UMass Boston and a Master's in Educational and Developmental Psychology from Boston College. She began her career working with street boys in Caracas, Venezuela, and later spent a decade serving Boston youth through nonprofit organizations, providing GED/HiSET preparation, housing services, and workforce training. Verena transitioned to Boston’s Office of Workforce Development, where she managed grants and contracts, shaping funding strategies for youth workforce services. In April 2024, she joined YouthBuild Boston to design and implement strategic workforce and youth development programs. In her spare time, Verena enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
realiza rodriguez
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Realiza is originally from Queens, New York and San Diego, California, and a graduate of San Diego State University. With a background in social services, she has supported individuals experiencing homelessness, former foster youth, and domestic violence survivors through roles at AmericaWorks, HomeStart Inc., and Mustard Seed Project. Having personally benefited from community programs growing up, she is deeply passionate about uplifting local communities and creating opportunities for youth through storytelling and mission-driven work. In her free time, Realiza enjoys spending time with her family, her husband, and their dog.
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Nicole Glasgow is a dedicated Case Manager at YouthBuild Boston, where Nicole works wholeheartedly to empower young people to achieve their educational and career goals. With a B.A in Communications from the University of Massachusetts Boston, Nicole provides individualized support, helping students navigate challenges and access essential resources.Committed to fostering resilience, direction and growth, Nicole believes in the potential of every young person to create a brighter future. Outside of work, Nicole Dj's under the pseudonym DJ Makiato.
Nicole Glasgow
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Peter brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, workforce development, and operations to his role as Executive Director of YouthBuild Boston. Over the past 15 years, he has held key roles at a variety of nonprofit organizations focused on affordable housing, healthcare, workforce development, and career advancement. In these roles, Peter oversaw education and training programs and built strong partnerships to expand access to opportunity for community members.
Peter is passionate about creating pathways to opportunity for young people and underserved communities. His career is marked by a strong commitment to workforce development, strategic growth, and community engagement.
In his free time, Peter is an avid skier and enjoys hiking in Vermont, working on home renovation projects, and spending time with his family.
Peter Hunt
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Claire is an efficiency nerd, passionate about helping organizations work better with the limited resources they have, and about maximizing these resources to broaden access to wealth-building opportunities. At YBB, she oversees the Data and Operations functions, working to make YBB’s programs and administrative functions efficient and effective. Prior to joining YBB in 2022, Claire has worked in a broad variety of HR, administrative, and Development roles at Thompson Island Outward Bound, the Home for Little Wanderers, and Whole Foods. She holds an MBA in Nonprofit Management from the Heller School of Social Policy at Brandeis University and a BA in Psychology from Carleton College. Outside of work, Claire is an avid knitter, an aspiring gardener, and a loving cat-mom.
CLAIRE COCROFT
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Beth brings 20 years of experience in non-profit fundraising and management to her role at YouthBuild Boston, which she began in 2024. Previously, she served as Director of Operations and Development for Industry Corps at Wentworth Institute of Technology where she secured seed funding of $1.3 million from corporate partners, private foundations, and quasi-public agencies. Prior to that, Beth spent seven years as Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Wentworth. She has also served as Senior Director of Leadership Giving for United Way of MA Bay and in senior development roles at United Way of Metropolitan Chicago. In 2023-24, Beth was a Massachusetts Education Policy Fellow at the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy. She holds a master’s degree in ethnology from University of New Mexico and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Xavier University. In her free time, Beth enjoys nature walks, collecting sea shells, reading historical fiction, and spending time with her family.
Beth Curtis
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Neil Daniel is a young professional who began his career in healthcare architecture and now manages design programs at YouthBuild Boston, providing opportunities for youth to explore architecture and design. Neil, with his lead designers, empower youth to learn about design within the context of Boston, fostering purposeful engagement that enables students to become voices of change in their communities. His work at YouthBuild has reignited his passion for architecture’s potential to impact neighborhoods, and he continues to advocate for architecture’s role in promoting purpose, equity, and inclusion. In his free time, Neil enjoys photography, 3D modeling, cooking, baking, and exploring Boston and the surrounding areas with his electric bike!
Neil Daniel
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Lalitta Nord was born and raised in Dorchester, MA. Lalitta has a background in outreach, helping the community, and serving others. I have worked in a school setting for over 10 years. in Lalitta spare time I enjoy learning how to save money, spending time with family and friends, listening to music, and eating good food.
Lalitta Nord
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Jesse is a passionate youth-worker, dedicated to supporting young people build the tools, skills and knowledge to create new realities out of the potential. Jesse began his youthwork journey in 2002, volunteering at a community organization in Roxbury while enrolled at Northeastern University on a community service-based full scholarship. Since then, he has amassed decades of nonprofit, education and leadership experience both locally and abroad. He fell in love with Youthbuild Boston upon joining the organization in 2015 and previous to his current role of Youth Development Manager, has served as both a Project Manager and Vocational Instructor. He believes wholly in the power of hands-on, project-based learning, letting compassion and understanding lead the way, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with young people, building and growing together as a community. Outside of Youthbuild, he loves music, carpentry, real estate investing, travel, outdoor activities and spending time with his family.
Jesse Lyons
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Nathan, a lifelong resident of Roxbury, has dedicated the past 9 years to YouthBuild Boston, where he serves as the Director of Programs & Partnerships. With a deep-rooted passion for workforce development and opportunity equity, Nathan is committed to creating impactful programs that empower and uplift the community he calls home. His work at YouthBuild Boston reflects his unwavering dedication to fostering meaningful change and advancing equitable opportunities for all.
Nathan Polk
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dsmith@ybboston
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Originally from Lynn and adopted and raised on the South Shore, I grew up with a passion for helping others, inspired by my father, who served as a director at YBB for over 20+ years. Although I graduated with a degree in marketing in 2013, I quickly realized that I wanted a more hands-on and creative career path. Throughout my journey, I’ve been driven by my desire to blend creativity with a practical approach, always looking for ways to make a meaningful impact.
Darius Smith
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Coming soon!
Victor Subero
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Mary Thomas will have completed her 20th year as the Lead Teacher at YouthBuild Boston in November of 2026. Prior to joining YBB, Mary taught English at Charlestown High School, after having taught in public schools in Maine. She was recruited by the Special Education Department Chair at one of the schools to become a Special Education teacher/Case Manager for students with Specific (Moderate) Learning Disabilities. While still employed as a full-time Special Education teacher, Mary also began teaching evening Adult Education GED English and Communications courses in a neighboring school system, remaining in that role for many years before moving to the Boston area. She is the mother of three children, one of whom is also a teacher. . Mary served as the Choir Director in her home parish in Maine for 20 years and also was a Section Leader for the Second Sopranos in the 100-voice Portland Community Chorus. After moving to the Boston area, she sang in a church choir in Cambridge for many years. She enjoys music, reading (especially science fiction), keeping up with news about new discoveries about our universe, and playing (some) video games; Mary also has created and is playing characters in two different D & D games.
Mary Thomas
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kgallman@ybboston.org
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In his role, Kai supports graduates in accessing employment resources and navigating pathways to stable, long-term careers in the building trades. His work is driven by a deep commitment to equity and expanding access to opportunity for young people.
Kai graduated from Brandeis University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with academic work rooted in social justice–focused disciplines examining structural inequality, identity, and the systems that shape access to opportunity. Prior to joining YouthBuild Boston as an AmeriCorps VISTA, he served as Operations and Market Manager for Storage Squad Boston, where he supervised daily operations, managed a team of over 20 staff members, coordinated logistics across the Boston area, and improved warehouse efficiency through digital inventory systems and workflow redesign.
In his free time, Kai enjoys practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, visiting his three Afghan hounds on weekends, and deeply engaging with music, both listening and creating, as part of his artistic expression.
kai gallman
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nhemedes@ybboston.org
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Norissa was born and raised in the Philippines and moved to New York City at the age of 9. Growing up between two cultures, she developed a deep appreciation for a tight-knit community that leads with grit and finds resourceful solutions in any situation. These experiences laid the foundation for who she is today, someone who leads with empathy and shows up fully for the people around her.
Norissa graduated from Wheaton College with a Business degree in Social Entrepreneurship, Nonprofit Management, and Philanthropy. While in college, Norissa met and worked with an incredible community of talented creatives in Providence, Rhode Island. She discovered a passion for social impact through a creative direction.
As a program coordinator at YouthBuild Boston, she brings the same heart and intentionality to her work every day, supporting students and overseeing day-to-day program activities with care and dedication.
Outside of work, she channels her creativity into 3D modeling and printing, and she has a love for film photography and is currently working on her first photobook.
