Michael McDonald
Michael McDonald has worked with the young and incarcerated as a Mentor Coordinator, confidant and friend. As a full time staff-member of Boston Urban Youth Foundation, working at the Dearborn Middle School in Roxbury, he nurtures his students to believe in themselves so as to foster positive inspiration and guidance for one another. McDonald spearheads data input and analysis at the Dearborn, where he also manages truancy intervention and at-risk outreach. If need be, he will make home visits to counsel with students and their families. His philosophy revolves around instilling within his pupils the necessary skill set to be self-sufficient and proactive at all times. The power of McDonald's approach with the youth transcends the classroom setting alone. He is meticulous in drafting extracurricular functions for them so as to ensure the highest levels of mental and spiritual aptitude. From studying poetry to going to the movies, McDonald cares deeply for these young scholars. Furthermore, McDonald is a founding member of the LIVE Brothers (Loyal Intelligent Victorious Everlasting). McDonald uses this vehicle as an outlet by which to initiate healthy dialogue in regards to family values, crisis management, problem solving and working together as a community to compliment each member’s respective strengths.
Cory Manhertz
Growing up in the tough streets of Boston, I was blessed with good family, friends and the church. I also made it a point to be active in as many youth serving activities and agencies as I could. One of those organizations was the Boston Urban Youth Foundation. BUYF helped me focus in high school and continued to support me in college. BUYF is a part of my roots. As a youth and as an adult I have served the youth of the city of Boston via agencies like: The Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, The YMCA of Boston, North American Family Institute and Department of Youth Services. These different employment opportunities have prepared me to return to BUYF as a Senior Life Coach. At the Boston Urban Youth Foundation I am able to work with young people around school engagement and truancy. In my current role I help students get on track and reach their goals. I always say "if you take a cookie out the cookie jar you put two back in."
Shameka Gregory
As a woman coming from a large family with a lot of sisters, learning to read moods and diffuse situations was a survival tactic. I always had an interest in figuring out how people function, why they think and do some of the things they do. This is what led me to get my Bachelors in Psychology from Boston University with a minor in Sociology in May of 2008. I always knew that I wanted to work with young people and have spent all of my life serving as an official mentor/counselor to my friends and family. Working for Boston Urban Youth Foundation has allowed me to serve young women and help them succeed in school and in life. This is my life purpose!
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