Beyond Walls TEAM

sloeksdavis@beyondwallsmn.org

Sammy is thrilled and honored to step into the role of Beyond Walls Executive Director. Coming from a background in education with years of experience teaching and working with middle and high school youth and youth programming, Sammy started her work with Beyond Walls in 2015 as the Academic Program Director. Through her years with the program, she became the Program Director helping the program double its number of students served, adding new partner organizations, and leading her staff team to meaningful and impactful youth work. Sammy’s years of working with Beyond Walls helped her develop a strong understanding of what makes for successful youth programming. She is excited to take Beyond Walls to the next level of program development and is equally excited to get back on the squash courts as she continues to develop love of the game!  Sammy lives in South Minneapolis with her husband, two children, and dog.

lgarr@beyondwallsmn.org

Lee is very excited to join the Beyond Walls team as Director of Academics and Community Partnerships. Lee recently moved to the Twin Cities in July of 2023, but is no stranger to our community, having previously lived here in 1996. Lee brings a wealth of experience to the role, having held several leadership positions at various non-for-profits and community-based organizations in New York City, with a focus on youth programming, program development, and healthcare. Lee holds a Master of Arts degree in School Guidance and Counseling from Manhattan College and provided classroom instruction, as an adjunct instructor, at LaGuardia Community College in Queens, New York. He now lives in the Northeast Arts District of Minneapolis, and is looking forward to getting his dream dog, a Boxer, to be named “Tex”, now that he has a backyard!

gviverosflores@beyondwallsmn.org

Gil is thrilled to be at Beyond Walls transition from a Beyond Walls student, to alumni, to coach. Gil has been playing squash for about 11 years, and his experience as a competitive Beyond Walls athlete and former participant brings great perspective and guidance to our students. As Gil puts: “I have been in our student’s' shoes and know our competition, so I feel confident in leading our students to success.”

Born in Mexico but a long time Minnesota resident. Gil is also a first year life science teacher. In his free time, he likes to learn new skills or information, watch films, and stay active. He has a pet Bunny named Bubbles, 2 tortoises, and 1 turtle all living in St. Paul.

Vinh Chung
University of Minnesota

Frank Fairman – Chair
Piper Sandler

Cindy Faust
Accenture Interactive

Catherine Gadient

Health Partners

Jill Harmon
Navigate Forward

Anita Johnson
City of St. Paul

Betsey Kershaw
Founder, BK&Co.

Ron Lattin

Keller Williams Realty

Jane Lonnquist- Secretary
Early Education Educator

Christoph Meyer-Grimberg- Vice Chair
3M, Retired

Tom Roddis

Raymond James

Hunter Sager
TDS

Kevin Quiring

Accenture, Retired

Anthony Bergren-Salinas-Treasurer

UnitedHealth Group

Sheryl Vaz
Securian Financial

Jennifer Kohler – Council Chair
Director of CEHD America Reads

Beyond Walls Community Partner

Patara Harper
Venture Academy Board Member

Beyond Walls Parent of program participant

Phia Yang

Flipside Afterschool Program Coordinator

Beyond Walls Program Alumni