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Youth Center
Our Leadership Team
Ana Medina
Director of Youth Center
Ana Christina Medina is the Youth Center Director at the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC), where she oversees all administrative, programmatic, special events, and daily operations of the Youth Center. In this role, she manages staff, leads professional development initiatives, ensures high-quality programming and events, enforces policies and regulations, and fosters a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for youth and families. Ms. Medina brings over 15 years of experience working with youth, teens, and adults across diverse professional settings, including youth development, community engagement, special events, and staff management. Prior to joining RIOC, she served as Teen Director at the Vanderbilt YMCA, where she oversaw all branch-based teen and summer camp programming. Under her leadership, program quality improved significantly, audit outcomes exceeded expectations, and community partnerships were strengthened and expanded. Previously, Ms. Medina served as a Program Manager at the Sports & Arts in Schools Foundation (SASF), where she led the expansion of seven middle school after-school programs. Ms. Medina holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a concentration in Counseling, from the College of Mount Saint Vincent.
Isaiah Holman
Youth Center Assistant Director
Isaiah Holman is the Assistant Director of the Roosevelt Island Youth Center, where he leads the day-to-day operations, oversees programming, and ensures the safety and well-being of all participants and staff. He manages everything from registration and enrollment systems to staff clearances, SACC licensing, and procurement, while actively securing grant funding to expand and enhance the Center's offerings. With over 12 years of experience in youth development, Isaiah has dedicated his career to creating engaging, high-quality programs that empower young people to explore their passions and reach their full potential. His professional journey began as an activity specialist and group counselor further blossoming into leadership roles focused on building innovative, high-quality programming that allows young people to explore, develop, and nurture their talents. Prior to joining RIOC, he worked as a Senior Director of High School and SYEP Programming at Roads to Success, where he oversaw all high school, SYEP, and WLG programming throughout the 5 boroughs of New York. Previously, Isaiah also served as Program Director for LTW, SYEP and WLG programs for FEDCAP Rehabilitation Service's youth and young adults department. As a graduate of CUNY John Jay College and obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Culture and Deviant Studies, Isaiah was a four-year collegiate basketball player and team captain who went on to play professionally both in the U.S. and internationally. Even while competing at the highest levels, he remained committed to youth work — launching sports training programs, healthy living initiatives, clothing and sneaker drives, and workforce development programs for underserved communities.
Kasheen Key
Youth Center Manager
Kasheen Key is the Youth Center Manager at RIOC. He attended Virginia Union University, where he studied English Secondary Education, and brings over 30 years of experience working with at-risk youth. Throughout his career, Kasheen has partnered closely with educators, child welfare professionals, and residential programs, including work within the Department of Family and Children Services system, group home settings, and with youth sex offenders. These experiences have shaped his leadership approach, which is grounded in structure, accountability, and compassion. He has also led basketball tournaments, using athletics as a tool to build teamwork, discipline, and community engagement. As Youth Center Manager, Kasheen provides overall leadership and operational oversight of the program. His responsibilities include developing and managing program schedules, supervising and supporting staff, overseeing time and attendance reporting, coordinating the special events calendar, and assisting with workforce management through the ADP system. He is dedicated to creating a safe, organized, and enriching environment where both staff and participants can thrive. Kasheen has been part of RIOC and the Youth Center for 8 years. A proud product of PS/IS 217, he attended the Youth Center as a child, and continues to bring that personal connection and commitment to giving back to his work today.
Steven Ayala
Youth Center Coordinator
Steven Ayala is the Youth Center Coordinator who has proudly served the youth of Roosevelt Island for over 12 years, including nine years with the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC). Throughout his career, he has worked closely with young people ages 7–18, supporting their growth through engaging, enriching, and meaningful programming. In his current role, Steven oversees the daily operations of the Youth Center by supervising staff and ensuring that all protocols and procedures are followed to the highest standard. He is responsible for managing equipment and supplies, maintaining operational resources, overseeing program registration, and managing all required documentation. Through this work, he helps families navigate the enrollment process smoothly so their children can fully participate in Youth Center programming. This role allows Steven to closely monitor operations and collaborate with the Youth Center's exceptional staff to ensure programs are delivered to their fullest potential. His continued focus is on providing a safe, welcoming haven for the children of Roosevelt Island while offering exceptional and memorable programming that participants can carry with them throughout their lives.