Meet Our Staff
Executive Director
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Sarah brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Sarah has held various leadership positions at large non-profit organizations. Most recently, she was the Development and Outreach Manager for Ann’s Place, Inc in Danbury, responsible for all of their large-scale annual fundraising events. Prior to that she was the Campaign Development Specialist for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Austin, Texas where she oversaw logistics, timelines, budgets and other operational elements for their fundraising campaigns.
“I look forward to working alongside the Board of Directors to continue the important work of empowering young women of color through education and mentorship. Together, we will build on the strong foundation already in place, and I am eager to contribute to the growth and success of RABC's mission.”
Sarah has a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas in Austin and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado.
Resident Director
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As Resident Director, Marquise supervises the daily operation of the house and all aspects of student life. She provides social guidance and support to the RABC Scholars by establishing and maintaining high standards of conduct and achievement in accordance with the RABC Board of Directors.
Marquise previously served as the Assistant Resident Director for RABC from Spring of 2020 - Spring of 2022. In addition to her position as Resident Director, she is also a third grade school teacher in Danbury, where she has been teaching third grade for almost seven years. In her spare time, Marquise likes to sing, write, draw and bake. She is a jack of all trades who loves anything that allows her to be creative.
Resident Academic Director
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Mayzie works with the Resident Director to ensure the highest academic standards, oversees evening study hall and assists with the everyday life of the scholars. She also maintains relationships with the RABC Academic Advisor Co-Chairs, Ridgefield High School staff, scholar’s families, and the RABC Board. She likes “building relationships and helping teenagers through their high school years.”
Originally from Alaska, Mayzie earned a Bachelor's Degree and Masters of Arts in Teaching from Colgate University. She is a 9th and 10th grade English teacher at Ridgefield High School.
Social Worker
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Nehemie visits the RABC house once a week, enjoying dinner with the girls and then engaging with the scholars through group discussions and activities, and also providing one-on-one support. She also provides all adult volunteers and staff with DEI training, highlighting our commitment to building an inclusive and supportive community.
Nehemie is the Founder and Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer of Restoratively Speaking. She has over a decade of experience working with nonprofits that focus on the intersection of racial equity, academia, and the social-emotional well-being of youth and families of color. Nehemie has a Master’s in Social Work from New York University, and BA in Psychology from University of Vermont.
Cook
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RABC welcomes Arthur Michaelsen as our new cook for the 2025/2026 school year. Art is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and has been a chef for the past 35 years. He have been married to his wife and business partner, Julia, for the past 30 years and together they have two adult children, Tess and Trey. Their most recent business was in Ridgefield and one of the many successful restaurants in town they have owned and operated. Currently, Art also runs the school lunch program at St. Mary’s School, providing daily meals for the members of the students, clergy and faculty within their program.
“Cooking has always been a passion for me and I have come to truly enjoy working with children of all ages during my time at St. Mary’s. I believe the RABC House will be a great fit and we can provide healthy, nutritional, and enjoyable meals for the residents of the house.”
The Scholars enjoy working alongside the cook to prepare meals on a rotating schedule.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors brings diverse professional and personal experiences together in service of our mission. They provide financial oversight, strategic planning, volunteer leadership, and deep community connection — all to ensure the success and wellbeing of our scholars.
Executive Board Officers
Jacque Lang, Co-President & Recording Secretary
Karen Gerard, Co-President & Corresponding Secretary
Layne McCarthy, 1st Vice President
Laura Dobson, 2nd Vice President
Ira Gerard, Treasurer
Gerry Fish, Standards
Board of Directors
Nancy Brandon
Jessica Brooks
Michelle DiMicelli
Divya Dorairajan
Susan Ferguson
Jean Grevers
Tina Malhotra
Lisa Miraglia
Marlena Stout
Alysa Wakin
We are currently accepting applications for new members of our Board of Directors.
Please email our Executive Director, Sarah Streif, for more information.
Get in Touch
Interested in volunteering on a committee or learning more about Board service?