Our People
Staff
Ben Cederberg, VISTA, Development Assistant
“I was interested in working at MetroLacrosse because it combined two things that I’ve been passionate about all my life; the sport of lacrosse and giving back to the community. The work that MetroLacrosse does throughout the city of Boston, I believe, can truly have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of young people as a direct result of their athletic and academic programs that they offer.”
Ben came to MetroLacrosse through the AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program. Growing up in Duxbury, a high school lacrosse power house in the state of Massachusetts, the sport of lacrosse has always been a large part of Ben’s life. After high school he continued his lacrosse career at Wheaton College where he earned his degree in Sociology and was a four time Pilgrim Lacrosse League All Conference Selection. Ben has participated in MetroLacrosse’s Cape Ann Classic and hopes to continue to play and coach the sport that he loves.
Stern Chamblain, Program Manager
“My interest in working for MetroLacrosse came from its mission: To address the social and economic disparities that exist in urban settings by inspiring personal, educational and athletic success among urban youth and teens. Coming from an urban setting myself, I know what these youth face on an everyday basis. Knowing their backgrounds, I want to help provide a successful outlet to these kids by being a positive mentor and, with the help of MetroLacrosse, create a fun and safe learning environment on and off the lacrosse field.”
Stern took over the Youth and Junior Program Manager position in the spring of 2011. In this position, he is the primary staff member responsible for the quality, growth, and development of MetroLacrosse's youth and junior programs and players. Some of youth and junior programs include events such as Opening Day, MetroCup, Summer Coaches in Training Program and Fall Intramurals.
As a premier athlete, Stern has not only participated in sports throughout his life but has also built his career around them. Prior to joining MetroLacrosse, Stern was the Sport and Fitness Director at the West End House Boys & Girls Club. He earned his undergraduate degree in Sports Management at Lasalle College and was a standout Varsity basketball player there; earning honors such as Conference MVP in multiple seasons as well as being a member of the 1000th Point Club. Stern continues to play basketball on a semi-pro level in the Premier Sports Basketball League. A lifelong resident of the greater Boston area, Stern currently resides in Brookline, MA.
Emily Helm, President & CEO
“I was originally drawn to MetroLacrosse because it combined so many of the things that I am passionate about in life – learning through team sports, creating better access and opportunity for those that may not have the connections they need to rise up, and being a part of a high-quality team of professionals. What I’ve found over the time I’ve worked here is that it’s all of those things, plus the chance to make a real and lasting impact in the community and with individual people. It’s a rare professional experience for which I’m grateful all the time!”
Emily assumed the role of President & CEO of MetroLacrosse in 2007. Prior to this Emily served as MetroLacrosse's Managing Director for three years. Emily first joined the MetroLacrosse team in 2001 as a volunteer coach for the girls’ high school varsity team, the Boston Bulldogs.
Before joining the team at MetroLacrosse, Emily worked in product development, sales and account management at a web-based start-up company, and as a college career counselor and lacrosse coach in her early career. Emily earned an undergraduate degree in American Studies from Hamilton College, and a Master of Education degree from The University of Vermont. Emily is also a graduate of the Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Emily was a four-year Varsity soccer and lacrosse player at Hamilton College, earning All-American honors in lacrosse. Emily grew up outside of Boston and has been a resident of the City of Boston for more than 10 years.
Kim Herrig, Director of Administration and Finance
“MetroLacrosse gives students the tools and opportunities to do excellent things. Yes, they learn how to play lacrosse but they also learn how to make good choices, how to be a quality teammate and how to strive for success…all things that will translate well to their personal and professional
lives.”
Kim joined MetroLacrosse in April 2011. As a lifelong athlete, Kim was drawn to MetroLacrosse by the prospect of blending her love of sports with her passion for business.
Before joining the team at MetroLacrosse, Kim was a business and operations manager in the construction industry and a volunteer basketball coach in Brookline, MA. Kim earned an undergraduate degree in Sociology from Hamilton College and a Master of Business Administration at Simmons College. Kim was a four year Varsity basketball player at Hamilton and a semi-pro tackle football player with the New England Intensity; serving as captain of the Intensity for three seasons and earning all-pro honors as well as being inducted into the New England Intensity Hall of Fame. Originally from Upstate New York, Kim currently resides in Roslindale, MA.
Danielle Lacey, Project Manager
“I was first drawn to working at MetroLacrosse because as a participant, I was always interested in what happened behind the scenes to make opportunities available to me. I came back to MetroLacrosse in 2007 because I felt I had a lot more to give back to MetroLacrosse community, and that I could continue to learn from the participants, volunteers, and leaders of MetroLacrosse.”
Danielle serves as the Project Manager of MetroLacrosse. Her responsibilities involve communications, website management, and outreach, including alumni networking, marketing, social networking, and database management. Danielle coached the MetroLacrosse high school girls team, the Boston Bulldogs, from 2007-2009 and has also coached at 16 MetroLacrosse summer camps.
Prior to joining MetroLacrosse, Danielle worked in Customer Service and Fraud Prevention at Shoebuy.com. Danielle also served as a MetroLacrosse Teen Ambassador from 2002-2004. Danielle grew up in Charlestown, and graduated from the Boston Latin School. Danielle started playing for the MetroLacrosse Boston Bulldogs in 2002, while playing Varsity Ice Hockey for Boston Latin. She then went on to study at the University of Vermont and UMass Boston. Danielle received the Teen Positive Image Award at the Mayor's Youth Summit 2004. She served as a tutor for the Charlestown Lacrosse & Learning Center from 2007-2008, and has volunteered with the Charlestown Recovery House and Charlestown Preservation Society. Danielle currently resides in the North End of Boston.
Beth Riley, Program Manager, High School Girls' Coach
“Athletics have always been an important part of my life. My coaches are the figures that I remember impacting me the most growing up so I wanted to give that same experience to as many kids as I can.”
Beth joined the MetroLacrosse team in 2010. After college, Beth completed a year of AmeriCorps as a Coach Across America with MetroLacrosse and has since become our full time Girls High School Program Manager. As the coach of our Varsity Girls Program, Beth is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with the high school players and their families, mentoring players and connecting them with additional opportunities such as job shadowing, SAT Prep, summer camps and college opportunities.
Growing up in Ipswich, MA Beth was a standout high school athlete in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. She continued her studies and athletic excellence at Trinity College where she earned her undergraduate degree in Human Rights and continued to play basketball and lacrosse until an injury sidelined her. She has since dedicated her career to working with youth and striving to provide them with the opportunities she was afforded in life.
Mike Ryan, Assitant Program Manager, Coach Across America AmeriCorps Volunteer
“What makes MetroLacrosse great is that they go out of their way to help others and bring about a meaningful change; by giving students a chance to do something that is fun, but also teaches them worthwhile life lessons.”
Mike came to MetroLacrosse through the AmeriCorps Coach Across America (CAA) program. Mike attended Williams College where he earned a degree in History and was a member of the Varsity lacrosse team for four years; including the 2008 NESCAC Championship team. Mike is an avid rock climber and is focused on community outreach and support; volunteering in relief efforts in both Guatemala and Haiti.
Jerry Sloan, Grant Writer
"Sports are always about more than the game. A lot of adults like me who were lucky enough to have great coaches and be part of great teams when we were growing up reminisce about how important they were to our development. MetroLacrosse takes the lessons that are learned inherently through sports, like responsibility and communication, and the powerful connections that are naturally made with teammates and coaches, and brings them to the forefront of everything we do. MetroLacrosse is showing, in a very concrete way that being involved with sports helps put youth and teens from urban areas on a path for lifelong success.”
Jerry joined the MetroLacrosse fundraising team as the Grants Manager in September 2010. He plays a vital role in the team’s fundraising efforts and is the primary staff member responsible for determining opportunities, applying for and procuring grant based funds for MetroLacrosse.
Prior to joining our team Jerry worked at Saint Ignatius Church in Chestnut Hill as well as Nativity Preparatory School in Jamaica Plain, MA. Jerry earned an undergraduate degree in History at Emmanuel College in Boston. Originally from Traverse City, MI, Jerry was active in tennis, basketball and football. He is also prolific at chess and sailing and has a keen interest in music. As someone who is always seeking out new challenges, Jerry is currently pursuing his interests in boxing.
Board of Directors
Gary Rogers (Chair of the Board)
Boston Cannons
Milton Benjamin
Initiative For A New Economy
Megan Britt
Massachusetts 2020
Matthew P. Dwyer
The Roseview Group
Boston Cannons
Meghan D. Hely
Holland & Knight LLP
Anna Hitchner
Bain & Company
David Lavallee
Morgan Keegan
Kevin McCall
Paradigm Properties
Elizabeth Ross
Mass Mentoring Partnership
Jack Sebastian
Goldman Sachs
Bryan Sparkes
Jones Lang LaSalle
Leon Welch
Harvard University
David B. Williams
BNY Mellon Wealth Management
Board of Advisors
Lauren Blanda
City Sports
Christopher Davis
New Balance
Bill Daye
Lacrosse Unlimited
Ryan FitzGerald
City of Boston
Angela Francis
Young Achievers Science and Math School
Lindsay Holland
Boston University
Peter Iwancio
The Vermont Teddy Bear Company
Erik Kaloyanides
Athletic Evolution
Mark Kastrud
Boston Cannons
Cliff Libby
Course Advisor
Edmund McCarthy
St. Sebastian's School
Lauren Nichols
Dey, L.P.
Jasmine Obhrai
Reebok
Michelle Perez
Jordan Boys & Girls Club, Chelsea
Dana Story
Deloitte Tax LLP
Corporate Counsel
Jason S. Pinney
Bingham McCutchen, LLP – Associate
