Meet Our Team
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Tova Hairston
Pronouns: She/Her
Executive Director
✉ tova.hairston@boomerangyouth.org
✆ (919)-268-2146
Tova joined Boomerang Youth Inc in 2021. She was most recently Executive Director of the Coastal Women’s Shelter in New Bern, NC where she managed five agency and service locations, led a staff and volunteer team of more than 75 people, and designed and implemented trauma-informed program strategies for survivors of violence. Prior to that, she was a Program Coordinator for a Duke University program in eastern NC focused on addressing adolescent health disparities and a Program Director at a 21st Century Community Learning Center. Her career has prepared her to lead Boomerang in its current form and to grow the organization to better reach and serve young people in Orange County who may be in the process of disconnecting from school and community. She hopes to lead Boomerang to continue to serve young people who will most benefit from the connections, services and mentorship our organization provides.
Safiyyah Elahi
Pronouns: She/They
Program Manager
✉ safiyyah.elahi@boomerangyouth.org
✆ (919)-268-2146 or (919)-296-9055
Safiyyah joined Boomerang Youth Inc in 2021. Safiyyah earned her undergraduate degree in Public Health from University of Saint Joseph (CT) and Masters degree in Gender and Cultural Studies from Simmons University in Boston. In her free time, she likes to hike, try new foods and travel!
Best Advice Received About Working With Youth: “Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.” — Dr. Haim Ginott
Favorite Snack: Andy’s Hot Fries
Katie Zinke
Pronouns: She/Her
Student & Operations Coordinator
✉ katie.zinke@boomerangyouth.org
✆ (919)-268-2146
Katie joined Boomerang Youth Inc in 2022. Originally from Massachusetts, Katie moved to North Carolina to attend Elon University, earning her Bachelors of Science in Biology with a minor in Poverty & Social Justice Studies. She is now working to earn her Masters of Education in Learner-Centered Practices from a joint program with 2Revolutions and What School Could Be. Katie has a passion for working with youth, with her teaching philosophy grounded in the idea that learning transferable skills both inside and outside the classroom are invaluable to youth development. In her free time, she loves to ride her horse April, cook and spend time outside!
Best Advice Received About Working With Youth: Having patience, authenticity, and transparency are key. Take advantage of even the smallest moments to engage with youth – it makes a difference- and never underestimate the power that an invitation can have on someone!
Favorite Snack: Blackberries
Nick Epstein
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Student Coordinator for Orange County Schools
✉ nicholaus.epstein@boomerangyouth.org
✆ (919)-296-9055
Nick joined Boomerang Youth August of 2023. Nick earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in both Economics and Spanish from Furman University. Nick is passionate about making a positive impact in his community and helping students bounce back from setbacks in school. In his free time he thoroughly enjoys watching and playing numerous different sports. He is also an avid reader and lifelong learner.
Best Advice Received About Working With Youth: Showing up, being positive, and displaying compassion can change a person’s confidence!
Tiffany Patterson
Pronouns: She/Her(s)
Student Coordinator for CHCCS
✉ Tiffany.patterson@boomerangyouth.org
✆ (919)-268-2146
Tiffany joined Boomerang Youth Inc in 2023. Tiffany earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minor in Criminal Justice from Appalachian State University. Previously, she worked in an educational setting as a College Advisor for high school seniors. She helped them pave their paths for the future in many different regards, some of which included creating resumes for future jobs, filling out college applications, assisting in military recruitment, filing and submitting financial aid, and so much more! Having that experience launched her passion for working with youth that have faced adverse childhood experiences. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, and snuggling up with her cat!
Best Advice Received About Working With Youth: Cultivate a safe space and be an advocate for those who feel as if they can’t be one for themselves.
Favorite Snack: French Fries!!!
Meet Our Interns
Fidaa Abudayeh
Pronouns: She/Her
MSW Intern
Fidaa joined Boomerang Youth Inc in 2023. Fidaa earned her undergraduate degree from North Carolina Central University and is currently pursuing her Masters of Social Work from North Carolina Central University.
Madisyn Hall
Pronouns: She/Her
MSW Intern
Madisyn joined Boomerang Youth Inc in 2023. Madisyn earned her undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University and is currently pursuing her Masters of Social Work from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In her free time she likes to spend time with friends!
Best Advice Received About Working With Youth: Always be open to learning something new!
Favorite Snack: Strawberries
Alexandra Jackson
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
HDFS Intern
Alexandra joined Boomerang Youth Inc in 2023. She is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Human Development Family Science from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. In her free time she likes to read, watch home improvement shows, and spend time outside on long walks!
Best Advice Received About Working With Youth: Allow students to see you make mistakes and let them teach you something!
Favorite Snack: Chips and Salsa
Kat Polanco
Pronouns: She/Her
MSW Intern
Kat joined Boomerang Youth Inc in 2023. Kat earned her undergraduate degree from Arizona State University and is currently pursuing her Masters of Social Work from North Carolina State University. In her free time she likes to spend time with her fiance and her two puppies!
Best Advice Received About Working With Youth: Encourage youth to take ownership of their decisions and actions. Involve them in decision-making processes and give them opportunities to contribute their ideas and perspectives!
Favorite Snack: Cheez-It
Leslie Vespermann
Pronouns: She/Her
MSW Intern
Leslie joined Boomerang Youth Inc in 2023. Leslie earned her undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at UNC-Chapel Hill with a concentration in Community Management and Policy Practice. In her free time, she loves to crochet, read, paint, and embroider!
Best Advice Received About Working With Youth: When working with youth, reframe previously established structures of hierarchy and authority. We want youth to know that their presence is equivalently valuable and important. Their feelings and perspectives are essential!
Favorite Snack: Trader Joe’s Fig and Olive Crackers with any sort of cheese!
Justin Walker
Pronouns: He/Him
MSW Intern
