 Bobby Vazquez – Executive DirectorBobby has supported Long Island Youth Mentoring since 2007. He has owned and operated several construction companies here on LI for 20+ years. In 2013, Bobby became a member of the LIYM Board of Directors. While serving on the Board, he answered God’s calling to join the LIYM staff as the Executive Liaison to the Board of Directors in 2022 and worked to transition into the Executive Director position. He worked hand in hand with the Emeritus Executive Director, John Cragg and alongside the governing staff, to help run and manage all day-to-day activities and events. The Board unanimously voted on Bobby to become Executive Director in August 2024. Bobby grew up in West Islip, moving there in 1987, and now lives in Babylon with his wife Leoni and their two children. God has placed a calling on his heart to reach the at-risk, fatherless, and orphaned children right here on Long Island.
John Cragg, Ma. ABS – Emeritus Executive Director John has been the Executive Director of Long Island Youth Mentoring for 35 years. Previously, he managed a tire store for ten years while starting his family and finishing his education. John has a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavioral Science. He briefly taught a few courses in communications at a college in Spokane Washington. John has a life calling for the fatherless and a love for men’s and marriage ministry. He and his wife Kay live in West Islip, NY and have three married children and ten grandchildren. Kay is a fourth-grade school teacher. They have both mentored several children over the years.
Vince has been involved with Long Island Youth Mentoring since 1994 when he was a mentor and volunteer. In 2006, he joined the ministry staff full-time and serves in multiple areas including recruiting, screening and training prospective volunteers and intakes for families referred to LIYM. He also oversees and organizes LIYM group activities and events. Vince has served in full time ministry since 1995 including, LI Lutheran School, Babylon teen basketball ministry, and LI Youth for Christ. Ordained in 2001, he served as a Youth Pastor and then as a Missions Pastor for 17 years. Vince and his wife Diane worship and serve at Axis Church in Medford, leading mission teams, serving in children’s church, and helping to lead the men’s group. They have both answered God’s call to help serve children, Diane is a Director at Long Island Head Start and together they are foster/adoptive parents.
Christine Moncayo – Office Manager Chris has been a supporter of LIYM since 2000 and connected to this ministry through her brother Larry Raab, who served here for 20+ years. In June 2021, she transitioned from her National Director position and 30-year career in nonprofit higher education to serve LIYM as it shares God’s hope and love with children across Long Island. Chris holds a BS in Behavioral Science & Psychology and a Master’s in Human Resource Management. She and her husband Danilo live in Kings Park and are active members of New Village Church, Lake Grove. They share a wonderful family and many blessings. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
Kenneth Fleury – Case Manager Supervisor/Homework Cub Director Ken learned about the work of Long Island Youth Mentoring during his high school years. He fell in love with LIYM’s model of matching one young person with one caring adult and investing in at-risk youth as valuable individuals in the eyes of God, rather than human statistics or a social problems to be solved. In 2016, Ken joined the staff of Long Island Youth Mentoring as a Case Manager and has been actively involved in multiple aspects of the organization. Since 2024, Ken serves as the Case Manager Supervisor and Homework Club Director. Ken has a background in Biblical Studies, a certification in Life Coaching, and is pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration. Ken and his family live, work, and play in Suffolk County and are seeking the good of the land (Jer. 29:7).
Mara joined Long Island Youth Mentoring as a Case Manager in May 2024, bringing extensive experience from her role as Operations Manager at CT Corporation System in New York and Dallas. Having always had a passion for ministry, Mara is thrilled to be a part of God’s plan at LIYM and witness the impact mentoring has on young people’s lives. Mara is a respected leader in her local church, where she leads volunteers to serve the community in multiple outreach efforts. Originally from Highland Park, Los Angeles, she moved to Queens, NY in March 2011, and currently lives in West Babylon.
Nick Barbarise began his journey with Long Island Youth Mentoring in July 2023, when he answered God’s call to be a mentor. Inspired by a deep desire to help at-risk children, and based on his own testimony, Nick became a Case Manager in May 2024. He also continues to serve as a mentor. As a case manager, Nick’s mission is to equip and support mentors in their critical roles to guide mentees toward lives filled with hope and purpose. His prayer is that through their example and guidance, mentees will find salvation in Jesus Christ. Beyond the ministry of LIYM, Nick runs his own basketball tournament ministry and has pursued studies in Liberal Arts at Nassau Community College and Sports Management at Farmingdale State College. A lifelong Long Islander, Nick was born in Stony Brook and has lived in various communities across the Island. He currently resides in West Babylon. Outside of his professional commitments, Nick is passionate about sports—basketball is his favorite, closely followed by football. Nick is joyfully preparing for his marriage to his fiancée, Aliya, in December 2024.
Cathi joined Long Island Youth Mentoring in 2013 after 25+ years of experience in the area of Human Services: Child Welfare, Substance Abuse Counseling, Homeless Advocacy & Transitional Housing Services and Supported Employment. Cathi served as a Case Manager with LIYM for 13 years and is a Mother’s Mentor. In the summer of 2024, she retired from full-time case management and transitioned into a part-time role of Support Specialist. In this capacity, Cathi will focus on training and resource development. Through the years, Cathi and her family provided refuge for young people in need of a warm bed and the love and security of a family. Though informally adopted into the Sudler’s, each person is an integral part of her growing family tree! The branches include a bunch of sons, oodles of grands and lots of God’s specially sent kids. Cathi is driven by hope for the outsider, the unloved and the discarded. She is grateful for the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus. “He comforts us every time we have trouble so that when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us.” 2 Corinthians 1:4 |
StaffJohn Cragg2024-09-30T11:38:11-04:00
Vince Eppolito – Activities Director/ Intake Coordinator
Mara Velasco – Case Manager
Nicholas Barbarise – Case Manager
Catherine Sudler – Support Specialist