Meet Our Team!
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Tova Hairston
Executive Director
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.
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Aysha Agosto
Administrative & Operations Manager
Aysha joined Boomerang Youth Inc. in 2022 as an assist. teacher for Boomerang Youth’s after school program Bounce Back. She than became the Site Director for the Bounce Back program, where her passion for supporting youth and strengthening communities quickly became evident. Her dedication, leadership, and commitment to the organization's mission led her to transition into the role of Administrative and Operations Manager, where she now oversees the organization's operations. She enjoys developing efficient processes, improving organizational systems, and ensuring the team has the resources and support needed to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people and their families. She believes that when an organization is built on strong operations, its mission can reach even further. Outside of Boomerang, Aysha enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Whether she's organizing a family gathering, cheering from the sidelines at her children's activities, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, she finds joy in the moments that keep her grounded and inspired.
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Jessica Crenshaw-Leonard
Programs and Prevention Manager
Jessica Crenshaw-Leonard joined the Boomerang team in 2026. She is a proud graduate of Tuskegee University where she received her Bachelors of Science degree in Sociology. She is an accomplished youth development leader with over 13 years of experience building transformative programs, strengthening community partnerships, and empowering young people. In the role of Programs and Prevention Manager, she drives strategic program operations, curriculum design, and targeted prevention initiatives focused on fostering resilience and personal growth. Throughout her career, including impactful program leadership roles with Friends of the Children Seattle in Seattle, Washington, After-School All-Stars North Texas in Fort Worth, Texas and the Thomasville Housing Authority in Thomasville, North Carolina’ Jessica has specialized in student engagement, program logistics, and innovative mentorship frameworks. Outside of her professional work, she is an avid painter and artist who enjoys spending time in her studio, creative writing, and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
2026 - 2027 interns
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Layla Williams
North Carolina State University
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Liam Mahony
University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill
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Khayla Johnson Alexander
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
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Shaniah Littlejohn
North Carolina Central University