Meet the Staff

Facility Director

Samira Sujak, the Facility Director since 2019, boasts an extensive background in athletics and academics. Throughout her time at Tenafly High School, she dedicated four years to varsity soccer, spring and winter track, earning various all-league and all-county awards. After high school, Samira ran DI track and field at Lafayette College for four years, receiving Patriot League honor roll recognition multiple times. With a double major in Government and Law and Psychology, she also served as the Vice President of the Best Buddies organization, where she helped to plan and run events for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Samira also enjoys volunteering at camp PALS, a sleep away camp for individuals with Down syndrome. Her hobbies include running (having completed several half marathons and the NYC Marathon, skiing and reading.

Working at NVSA holds special significance to Samira as she gets to work with her family. The campers and athletes have become like an extended family, and she enjoys watching their growth as both athletes and individuals. Some of her favorite memories from NVSA are from their weekly special needs sports classes. She initially created the class to provide her brothers, Edin and Haris, with a healthy weekly exercise, but it has grown into so much more. The class has created a community benefiting not only the participants, but their siblings and parents as well. This program is what Samira is most proud of at NVSA!

NVSA has experienced incredible development and growth in the past couple of years. Samira is excited to continue expanding the facility and its classes alongside her family and staff.

Facility Director

Coach

Coach Aljo Sujak joins NVSA after a fruitful prep/college career that included stops at William & Mary, Northwest Florida St College, and Hofstra University. In his prep days, Sujak played for Tenafly and was awarded the 2017

NJ Player of the year award by the Bergen Record. At the Collegiate Division-I level, Sujak led Hofstra in appearances out of the bullpen during both the '21 and 22 seasons. Additionally, Sujak was a part of two championship teams at both Northwest Florida and Hofstra, 2022 also included a trip to the Chapel Hill Regional for the Hofstra Pride. Currently, Sujak continues his playing career at the professional level, he spent the 2023 season with both The New York Boulders(Frontier) & Rocky Mountain Vibes (Pioneer). Sujak also brings experience in the coaching ranks, spending time as an assistant with Tenafly Varsity last spring where he worked with pitchers and hitters. Coach Sujak will be involved with all baseball operations running at NVSA this winter while also being available for private lessons or customized group sessions.

The Boss #1

Coach Edin loves helping Samira out around the facility! His favorite parts of NVSA are Sue and Jacks Class and helping serve lunch and snack to campers. He also loves to greet campers in the carpool line and help campers with their costumes whenever there are themed days at NVSA. Coach Edin also works at Giovanni's Bicycle Club, where he helps to clean, organize and serve water & bread. His favorite sport is softball and he was the assistant coach for the Ridgefield High School Varsity softball team.

Coach Edin's hobbies include watching Danger Force and ICarly and collecting socks and watches - he has over 200 pairs of crazy socks! He also loves coffee so he is always looking to try a new cafe. He is also a very good singer with his favorite song being Tied up with a Black Velvet Band by the Irish Rovers. His best friends are Lupe, Sofia, Haris, Michael, Samira, Aljo, Anisa, Dejana, Christina and Max.

The Boss #2

Coach Haris loves to help around the facility, especially when it comes to spending time with the campers. His favorite part of working at NVSA is getting to know the summertime campers and playing soccer and kickball with them! His favorite sports are basketball and soccer, his favorite team is the NY Giants and Tom Brady is his all time favorite athlete. Outside of NVSA, Coach Haris works at Mr. Cupcakes at the mall, Giovanni's Bicycle Club and is the Girl's Basketball assistant coach at Ridgefield High School.

Coach Haris is also NVSA's very own comedian with endless jokes to tell. He also loves singing, especially Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver. His hobbies include making TikToks, bowling, and beating everyone at board games. His best friends are Lupe, Sofia, Edin, Nicole, Michael, Christina, Samira, Aljo, Max, Dejana and Anisa.

Assistant Facility Director

Max Gentile brings a wealth of experience on and off the field, along with endless enthusiasm and dedication to his role as Assistant Facility Director. From Cresskill, NJ, Coach Max has an impressive high school playing career. As a four year varsity football and basketball player, he showcased his exceptional leadership skills, earning him the role of captain in both sports. Additionally, he participated in varsity Track and Field in shot put and javelin. Following his high school career, Coach Max pursued a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration at Montclair State University, graduating with honors in August 2023.

Alongside his academic achievements, he holds certifications in CPR and First Aid, prioritizing the safety and well-being of everyone who walks through NVSA's doors. Currently, he is pursuing a NASM Personal Training Certification, aligning his academic background with his passion for fitness. Outside of NVSA, Coach Max enjoys a variety of hobbies including working out, cooking, hiking, and hanging out with his dog Zoey.

His favorite memory from NVSA is getting surprised with a celebratory cake from Sue and Jack's class when he graduated from college. His favorite part of working at NVSA is being able to work at a place where he is excited to go to work every single day and work alongside an amazing team.

Front Desk

Alexis, from Bergenfield, NJ, plays a crucial role in creating a welcoming and helpful environment at NVSA's front desk. With a background of volunteering at a camp for kids with special needs, she is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all. Currently, Alexis is pursuing a BSM in Digital Marketing at William Paterson University of New Jersey. She is also CPR/AED certified. Alexis's hobbies include photography and traveling. A standout NVSA memory for Alexis is seeing the kid's joy and excitement at summer camp. Her favorite part of working at NVSA is seeing kids improve in their sports through our clinics.

Toddler Art Director

Ms. Nina, from Chicago, IL and now living in Northvale, NJ, has a strong background in the arts and working with children of all ages and abilities. Previously, she worked in a daycare center as a childcare assistant inPearl River, NY (ages newborn to 5 years old), as well as a before school care/program assistant for elementary school aged children. Ms. Nina is also a mother of 3 children and heavily involved with volunteering at their schools and recreational activities. Her kids have played it all - soccer, football, wrestling, basketball, jujitsu, cheerleading, dance, music - and is currently a Girl Scout troop leader for her daughter's troop.Visual arts have always been an integral part of Ms. Nina's life, a hobby that she has cultivated since childhood. From being in the art club in high school, to taking various art workshops over the years or using art with her children or in volunteer work, she loves being able to share her different art experiences at NVSA. These experiences help her build a community that boosts children's self expression and creativity. Her favorite part of working at NVSA is getting to know the children and their families/caregivers and seeing the joy different art classes bring them.

Coach

Coach Mel has an extensive background both in sports and in working with children! Coach Mel's love for basketball started in Teaneck, New Jersey, where he grew up playing the sport. He continued to play into high school, where he was able to win a state championship in 1999! Coach Mel also played baseball during his time at Teaneck High School. Currently, he works as a Site Supervisor for the YWCA in charge of before and after school programs with Grant School in Dumont. He also works as a paraprofessional at Mackay School in Tenafly and is CPR certified. Coach Mel's hobbies include playing basketball and attending live sporting events, especially for his favorite teams, the Jets and the Yankees!

Coach Mel's favorite part of working at NVSA is seeing a child develop their skills over time and finding passion for a new sport. His favorite moment was receiving an email from a parent thanking him for helping their child become more excited about learning new sports.

Coach

Coach Kris, from Wallington, NJ, has over 20 years of experience in coaching and helping kids in their

athletic pursuits. At the Wyckoff YMCA, he honed his skills coaching tennis, basketball, and was instrumental in the startup of the volleyball program. He also organized basketball camps, where he imparted valuable skills and knowledge to aspiring athletes. Beyond coaching, Coach Kris was also involved in other activities and aftercare programs at the Y.

He is a parent of twin sons, Joe and Max. Joe is the starting point guard for Midland Park and Max is a member of the junior varsity tennis team. Coach Kris also really enjoys playing poker.

Reflecting on his time at NVSA, his favorite memory was leading his first full volleyball class. What makes his experience at NVSA special is the people he works alongside - the supportive staff and enthusiastic athletes creates a strong sense of community.

Coach

Having a strong background in both playing and coaching, Coach James is dedicated to bringing his knowledge and passion for sports to every class at NVSA. His playing experience is marked by his participation in soccer, football, and baseball in high school, and eventually going on to play DIII football at Alfred University. Coach James then transitioned into coaching, boasting over 15 years of experience! Currently serving as the Club Assistant Director and Club Head Coach for various age groups (15U, 14U, 13U, 12U) at the Lower Hudson Volleyball Association (LHVA) since 2019, he has been instrumental in shaping young talents. He also serves as the Juniors Beach Volleyball Supervisor/Head Coach at WVBNY reflecting his commitment to diverse volleyball experiences. Coach James's coaching extends to high school volleyball, with roles at Briarcliff HS (Varsity Girls Volleyball in 2022-2023), Blind Brook HS (JV Girls Volleyball from 2019 to 2021), and Irvington HS (JV Girls Volleyball from 2015 to 2018).

Along with a Master's degree in Physical Education and a Bachelor's in Early Childhood/Childhood Education, he holds several other certifications that underline his commitment to safety and student well-being. He is certified in First Aid/CPR/AED, DASA (Dignity for All Students Act), Heads Up Concussion, USAV Safesport, and USAV Impact.

Coach James's favorite part of working at NVSA is making kids and their families smile every class and working with the super supportive and friendly NVSA staff! He looks forward to sharing his knowledge and passion for sports with all of his athletes at NVSA.

Assistant Coach

There are many things Assistant Coach Christina loves about NVSA but her absolute favorite is being able to work alongside Edin and Haris. She also loves to help Nina plan and prepare for art classes and is adamant that NVSA has the best coaches. Her favorite class at NVSA is Sue & Jacks. Assistant Coach Christina loves to play basketball and she is a huge Milwaukee Bucks fan. She also loves football with her favorite team being the Kansas City Chiefs.Her hobbies include art, hanging out with her nephew Anthony (especially to watch movies), baking and going to Target. Assistant Coach Christina can also speak Greek and loves to plan holiday events. Her best friends are Edin, Haris, Anthony, Eric, Dimitri, Stacey, Paulina and Nick.

Coach

Coach Bryan, from River Vale, NJ, has an extensive background in both playing and coaching various sports. Having excelled in both basketball and baseball during his high school years at Pascack Valley (2001–2005), he has earned the title of 2x League Champion in both sports. His achievements include being part of the 2004 Basketball Group 2 State Sectional Champion team, the top-ranked public school in North Jersey, and the Group 1&2 Team of the Year. Coach Bryan was recognized individually with All-League honors, county accolades, and the captaincy in both basketball and baseball.

In the realm of Baseball, he started coaching with Teels Baseball from 2012 to 2014, with 7U–9U players. Subsequently, Coach Bryan contributed his dedication to Northern Valley Baseball Academy from 2015 to 2019, coaching players from 8U to 14U. He further made an impact with Tenafly Tigers Travel Baseball (2019–2021), Bergen Crush Baseball (2021–2023), and Northern Valley Norsemen Travel Baseball (2022–2023), showing his versatility across age groups. Basketball has also made up a significant part of his coaching experience. From Woodcliff Lake Travel Basketball (2009–2016) and River Vale Travel Basketball (2012–2014) to Demarest Travel Basketball (2023) and Closter Travel Basketball (2023), Coach Bryan has consistently helped to shape athletes' skills. He has also contributed to the success of the Northern Valley Norsewomen softball team from 2015 to 2017, coaching players aged 11 to 13, and the Closter Cobras Senior Football team in 2018.

Away from the fields and courts, Coach Bryan has been involved in volunteer tutoring at Spotswood Elementary (2005–2009) and the SPCA in Harrisonburg (2005–2009). He loves spending time with friends and family along with staying active and being outdoors with his dog. He loves to watch football, while he enjoys playing golf and beach volleyball the most.

His favorite part of working at NVSA is spending time with and teaching the kids and making lasting memories of seeing them grow and develop.