Thea Muckle - Instructor
Thea came to NJYC straight from her AmeriCorps experience. Now, with over two decades of experience and a bachelor’s degree in social work, Thea provides Corpsmembers educational and emotional support as they navigate the obstacles of an ever-changing world. A staff member from our beginning in 1998, she has been directly connected to the over 450 diplomas we have hanging on our walls. Though she spends most days solely in the classroom, she’s no stranger to the rigors of Service Learning days, often working side-by-side with Corpsmembers. Working with young adults is a big part of who Thea is.
“I learn and grow with them each and every day. Nothing brings me more satisfaction than seeing them succeed!”
David while in AmeriCorps
David Smith - Program Coordinator
David found New Jersey Youth Corps through his background in AmeriCorps service programs in Colorado, California, and Wisconsin.
Having struggled socially and emotionally while in school, these programs gave him the opportunity to learn experientially, address community needs, and be part of a caring team. Since beginning his role with us as a Crew Leader and now Program Coordinator, he is excited to facilitate that kind of experience for others.
“Having grown tremendously through my own service program participation, I love to collaboratively design and facilitate empowering experiences. Youth Corps is the perfect place to do so, and I am excited to continue my journey in this new position.”
When he's not at work, Dave can be found hanging out with his family or yelling at the TV because his favorite sports teams (Mets, Jets) always lose.
Chris (c.) with his mom & dad.
Chris Mugavero - Transitions Coordinator
Chris has been the Transitions Coordinator at NJYC for the past 8 years. Ever since he was a young man, he has always been interested in reading, writing, & teaching. As he got older, he realized that he wanted to help people to achieve their goals and ambitions.
He loves fishing, painting, and music (he plays the guitar & drums!). He also enjoys watching and playing baseball. But his favorite thing to do is spend time with his family and his 2 dogs, Drazie (Pomeranian) & Pearl (Chihuahua)!
Jonathan Martin - NJYC/Delaware River Climate Corps Crew Leader
Jonathan meeting NY Met first baseman Pete Alonso
Jonathan became the Crew Leader for NJYC’s Climate Corp in 2023. A two year AmeriCorps program participant himself, he has taken on trail crew program leadership roles for both non-profit and government organizations. His ability to scout projects, plan for solutions, implement field training and lead at the work site will help grow NJYC’s project possibilities.
“Being able to bring my professional experience back to a Corps program in a leadership role brings things full circle for me”, says Jonathan. “Participating in AmeriCorps woke me up to the possibilities everyone possesses when given the opportunity to strive. It is my desire to help build a space for all of our members to fully realize their potential.”
Outside of work you will likely find Jonathan at home taking care of the 50 acre property he lives on with his partner, Lindsay, and dog, Penny. If he’s not fixing things around the farm he’s likely doing some woodworking, searching for hard to find beer/bourbon or taking in a baseball game. He, however, stopped yelling at the TV when watching the Mets because it wasn’t good for his mental health.
Aaron Rosado - Preserve Manager/Crew Leader (White Lake Natural Resource Area)
Aaron’s story begins after receiving his Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts. Uncertain about his future, he stumbled upon AmeriCorps NCCC, a national service program that would allow him to travel across the country, serve communities, and gain new skills through unique experiences.
During his service, Aaron was able to perform environmental/conservation work (creating trails, removing invasive species, and prescribed burns in meadows), and urban development (lead a team of high school students in a “Summer of Service” program where they beautified public parks and helped harvest, prep, and sell produce on an organic farm) among other amazing service projects.
After completing AmeriCorps, Aaron discovered what he wanted to do, “I want to help others by maintaining and showcasing our public lands. I believe the outdoors are therapeutic and can change one’s perspective entirely.”
He continued to nurture his affinity by working as a land steward for The Land Conservancy of NJ in 2018 and becoming the Preserve Manager of White Lake in 2019, where he is still today.
Jim Seng - Counselor
Jim has dedicated his professional career to Behavioral Health since 1986. Throughout his extensive journey, Jim has worked in various settings, including residential, outpatient, and prison environments, providing invaluable services in Human Services.
In August 2023, Jim retired from full-time employment. However, his deep connection with the Youth Corps mission, which he nurtured by engaging with many classes over the years, brought him back. In May 2024, when asked to offer his counsel and support to the young people at Youth Corps, he eagerly decided to partially "un-retire."
Jim is now both the oldest and newest member of our team!
Dawn Gares - Grants Manager/Admin. Asst.
Dawn has been with us since 1998. She was looking for a part-time job after having her son that was 2 years old. She found out about NJ Youth Corps through a family member. Having a background in the accounting field for 10 years prior - she really enjoyed the challenge of managing the Youth Corps and other grant programs. Over the years, she has proved to be an invaluable resource to the NJYC program.
Managing our grants is hard work, so while she is not always working directly with the students, her duties ensure the YC operation is a well-oiled machine. She has been nicknamed “check lady” and “Mom” by some of the Corpsmembers. She is known to have her door open for anyone that needs an ear to listen or advice if one should seek it. Dawn always says ‘the best part of the job is to see the Corpsmembers faces when we tell them they passed their HSE tests. The smile that comes on their faces, that tells it all!! It is great to see them succeed and move on with their lives.”
When not in the office, Dawn enjoys being with her family and friends with campfires and camping with her husband Brian and son Chad.
Michael Muckle - Director
Michael found his way to the Corps movement through his term of service as an AmeriCorps member at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in 1997. During that time, he caught the public service bug and never looked back. As a hands-on Director, oftentimes you can find Michael working alongside his Corpsmembers on a variety of environmentally-themed service projects, he never misses an opportunity to turn service into a teachable moment.
“Our work lends itself to easily understood metaphors for our youth,” he says, “Creating suitable habitat to thrive, constructing a clear path so others may benefit. It’s in the doing where we learn!”
His passion for the Corps Movement runs deep. He provides a unique perspective as a Corps Director having valuable insights into the dynamics of crafting programming for the very youth he serves, drawing from his own corps experience, providing advocacy for youth removing systemic barriers and creating equitable spaces for them to learn and grow.
Michael is a product of the Corps Movement. He has embraced a life of service and can testify to the fact that you often get more out of a Corps experience than you bring to it. “It defies the Laws of Conservation of Matter. Everything good in my life has come as a result from my service with AmeriCorps – through service I found my purpose: to serve others”.