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Programs
Our Team
Nikki Cioffi, Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Jody Googins, Education Team
Laura Overbeck, Program Manager
Matt Dektas, Executive Director
Dr. Vanessa Rigaud, Education Team
Devon Ross, Community Tennis Director
Zack Sikora, Wheelchair and Adaptive Tennis
Brian Schubert, Director of Tennis
MATT DEKTAS,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As the Executive Director, Matt has led the growth and evolution from the original FAST Tennis League in 2015 to the multi-dimensional service organization that we are today. Helping to lead a vision to impact the city of Cincinnati more through tennis, Matt is excited to use the second half of his 25 year tennis career to do more for the city.
NIKKI CIOFFI,
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
After joining CTF in 2019, Nikki has worked hard to develop, organize, and execute our next phase of growth. She brings 10 years of corporate experience and another 6 years developing individuals as an Adjunct Instructor at a local college. She is passionate about sharing her professional experience to impact Cincinnati communities.
DR. JODY GOOGINS,
EDUCATION TEAM
Jody Googins is an Assistant Professor of Secondary Education in the School of Education at Xavier University. Dr. Googins received her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, with a focus in Leadership, Culture, and Curriculum, at Miami University, in Oxford, OH. She has a B.S. in political science from Xavier University, an M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Miami University, and an M.Ed. in Athletic Administration from Xavier University. Her research interests include teacher and curriculum stories, equity, and culturally responsive teaching.
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EMMY KAISER,
WHEELCHAIR AND ADAPTIVE TENNIS
Emmy is a top ITF Wheelchair Tennis Player and Instructor. She has been
ranked as high as #27 in the world and has been influential in growing our
Cincinnati Wheelchair Tennis Open into a Midwest Signature Event.
LAURA OVERBECK,
PROGRAMS MANAGER
Laura is a management and logistics professional with a passion for working with youth. She has coached tennis in the Cincinnati area for 8 years and worked to help student athletes on and off the court. She is excited to help transform lives and build bridges among Cincinnati's diverse communities.
DR. VANESSA RIGAUD,
EDUCATION TEAM
Vanessa M. Rigaud is an Assistant Professor and Montessori Elementary Program Coordinator of the Montessori Institute in the School of Education at Xavier University. Dr. Rigaud received her Ed.D in Executive Leadership at St John Fisher College, in Rochester, NY. She has an MS in Elementary Education from Hofstra University and a BA in International Relations & Political Science from the Long Island University/C.W. Post. Her research engages with curriculum development and cultural responsive teaching as well as the intersections between Montessori based research and teacher education.
DEVON ROSS,
COMMUNITY TENNIS DIRECTOR
Coach Devon grew up in the Inner City Tennis Project, a leading Cincinnati
Program for underserved communities. He loves tennis and his passion
shows when he is mentoring young players in the community.
ZACK SIKORA,
WHEELCHAIR AND ADAPTIVE TENNIS
Zack, born with Spina Bifida, was on the junior national USTA wheelchair tennis team and worked his way up to become the #1 junior wheelchair tennis player in the US. In 2019 Zack helped kick off our adult wheelchair tennis clinics. That program expanded to juniors. Now, Zack also leads the adaptive, adaptive standup and blind and visually impaired tennis clinics.
BRIAN SCHUBERT,
DIRECTOR OF TENNIS
Coach Brian has been voted the USPTA Midwest Coach of the Year several
times. He has coached over 200 NCAA athletes and helped to develop
numerous National Champions and Professionals.
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