Staff
Robert Graham
Executive Director robert@sbsos.org Robert joined SBSOS as Executive Director in 2014 having been Santa Barbara Athletic Club’s Racquet Sports Director and as the General Manager. Prior to that, Robert worked as a Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley and Union Bank. Robert was a professional squash player for 9 years reaching a high of #30 in the world and #1 in the US. He holds a Level 4 Professional Squash Coach certification, the highest level attainable worldwide, and in 1997 coached the United States Men’s Team at the Pan American Games in Mexico City. He was a founding board member of SBSOS in 2006, and has occupied various roles within the organization ever since. He served on the board of the Professional Squash Association, was a board member of the United States Squash Racquets Association, and President of the Southern California Squash Racquets Association. 
Cassie FitzGerald
Academic Director cassie@sbsos.org Cassie recently moved to the Santa Barbara area from Las Vegas, Nevada where she worked as a visual and performing arts teacher for an international school and a reading teacher for the Institute of Reading Development. For the past four years, Cassie worked extensively with students from varying cultural backgrounds and age groups. While living in both Florida and Texas, Cassie worked as a tutor, tutoring students of all age groups in varying subjects. She has a BFA from the University of West Florida in musical theatre and will graduate with her master’s degree in secondary education from Texas A&M University – Commerce in August of 2019. Following graduation, Cassie hopes to pursue a doctoral degree in education. Cassie has a deep-seated passion for the arts and enjoys integrating them into her teaching and classroom curriculum. Cassie is excited to work alongside the SBSOS staff and volunteers to enhance student learning and to formulate worthwhile relationships with students and their families. |
Koji Tanaka
Program Director koji@sbsos.org Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Koji came to Santa Barbara in 2002 to attend UCSB, graduating in 2007 with degrees in Studio Art, Sculpture Emphasis and History of Art & Architecture, Architecture & Environment Emphasis. Upon graduating from UCSB he fell into his passion of woodworking, working under master woodworker, Victor DiNovi, for over three years before branching off on his own. During this time he also rekindled his love of working with children by volunteering with SBSOS in 2010 as a tutor. Since then he has been involved in every facet of programming from tutoring in academic sessions, running strength and conditioning sessions during squash, coordinating volunteers, community service projects, enrichment outings, and fundraising. As Program Director, Koji hopes to continue the excellent work of the program and contribute to its future growth. 
Miguel Nava
Squash Coach miguel@sbsos.org Miguel was a student in SBSOS for 9 years and graduated high school in 2014. Upon graduating, he was offered three college scholarships for his skilled squash playing. His highest achievements include: 2009 JCT U.S Squash 3rd Place BU13 (very first tournament he ever traveled to) (San Francisco), 2012 Oregon Single Squash Junior Silver Winner BU17 (Oregon), 2013 NUSEA BU17 Champion (Boston) (National Tournament), 2013 Los Angeles Junior Silver BU19 Winner (Los Angeles), 2015 Junior Silver Championship BU19 Champion (Chicago). He now is the official SBSOS squash coach. He currently attends SBCC. In his free time he enjoys photography, and is considering pursuing a career in criminal justice. |
Dennis Marable
Squash Coach Dennis became a Level 2 Professional Squash Coach in 1980 in England, working primarily at Street & Cannons Clubs in Bath and at Millfield School, where he was an assistant to world-renowned squash legend, Jonah Barrington (8-time World Champion), helping them become the High School National Champions in 1988. After moving to the US he became Head Squash Pro at Santa Barbara Athletic Club from 1989 to 1992. As a player Dennis achieved a highest world ranking of 169, was a semifinalist in 1986 British Open 35+, won the US Nationals 35+ five times and the US Nationals 45+ once. He is also a certified referee. Dennis has been a valuable asset to the SBSOS squash program since 2012, claiming, “I have taken a lot from this sport that I love to play and teach, and I am so pleased to have the time to give back to these kids." |
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Key Volunteers
David Farber
Tutor David has been working with Santa Barbara School of Squash since its inception in 2006. He has a bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, as well as a California teaching credential in Mathematics. He is also a retirement plan actuary, teaching review seminars for students studying for retirement plan actuarial exams. In addition to volunteering with SBSOS, David also tutors adults through the Santa Barbara library's adult learning program. David loves working with the SBSOS kids in helping them through their academic lives, and watching them grow through the years and ultimately attend college. |
Brian Shafritz
Tutor Brian has been helping with the SBSOS program since 2015, when he retired from his career in the environmental sciences. SBSOS was a natural fit given his interest in helping and mentoring children along with his love of racquet sports. Brian has a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Penn State and a Master’s Degree in Engineering from University of Michigan. Brian enjoys tennis, pickleball, yoga, art, and chess. Brian’s squash game continues to evolve, but more importantly he is committed to the goals of SBSOS and the continued development of the students. |
"This program has been the best thing that happened to me since my arrival in Santa Barbara. You have some gem of a program on your hands and it is truly and positively impacting the lives of many kids in this community - not just kids, our lives too."
~ Nabil Laachi, Former Tutor & Squash Instructor, Volunteer
~ Nabil Laachi, Former Tutor & Squash Instructor, Volunteer
"There is no act that is too small to make a difference." -Jeffrey Canada