Our Team
Our CEO
Candace Smith
Candace Smith joined the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation as CEO in March 2025. With over 15 years of experience in the D.C. education sector, Candace has been a dedicated leader, educator, and advocate for student success. From her early days as a kindergarten teacher at Friendship Chamberlain Public Charter School to 12 years of impactful leadership at City Teaching Alliance, Candace has worked tirelessly to empower educators and expand opportunities for students.
Candace is honored to build upon the strong foundation of the past 70 years and lead WTEF into its next chapter. She looks forward to working alongside dedicated staff, board, and community partners – WTEF’s internal champions – to amplify WTEF’s incredible work and expand its impact.
Candace earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Chicago and a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education from American University.
Administration
Alex Shek
City Wide Tennis Director
Maggie Holmes
Grant Manager
Janelle Nichols
Director of Programs
Matthew Starkston
Development Manager
Bernadette Walker
Senior Manager of Operations
East Campus Tennis Professionals
Arnisha Crosby
Tennis Professional
Alvin Fludd
Tennis Professional
Tim Parker
Tennis Professional
Tommy Webber
Tennis Professional & Athletic Development Specialist
Mark Williams
Tennis Professional
West Campus Tennis Professionals
Rachel Bloch
Tennis Professional
Juilen DeLaine
Tennis Coach
Cheryl Dixon
Tennis Professional
Ryan Harris
Tennis Coach
Center For Excellence
Brian Coleman
Math Specialist
Ellen Collins
Teacher
Jabari Cosby
Senior Manager of Programs
Tonay Eatmon
Teacher
Jackie Hines
Teacher
Phyllis Walker
Teacher
Operations
Nicole Johnson
Front Desk Associate
Dominique LeMaitre
Front Desk Associate
Greg Moten
Operations & Programs Associate
Azalea Smith
Front Desk Associate
