Our Team

Ashley Nechaev Executive Director

Amanda Baez Operations Manager

Mary Wanyo Program Manager

 

Ashley Nechaev, HSHU Executive Director – Starting at HSHU as the academic director in 2019, Ashley was promoted to the role of Executive Director in 2021. Ashley earned a BA in Animal Behavior from Franklin and Marshall College, a MA in Elementary Education from Fairfield University, a sixth-year professional degree in Reading and Literacy Instruction from Southern Connecticut State University and is currently working on a EdD at Sacred Heart University in SEL and Academic Leadership. Ashley has spent her entire teaching career in Bridgeport and has been with Horizons programs for over a decade. 

Amanda Baez, HSHU Operations Manager - Originally from The Bronx, NY, Amanda brings over 13 years of experience working in education, supporting youth across a wide range of communities. She has worked in classrooms and programs throughout Connecticut, Boston, and Providence, connecting with students from early childhood through college. Amanda is committed to creating welcoming environments where all students can grow, explore, and succeed.

Mary Wanyo, HSHU Program Manager - Mary is an experienced educator with extensive knowledge and training in project approach instruction. She recently worked as an early childhood educator at The Learning Community Day School in Westport, CT for over 30 years. Mary is creative, child centered, and understands the power of feedback/language educators use with children.