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Through our experience working across the sport ecosystem, we know that athletes face complex realities beyond competition. The impact of House vs. NCAA and creation of Name, Image, Likeness opportunities has impacted not just the collegiate sportspace, but rippled across youth and upwards to professional sport. Social media, performance technology, and policy changes around sports betting have created not just new opportunities, but new pressures and pitfalls.
Meanwhile, athletic departments and sport organizations face increasing responsibilities to educate athletes about issues like Title IX, NIL, and drug and integrity policies. Coaches need help translating well-meaning policies that support abuse prevention and athlete safety into real-world application; administrators need help managing institutional policy requirements and cross-cultural and generational communication with and between coaches and athletes in order to support their staff and players’ well-being.
NextPlay Education exists to bridge this gap, serving as an education and development partner for Player Development professionals within professional sports, Athletic Directors, Title IX Directors, Compliance Officers, and Student-Athlete Development Leaders.
Lisa Markland is a seasoned leader and facilitator with more than 26 years of experience delivering training on leadership, gender-based violence prevention, and racial justice across education, sports, government, and nonprofit sectors. She has partnered with organizations including the U.S. Military, NCAA, Major League Baseball, NFL, Boston Housing Authority, and numerous community-based organizations, and currently serves as Associate Athletic Director of Leadership, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Northeastern University. Lisa is also the lead trainer for Northeastern’s Center for the Study of Sport in Society and holds a B.S. in Human Services from Northeastern University.
Jarrod Chin is a seasoned educator and facilitator with over 20 years of experience advancing racial equity, diversity, and social justice across healthcare, higher education, and nonprofit sectors. He has consulted for organizations including the U.S. Army, Major League Baseball, the NFL, New Balance, and numerous colleges and universities, and has designed and facilitated more than 10,000 hours of learning on equity, cultural humility, and violence prevention. He currently serves as Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Harvard Graduate School of Education, following prior DEI leadership roles at Mass General Brigham and Partners In Health.
Francellis Quiñones is the CEO of MeNowYOU Consulting and a seasoned educator with nearly 15 years of teaching experience across Boston and area Public Schools. She designs and facilitates learning experiences that support reflection, growth, and leadership, while remaining deeply engaged in her community through board service with the Haverhill YMCA and Elevated Thought. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Francellis holds degrees from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Essex and continues to expand her consulting work focused on curriculum design, classroom management, and systems-level equity.
A seasoned youth development professional and licensed social worker, this individual brings extensive experience designing, implementing, and evaluating youth programs and social-emotional learning initiatives. They are a bilingual (English and Spanish) facilitator with expertise in interpersonal violence prevention, racial equity, restorative justice, suicide prevention, and anti-bullying, grounded in trauma-informed and healing-centered practice. Their work reflects a deep commitment to racial and social justice and a proven track record of supporting children, youth, and families across Boston.
Evans Erilus is the Director of the HOPE Initiative at Bunker Hill Community College, where he leads a student-centered, asset-based program focused on removing barriers and supporting the success of males of color through advising, cohort-based supports, and equity-focused development. His background includes advocacy for internationally educated nurses at the Boston Welcome Back Center and mentorship and violence prevention work with the Center for the Study of Sport in Society, as well as collaborations with Year Up and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mass Bay. A Northeastern University graduate originally from Rhode Island, Evans also values physical fitness and sees working out as an important part of maintaining balance and wellbeing.
Bilingual sports health professional with over five years of experience supporting athletes through injury prevention, performance optimization, and recovery education. Brings a facilitative, athlete-centered approach that integrates rehabilitation principles, movement strategies, and practical tools to help teams translate knowledge into action. Delivers engaging sessions in both English and Spanish, creating inclusive environments where athletes feel empowered to take ownership of their health and performance.
Brandon brings eight years of experience as an educator, with a strong ability to communicate complex ideas, design effective learning materials, and engage diverse audiences through dynamic presentations. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and founded a financial education company, presenting at international forums including the World Money Show in London and the International Traders Expo in New York City. Blending expertise in finance, education, and instructional technology, Brandon is well equipped to develop and deliver impactful training programs for healthcare professionals.
Alberto “Chico” Faña is a veteran baseball coach and former minor league player with more than 30 years of experience developing athletes across youth, high school, and professional levels in both Latin America and the United States. He currently serves as Head Coach of the 9U Thunderbirds in Boca Raton, coaches at Mo Vaughn Sports Academy and The King’s Academy High School, and has led clinics nationwide while mentoring disciplined, character-driven teams. With over two decades of international philanthropic and scouting experience, including work with the Boston Red Sox “Lindos Sueños” Foundation and signing more than 25 MLB players, he also completed the MLB Scouting Bureau Scout Development Program and holds multiple coaching and safety certifications.
Employee Relations Solutions (ERS) was founded by Mr. Grabell following a successful career as an employment attorney representing employees in cases involving discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. In 2007, he shifted to advising corporations, helping them proactively identify and avoid employment law risks while reducing exposure and reliance on costly litigation. Through ERS, Mr. Grabell provides on-call legal guidance and trains managers and executives on common areas of employment liability; he is a graduate of NYU Stern School of Business and Seton Hall Law School.
Virgilio brings a steady, trusted presence as a facilitator, grounded in both clinical leadership and lived experience. Born in Guayama, Puerto Rico, and bilingual in Spanish and English, he is uniquely positioned to bridge cultural perspectives and foster inclusive dialogue across diverse audiences. As a graduate of the Lawrence Latino Nursing Program, a participant in the Mass General Hospital Disparities Solutions Program, a community board member, and a proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army National Guard, he leads conversations with discipline, empathy, and a deep commitment to service.
The Kansas City Royals are an American professional baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri, with minor league academies in the Dominican Republic. The Royals boast many notable achievements, including multiple division titles and World Series championships. In the realm of baseball, the Royals are known as trailblazers in driving social programs, including player education and community engagement.
The Team in-person presentations on the annual prevention and awareness education concerning the League’s Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse policies for the Royals staff and minor league players were exceptional in content and delivery. The presenters’ ability to conduct these sessions with profound insight and engagement, in both English and Spanish, demonstrated a deep level of understanding not only of the topic but also in ensuring culturally relevant content. Their timely communication and flexibility in accommodating our schedule and needs ensured a seamless experience. The presentations were not only informative but also highly interactive, fostering an environment conducive to learning and discussion. The knowledge of Elevate Impact’s facilitators regarding MLB policies and the culture of our players and staff was evident in every aspect of their engagement with us. We look forward to future engagements with Elevate Impact and recommend their services to any organization seeking thoughtful and comprehensive presentations on staff and player education topics.
Director of Staff & Player Engagement, Kansas City Royals
