Meet the team

Micaëlla Riché is the Executive Director and a thought leader in Educational Sustainability with over 15 years of international, professional basketball playing and coaching experience.

From 2020 to 2025, Micaëlla progressed from Basketball Operations Manager to Director of Basketball Operations, leading the research-backed design and development of Lay-Up’s programming.

Driven by curiosity and conviction, Micaëlla blends research, creativity, and lived experience to develop practical, evidence-based sport for development solutions for coaches, young people, and communities.

Marion Mendoza joined Lay-Up as a volunteer in the summer of 2017. With a background in hospitality, tourism and events, she began by supporting outreach, community engagement, registration and program coordination, eventually growing into her role as Director of Operations. 

Marion believes that meaningful work begins with serving others. She supports the team behind the scenes by helping create processes and finding practical solutions, and contributing to the work that allows young people and the community to feel supported.

Hanna Hall is the Director of Development at Lay-Up and is passionate about the opportunities sport can create through a human-centred approach. Drawing from more than 17 years of experience competing at the NCAA and National Team levels, her journey has shaped her belief that sport is an invaluable tool for self-discovery, meaningful connection, and interpersonal skill development that extends far beyond the game.

Through her work at Lay-Up, she is committed to building meaningful partnerships that create lasting impact and expand opportunities for young people to thrive on and off the court.

Faith Joseph joined Lay-Up as a part-time coach before advancing into the role of Off-Court Programming Lead and now serves as Development Assistant, supporting the organization's fundraising, evaluation, and strategic growth initiatives. In her role, she develops grant proposals, prepares impact reports, and works alongside partners and funders to help secure resources that expand access to high-quality programming for youth across Toronto.

As a former member of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's basketball team, Faith has experienced firsthand the transformative impact that sport can have on confidence, resilience, and personal growth. Drawing on both her experience as a student-athlete and her background in engineering, she is passionate about combining data, storytelling, and community impact to strengthen programs and demonstrate meaningful outcomes.

Brey Johnson began her journey with Lay-Up Youth Basketball as a part-time coach in April 2023. What started as an opportunity to connect with youth in the community quickly grew into a full-time role as Regional Manager. Brey played collegiate basketball at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro while earning her degree in Criminology before continuing her basketball career professionally overseas and representing Canada at the National Team level. Today, Brey combines her love for basketball with her commitment to empowering youth. She strives to bring joy into everything she does. Whether she's coaching, leading community programs, or building meaningful partnerships, Brey is passionate about creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where every young person feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Prince Dankyi began his journey with Lay-Up as a participant before progressing through the organization's coach development pathway. Today, he serves as Regional Manager, overseeing programs across Toronto's west end locations, while leading the development of on-court programming for both youth and coaches health and well - being.

Prince is passionate about creating environments where every young person and coach feels seen, supported, and heard. Through intentional programming, mentorship, and coach development, he strives to use basketball as a tool to build confidence, foster belonging, and create meaningful opportunities for growth both on and off the court.

In recognition of his commitment to youth development and community impact, Prince was named the 2025 Toronto Sport Hall of Honour Coach of the Year, celebrating his outstanding leadership and contributions to sport in Toronto.

Rohma Khan joined Lay-Up in 2022 as a Virtual Basketball Coach while in Grade 12. Since then, she has grown within the organization, taking on roles as Assistant Coach, Camp Administrator, Outreach Coordinator, and now Community Outreach Manager.

Throughout her journey, she has combined her passion for youth development with community engagement, building meaningful relationships with youth and families while supporting the growth of Lay-Up’s programs. In her current role as Community Outreach Manager, Rohma continues to strengthen connections between Lay-Up and the communities it serves. She plays an important role in expanding access to programs, supporting youth and families, and creating spaces where young people feel welcomed, valued, and supported both on and off the court.

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