meet the team
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Charles Barnett, Interim Executive Director
Chuck has been a resident of Capitol Hill for over 25 years, where he lives with his two boys. He is actively involved in youth baseball, serving on the Washington DC Little League Executive Committee. Chuck has volunteered in various capacities in youth sports organizations across Capitol Hill. A native of Arkansas and lifelong Arkansas Razorbacks fan, Chuck holds a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Arkansas and regularly returns to cheer on the Hogs.
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Samantha Williams, Chief of Staff
Growing up in a Navy family, Samantha developed a deep appreciation for community and service. She has called the Washington, D.C. area home for over 10 years, and she now lives in Navy Yard with her husband and young children, who are actively involved in youth sports throughout the greater Capitol Hill neighborhood. Professionally, Samantha serves as a Chief of Staff, a role that leverages her MBA and strong project management skills. She brings this expertise to the community, helping to ensure the smooth operation and success of Go Play's initiatives, particularly the organization and maintenance of our local sports fields. Her focus on effective planning and execution adds significant value by creating well-managed and reliable resources for local families.
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Rhiannon Ülgen, Senior Permit Manager
Rhiannon is originally from Michigan and comes to DC by way of Italy and Turkey, where she was a teacher and education coordinator. As Permit Manager, she provides superior customer service for The Fields at RFK Campus, managing permit requests and solving the schedule puzzle with ease every season. Her energy and enthusiasm for exceptional customer service set Go Play apart from other sports management.
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Brandon Byars, Operations Manager
Brandon is originally from Warrenton, Virginia, and has been involved in athletics throughout his life. A former football player, Brandon developed a strong appreciation for the role sports play in bringing people together, creating community, and providing an opportunity to step away from the challenges of everyday life. After moving to the DC area, he quickly developed a strong connection to the community and is excited to contribute to its growing sports and recreation landscape through his work with Go Play. Brandon is passionate about creating well-organized, engaging experiences that allow people of all backgrounds to connect through athletics and enjoy the game of their choosing.
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Joshua Greene, Programs Manager
Originally from Elmont, New York, Joshua Greene is passionate about building stronger, healthier communities by expanding opportunities for young people through sports, education, and meaningful community engagement. A graduate of Howard University, Joshua has dedicated his career to developing youth programs, fostering community partnerships, and creating opportunities that empower children and families to thrive. He believes sports are more than competition. They are a catalyst for leadership, confidence, teamwork, and lifelong personal development.
As Program Manager, Joshua supports the planning, coordination, and growth of Go Play's Youth Sports For All initiatives, helping ensure programs are organized, inclusive, and impactful for children and families throughout Washington, D.C. He believes that when communities invest in young people, they create stronger leaders, healthier neighborhoods, and opportunities that extend far beyond the playing field. -
Olivia Schlinkman, Communications & Strategy Manager
Olivia recently moved to DC from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where she attended West Chester University and worked as a journalist for multiple years. A government and history nerd who majored in Political Science, DC has long been her dream city to live, work and play in, and she is thrilled to finally call the district home! Exploring, trying new things and being physically active is a core pillar of Olivia’s lifestyle, and she is eager to use her communications skills to help grow other folks’ passion for adventure and movement, too.
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Esdras Benavides, Operations Coordinator
Esdras leads field monitors and tracks maintenance issues with great energy and positivity. His favorite part of working at The Fields is the inclusivity and happiness that everyone experiences there. He feels fulfilled to work somewhere where everyone is invited to come and play. You can find him outside playing a game of soccer with family or friends in his free time.
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Keila Benavides, Program Coordinator
After three great years in operations at The Fields, Keila now coordinates the Youth Sports For All registering local youth for scholarships with one of our 16 sports partners. Keila was born and raised in DC and graduated from DC International PCS. In her free time, she likes to watch her friends and family play soccer. She also enjoys hikes with her family and going out to eat to try new foods.
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Richard Morris, Shift Leader
Richard is another friendly face you might meet down at The Fields. He loves being from Washington but is also happy to trade city life for cold weather and nature now and then. His favorite part of working down at The Fields is being outside with all of the energetic patrons. Richard enjoys lacrosse and basketball.
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Taquarius Peake, Field Monitor
Tay enjoys music and sports! He especially loves football, baseball, and soccer. One of his favorite things about working at The Fields is interacting with the community and helping to keep the fields well-maintained. He also loves the great work environment that all the staff members provide.
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Drew Dozier, Field Monitor
Drew is a born-and-raised Washingtonian and proud of it. He graduated from School Without Walls high school in 2022 and now attends University of the District of Columbia. Drew returns to The Fields during his time off from school and we’re always happy to have him back. He enjoys football and dining out in his spare time.
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Jazmin Ramirez, Field Monitor
Jazmin holds a degree in Physiology and brings a deep passion for working with children on the autism spectrum. Her warmth, experience, and dedication shine through as she helps children build vital skills and confidently engage with their communities. Outside of work, Jazmine enjoys spending quality time with friends, always bringing the same joy and energy she brings to her work.
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Edgar Maldonado Cruz, Field Monitor
Edgar is a Silver Spring native and proud graduate of Montgomery Blair High School, Class of 2020. He’s a big fan of wrestling, lacrosse, and hockey, and he enjoys video editing with friends in his free time. Always upbeat and quick to make people laugh, give Edgar a shout if you catch him around!
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Brian Fuentes Romero, Field Monitor
Brian is a dedicated Field Monitor who enjoys creating a welcoming and positive environment for everyone at The Fields. Born and raised in the DMV area, he enjoys connecting with the community and helping ensure that visitors have a great experience. Brian is currently studying business administration with a focus in accounting and hopes to continue building skills that will help him in his future career. In his free time, he enjoys sports, fitness, and spending time with friends and family.