Staff
Abby Markoe
Executive Director
Abby co-founded SquashWise in 2007 and has served as Executive Director since 2008. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a steady commitment to advancing equity and access in squash and education. In 2018, she was awarded the Feron’s Wedgwood Sportsmanship Trophy from US Squash, and is a 2019 recipient of the Nancy Cushman Impact Award from Maryland Squash. Abby served as co-captain of the George Washington University women’s squash team, where she graduated with a B.A. in History and Philosophy of Medicine. She also has a Masters in History of Medicine from Johns Hopkins University.
Doug Fireside
Deputy Director
Doug began his education career in 1992 and relocated to Baltimore two years later, joining the Baltimore City School System. During his tenure, he taught middle school, served as a school designer and literacy coach, and spent the last five years as the principal of New Song Academy, a Baltimore City Public Charter School. Doug earned his master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University, with dual certification in educational technology and school leadership. He and his wife raised their three children in Baltimore, where he remains committed to improving outcomes for the city’s youth as the Deputy Director at SquashWise.
Zach Bradley
Program Director
Zach oversees our squash and education departments. He joined SquashWise as an AmeriCorps volunteer in 2012 and continued to work on our coaching team, most recently serving as Director of Squash. He is a local squash professional with extensive experience coaching both youth and adults in the area. Zach graduated from Gilman and has a B.A. from Tufts University, where he played varsity squash.
Emily Franz
Development Director
Emily leads fundraising and marketing/communications at SquashWise. She spent nearly 10 years in St. Louis, MO working in education and youth development, most recently as the Development Director at Girls on the Run. Emily is a licensed social worker with a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and a MSW from Washington University in St. Louis.
Dominique Davis
Student Success Manager
Dominique facilitates our college and career planning for 11th and 12th grade students and also advises SquashWise graduates, ages 18-25, in their postsecondary placements. She is a former Student Life Counselor at the SEED School of Maryland and College Readiness Instructor at UMBC’s Year Up program.
Khristian Merrell
Bookkeeper/Office Manager
Khristian joined SquashWise in November of 2024 as a Bookkeeper/Office Manager, where he oversees financial operations, office administration, and organizational efficiency. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Florida A&M University and a Master’s in Finance from the University of Miami. With over 10 years of experience in accounting, payroll, and human resources, Khristian brings a strategic approach to managing budgets, streamlining processes, and ensuring compliance. He is committed to fostering a well-organized and productive workplace, while supporting the organization’s mission and goals.
Hamzah Bukhari
Squash Coach
Hamzah coaches our recreational, JV and Varsity teams at SquashWise. He is an internationally-ranked squash professional with experience teaching a variety of skill levels at local clinics, summer camps and one-on-one lessons.
Emmanuel Belcher
Education Coach
Emmanuel facilitates educational enrichment activities for our middle school and 9th-10th grade students. He brings over a decade of experience working with youth. He volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, served as a Residential Coordinator at Upward Bound, and was a Student Life Counselor for the SEED School of Maryland.