The DREAM Team

"My favorite thing about DREAM Alive is doing good things that help out other people. I love seeing the happiness all around.”

-Naylah, DREAM Alive scholar at Paramount Middle School

Board Of Directors

Tarik Glenn, Founder & President Emeritus

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Charles Akinbola, Board President, AVP Talent Development, Elements Financial

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Suzanne Gaidoo, Assistant General Counsel – Calumet, Inc.

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John Siefer, Retired, Citizens Energy Group

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Patricia Shunk, Director of Global Order Management & Billing, Genesys

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Brandon Himes, Board Secretary, Assistant Truck Branch Manager, Enterprise

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Kim Borges, VP of Marketing & Public Relations, Regions Bank

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Jeff Joyce, Board Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer, North Salem State Bank

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Matt Conrad, Board Ex-Officio, Attorney, Frost Todd Brown

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DREAM Alive Staff

Eric Müller, President & CEO

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Stephen Smith, Vice President of Programs

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Destiney Lee, Middle School Director

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Keon Dowdell, High School Director

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Sierra Twigg, Howe Site Director

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Adriana Hernandez, Paramount Site Director

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Andy Conrad, H.S. Development Director

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Derian Parker, Northwest Site Director

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Joy Gayflor, Longfellow Site Director

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Anthony Coleman, Arlington Site Director

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Jill Patrick, Volunteer Engagement Director

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Claire Bastian, Director of Operations

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Nicole Watkins, Grant & Impact Director

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Tarik Glenn, Founder & President Emeritus

Tarik Glenn spent ten memorable seasons with the Indianapolis Colts as a key part of its dominating offense. Four years into his career with the Colts, Tarik began to dream about how he could use his platform as a football star to raise up the next generation of leaders. Soon there after Tarik and his wife Maya founded DREAM Alive. Tarik currently works for the University of California Berkley in Oakland, CA.

Charles Akinbola, Board President, AVP Talent Development, Elements Financial

Charles Akinbola served as the Program Director for DREAM Alive for six years before making the jump to the board. Charles graduated from Purdue University in 2012 with a degree in English Education. He oversaw the program at all four sites: Harshman Magnet Middle School, Arsenal Technical High School, Arlington High School, and John Marshall Middle School. Charles also helped create and manage the Expectation program, and he continues to work closely with the program. His love for the students helped shape DREAM Alive, and he hopes to continue his impactful efforts on the board. He currently is the Assistant Vice President for Talent Development at Elements Financial.

Suzanne Gaidoo, Assistant General Counsel – Calumet, Inc.

Suzanne Gaidoo is Assistant General Counsel for Calumet, Inc. Suzanne has more than 20 years of experience as a practicing lawyer in the Indianapolis community. Suzanne has a wide range of experience in the areas of compliance, risk management, corporate transactions and corporate governance. In her free time, Suzanne enjoys traveling, writing and spending time with her twins, Josie and Davis.

John Siefer, Retired, Citizens Energy Group

John has served with DREAM Alive in a volunteer capacity since 2016, and formerly the Director of Internal Audit for Citizens Energy Group. John has over 25 years of experience in leading non-profits and has a passion to serve his local community. With 12+ years of experience in leading his own business consulting organization, a business undergrad from Taylor University, an MBA from Indiana University, as well as a plethora of other professional certifications, John brings with him a wealth of wisdom, leadership and knowledge to DREAM Alive.

Patricia Shunk, Director of Global Order Management & Billing, Genesys

Patricia is a graduate from Ball State University where she was an All American track athlete, Olympic qualifier, and recently was inducted into the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame. She and her family recently moved to the Indianapolis area from Atlanta.

Brandon Himes, Board Secretary, Assistant Truck Branch Manager, Enterprise

Brandon Himes is the Assistant Truck Branch Manager for Enterprise. He is a graduate of Indiana State University and has always had a passion for investing in youth. Brandon began serving with DA in a volunteer capacity in 2013, became a DREAM coach mentor in 2014, joined our Young Professional Board in 2019, and was elected to our Board of Directors in December 2021. He has provided so much to our scholars, program, and organization over these past 9 years, and we are excited to have him on our board of directors.

Kim Borges, VP of Marketing & Public Relations, Regions Bank

Kim Borges is a Market Public Relations Specialist for Regions Bank. A Hoosier native, Kim is a graduate of Ball State University and is currently pursuing her Graduate Certificate in Philanthropic Studies from the IUPUI Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Kim is engaged with several Indianapolis not-for-profits, including Teachers’ Treasures, Dress for Success Indianapolis, Second Helpings, CHIP and the CICOA Foundation, among others. Kim’s passion for philanthropy stems from the decade she spent working in the non-profit sector. Her passion for DREAM Alive stems from her belief that anything is possible when you have someone who believes in you. Regardless of where we are in life or in our career, we all benefit from mentors who encourage and inspire us to be better!

Jeff Joyce, Board Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer, North Salem State Bank

Jeff is the CFO of North Salem State Bank. Jeff is married and has three teenage boys. While he has served in various leadership roles for several not for profit organizations including Indiana Baptist Foundation, United Way of Johnson County (Indiana), Salvation Army and Calvary Baptist Church, Jeff is passionate about being a positive influence on youth. Which is why he is part of Dream Alive and has had active mentoring roles through Big Brothers and Franklin Study.

Matt Conrad, Board Ex-Officio, Attorney, Frost Todd Brown

Matt Conrad is an attorney at Frost Brown Todd and holds various leadership roles in other local organizations. Recognized in the Indianapolis Business Journal’s 2012 “Forty Under 40” Award, Mr. Conrad is deeply involved in the Indianapolis Community, serving as the director of the Indiana Automotive Council and on numerous boards and associations, including the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Economic Development Association, the Urban Land Institute, Outreach, Inc., and Center for Leadership Development

Eric Müller, President & CEO

Eric Müller join DREAM Alive’s staff as the Program Director in 2010 before growing into the Executive Director, and now CEO role. Under Eric’s leadership, DREAM Alive’s program has grown from idea to implementation and has grown from serving 20 students per year, to serving over 600 students per year. Eric graduated from Taylor University in 2008 and Purdue University (MBA) in 2020. Before he joined DREAM Alive in 2010, he served as a youth pastor in Indianapolis and a co-director for “City-Life,” a faith-based after-school program for at-risk youth. As CEO for DREAM Alive, he leads the development, management, and advancement of the organization. He has a passion for the city and for leading and investing in young people. Eric and his wife Amanda have three sons. In addition to investing in others, Eric enjoys DJing, playing flag football, and spending time with his friends & family.

Stephen Smith, Vice President of Programs

Stephen graduated with a B.A. in Tourism Convention and Event Management at Indianapolis University-Purdue University Indianapolis in 2008. He went on to work with a college ministry for five years at his Alma Mater. During his college ministry experience, Stephen developed a heart to help counsel people that led him to get another B.A. in Biblical Counseling at Crossroads Bible College. In the years of completing his second degree, he volunteered his time with DREAM Alive at Harshman Magnet Middle School. Stephen’s desire to reach middle school students grew and he transitioned to working with DREAM Alive full time in August of 2014. As the Program Director for DREAM Alive, he cultivates relationships with parents, students, and faculty, leads the after school sessions, and oversees the high school and middle school programming with a focus on the middle school program at Harshman Magnet Middle School and Arsenal Tech.

Destiney Lee, Middle School Director

Destiney holds a BA in Psychology and Minor in Cultural Diversity from Indiana-University Purdue University Indianapolis. Her desire to promote mental health and advocate for her community is what led her into the field of social work. Destiney spent time as a Mental Services Provider and recognized that she closely connects with the excitement, hope, and dreams youth have for their lives. Destiney aspires to build authentic relationships with DA scholars, walking alongside them as they grow and succeed in their unique ways. Destiny is currently the Site Director at Arlington Middle School and also oversees the entire Middle School program at DA.

Keon Dowdell, High School Director

Keon graduated from Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis with a degree in Communication Studies along with a minor in Theater and Performance Arts in 2015. Keon started serving as a DREAM Coach for DREAM Alive the summer of 2012. He started to develop a passion to for the kids so he kept volunteering throughout his college years until the year 2014 when he went on staff as an intern starting off at Harshman Magnet Middle School. Today, he currently serves as our High School Director.

Sierra Twigg, M.S. Site Director

Sierra joined DREAM Alive in August of 2023 after graduating from Taylor University with a degree in Orphans and Vulnerable Children & Global Studies. During her summer breaks in college, she worked with a faith-based organization focused on providing caring role models, teaching life skills, and developing student leaders. This grew her passion for youth and providing mentorship during the transitional years of their lives. Sierra is excited to work with middle school students and support them as they achieve their individual goals while creating authentic relationships. Sierra currently serves as the Site Director at Howe Middle School.

Adriana Hernandez, M.S. Site Director

We are excited to welcome Adriana to the DREAM Alive staff as our very first alumni to join the team! Adriana completed the DA continuum of programming from 7-12th grade and then returned as a volunteer seeking different networking opportunities. While volunteering she developed a deep passion for working with DA scholars and decided to pursue a full-time position as a Middle School Site Director. With a similar background to many DA scholars, Adriana hopes to connect and be a strong support system for them. Adriana looks forward to building strong and healthy relationships that scholars feel they can always rely on! Adriana is currently the Site Director at Paramount Englewood Middle School.

Andy Conrad, H.S. Development Director

Andy graduated from IUPUI in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. While in college, he began working part-time with elementary school students in an afterschool program. This is where Andy discovered his passion for working with and serving youth and their families. Andy obtained his Master’s degree in School Counseling in 2021. Andy’s time spent in the school counseling program led him to realize that he wanted to make a career out of helping students discover their passions and plans post-graduation. He loves cultivating relationships with high school students and their families and helping them get set on a career path.

Derian Parker, M.S. Site Director

Derian originally began his journey in Dream Alive as a volunteer during the summer of 2023. Derian’s volunteer experience reignited his interest in working with youth and encouraged him to continue working with DA throughout the school year as a Middle School Intern. During this time, Derian developed dozens of strong relationships with our Middle School scholars at our Arlington and Paramount sites. This path eventually led him to accept a full time position as a Site Director at Northwest Middle School.

Joy Gayflor, M.S. Site Director

Joy was born and raised in Indianapolis and grew up being a part of different youth mentorship programs in both school and church. She always appreciated what those programs did for her and hoped she’d be able to work with underserved youth, herself, one day. After graduating from IUPUI in 2023, she started volunteering with DREAM Alive and then accepted a part-time position during the fall of that same year. In November of 2024, a site director position opened up and Joy was thrilled to make the transition to full-time. Joy Ioves working with youth and walking alongside them, specifically as they learn and discover who they are and what their passions are. In her spare time you can find Joy at local coffee shops, rock climbing or spending time with her friends.

Anthony Coleman, Arlington Site Director

Anthony, a dedicated Dream Alive alumnus (7th–12th grade), graduated high school in 2020 and pursued studies at Heartland Baptist Bible College. He served as a youth group leader at Dayton Baptist Church, contributing to the Victory Project, a program aligned with Dream Alive’s values. Returning to Indianapolis, Anthony worked at Cornerstone Baptist Academy, deepening his commitment to empowering young people. His passion for fostering teen success drives his ongoing support for Dream Alive’s mission.

Jill Patrick, Volunteer Engagement Director

Jill grew up in Northeastern Ohio and graduated from Baldwin Wallace University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Jill has worked in teaching, sales, and college admissions, and has over twenty years of volunteer experience. Within her passion for service and volunteering, she has worked with organizations such as Meals on Wheels, local soup kitchens, and numerous local youth-based non-profits, and presently sits on the executive board of the Noblesville Schools Education Foundation. Jill and her husband, Todd, have been married for 25 years, and together they have one daughter, Lauren, who currently attends George Washington University in Washington, DC. As the Volunteer Engagement Director, Jill looks forward to bringing her unique blend of education, corporate connectivity, and community involvement to help build relationships with Dream Alive mentors and scholars.

Claire Bastian, Director of Operations

Claire was born and raised in Indianapolis and graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Public Relations and minor in Communication Studies and Marketing. She has spent the majority of her career working in the non-profit sector as a Marketing and Administrative professional. After spending the last decade living in various states, Claire is thrilled to be back in her hometown of Indianapolis. As the Director of Operations, she is eager to get more involved in the local community and further advance the mission of DREAM Alive. Claire is married to her high school sweetheart, Matt, and they have three children together – Olivia, Owen and Jacob. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, getting outside for walks and hikes and cheering on her kids at their numerous sports games.

Nicole Watkins, Grant & Impact Director

Nicole was born and raised in Terre Haute and graduated from Indiana State University with a bachelor degree in Health Administration, a minor in Business Administration and a Medical Sales Certificate. She continued her education at Indiana Wesleyan University obtaining her Master of Public Health degree. Nicole has been working writing grants and managing grant programs since 2018 that positively impact the health and well-being of rural Indiana residents. Nicole is excited to switch her focus to reducing disparities beyond the health sphere to focus on youth and families as a whole. Nicole and her husband, Luke, enjoy spending time with their daughter and Golden Retriever.