Administration
Ryan Pope
DIRECTOR
In October 2023, Ryan Pope was selected to serve as Director for the New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy.
In this capacity he oversees academic offerings, counseling, medical services, service-to-community, staff training & professional development, religious services, assessments, mental health, and academic and community partnerships. In addition, he actively supports the Academy’s strategic planning, recruiting, marketing and post-residential planning efforts.
Mr. Pope received a Master of the Arts in Organizational Development and Leadership with specialization in electronic learning and corporate training from the University of the Rockies in Denver, Colorado. He has been a Counselor/Teacher, Team Leader, Coordinator of Culture and Climate, Associate Director, and Director in a variety of different schools and programs.
Dr. Stephanie D'Alessio
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
With over 25 years of experience in education, Dr. Stephanie D’Alessio has a proven track record in developing, teaching, managing, and evaluating hands-on, minds-on interactive and experiential programs, particularly for underserved communities. She also serves on the Board of Trustees for Brookdale Community College and is the Vice Chair of the Long Branch Republican Committee, Monmouth County GOP.
Dr. D’Alessio earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Monmouth University and both her B.A. and M.A. in Education from Seton Hall University. She also holds a DoS Certification in Evaluation and Assessment of STEM Programming from the PEAR Institute at Harvard University.
James Carradine
COMMANDANT
Sergeant Major James Carradine is the Commandant of Cadets with the New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy.
In this capacity he is responsible for accountability, control, and overall well-being of the Cadet Corps and supervision of the Cadre Department. The Commandant establishes and maintains the Youth ChalleNGe Academy tradition. Oversees cadet records covering discipline and behavior, community projects, and leadership. Plans, develops, and coordinates training activities for cadets when not participating in academic or counseling scheduled courses. Ensures cadre staff operates in accordance to the Operations SOP, the Academy’s behavior management procedures, and Academy policies & procedures.
Julio Solis
ASSISTANT COMMANDANT
Sergeant Major Julio Solis is the Assistant Commandant of Cadets with the New Jersey Youth ChalleNGe Academy.
In this capacity he is responsible for accountability, control, and overall well-being of the Cadet Corps and supervision of the Cadre Department. The Assistant Commandant establishes and maintains the Youth ChalleNGe Academy tradition. Oversees cadet records covering discipline and behavior, community projects, and leadership. Plans, develops, and coordinates training activities for cadets when not participating in academic or counseling scheduled courses. Ensures cadre staff operates in accordance to the Operations SOP, the Academy’s behavior management procedures, and Academy policies & procedures.
