About
Proficient Team of Go Beyond Greatness
Ashley Knox, MPS
A native of Ulster County, NY, Ms. Knox is a Public Speaker and Educator with over fifteen years of experience developing educational leadership programs for high schools and colleges across the globe. Her mission is to empower young people to become great leaders of tomorrow. Ms. Knox holds a Master's degree from SUNY New Paltz in Humanistic and Multicultural Education; a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Latin American and Africana Studies from SUNY New Paltz. Ashley is also an alumna of SUNY Ulster and Kingston High School. Ms.Knox presented as guest speaker for the 2020 NY Association of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP), Youth Practitioner’s Conference with an inspired TED Talk entitled “BELIEVE: Empowering Youth in Times of COVID 19. ” NYS Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan recognized Ms. Knox and her work at the 2020 State of the County Address “building Ulster County for the next generation.” She serves as a Board of Trustee of the Community Foundation of the Hudson Valley, Board Member for the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, member of the Association of Junior Leagues - Kingston, NY Chapter. Ashley has received numerous awards including the 2018 YWCA of Ulster County Tribute to Women.
Ali Abbruzzi, MA
Ali Abbruzzi is a certified NYS K-12 public school teacher with over 20 years of classroom experience. Additionally, she is a seasoned yoga instructor with specialty certifications in Adolescent Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and the Yoga of Dance. Currently, she is pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Health & Wellness and Health Education. She is deeply committed to bringing Yoga and Mindfulness into the schools and believes in making these transformative practices accessible to all. Ali serves on the RVCSD Health & Wellness Committee and is the creator of “Time to Relax,” a free Youtube video series. Her joyful classes are fundamental in nature, focusing on basic poses, proper alignment, and slow, flowing sequences harmonizing breath, body, and mind. Ali is a life-long seeker who has discovered that the greatest gifts of healing and peace lie within. With a light-filled and open-hearted approach, Ali’s ultimate aim is to connect her students to the divine birthright of joy, health, and balance inherent in all of us.
Victor Blinov
Mr. Blinov is a full-time college student at SUNY Old Westbury. Mr. Blinov became a member of Go Beyond Greatness his Junior year at Ellenville High School. When asked how GBG impacted his life after graduation, Mr. Blinov quotes, “I have not been the same since. I used skills that I learned in the GBG workshops to help increase my job opportunities while helping people. Since then, my opportunities increased. I worked as a Youth Counselor at Camp Ramapo in Rhinebeck, NY, and also landed a part-time job after school at a local pharmacy. Now that I am a graduate, I returned to GBG to give back and assist in the mission of turning young people into college and career-ready adults.”
Tiana Figeroua
Ms. Figeroua is a senior college student attending the State University of New York at New Paltz. She focuses her studies in Sociology with a concentration in Human Services and Black Studies. As she continues her education and commitment to serving the needs of others, she is working toward her dream of opening a non profit organization for low-income people of color. Ms. Figueroua is described by her peers as compassionate, altruistic, and hard-working. In an interview, she described GBG and what it means to her, “Go Beyond Greatness means doing more and seeing more for yourself than you thought possible. It provides you with amazing resources and access to countless opportunities you may not be able to get anywhere else.”
Sophie Rhind
Ms.Rhind is a senior college student at the State University of New York at New Paltz. Her field of studies includes majoring in Sociology with a concentration in Human Services and minoring in both Psychology and women, gender, and sexuality studies. Her goal is to get her master’s degree and go on to open an inclusive daycare for children with both physical and mental disabilities. Her life-long compassion for children is best highlighted by her many years of volunteering across New York with the Kiwanis family. She is described by her peers as determined, kind, and creative. When asked what GBG means to her, she stated “ “To me going beyond greatness means when you reach for the stars keep going to find the galaxy. It means stretchers beyond our wildest dreams and becoming the best version of ourselves.”
Shayanne Guzman
Ms.Guzman is a college senior from the State University of New York at New Paltz, studying Sociology with a concentration in Human Services. Through the use of her communication and technological skills alongside her education she hopes to reach her aspirations of becoming a substance abuse counselor and a prison rehabilitation social worker. When asked about what Go Beyond Greatness means to her she stated, “Go Beyond Greatness means pushing yourself to do more, when you think you're not capable. It means to never limit yourself, and to go beyond your fullest potential.
Great leadership usually starts with a willing heart, a positive attitude, and a desire to make a difference.
– Mac Anderson
Great leadership usually starts with a willing heart, a positive attitude, and a desire to make a difference.
– Mac Anderson
Go Beyond Greatness Inc. Advisory Board
Elder James Childs Sr.
Is the VP -Board of Education for Kingston City School District and Pastor of The Point Church. He has spent over 30 years supporting people and community with a great passion in educating our youth. He serves on a variety of committee boards including Diversity Cadre, Policy, Master Plan Facilities & Visitation, and Curriculum and Instruction, and more.
Rebecca Martin
Is a jazz singer and songwriter. After working for MTV Network, she became the co-founder of Kingston Citizens and has organized over 100 different initiatives and projects that support community development and partnerships including Urban Agriculture, Kingston Rail Trail, Community Education Forums, and more. She has also served as Executive Director of Kingston Land Trust and was recently awarded as Best Activist in the Hudson Valley Magazine.
Lucy Swenson
Is the owner of The Turning Mill Graphic Art Studio providing a full spectrum of design services in marketing, promotional, and advertisement for over 30 years. She is a strong advocate in youth development and education. She has developed program brochures, audio and video production, and websites for a number of educational professionals. Lucy supports young people that take charge over their life success.
Maureen Bowers
Is a long time advocate in education serving on a variety of not-for-profit boards for over 25 years including Center for Creative Education, TMI Project, Raising Hope of Ulster County, and previous trustee of the Kingston City School District Board of Education. She is known for her collaboration between arts and education with a commitment in supporting new initiatives in public school education for higher achievement and student success.
Nancy Plumer, MS
Is a former public school teacher and principal. She is a long time transformation trainer/teacher/author/healer who has spent more than 30 years in various holistic healing modalities. Nancy maintains a private practice of energy healing and spiritual counseling. She is a consultant and trainer for organizations, schools, and government agencies throughout the United States.
Claire Zimmerman Durst
Is a NYS child custody attorney for over 30 years and also specializes in other areas of law. She has served as a respected attorney for Ulster Family Court. She is a firm believer in parent involvement along with the protection and well-being of our children.
Helen Edelstein
Is a former public school teacher and co-founder of The Sage Garden Academy designed to serve the needs of intellectually gifted children. Helen is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and the Consultant for Behavioral and Organizational Consulting Associates. For over 25 years, Helen has developed rehabilitation and treatment services for an array of organizations. She also serves on county and statewide boards with a focus on mental health and workforce development including Ulster County Vocational Steering Committee, YWCA of Ulster County, and Leadership Council of Raising Hope.
Evry Mann
Is the Founder and former Executive Director of Center of Creative Education; home of the Percussion Orchestra of Kingston and Energy Dance Company. He is a long-time supporter in education of the Arts. He is known for his creative talents as a master percussionist, composer, and writer with extensive experience in both education and social services for over 30 years.
Ajax Green
Is the Owner of On Belay Business Advisors and social entrepreneur that has lead and advised many successful companies from a wide variety of industries for over 30 years. Ajax is the Co-Founder and board member of Re<Think Local and also serves on a number of boards providing insight in industry-changing strategic thinking, social and environmental sustainability, and the process of co-creating a better Hudson Valley community.