BRAVE TEAM

Ashley Boles
Master Activator

Ashley Boles.
2020.
West River, MD.
I am my own worst enemy.
I am shining.
I am worth it.
BE purposeful.

Ashley is an agent of change. Her passion is helping others to understand their purpose and achieve their maximum potential by living authentically. Recognizing that perfection does not exist, Ashley aims to help others be better each day.

She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Catawba College (where she also played soccer), with a double minor in business and coaching, and her Masters of Art in Mental Health and School Counseling from Campbell University. She is a Certified Champion Influence Life Coach and professional school counselor by trade.

Ashley is a Doctoral graduate from the University of Memphis Counselor Education and Supervision program where she published her dissertation on collegiate student-athlete mental health. She is seeking certification as a Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC®) to better prepare to work with and serve student-athletes as they compete in athletics and life.

Ricki Ayala
Lead Activator

RIcki Estopier Ayala.
1997.
San Antonio, TX.
I am energy.
I am the earth.
I am evolving.
BE boundless.

Ricki (he/they) is part of a long & beautiful lineage of matriarchs. He graduated from Georgetown University where he studied Psychology and Mathematics. During his time at University, Ricki competed with a traveling DC dance company, serving as captain for the 2016-2017 season. He has a deep-seated passion for community building, health, education, nature, and all things freedom. 

As Assistant Director of Student Affairs at the University of Chicago, Ricki designs initiatives that drive student engagement, academic success, and professional growth across diverse learner populations. His work is guided by the belief that bravery, resilience, and community connection are essential to thriving in high-achieving spaces.

When not advising or activating Brave workshops, you can find him tutoring Chicago Public Schools students, supporting keen youth with their motor and social skills, and immersing himself in the Chicago House scene!

Lakin Roland
Lead Activator

Lakin Roland.
2023.
NYC.
I am authentic.
I am brave.
I am curious.
BE wild.

Lakin is a builder—of teams, businesses, and opportunities for women in sport. A former professional basketball player turned entrepreneur, she is dedicated to creating spaces where women and girls can thrive through athletics.

She studied sociology at Dartmouth College, where she was First Team All-Ivy, before earning her MBA from Durham University. Lakin played professionally in France, coached at the highest levels of competition, guided elite athletes on the international stage, with the U23 USA Women’s National 3x3 Team, and worked with brands like Under Armour to mentor young players alongside WNBA stars such as Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Plum.

Currently, Lakin is the General Manager of 3XBA, the first pro women’s Olympic-style 3x3 league in the U.S. 

At Brave, Lakin serves as a Lead Activator, bringing her expertise to empower individuals through confidence-building and performance coaching.

Katie Carroll
Lead Activator

Katie Carroll.
2022.
Anacortes, WA.
I am outside.
I am movement.
I build.
BE balanced.

Katie began as a research analyst at Brave and is now an Activator. She graduated from Georgetown University where she played D1 lacrosse, earned a Masters in Public Health from The George Washington University, and coached high school lacrosse around the country for 10 years. She is now back in school, chasing the goal of becoming a Physician Assistant. Katie has felt the impact of both taking and witnessing brave action in her years with Brave, and her goal is to give everyone a chance to experience it for themselves.

Xavyance Handfield

Xavy Handfield.
2019.
Miami, FL.
I am wellness.
I am misunderstood.
I am cool.
BE intentional.

Xavyance (Xavy) lives in Houston, Texas by way of Miami, Florida (what he calls the greatest place on earth!) He is alumnus of an HBCU (Bethune-Cookman) and he completed his graduate degree at Full Sail University, one of the world’s top media and entertainment schools. Xavy was a part of the competitive marching band scene for eight years, which in the South is just as strenuous and revered as athletics. He is an educator, empowerment speaker, and health and wellness content creator. His motto is “If you want to go fast go alone, but if you want to go far… go with others.”

Jodi-Kay Senior

Jod-Kay Hylton-Senior.
2023.
Jamaica.
I am open.
I am LOUD.
I am enough.
BE intentional.

Jodi-Kay Hylton-Senior is on a mission to change the world one child at a time through education. Born and raised in Jamaica, she now calls Florida home. She holds a bachelor’s in social science from Florida State and a master’s in education administration from Lynn University.

Her passion for teaching children and adults led her to her current work—helping private schools provide K-12 interventionists to bridge academic gaps for low-performing students.

Jodi-Kay lives by the motto: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, we go together.” When she’s not working toward her purpose, you’ll find her lost in a romance novel, vibing to a dope playlist, or diving into deep conversations with strangers.

Jessy Morgan

Jessy Morgan.
1922.
Baltimore, MD.
I am bold.
I am unique.
I am enough.
BE real.

Jessy graduated from the University of Virginia with a major in English and a minor in Drama, and received her MBA from George Mason University. At Virginia she was an All-American lacrosse player, helping lead the Cavaliers to three ACC titles and three NCAA Championship finals appearances (winning in 2004). Jessy served as the Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach at George Mason University from 2014 to 2019 and she is currently the athletic director for an all-girls high school in Maryland.  She lives in Baltimore with her family and is an avid pickleball player.

Sarah Fisher

Sarah Fisher.
2015.
Denver, CO.
I explore.
I connect.
I show up.
BE intentional.

Sarah (Fish) grew up adventuring through the Green Mountains of Vermont, with lots of skiing and maple syrup. She earned a B.S. in Neuroscience at Wagner College in New York City and was a member of their D1 women’s lacrosse team. Sarah now resides in Denver Colorado with her 3-year-old pitbull retriever mix, loving the sunny days and endless outdoor opportunities. She runs marketing at Aerie Consulting, a Microsoft partner firm and has worn multiple hats for Brave since its inception in 2016.

Matt Harris

Matthew Harris.
2007.
Chicaaaaago.
I am real.
I am love.
I am a different.
BE patient.

Matthew (Matt) was born and raised in Chicago, IL and recently relocated to New York. He received his degree from Northwestern University, where he studied Learning and Organizational Change. Matt also played on the Football team, where he became a four-year starter and earned honors as an All-Big 10 player and team captain. He currently works in the venture capital industry helping to accelerate the growth of entrepreneurs and their businesses. Matt also serves as a Board member for several nonprofits that focus on education, entrepreneurship, economic mobility and enhancing the quality of life for retired athletes. He loves photography, traveling, reading, and spending time with family.

Stephy Samaras

Stephy Samaras.
2018.
Annapolis, MD.
I am organized.
I am hustling.
I am dominant.
BE unstoppable.

Stephy is the Director of Lacrosse at The St. James, where she leads player development, programming, and coaching initiatives to elevate the sport and create more opportunities for athletes at all levels.

As a former DI All-American defender at UVA, active coach, and business executive, Stephy is committed to growing the game, developing talent, and driving visibility for women’s sports. Her expertise in sales, marketing, partnerships, and athlete development makes her a powerful leader in the industry, helping shape the future of women's athletics.

Crista Samaras

Founder & CEO 

Crista Samaras.
1999.
New York City.
I am bold.
I am curious.
I surprise.
BE BOOM.

Crista graduated from Princeton University, where she was an outstanding lacrosse player. She was a three-time All American, three-time All Ivy League selection and two-time Ivy League Player of the Year. She played for the US Women’s Lacrosse Team from 1995-2007 (winning gold and silver medals at the 2001 and 2005 World Cup Games respectively). 

Prior to founding Brave Enterprises, Crista coached thousands of high school athletes for over a decade expertly weaving together the physical requirements of sport with the mental skills coaching that would serve as the foundation for the company. Passionate, intelligent, authentic and vulnerable, Crista is a master educator who is passionate about equipping students and student-athletes with the life skills needed to excel both on and off the field. Her purpose is to help people BOOM.

Jasi Docal

VP of Operations

Jasmine Docal.
2022.
Peru.
I am methodical.
I am sunshine.
I am growing.
BE The Engine.

Jasmine Docal Henry has a passion for optimization and a relentless work ethic. A Northwestern University graduate, she played Division I lacrosse while earning a degree in Human Development & Psychological Services and a Leadership Certificate.

After graduating, Jasi was eager to contribute to the work that had deeply impacted her as a player on XTEAM, leading her to join Brave as Director of Operations from 2018 to 2020. She then transitioned to managing a mentorship program for 150+ at-risk girls in the Houston Independent School District before working in college consulting and executive functioning coaching.

Jasi is known for her high-energy approach, thriving on efficiency, problem-solving, and structure. She wakes up every day ready to CRUSH IT, and when she’s not streamlining systems, you’ll find her hiking, surfing, skiing, or spending time with family and friends.