Meet Our Team
Each coach and educator brings a unique background in player development, education, and mentorship, ensuring every student-athlete receives elite-level training and personalized academic support.
FABIAN VEGA
Director of Soccer
Fabian Vega brings over 35 years of elite experience as both a player and coach in the worlds of soccer and futsal. A native of Peru, Fabian began his professional playing career at the age of 18 with Deportivo Municipal in the Peruvian first division. His impressive playing résumé includes stints with top-tier clubs such as Sport Boys (Peru), Dragons (El Salvador), and several U.S. A-League teams including the Long Island Rough Riders, Minnesota Thunder, and Maryland Mania. He also trained and competed with Major League Soccer’s D.C. United and represented his country with the Peruvian National Team.
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Transitioning from player to coach, Fabian has made a lasting impact on the development of soccer and futsal in the United States. He has coached premier clubs, soccer academies, and nationally ranked youth teams across the country. Fabian holds a KNVB Dutch License, USSF A License, NCSAA Level 1 Futsal License, LaLiga Formation Methodology Level 1 certification, and a prestigious FIFA CONMEBOL Professional Coaching License issued by the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF).
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Also a futsal coach, Fabian has led both men’s and women’s professional teams in Virginia and built a youth futsal program that has claimed multiple state, regional, and international championships—including back-to-back titles at the World Futsal Championship.
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In 2018, Fabian founded Ballers Elite, a high-level youth soccer and futsal program focused on supporting development throuhg soccer - now headquartered in Southern California. Under his leadership, Fabian has coached and developed some of the best youth players across the country and Ballers Elite has earned national acclaim and expanded its footprint through strategic partnerships in Virginia, New Jersey, and Texas. As Director of Soccer at Sisu Soccer Academy he will design and lead a player development curriculum that emphasizes not only technical excellence, but also personal leadership.
MARIO VEGA
Director of Technical Development
Mario brings a diverse international playing background shaped by high-level competition in both youth and professional football. His career began in the Division I youth ranks with Atlético Chalaco in Lima, Peru, before continuing in the United States at the semi-professional level with the Washington DC All-Stars in Arlington, Virginia. He later competed professionally with Brujos de Guayama in Puerto Rico and returned to Peru to play professionally for Atlético Chalaco, gaining valuable experience across different football cultures and competitive environments.
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Complementing his playing career, he holds an extensive set of coaching certifications and technical licenses recognized nationally and internationally. His qualifications include the U.S. Soccer Federation E License, multiple National Soccer Coaches Association of America diplomas and specialized courses, advanced futsal credentials through the National Association of Futsal Coaches, and a Brazilian A License. He also holds FIFA-recognized Category B and Technical Director A Licenses from the Peruvian Football Federation, affiliated with FIFA and CONMEBOL, reflecting a strong foundation in both traditional football and futsal development.
Shon Peace
Sports Performance Specialist | Strength and Conditioning Coach
Shon Peace is a Strength & Conditioning Coach and Sports Performance Specialist who has worked with athletes at the highest level, including the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and NWSL. He brings extensive experience training athletes from youth to professional levels across football, basketball, baseball, and soccer.
He specializes in speed, power, and movement development, utilizing data-driven systems, biomechanics, and individualized programming to maximize performance. Shon holds an MBA and multiple certifications, including USA Weightlifting Level 1, NASE-CSS, and Sports Nutrition Coaching. He is the Owner of Pro-Formance Training & Fitness and VLX Performance, where he develops athletes through structured, high-performance systems designed to deliver measurable results.
Kayla Bailey
Director- Elementary Education | Dyslexia Therapist, CALT, | Educator | Business Analyst
Kayla Bailey is a certified dyslexia therapist and experienced educator/education data analyst with 12 years of experience. She believes every child deserves the best education and the chance to reach their true potential. She loves the journey of teaching while helping students have fun, experience the “Aha!” moments, and grow in confidence as readers and learners.
Kayla holds a Bachelor’s degree and is certified to teach through TEA for all grade levels and subjects. She is also trained in the Take Flight program through Scottish Rite Hospital for dyslexia and ALTA-certified as a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT), Kayla works with students with dyslexia and other learning differences, tailoring instruction to meet each child’s unique needs. She leverages data analytics with educational data tools like Power BI and Excel to track progress and make informed decisions, ensuring that every student receives the support that helps them thrive.
Kayla is passionate about creating a positive, encouraging learning environment where students can succeed, enjoy learning, and discover their own love of learning.
Outside of the classroom, Kayla loves cheering on her daughter at soccer games, staying active through weightlifting, enjoying a good movie, playing pickleball and spending meaningful time with her family.
Education and Certifications:
East Texas A&M University: Bachelors of Science, Speech Communications
Southern Methodist University: Data Analytics and Visualization Certificate (3 years serving as a At Risk Data Analyst and Business Analyst for online public education Stride Inc.)
Texas Education Agency: Core Subjects EC-6, English as a Second Language,7-12 Speech Communications, Gifted and Talented
Scottish Rite Hospital: Dyslexia Therapy Graduate
Academic Language Therapy Association: Certified Academic Language Therapist, CALT (Dyslexia Therapy)
Erin Baker
Director- Middle School Education | Educator
Erin Baker is a certified teacher with 10 years of experience. She is dedicated to fostering student growth, academic excellence, and whole-child development. She holds both a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University, providing a strong foundation in student advocacy, social-emotional learning, and community-centered leadership.
Erin has worked with students across a wide range of backgrounds and learning needs, from Title I districts to top-tier, high-performing schools. Her experience also includes working within a sports residency school environment, where she supported student-athletes in balancing rigorous academic expectations with high-level athletic commitments. This experience has strengthened her ability to connect with diverse learners, differentiate instruction, and create inclusive, supportive learning environments for all students.
She brings a comprehensive instructional background, having taught 3rd–8th grade math, 3rd grade all subjects, and 7th grade science, as well as serving as a 7th/8th grade Math and Science Interventionist. Her diverse classroom experience enables her to leverage data-driven instruction, tailor curriculum to individual needs, and support both academic growth and confidence in her students.
Beyond the classroom, Erin is committed to student engagement and character development through athletics. She has coached 7th and 8th grade basketball, volleyball, and cheerleading, promoting teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills.
Outside of her professional role, Erin enjoys life with her family and is a proud parent of two children who compete in soccer at a high level and attend Sisu. This personal connection to competitive athletics and student development further informs her passion for supporting the whole child—both in and out of the classroom.
Education and Certifications:
Arizona State University: Bachelors of Science, Social Work
Arizona State University: Masters, Social Work
Texas Education Agency: PK–6 All Subjects Teaching Certification,4–8 All Subjects Teaching Certification, Science of Reading Certification
Sophia Fondren
2-5 Math and Science | Educator
Sophie Fondren is a dedicated, certified EC–12 teacher who is passionate about creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a Teaching concentration from Western Kentucky University.
After graduating, Sophie taught one-on-one English in Spain before returning to Texas to teach and coach for two years at a Title I middle school. As a former collegiate soccer player, she understands the commitment, discipline, and time management required to balance academics and athletics. She is passionate about helping student-athletes develop those same skills while building confidence both in the classroom and on the field.
In addition to teaching, Sophie is entering her third year as a coach with the FC Dallas Girls Youth Program, where she works with players ranging from U9 to U19. Her extensive playing and coaching experience allows her to build meaningful connections with students and create engaging, relevant learning experiences that inspire active participation and lifelong healthy habits.
Education and Certifications:
Western Kentucky University: Bachelors in Science, Physical Education- Teaching
Texas Education Agency: EC–12 Physical Education , EC–12 Technology Applications
Ashley Harris
6-8 Reading | Educator | Montessori Expert
Ashley Harris is an experienced educator with a passion for helping students learn, grow, and build confidence in the classroom. She believes every child deserves a supportive learning environment where they feel valued, encouraged, and empowered to reach their full potential. Ashley enjoys helping students develop academically, socially, and emotionally while fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Ashley brings experience from both traditional and Montessori educational settings, where she has developed expertise in individualized instruction, classroom management, special education support, and relationship-centered learning. She understands that every child learns differently and is committed to meeting students where they are while providing engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that build confidence and independence.
Throughout her career, Ashley has served in a variety of educational roles, including classroom teacher, substitute teacher, kindergarten aide, and gross motor developmental teacher. Her diverse background allows her to effectively support students with a wide range of learning styles and abilities while partnering with families and fellow educators to help every child succeed.
Ashley is passionate about creating positive, nurturing classrooms where students feel safe to take risks, celebrate growth, and discover the joy of learning.
Outside of the classroom, Ashley enjoys playing tennis, spending time with her family, getting lost in a good book, and taking long walks with her dog, Lola Mae.
Education and Experience:
Extensive experience in both traditional and Montessori educational settings
Certified Educator through TEA
Kindergarten Aide
Gross Motor Developmental Teacher
Experience supporting students with diverse learning needs and individualized instruction
Expertise in classroom management, relationship-centered learning, and special education support
Jessica Reyes
Certified Teaching Assistant
I began my journey as a teaching assistant in 2023, where I supported both students and educators in the classroom. Working within a Title I district provided me with valuable experience engaging with diverse learners and adapting to a wide range of academic needs. During this time, I have strengthened my ability to guide student learning while fostering a positive, inclusive classroom environment.
I am passionate about collaborating with teachers to create a supportive and engaging learning experience where every student feels encouraged to grow and succeed.
Certifications
Texas Education Agency: Educational Aide II
Jack Taylor
Transportation Director | Safety and Operations Specialist
With over 20 years of experience in transportation and safety management, Jack Taylor brings a level of professionalism, reliability, and care that defines the SISU standard.
Jack holds a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Passenger Endorsement, along with extensive certifications in defensive driving, safety compliance, and CPR/First Aid. His background reflects a deep commitment to not only operating vehicles—but ensuring every journey is executed with precision, accountability, and the highest level of safety.
At SISU, Jack leads transportation with a safety-first mindset, prioritizing the well-being of every student-athlete from pickup to drop-off. His experience spans route planning, fleet coordination, and real-time decision-making, ensuring efficient and dependable service for families.
More than just transportation, Jack understands the responsibility of being entrusted with young athletes. His calm leadership, attention to detail, and consistent professionalism create a secure and structured environment—allowing families to have complete confidence in SISU transportation.
At SISU, safety isn’t a feature—it’s the foundation. And Jack Taylor sets the standard.
