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.
Shani Wilcox
Director of Education | Educator
With over 20 years of experience in education, Shani has dedicated her career to supporting student success and fostering academic growth. She began her journey in the classroom as a teacher’s assistant from 2004 to 2008, gaining valuable insight into student learning and instructional support.
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In 2009, she transitioned into a teaching role, first as a 2nd grade teacher, then 3rd grade, and has been teaching 5th grade since 2013. As a lead teacher for the past eight years, she has taken on additional responsibilities in curriculum planning, mentoring peers, and driving instructional excellence.
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Shani holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education and is certified to teach grades 4–8 in all subjects. She also holds certifications in ESL (English as a Second Language), Reading Academy, and CPR, reflecting her commitment to both academic achievement and student well-being
Letoya Ware
Learning Behavior Specialist | Educator
Letoya Ware is a passionate educator with over 15 years of experience dedicated to helping
students learn, grow, and reach their full potential. She earned her Bachelor of Science in
Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University, a Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS I)
certification from Greenville College, and went on to earn her Master of Arts in Counseling with
an emphasis in both School Counseling and Professional Counseling from Lindenwood
University.
Letoya has taught and supported students from pre-K through 8th grade in Illinois and grades 2
through 6 in Texas, working in both general and special education classrooms. She also spent
three years as a school counselor, helping children navigate the social and emotional
challenges that come with growing up. That experience taught her that when a child feels safe
and cared for, learning comes naturally.
After several years of homeschooling her own daughter, Letoya joined SISU with a deep
understanding of what parents want for their kids and what children need to succeed. She is
passionate about getting to know each student as an individual and creating a classroom where
every child feels welcome, supported, and excited to learn.
Education and Certifications
Eastern Illinois University: Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education
Greenville College: Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS I)
Lindenwood University: Master of Arts, Counseling — School Counseling and Professional
Counseling
Illinois State Board of Education: Professional Educator License — Elementary Education
(K–9), Learning Behavior Specialist I (K–9)
Texas Education Agency: Educator Certifications — Special Education, School Counseling, Core Subjects EC-6th
Kayla Bailey
Dyslexia Therapist, CALT | Educator
Kayla Bailey is a certified dyslexia therapist and experienced educator 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 also uses 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, 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
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
Student Support Specialist | 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
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.