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OUR TEAM
Jake Campbell | Executive Director
Jake has over two decades of experience with debate coaching and competition, which he draws upon to promote accessible debate education with students, teachers, and other partners. Having witnessed first-hand the transformative power of debate for students around the world, Jake is committed to providing the highest quality learning opportunities at Debate Spaces.
Breeze Petty | Program Director
Breeze is a Teach For America alum, former middle school English Language Arts teacher, and Speech and Debate coach. At Hamilton College, she founded the college’s first public speaking intensive through the Oral Communication Center, where she worked with students across disciplines to develop their communication and presentation skills. As an educator and coach, Breeze is passionate about helping students become confident speakers, thoughtful listeners, and compelling advocates for their ideas.
Courtney Foster | Deputy Program Director, Volunteer
Courtney is a native of Newton, Massachusetts, a Newton South Speech Team alum, and was a Bates College debate competitor under Matt and Tessa's leadership. In high school, Courtney quarterfinaled at the Harvard University tournament and finaled at the Columbia University tournament in Dramatic Performance. As a college debater, she was the 25th-Ranked U.S. Novice Speaker and competed at the U.S. Universities Debating Championship at Stanford University. Courtney is thrilled to continue engaging with speech and debate in the Boston area.
Amanda Ljustina | Deputy Executive Director, Volunteer
Amanda Ljustina is a graduate of the University of Toronto, where she obtained her Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Economics. Having experienced the empowering nature of public speaking and debate in her own career and life, Amanda is excited to be working with Debate Spaces to enable students around the world.