Meet The Guidance Team
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Imani DeJesus – Vice President, Programs and Guidance
Imani DeJesus rejoined SEEDS as the Vice President, Programs & Guidance in August 2022. Previously, her work at the organization involved leading the academic programs for nearly 10 years where she most notably was the Founding Director of the College Scholars Program (2016). Before returning to SEEDS, Imani worked as the Director of Operations at Paul Robeson Charter School in Trenton, New Jersey where she oversaw the daily operations of the school and played a key role as a school leader. She’s built a career supporting young people through the nonprofit sector for nearly 15 years as an experienced college access professional, educator, and youth development specialist. Imani takes pride in implementing impactful youth and DEIB initiatives that support pathways for young people – especially those from marginalized backgrounds – to succeed. Though her professional career began in the Greater Philadelphia area and is now in the New York Metropolitan region, Imani is a native of New Jersey. She holds a BS in Biology and Psychology from Seton Hall University (South Orange, NJ) and has completed graduate courses in Organizational Leadership at Gonzaga University (Spokane, WA).
Amanda Maia, Guidance Officer
Amanda Maia is one of three Guidance Officers at SEEDS. Originally from Bushwick, Brooklyn and a proud Newark resident of 10 years, she is a first-generation Brazilian American. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Smith College with a double major in Sociology and Government. Her passion for theatre showed through her four years in undergrad by being a pillar of leadership in technical theatre, including lighting and set design.
During her undergraduate studies, Amanda honed in on her sociological research skills while studying abroad in Morocco in the Spring of 2022. Traveling throughout five cities in the span of three weeks, Amanda shed light on and uplifted the work of Amazigh businesswomen in rural Tiznit, as well as interviewing and documenting the narratives of Sub-Saharan migrant women who made their way to Morocco seeking better lives for their children. As a service oriented person, this work was a culmination of Amanda’s understanding of social equity, justice, and cross cultural community building. As SEEDS students navigate the application and matriculation process of American private institutions, it is Amanda’s aim to be a rock and guide for them to prepare for a world where their peers may have generations of access to independent education. Observation, inspiration, and determination are Amanda’s foundation for success.
In her free time, Amanda enjoys reading, cooking, painting, playing soccer and hopes to pick up surfing again in the near future.
Jared Roberts, Guidance Officer
Jared Roberts was born and raised in Bedford, New Hampshire before attending Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Prior to joining SEEDS, Jared has canvassed with the ACLU for LGBTQ+ issues, volunteered with organizations like Habitat for Humanity refurbishing homes, and was a member of the Actor’s Equity Association, performing in theaters around the US and on the high seas. Jared came to New Jersey in 2021 and is grateful to have found a second home supporting SEEDS scholars as a Guidance Officer.
Jared is a proud parent of his Shiba Inu, Yakul. In the time left he enjoys debating philosophy, reading about historical figures, and continues to study Japanese with his tutor.
“A clever mind is not a heart. Knowledge doesn’t really care, wisdom does.”
― Benjamin Hoff, The Tao of Pooh
Michelle Tyson, Guidance Officer
Michelle Tyson joined the SEEDS guidance team in 2024. Originally from Plainsboro, New Jersey, she holds a B.A. from Oberlin College in Ohio with majors in Politics, Music, and a minor in East Asian Studies. Her early role as a student lead tour guide at George School was where she first became acquainted with the independent school admissions world. She additionally holds experience in political advocacy nonprofit work, English tutoring for young students, and administrative support at a Chinese cultural exchange nonprofit through Rutgers.
Prior to joining SEEDS, Michelle lived in Jinan, China, serving as a college counselor for high school students applying to top-ranked universities around the globe. There, she also taught various classes on adjusting to college, navigating the Common Application, college interviews, and more.
Michelle is excited to help students with unconventional stories cultivate their best selves through SEEDS.
For more information, visit SEEDS’ staff page.