Our Mission
Use the power of sport to successfully reintegrate incarcerated youth back into society.
In 2018, Northern Illinois University and the Illinois Youth Center in St. Charles joined forces to create Project FLEX, a research and outreach program.
Today, the program operates in three state facilities and has a team of graduate students, alumni, and researchers who are dedicated to using sports as a way to make a positive impact on the lives of incarcerated youth.
Through evidence-based programming focused on physical and mental health, character development, career exploration, and higher education access, we aim to reduce recidivism rates and set youth up for success post-incarceration.
BREAK BARRIERS.
BUILD CONFIDENCE.
Founders and Directors
Zachary Wahl-Alexander, Ph. D.
Co-Founder and Co-Director
Jenn Jacobs, Ph.D.
Co-Founder and Co-Director
Timothy Mack
Senior Affiliate
With a double masters in Sport Management and Sport Psychology from Northern Illinois University, Tim was instrumental in launching the program as the first coach in 2018. While currently working with the Chicago Bears, he continues to be involved in Project Flex as a member of the leadership board and assists with staff training.
St. Anthony Lloyd
Facility Partner
As the Leisure Times Activities Supervisor at the Illinois Youth Center, St. Anthony oversees all outreach, volunteering, and programming for youth. He brings a wealth of experience to the role, having earned his master’s degree in physical education and worked in various youth programs across the country.
Diasee Scott
Project FLEX Ambassador
Diasee joined FLEX in 2018 and played a vital role as a leader in the program. He also took part in the first CREW leadership program in 2019. After his release, Diasee has been an active advocate for youth criminal justice and has been collaborating with Northwestern University’s Children and Family Justice Center.
Acquire skills.
Achieve Success.
Kenneth Riley Jr.
Swole Patrol Coordinator
Kenneth completed his master’s degree in exercise physiology at NIU and is dedicated to personal training and empowering athletes to achieve their optimal level of strength, speed, and fitness. He is deeply committed to sharing the physical and mental benefits of exercise with the community.
Izaiah Webb
Instructor, Warrenville
Izaiah is currently pursuing his second master’s degree in counseling at NIU, building upon his previous degree in sport psychology. He aims to become a certified mental performance consultant, with a focus on combining mindfulness and sport in both research and practical applications.
Javon Davis
Instructor, St. Charles
After earning his master’s degree in sport psychology from NIU, Javon is now pursuing his PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology at Old Dominion University, with the aim of becoming an industrial organizational psychologist for a leading sports organization.
Huntleigh Wozniak
Women's Program Head, Warrenville
Huntleigh is on track to complete her master’s degree in sport and exercise psychology and plans to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology. She is also dedicated to promoting equity and inclusion for women in the world of sports.
Gabrielle Bennett
Program Lead, Chicago
Gabrielle is currently pursuing her PhD with a focus on researching the teaching of transferable life skills to youth through sports. Her long-term goal is to join the faculty at a university that emphasizes both research and teaching.
Tim Mahoney
Program Lead, St. Charles
Tim is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology, with the aspiration of becoming a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. He is passionate about working with athletes to help them maximize their potential by improving their mental and physical performance.
Joey Mwachullah
Instructor, St. Charles
Joey is currently finishing his master’s degree in Sport Management at NIU. With his extensive experience in basketball programming and working with international communities, he hopes to join a professional sports organization in the future.
Khalen Young
Instructor, Warrenville & St. Charles
Khalen is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology at NIU. With his background and expertise in football programming, he aims to become a certified mental performance consultant and ultimately coach a university-level football team.
Marquis Green
Instructor, Chicago
Marquis is currently pursuing his master’s degree in physical education at NIU, with a unique background and expertise in security staff within the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. He aspires to become a high school physical education teacher.
Research Partners & Affiliates
Michael Hemphill, PhD.
University of North Carolina at Greenboro
Maria León, M.S.
Texas A&M University
Kalyn McDonough, MSW
Biden School of Public Policy & Administration, University of Delaware
Rosie Meek, PhD.
Royal Holloway University of London
Tim Brusseau, PhD.
University of Utah