Staff

Amanda Frantz
Executive Director

Amanda joins us after several years working with youth and families affected by a disability; first as a Program Director and Advocate with Children’s Bible Fellowship of New York, Inc. and then as an After-School Group Leader with The YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood.  As Program Director and Advocate with Children’s Bible Fellowship, Amanda created and facilitated activities for youth with diverse abilities, supervised and trained staff, and empowered parents by connecting them with community resources.  As an After-School Group Leader, she engaged middle school students in academic and recreational activities to ensure their future success. Amanda’s passion for this line of work comes from her professional and personal experience – she has diverse abilities – and a desire to see kids be kids. 

Contact Amanda at afrantz@keennewyork.org.



John Lankenau
Program Coordinator

John had been a volunteer, then Coach with KEEN for years before joining the KEEN team as Program Coordinator.
Originally invited to one session by a coach back in 2011, his passion for the Athlees and families grew, and he has been coming back ever since; becoming a member of the Coaches Committee the next year.

He is a painter who has worked as a Private Chef, an Advertising Director, Photographer. Originally from New York, John returned to the U.S. after years living abroad painting and learning other languages, cooking and exhibiting various artwork in Paris, Vienna and Amsterdam. John brings his enthusiasm and creativity to his role and bring these same qualities out of our volunteers and Athletes.

Contact John at jlankenau@keennewyork.org.


Katie Cook
Program Coordinator

Katie joins the team with a background in staff management and event planning.  Over the years, she has coordinated fundraisers for KEEN and a variety of non-profit and charitable institutions in NYC. She is enthusiastic about working with the staff, volunteers and families at KEEN and will facilitate communication to better serve and enhance the experience of the Athletes.

Katie, a native Floridian, has lived in NYC for almost two decades and currently resides in Astoria with her husband and son. 

Contact Katie at kcook@keennewyork.org.