Meet Our NSCF Instructors – NY CT PA
NM BEN GERSHENOV
National Master Benjamin Gershenov is an accomplished player with multiple national championships, including his victory at the prestigious 2012 High School Nationals. His passion for chess was deeply influenced by his mentor, NSCF's esteemed coach Sunil. Driven by a desire to give back, Ben is dedicated to teaching and inspiring others through his knowledge and enthusiasm for the game.
NM Chris Welcome
NM Chris Welcome has taught chess to children since 2000, including within the curriculum of over 30 public schools. He has coached several school teams to national success and guided three young players past the 2000 rating level. He earned his National Master title in 1982. Chris was part of the "Black Bear School of Chess" in Brooklyn during the late 1970s, a group that fostered the development of many masters, including GM Maurice Ashley.
JIM SANTORELLI
Jim Santorelli, a co-founder and original Associate Executive Director of the NSCF, is a nationally recognized authority on chess in education with over 35 years of experience. He holds a USCF Candidate Master title and a business degree from Pace University. Jim has successfully guided his students to 13 National Championships. His instruction emphasizes strategic thinking and meticulous planning through carefully crafted classroom lectures, empowering players to enhance their skills.
Polly Wright
Polly Wright is a former New England Women's Champion, regularly ranked among the top 100 women in the U.S. She is also an active triathlete and a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, drawing on her competitive spirit to inspire students. Polly is a highly experienced tournament director of over 30 years. She holds the title of USCF Senior Tournament Director, frequently works at national championship events, and is the Chief Tournament Director for the NSCF and Hunter tournaments.
NATHAN GOLDBERG
Nathan Goldberg began teaching chess in 1999 and became an elementary math and chess teacher for the NYC Department of Education in 2005. He joined the NSCF in 2016 to focus entirely on chess instruction. A Category 1 player, Nathan helps students understand the connections between chess and other subjects, especially math. He uses creative resources like worksheets, puzzles, and poetry to challenge and motivate his students to achieve, seeing chess as a perfect metaphor for life.
COULTER LESLIE
Coulter Leslie has been an avid chess player since age 7. He has many years of classroom teaching experience across all grade levels (high school, middle school, and elementary) in subjects including social studies, science, and gardening. He also started his previous school's first chess club, bringing tremendous enthusiasm and extensive classroom experience to the NSCF.
JOE MAHER
Joe Maher learned chess as a child but began tournament play in college. A former NYPD lieutenant, Joe has been teaching chess since 1998. He previously served as the president of the Bronx-Yonkers Chess Club for many years. In addition to teaching for the NSCF, he has also served as one of our tournament directors and organizers.
CHRIS KEEFE
Chris Keefe has been a Class A tournament player since 2011, with a USCF peak rating of 1939. He has defeated many chess masters and drew International Master Jack Peters in 2016. A former student of Jeremy Silman and Dan Heisman, he has taught with the NSCF since 2017. Chris is also an accomplished musician: a pianist who has taught and performed music since 1998. He holds a BA in jazz studies from the New England Conservatory of Music and a master's degree from the Manhattan School of Music.
Silvio Rosato
Silvio Rosato has been an NSCF instructor since 1999, teaching both enrichment and curricular classes. He is a master of classroom management who effectively adjusts his teaching strategies, tone, and activities to meet students' needs. Silvio has served as a Tournament Director for the NSCF and the New York State Championships. He specializes in directing the K-1 section, where his calm demeanor and high standards ensure a positive experience for the youngest players and their parents.
LAWRENCE JOHNSON
Lawrence Johnson began playing chess in his youth, with a high point being his defeat of GM Svetozar Gligoric (then rated 20th in the world) in the 70s. After focusing on family and career, he returned to tournament play and has been an active senior player for over 20 years. Before joining the NSCF, Lawrence taught chess in New York City Public Schools for over 10 years.
ANTHONY FEDERICI
Anthony Federici grew up playing chess and found success teaching adaptive chess to special education and elementary students. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Sacred Heart University and worked in special education for 18 years. Outside of chess, he enjoys playing beach volleyball, pickleball, and bowling competitively.
PETE ZIMMER
Pete Zimmer learned chess from his father and has played his entire life. A graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music with a Jazz Drumming degree, he has taught music programs to all ages (kindergarten to adult). Pete brings the same enthusiasm to teaching chess. An active musician, he frequently plays New York’s top jazz clubs and appears on numerous recordings, including several as a band leader.
JORDAN FIGUEROA
Jordan Figueroa discovered chess at age 7 and competed in tournaments as an active member of both his high school and college chess clubs. His interest in teaching was shaped by volunteering as a mentor and tutor for underprivileged children at the "El Centro Hispano" non-profit. Jordan, who makes learning chess engaging, is set to graduate from Lehman College in 2025 with a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and a Mathematics minor.
KIERAN ROCHE
Kieran Roche learned to play chess at a young age and competed in tournaments throughout high school and college. A filmmaker and digital media content creator, he has extensive teaching experience in photography, film, and animation production. Kieran joined the NSCF as a chess instructor in early 2024.