Our team
Tom von Oehsen, Executive Director
Thomas von Oehsen ran away to join the circus twice, the first time when he was accepted to the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Clown College, and the second time when he founded the Trenton Circus Squad. For over twenty years, Thomas has been encouraging youth all over the state of New Jersey to jump aboard the proverbial bandwagon—in fact an expression coined by P.T. Barnum!—to experience the joy and inclusivity of circus arts and the fulfillment and selflessness of civic engagement. Prior to starting Trenton Circus Squad, Thomas was the Director of Admission at Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart for fifteen years.
As a founding administrator in a start-up independent school, Thomas had to juggle and wear many hats while supporting the faculty, families and program. It was while working at PASH when Thomas first combined circus arts with civic engagement in a Network Summer Service Project. Based on the enthusiasm of the participants, Thomas began dreaming of starting a year-round Social Circus Program. After meeting Zoe Brookes, the two co-founded Trenton Circus Squad, and the dream became a reality.
Kordell Garland, Lead Coach
Kordell’s journey with Trenton Circus Squad began at the age of 15. As one of the original members, Kordell evolved into a junior coach upon high school graduation, and now serves as a full-time Lead Coach due to the growing demand for our outreach programs in Trenton.
Actively pursuing his degree, Kordell’s commitment extends beyond the circus; in 2023, he was elected Youth Coordinator for the Freedom Skate Park Board of Directors and completed the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen’s Emilio’s Culinary Program. His enduring dedication and progression within Trenton Circus Squad exemplify the profound impact and personal growth that our program fosters.
Andre Thomas, Life Skills Coach
Andre Thomas is the Life Skills Coach at the Trenton Circus Squad. His mission is to help others realize their potential and guide them towards the path of success. He offers invaluable guidance and coaching to squad members, junior coaches, and interns, ensuring they make good choices and create bright futures for themselves.
Andre’s journey began in 2001 when he joined Isles as the operations manager for the Isles’ Youth Institute. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by at-risk youth, he dedicated his time to teaching life skills, mentoring, and coaching these young individuals. Today, Andre continues to make a difference as the senior training manager at Isles, imparting his knowledge of lead-safe renovation and energy efficiency to contractors working to improve the communities they serve.
Together with his father, Calvin Thomas, Andre co-manages the youth leadership program, Healthy Relationship Healthy Choices, in partnership with The Father Center of NJ.
Bilal Halley, Coach
Eight years ago, Bilal joined Trenton Circus Squad, drawn by friends’ tales and a keen curiosity about circus arts. Since then, he’s mastered a diverse set of skills, from juggling and clowning to his specialty in face balancing.
After high school, Bilal’s journey continued as he transitioned
from a Junior Coach to becoming a full Coach in 2023. His experience in dynamic environments, including as a camp counselor, has enriched his coaching style. Bilal is driven by
a profound goal: to help others discover their purposes and develop their talents through the world of circus.
Joy Johnson, Coach
Joy’s journey with Trenton Circus Squad began through the influence of close friends who were already members. Over the years, Joy has transitioned from a Junior Coach to a full Coach in 2024, honing her expertise in a variety of circus skills from juggling to acrobatics. However, her true passion lies in aerial arts, specifically teaching sling, where she excels at guiding others to new heights.
Committed to being more than just a coach, Joy focuses on motivating young performers and helping them shine. Her dedication to teaching and continuous self-improvement embodies her deep commitment to helping others realize their fullest
potential.
Cam von Oehsen, Coach
Cam’s life has been intertwined with the circus from the beginning, mentored by his father, Tom. His deep connection with Trenton Circus Squad began during its early days as the Clown Academy, and he has passionately watched and helped the program flourish over the years.
Cam is skilled in various circus arts, from juggling to unicycling, but he has a particular flair for dunking and holds a special fondness for clowning—a nod to his father’s legacy. Ascending from Junior Coach in 2022 to a full Coach in 2023, Cam is now shaping the future of the Squad, inspiring new members with his dedication and diverse talents.
Board of Trustees
Elizabeth Borland, Board Chair
Dr. Borland is a sociology professor at TCNJ with a focus on social movements. She is committed to community-based research and has worked with teams of undergraduate students to assess data from the Trenton Circus Squad, in particular the enormous growth squad members make in developing their self-awareness, confidence, and interpersonal skills.
The incredible results of this review inspired her to join the board. Dr. Borland is enthusiastic about continuing to foster youth social emotional learning, which are vital skills in all areas of life.
She also loves seeing the Squad teach new skills to younger kids from the Trenton community in workshops that include everything from clowning and juggling to unicycling. Their excitement is contagious!
Frank Masters, Secretary
Frank Masters has spent his career helping mission-driven organizations strengthen their impact through data, technology, and thoughtful program design. At the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK), he serves as Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, supporting a wide range of community initiatives and building systems that help people thrive.
Frank’s connection to the circus arts is deeply personal. As a teenager and young adult, he performed professionally as a magician through his small entertainment business, Masters’ Magic. Those years taught him confidence, discipline, and the joy of creative expression, skills that continue to shape his work today.
He believes wholeheartedly in the transformative power of circus arts to build self-awareness, confidence, and community. Joining the Trenton Circus Squad board allows him to support a space where young people can discover that same sense of magic and possibility.
Ermine Smith, Treasurer
Ermine Smith is a retired Director Team Leader of Finance from Pfizer, Inc. She has over 30 years of experience with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Pfizer, where she held positions of increasing responsibility, from internal audit to budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and analysis, as well as data and compliance management.
Ermine had an expatriate assignment in Brazil for two years as Finance Director while at GSK, functioning in a hyperinflationary environment. She is currently volunteering as the Workshop Speaker Coordinator for Princeton Community Works and is extremely excited to be a part of the Trenton Circus Squad community.
Nahla A. Azmy
Nahla A. Azmy is a corporate finance and capital markets leader with 25+ years of experience advising public companies through growth, transformation, and engagement with the investment community. She has partnered closely with executive teams and boards during periods of strategic change, helping to shape narrative and stakeholder communication. Nahla brings financial, governance, and strategic communications expertise to the Trenton Circus Squad Board, along with a strong belief in the power of organizations that provide fair access and opportunity to build confidence, lifelong skills, and a strong sense of community and belonging for young people.
Eric Geoffrey
Eric Geoffrey ran away from home to join the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus straight out of high school in 1988 and has never looked back. He continues performing full-time with his wife Allison and the renowned Give & Take Jugglers and is also an accomplished tightwire walker.
Eric wears many circus hats on the days when he’s not performing. Managing the talent agency within The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, running weeklong circus residency programs in regional elementary schools, and is the go-to circus rigger for regional circus performers. Eric has long been an advocate recognizing the circus as the perfect vehicle for building community and personal empowerment. He is thrilled to serve the Trenton Circus Squad as it grows into one of the most vibrant social circus communities in North America.
Christina Jones
Christina Jones, Chief Operating Officer at Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County, brings over 20 years of experience as an organizational leader in non-profits, specifically supporting youth, families, and communities.
Christina has been the project director for the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant for many years. She is an advocate for Equity and Inclusivity, who prioritizes cultivating positive relationships in the workplace and
among people. She’s skilled in non-profit leadership, program development, community
outreach, and grant management.
Diana Rogers
Diana R. Rogers is a dedicated community and economic development professional with over 20 years of experience in public policy, neighborhood revitalization, and business support. As Executive Director of the Greater Mount Zion Trenton Community Development Corporation, she leads initiatives that promote sustainable growth, economic opportunities, and equitable development for historically marginalized communities.
Previously, Diana served as Senior Community Development Officer at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), where she played a key role in expanding financing and real estate development opportunities. Her leadership helped organize over 30 statewide events, connecting developers, municipalities, and investors to vital resources.
Mussa Sanoe
Mussa Sanoe is a finance professional with over 15 years of experience in financial management. He provides guidance on general accounting, financial services, modeling analyses, and regulatory compliance.
Mussa maintains strong advocacy for community engagement, enhancing the capabilities of youth to build confidence and self-worth.
He believes it’s important that local organizations take an active role in developing the next generation, which is what drew him to TCS. He’s excited to further support, promote, and work with the amazing students, board members, and greater community in furthering the mission of the Trenton Circus Squad.
Trenton Circus Squad values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Trenton Circus Squad is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal law.