top of page
Our Team
MICHAEL KHMIA
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR/COACH
Mikheil Khmiadashvili is a former Davis Cup player and ATP-ranked professional in both singles and doubles. During his collegiate career, he achieved a Top 20 NCAA Division I ranking and was named the 2017 Big East Conference Player of the Year for Butler University. As a junior, Michael secured notable victories over current ATP Top 10 players, including Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov. He also served as an assistant coach at Santa Clara University, contributing to their Top 50 ranked tennis program success.
JERMAINE SMITH
HIGH PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR/COACH
Jermaine Smith has been a racquet sports professional for over 20 years. A highly accomplished tennis player, he held ATP world rankings in singles and doubles, won five Jamaica National Championships, and was named Jamaican Tennis Player of the Year four times. Jermaine also represented Jamaica in the Davis Cup for over a decade and served as an assistant coach. His passion and expertise in racquet sports make him an integral part of the Northwood team.
SHAYAAN FARHAD
COACH
Shayaan Farhad brings elite collegiate experience, sharp technical skill, and undeniable presence to Northwood’s coaching team. A former Moravian College standout who competed at the highest levels of DIII tennis, Shayaan pairs his heavy, disciplined playing style with a calm, confidence-building coaching approach that players instantly trust. He’s known for elevating athletes quickly—whether through modern technique work, movement optimization, or strategic match IQ—and his ability to connect with juniors, adults, and competitive players makes every session both high-performance and genuinely enjoyable. With Shayaan on court, athletes get a coach who’s driven, knowledgeable, and fully invested in helping them reach their next level.
ROMAN FARHAD
COACH
Roman Farhad is a high-level collegiate athlete and coach who brings consistency, strong fundamentals, and a competitive edge to every session at Northwood. With a standout 14–5 singles record at Moravian College and a reputation for smart, disciplined tennis, Roman helps players quickly sharpen their technique and on-court decision-making. His coaching style is calm, clear, and motivating—perfect for juniors and adults who want structured improvement without the pressure. Roman’s mix of positivity, precision, and real match experience makes him one of the Valley’s most reliable and engaging young coaches.
ELLYANA JACOBS
COACH
Ellyana Jacobs brings elite competitive experience, intensity, and a champion’s mindset to Northwood. A standout freshman at Mercyhurst University and a 4-Time First Team All-EPC honoree, she’s known for her aggressive baseline game, strong match instincts, and ability to rise in pressure moments. With multiple dominant UTR wins and a reputation for disciplined training, Ellyana helps players sharpen their technique, movement, and mental toughness fast. Her coaching style is positive, energetic, and highly engaging—making her an ideal fit for juniors and adults who want to develop confidence and play winning tennis. Ellyana is one of the Lehigh Valley’s rising young talents, and training with her means learning from someone who genuinely loves the sport and inspires others to do the same.
NATALIA SMITH
COACH
Natalia Smith is one of Northwood’s rising young coaches, bringing athleticism, confidence, and a rapidly developing competitive game to the court. A freshman player at Moravian University, Natalia has already proven herself with strong early-season singles wins and a composed on-court presence well beyond her age. Growing up around high-level tennis and the daughter of longtime Northwood pro Jermaine Smith, she brings a deep understanding of the sport and a natural ability to connect with juniors and beginners. Natalia’s coaching style is positive, patient, and energetic—perfect for players who want a fun, encouraging environment while still learning proper footwork, technique, and match habits. She represents the next generation of Northwood talent, blending fresh enthusiasm with the professionalism of someone raised in a true racquet-sport family.
ASHLEIGH HARRISON
FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST
Ashleigh Harrison is the friendly, organized, and dependable face that greets members as they walk into Northwood. With a strong background in customer service, communication, and administrative coordination, she keeps the front desk running smoothly and ensures every visitor feels welcome and supported. Ashleigh brings a calm, professional presence to a fast-paced environment, helping members with scheduling, questions, and day-to-day needs while creating a positive experience for everyone who walks through our doors. Known for her attention to detail and genuinely warm personality, Ashleigh plays a key role in the community feel that makes Northwood special.
CHARIS INNARELLA
FRONT DESK MANAGER
Charis, Northwood's Front Desk Manager, has been a valued part of the team for over 35 years, bringing her passion for sports and dedication to creating exceptional member experiences. A competitor on USTA teams and an avid pickleball player, Charis has over 30 years of coaching experience. She also serves as the Assistant Field Hockey Coach and Head Girls Lacrosse Coach at Freedom High School. Charis’s commitment to the success of both members and staff makes her an integral part of the Northwood team.
ISABELA GANGOTENA
FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST
Isabela Gangotena brings exceptional customer service experience, strong communication skills, and a calm, organized presence to Northwood’s front desk team. With a background in high-volume hospitality roles and administrative coordination, she’s skilled at handling member inquiries, managing check-ins, and keeping daily operations running smoothly. Isabela is warm, professional, and attentive—creating a welcoming environment for every guest who walks through the door. Currently completing her B.S. in Business Administration with a focus in Human Resource Management, she combines practical customer-facing experience with a strong understanding of organizational efficiency. Her bilingual abilities and natural ability to connect with people make her a valuable part of the Northwood community.
STEVEN VIAN
FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST
Steven Vian brings reliability, strong communication skills, and a professional, service-focused attitude to Northwood’s front desk team. As a Business Management major at West Chester University with experience in administrative support and customer interaction, Steven efficiently handles bookings, member check-ins, payments, and day-to-day inquiries with accuracy and a positive attitude. His background in research analysis and campus leadership shows through in his attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving—making him a steady and dependable presence for members and staff. Known for being approachable, motivated, and always willing to go the extra mile, Steven helps create the smooth, welcoming experience that Northwood prides itself on.
NOW HIRING!
TENNIS PROFESSIONAL
RACQUETS PROFESSIONAL
ASSISTANT TENNIS PROFESSIONAL
bottom of page