Meet Our Coaches
Lin Thomas
Lin Thomas is a TEDx speaker and the author of the multicultural children's novel, Every Sparrow was Made to Fly. She is a published author with Chicken Soup for the Soul series, a NY Times Best Selling series published in over 32 languages and 100 countries. She is also a published author with Project Management.com run by PMI (Project Management Institute).
Positions served:
- Ms. Thomas served as a Literary Judge for Hunt District PTA- Reflections 2020 competition covering Loudoun County, Clarke County, Frederick County, Warren County & Winchester City.
- VP- Public Relations of the Dulles South Toastmaster's Club.
- VP Fundraising of Eagle Ridge Middle School PTA
- Previously the Editor, Secretary, and Youth Liaison of KAGW, a non-profit organization based in the DC Metro area.
Accomplishments, Awards & Certifications:
- Certificate in Exercising Leadership by HarvardX, Harvard University
- Project Management Professional (PMP) by PMI since 2011.
- The Yay Learner Podcast was listed as #9 in the Top Podcasts of 2020 on Positive Attitude by PlayerFM. Podcast listed #3 in the Top Podcasts on Pandemic -How To by Pod.Casts.Io
- 11 awards at Toastmaster International awards at District, Area and Division levels for International Speech, Table Topics, Humorous and Tall Tales categories
She has been Primary Coach for a team that won 1st place at VA State Odyssey of the Mind Tournaments and competed at Worlds. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, and a Diploma in Writing from Institute of Children’s Writers. Read more about Lin at www.linthomas.com
Auxiliary coaches
Melissa Thomas
Melissa is a student at Carnegie Mellon University with the Tepper School of Business. She was the Virginia State Parliamentarian of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and a Youth Ambassador for the Capital Region of YWIB. She is a TedX speaker and has won several awards in Public Speaking at state and regional levels as part of the Technology Student Assocation. Her awards include
- 1st Place- CMU American Marketing Association Case Competition
- 1st Place- CMU Undergraduate Consulting Case Competition
- 1st Place- CMU Women In Business Social Impact Case Competition
- TSA VA State 2022 - Prepared Presentation -1st Place, May 2022
- TSA VA State Fall Events 2023 - Prepared Presentation -2nd Place, Nov 2022
- FBLA VA State- Intro to Public Speaking, 2022 -2nd Place, Apr 2021
- FBLA VA State- Business Ethics, 2023 -2nd Place, Apr 2023
- TSA VA State Fall Events 2023 -Essays on Technology -3rd Place, Nov 2022
- FBLA Business Achievement Awards, Jun 2022; Received all 4 Business Achievement Awards through the National FBLA organization: -Contributor, Leader, Advocate, and Capstone Award
- WACFL Regional Policy Debate Competition - 3rd Place in speaker awards, Nov 2020
Annie Sunny
Annie Sunny is a versatile professional whose journey spans communications, business strategy, and community leadership.She began her career in public relations and corporate communications, then moved into a range of analyst roles—including at a mergers and acquisitions firm—and currently works as a Business Analyst in Washington, D.C. Along the way, she also ran her own business.
Annie holds a post-graduate diploma from the Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, and a Master’s degree in Management from H.R. College, Mumbai. Her academic foundation laid the groundwork for a rich and multifaceted career.
Her love for public speaking and creative expression began early—she actively participated in debates, elocution, and extempore competitions, earning several accolades in college and during her time in the agency world. Annie contributed to People’s Insights: a thought leadership series by MSLGROUP. Some of her work was also featured as top presentations in SlideShare in the category of Marketing and Corporate Social Responsibility.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Annie is deeply committed to community service. A lifelong volunteer, she has taught underprivileged children, served as a volunteer with multiple non-profits, and has been an integral part of her neighborhood’s communications committee—where she now serves as Chair.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anniesunny/
Adv. Rajan Mathew
Adv. Rajan Mathew, (retd) is a former Chief Instructor of the State Bank of India Training Center and also a former Director of YES (Youth Empowerment Society) Foundation, Goa
He is trained in Behavioral Science with a demonstrated history of working in the events services industry.
Skilled in Customer Service, Corporate Finance, Coaching, and Project Finance. He is a strong professional with a CAIIB focused in Banking and Financial Support Services from the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance.
Mr. Mathew has a strong background in Public Speaking starting with the Junior Chamber (Jaycees) and later with Rotary International. He is an avid reader and heads the Yay Learner workshops in the Blacksburg area.
He has a Bachelor's degree in Commerce and a Law (LLB) degree from the University of Mumbai. He also has an M.A in Sociology.
Savia Thomas
Savia has led a TSA (Technology Student Association) chapter, with wins at the National and State level. Her leadership positions and awards include:
- STAGE Non-Profit, Social Media Lead
- Shanti Bhavan Nonprofit — Finance Chair 2023-present
- Save the Children VA Ambassador
- Future Problem Solvers club, social media manager.
- Kerala Association of Greater Washington, non-profit, Head of Social Services (youth) (2025), volunteer
- LCPS Student Equity Ambassador — Youth 2021-2022
- Drama Club Officer (2021-22)
- Student Council Senator (2020-21)
- TJHSST Girls Golf (2023)
- TSA Fall Events, multiple awards (2024)
- TSA Nationals, 3rd in Essays on Technology (2023)
- TSA VA States, 1st Digital Photography and 3rd STEM Animation (2023)
- TSA VA States, 2nd Audio Podcasting (2024)
- TSA Fall Events 3rd in Prepared Speech (2022)
- TSA Northern Regionals, 2nd STEM Animation (2023)
- TSA Northern Regionals, 2nd Photographic Tech (2024)
- All District Choir (21-22) (22-23)
- Presidential Award (2023) and 2025
- Winner - Western Vocals-Juniors; Notes n Beats - 2021
- Winner of Eagle Ridge Choral Director’s award for original music production (2023)
- Original Music Production, Lyricist, and Singer on Spotify. Lead singer of One Rule band with 12+ live events including Leesburg Town Crossroads festival.
Neva Jose
Neva J is the president of National English Honor Society (NEHS) chapter and the president of the UNICEF club at Briar Wood’s High school. She was previously the Secretary of NEHS.
A former student and child author of Zeal, she also coaches at Yay Learner. Neva placed at regionals and competed at the VA state level DECA competition. She also plays high school volleyball.
Neva works well with young kids and helps them build confidence in speaking.
She also works with the elderly at Ashby Ponds. She will be attending Virginia Tech this fall. She is an AP Scholar and also holds an officer position with the Habitat for Humanity.