Mike McDonough, Executive Director

Thayer Academy ‘18, B.S. Political Science, University of Rochester ‘22, M.Ed. University of Massachusetts Boston ‘25

Mike became Executive Director in July of 2026. Mike is a former graduate of Project D.E.E.P. and has a lifelong history with Project D.E.E.P. Mike also benefited from the Project D.E.E.P. One-on-One Tutoring Program and Private Placement Program, which played a role in his attending and graduating from Thayer Academy. Mike manages and oversees D.E.E.P.’s academic programs throughout the year and handles day-to-day office responsibilities, as well as recruiting students and teachers for the programs. Mike recently graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a Master’s in Education and was recently hired as a full-time teacher at the Murphy School where Project D.E.E.P. is housed. As a former collegiate athlete, Mike is committed to D.E.E.P.’s motto, “Balancing School over Sports,” and has a long history of commitment to Dorchester’s youth.

Contact Mike at mike@projectdeep.org

Joe Young, Tutor Coordinator

Joe Young is a proud Dorchester native and a UMass Lowell graduate. He currently serves as a substitute teacher at the Richard J. Murphy School. He will be participating in the Boston Teacher Residency (BTR) program this year while pursuing his Master’s degree in Education at UMass Boston. Joe brings a strong passion for education, community engagement, and supporting student success.

Briana Dowling, Tutor Coordinator

Briana joins us from Western Massachusetts and graduated from UMass Boston. She currently works as a long-term substitute teacher in the middle school at the Richard J. Murphy School. Brianna has demonstrated a strong commitment to building positive relationships with students and creating engaging learning experiences that help all children thrive.