Our Team – Board of Directors
Laila Faerman (Coach Lily), Founder
NATIONAL EXPERT • FIDE NATIONAL INSTRUCTOR • CERTIFIED TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR • 23 YEARS OF TEACHING CHESS
With over 20 years of experience, Laila Faerman (Coach Lily) is a distinguished chess educator and National Expert who has taught thousands of children and adults across New York City. Born in Russia, she began her training at Petrosian’s Chess Club in Moscow at age 4, later becoming the 2nd highest-rated female player in her U.S. age group and representing the United States at the World Youth Chess Championship in Paris.
Laila won the 1998 New York State High School Chess Championship and made history as the first female representative in the Denker Tournament of High School Champions in Hawaii. She also helped lead the renowned Edward R. Murrow High School team to a national title, later being recognized at New York City Hall. Her additional accomplishments include a top-three finish at the New York State Women’s Championship.
As a Certified Tournament Director, Laila has directed major national tournaments such as the World Open, the NYC and NY State Championships, and the SuperNationals. In 2024, she competed as part of the Google team at the FIDE Corporate World Championship, finishing 10th worldwide.
Beyond chess, Laila is an accomplished singer, performing at the Marshall Chess Club, US Amateur Team East, and SuperNationals VIII, where she sang the National Anthem (2025). She continues to merge her passions by creating events that celebrate the synergy of chess and music.
Dedicated and inspiring, Laila empowers her students to grow, excel, and discover the joy of reaching their fullest potential through the game of chess.
Elina Cotler
WOMAN INTERNATIONAL MASTER • US WOMEN’S CHAMPION • PAN AMERICAN YOUTH GIRLS’ CHAMPION
Elina Cotler grew up in Brooklyn, NY after immigrating as a teenager with her family. Elina won the New York State Women’s Chess Championships three years in a row (1996-1998). In 1998, she won the Pan American Youth Girl’s Chess Championship in the U18 age group. Three times she participated in the World Junior Chess Championship (1997-1999). In 2000, Elina tied for first place in the U.S. Women’s Chess Championship and was awarded the FIDE International Women Master (WIM) title. She graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and works for Deutsche Bank. While no longer an active chess player, Elina participates in corporate chess events and has volunteered as a chess instructor to inspire the next generation.
Josue Castillo
NATIONAL MASTER • FIDE NATIONAL INSTRUCTOR • 15+ YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL COACHING
Josue Castillo is an accomplished chess professional with over 15 years of experience as a FIDE-certified instructor and competitive player. He holds the titles of FIDE Candidate Master, US National Master, and FIDE National Instructor, and has competed throughout the United States, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.
Since 2010, Josue has specialized in teaching young players. He currently works at Avenues: The World School and The Browning School, leading after-school programs and preparing students for tournaments. He has also taught at UNIS, St. Bernard’s School, and The Lang School, and previously served as the team coach at Rosalyn Yalow Charter School, where he built strong, competitive teams.
Josue is committed to expanding chess access in the Dominican Republic, organizing programs for underserved children and helping develop players who have gone on to compete internationally.
As a competitor, he earned 2nd place at the World Open FIDE U2400 (2022), won the Duarte Province Championship (2007), and represented the Dominican Republic in the Friendly Olympic Teams Match against Puerto Rico (2013). He has also trained national champions and international medalists, contributing to the growth of rising chess talent.
