New York City

In January 2024, we launched our first programs in New York. Located in the heart of Harlem, we serve 5th-grade students at P.S. 197 John B. Russwurm and 6th-grade students at Urban Assembly Academy for Future Leaders. The program offerings include music production, singing/songwriting, guitar, and Hip-Hop/rap. 

Guitars Over Guns New York

Meet our
new york mentors

Our mentors come from different walks of life and artistic paths, all connected by their love for the arts and a passion to pay it forward.

They are Guitars Over Guns’ heart and soul, implementing and customizing our comprehensive curriculum that uses arts-based mentoring as a powerful intervention tool for young people.

CHRISTIAN BRAVO

Rap

JUVI LAPORTE

Music Production

SHONTAI HOLLINGSWORTH

Wellness Mentor

KRYS PINTO

Guitar, Vocals

Matthew Diston

Vocals

Rose Lopez

Guitar & Vocals

WATCH OUR MINI DOCUMENTARY

Contact our new york location

NEW YORK OFFICE

805 Ditmas Ave
Suite 2G
Brooklyn, NY 11218
 
Interested in getting involved? Email us at info@guitarsoverguns.org

Shontai Hollingsworth

Wellness Mentor

A proud Brownsville, BK Native, Shontai Hollingsworth brings a deep passion for storytelling, mentorship, and youth empowerment to Guitars Over Guns. With a B.A. in English and a background in journalism—including writing for Vibe Magazine—Shontai understands the power of words and self-expression. As an experienced youth strategist, she has dedicated her career to creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and supported. Her work continues to inspire the next generation to find their voice and step into their greatness.

Krys Pinto

Guitar & Vocals

Hailing from the Bronx, NY, Krys Pinto is a multi-talented musician, well versed in playing guitar, drums, and songwriting. Since joining Guitars Over Guns in January 2024, Krys has been instrumental in launching the first GOGO NYC program in Harlem, where they teach guitar. Krys describes their time with GOGO as a truly transformative experience, saying, “I have never felt more fulfilled or like I’ve found my purpose.” Although they aren’t classically trained, Krys gracefully embraces any challenges and is constantly inspired by their students to grow and push themselves, truly embodying what it means to expect excellence. In addition to being named GOGO’s first-ever New York City Mentor of the Year, Krys is also a newly licensed massage therapist. GOGO NY’s Regional Director, Franklin Rossman, notes, “The beauty of working with Krys is the purity and authenticity of their emotions. It’s what connects so well with the young people in our program—the kids love Krys.” Krys’ passion, authenticity, and dedication make them an invaluable part of the Guitars Over Guns family and a role model for the young musicians they mentor.

Matthew Diston

Vocals

Matthew is a recent graduate from Carnegie Mellon University, where he received his BFA in musical theater. Matthew was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and from an early age had a strong affection for the arts. From singing in his first talent show at 9 years old, to joining drama club at Frank C Martin K-8 Center, to attending New World School of the Arts, to today! Matthew’s love for the arts never dwindled, and his desire for arts education only grew. Now a professional actor, singer, and dancer, Matthew hopes to inspire those who will continue the arts after him. 

Rose Lopez

Guitar & Vocals

Rose Lopez is a poet at heart; a singer-songwriter, producer, dancer and playwright working at the crossroads of sound and soul. She weaves words, melodies and movement into layered acts of social reflection and dialogue. Rose is a Bronx-born artist on a journey to inspire through music and dance. In 2020 she co-founded VCR Sounds with her husband Cesar in NYC. Combining years of music creation with a background in music education, Rose continues to share her expertise with aspiring artists, emphasizing the importance of melding artistic growth with technical mastery. With an unwavering love for soulful expressions, she aims to help artists truly find their voice and thrive.

D. Shim

Music Production & Engineering 

D. Shim is a Miami-based music producer, engineer, and founder of Vibe Out Studios. A graduate of Full Sail University’s Recording Arts program, he has worked with artists like Kelly Rowland, Ball Greezy, Trick Daddy, Mike Smiff, and Fredo Bang. His music has also been featured in films such as Cuzo The Movie and The Wrong Kind of Love, as well as on major radio stations including 103.5 The Beat, 99 Jamz, Power 96, and OVO Radio.

Beyond the studio, D. Shim is passionate about giving back. He has led workshops, music production camps, networking events, showcases, and mentorship programs. He strives to empower young creatives to explore their talents and see music as both a form of expression and a possible career.