College Success Coach Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-0051[email protected] Anthony Mam graduated from Cranston High School East in 2007. He earned a Bachelor of Science in actuarial mathematics from Bryant University in 2011 and a Master of Science in college student personnel from the University of Rhode Island in 2013. Prior to joining us as a high school advisor, Anthony worked as a staff member at the Brown Center for Students of Color at Brown University, at the Rhode Island School of Design and Roger Williams University as a residence hall director.
Shanty Pineda
College Success Coach (Accelerate Dual Enrollment Cohort)
College Success Coach (Accelerate Dual Enrollment Cohort) Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1866[email protected] Shanty Pineda, an Onward We Learn alumna. She worked for the popular CAAP program as a mentor and program site manager for seven years before joining the staff full-time as an advisor. She graduated from Classical High School and later earned a Bachelor of Science in business management with a concentration in human resources from Rhode Island College. She is passionate about creating meaningful connections with students and serving as a resource in any way she can.
Associate Director of College Admissions Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-0057[email protected] Vicky started her tenure at Onward We Learn in 2022 as the College Success Coach for URI before most recently serving as the College Success Coach for the Accelerate Dual Enrollment Program at CCRI. Prior to Onward, Vicky spent five years working in college admissions at Mount Ida College and Wheaton College in MA. A born-and-raised Rhode Islander, Vicky attended Fitchburg State University as a first-generation college student, earning her Bachelor of Science in Communications Media with a concentration in photography in 2011. She earned her Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University's College of Professional Studies in 2019. In addition to her role at Onward, Vicky also works as a part-time seasonal application reader for Providence College.
College Success Coach Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1837[email protected] Neni Benzan was born and raised in Providence and was a Talent Development Scholar at the University of Rhode Island, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with minors in leadership, business, and human development and family studies. While at URI, Neni served as director of public relations for the Interfraternity Council, resident advisor, orientation leader, and behavior technician for children with autism. He is a Onward We Learn alumnus and says his drive for success stems from helping others recognize their true potential through intellectual, moral, social, and emotional development.
College and Career Success Coach Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-854-5508[email protected] Marlex Torres has a rich background in higher education and a deep commitment to supporting first generation students. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Ana G. Mendez University earned in 2015 and an MBA from Johnson and Wales University earned in 2017. With nearly seven years at CCRI, Marlex has extensive experience in student affairs and admissions, where she has worked tirelessly to close opportunity gaps and advocate for equity for marginalized communities. Inspired by their mother, a dedicated college counselor, she strives to be a source of support and guidance for all students on their career and educational journeys.
College Success Coach Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1866 Kassandra will be temporarily covering the URI caseload. Kassandra’s professional background is in case management and as a school-based Navigator. She has experience working with students with different learning needs and in behavioral health. She also knows URI quite well: She received her associate in general studies at CCRI and then transferred to URI and completed a double major in Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies. While an undergraduate at URI she was a Dean’s List student who was involved in the Psi Chi Honors Society. She is continuing her studies as a graduate student in URI’s Adult Education MA program .
