Chief Program Officer Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0212[email protected] Alejandro Molina brings experience in Rhode Island’s out-of-school and extended learning opportunity community to Onward We Learn. His previous roles include serving as the deputy director of the Providence After School Alliance (PASA) and the assistant chief of planning for the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Most recently, Alejandro has served as the managing director of impact for City Year Providence.
A native of Mamaroneck, New York, Alejandro earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Oswego State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Rhode Island. In his free time, Alejandro loves spending time with his wife, Caitlin, and their two children, Milo and Ela. Alejandro supports several local and national organizations, including Paul Cuffee Charter School, Youth in Action, Nowell Academy School, and Phi Iota Alpha Latino Fraternity Inc.
Director of Curriculum and Instruction Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0307[email protected] Alessio Pari is a veteran educator with extensive experience in curriculum design and implementation, classroom instruction, assessment, experiential education, career coaching, academic advising, and more. He most recently served as a Math teacher, 10th Grade Lead, and Math Department Head at Paul Cuffee Upper School, and as a part-time employee of Onward We Learn he played a key role developing and facilitating our middle school CAAP program. He holds two Master’s degrees in Counseling (focused on Higher Ed.) and in Urban Teaching (focused on Curriculum and Administration), both from Providence College, and he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management at Lesley College.
Director of High School Success Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1893[email protected] Ana Almeida is an experienced professional with over 12 years of expertise in college access, specializing in college admissions. She has presented on various college admissions topics at both local and national conferences and has served on advisory boards for admission offices at several colleges and universities. As the Director of High School Success at Onward We Learn, Ana leads the development and implementation of a strategic plan alongside high school advisors to support students in navigating their secondary education and achieving academic success. Prior to her current role, she served as a College Admissions Coach and Associate Director of College Admissions, where she developed the Honorific Program and guided cohorts of Honorific students through selective college admissions preparation. Ana graduated from Hope High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Portuguese and Brazilian Studies and Political Science from Brown University, followed by a Master’s in Higher Education from Providence College.
High School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member[email protected] Andre Freeman was born and raised in Providence, RI. After attending Classical High School, he graduated with a degree in Digital Media Production from New England Institute of Technology in 2022. Before joining Onward We Learn, Andre worked as a Substitute Teacher in the Providence School District.
President and CEO Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0220[email protected] Andrew Bramson is responsible for setting overall goals and operational priorities that advance Onward We Learn's mission. He is a member of the Governor’s Workforce Board Career Pathways Advisory Committee, the RIDE Individual Learning Plan Committee, the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce Education and Workforce Committee, and the Central Falls School District Board of Trustees. He also serves as a board member of the Latino Policy Institute at Roger Williams University, is a trustee of Temple Beth-El, and was previously on the Advisory Board for Youth in Action. Prior to joining Onward, Andrew held senior leadership positions at The Providence Plan, serving as development director, deputy director, and director of DataSpark, a cornerstone initiative of the organization that connects data and people to inform, empower, and inspire innovative decision making. He also worked as senior planner for the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission in Duluth, Minnesota. Early in his career, Andrew served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Hungary, where he taught environmental education and advised nonprofit organizations. A graduate of Leadership Rhode Island’s Class of 2015, he holds a Bachelor of Science in natural resources and environment from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a Master of Arts in management from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota.
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.
Program Operations Specialist Onward We Learn Staff Member[email protected] Becca graduated from the University of Texas in 2019 with a math degree. From there, she went to teach middle school math for 3 years in underserved areas of Austin. After teaching, she moved to the informal education space, working for the non-profit, Girlstart. There, she discovered a passion for providing education and resources for students beyond the classroom. Becca is thrilled to continue utilizing her passion for helping students succeed as the Program Operations Specialist at Onward We Learn.
FAFSA Implementation Project Manager Onward We Learn Staff Member[email protected] At Onward, Breisha is the FAFSA Implementation Project Manager. Her focus is maintaining data and planning events for all milestones related to the FAFSA. i Additionally she coordinates with external partners. She uses her skills from years of working in high volume retail leadership and as a graduate student at Rhode Island Colleges Mental Health Counseling master’s program to build rapport and connection within the community and helps to ease the anxiety surrounding the college and FAFSA process. She was a McNair Scholar and graduated from Rhode Island College in 2022 with her bachelor’s in psychology. She has years of mentoring young professionals who are interested in growing professionally and personally.
Mobile High School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-753-2737[email protected] Cesar Grande graduated from College of the Holy Cross with a bachelor's degree in Sociology and a concentration in Latin American, Latinx and Caribbean Studies. Cesar Grande's journey at Onward We Learn began as a middle school student, then as an intern for the Honorific program. He now joins Onward We Learn as a Mobile High School Advisor.
High School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member[email protected] Courtney Price, a graduate of Feinstein High School, earned her undergraduate degree at College Unbound and a master's in urban education policy from Brown University. Courtney has worked with Providence Students for over two decades.
Senior Director of People and Culture Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0215[email protected] Daisel Ramos brings over 14 years of experience leading operations in both the non-profit sector as well as education. Most recently, Daisel served as Human Capital Coordinator at Central Falls School District where she improved Human Resource Systems, advocated for equitable practices and created opportunities to empower the community. She is passionate about redefining the field of Human Resources by focusing on people first. Daisel will be responsible for developing a people and culture strategy that aligns with Onward's mission, vision, values and strategic goals. Daisel was born in Puerto Rico is fluent in Spanish.
High School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1802[email protected] Dwayne Clement graduated from Central High School in 1997. He went on to attend Rhode Island College and graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology.
Director of Recruitment and Admissions Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0217[email protected] Elaine Santana was a middle school advisor at Onward from 2015-20 and returned to the organization in 2022 as a college success coach. Prior to returning, she provided college and career counseling in the guidance departments at Evolution High School and Mount Pleasant High School for two years. She has a Bachelor of Arts in human development and family studies from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Education in professional school counseling from Providence College.
High School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1898[email protected] Eli Itkin, a graduate of Shea High School in Pawtucket, earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Rhode Island College and previously attended Husson University in Maine. He has coached basketball and tennis, including at Shea, and brings a commitment to youth development and college access to his advising role.
Middle School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0205[email protected] Ellie Welborn comes to Onward We Learn from City Year Providence, where she worked at Delsesto Middle School for the past two years after being an AmeriCorps member and team leader. She graduated from Cameron University in her native Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts in international languages and was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Indonesia.
Director of Data and Evaluation Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0301[email protected] Erin Twomey-Wilson oversees data and evaluation at Onward We Learn to inform development, implementation, measurement and communication about the impact of student and parent programs. Prior to joining our staff, she served as an underwriting analyst for Blue Cross Blue Shield and a research analyst for the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Erin holds a Master of Applied Statistics from Penn State University, a Master of Science in physics from University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, a Bachelor of Science in Earth science from Bridgewater State University and an associate degree in liberal arts from Bristol Community College. She has been a member of the American Statistical Association since 2012 and holds Graduate Statistician (Gstat) status. She is also a member of the Physics Industrial Advisory Board at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and the American Statistical Association Committee on Career Development.
High School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1834[email protected] Faith is a recent graduate of Boston University, where she majored in Political Science and minored in Sociology. Prior to attending BU, Faith was a member of the first graduating class at Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy. She is an active community member and volunteers in many capacities which includes cheerleading and basketball coaching.
High School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member[email protected] Francisco is a Providence native and An alumnus of Onward We Learn. In 2023, he earned a Bachelor of Arts having double majored in Justice studies and Sociology. An advocate of Autism awareness he is also a registered behavior technician. Francisco aspires to continue aiding underserved communities.
Director of Middle School Success Onward We Learn Staff Member[email protected] Gabriella Rizvi is a Rhode Island native and a first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor in Political Science from Boston University. Prior to joining Onward, Gabriella served as a Center Director for Early Head Start and Head Start programs in the Greater Boston area for two and a half years. Gabriella brings 7 years of nonprofit experience to her role at Onward, focusing on data efficiencies, process improvement, and staff satisfaction. Outside of work, she is passionate about fictional thriller books, spending time outside with her dog and baby boy, gardening, and cooking.
High School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0204 Guadalupe "Lupe" Chavez graduated with a bachelor's in social work from Rhode Island College in 2022. She became the first in her family to attend and graduate from college. Before joining Onward We Learn, Lupe worked at Tides Family Services where she learned that persistence is key when it comes to engaging with youth. Lupe likes to describe herself as dependable, dedicated, and delightful to work with. She also spends time in her community as a director for a non-profit traditional Mexican folkloric dance group named "Ballet Folklorico Misol-Ha" where she instructs and inspires students to learn about the captivating traditional dances from Mexico.
Middle School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member (401) 854-5511[email protected] Jarna Uddin is a passionate youth development professional who holds a bachelor's degree from Framingham State University. Prior to joining Onward We Learn, Jarna gained valuable experience working as a Behavioral Health Technician, where she focused on supporting students with Autism. This role ignited her dedication to ensuring that every student feels valued, acknowledged, and included. Jarna is committed to creating nurturing and inclusive environments for young people, driven by her unwavering passion to make a positive impact on their lives.
Middle School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1867[email protected] Jennifer Navia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Environmental Studies and has aspirations to pursue a Master’s degree in the future. Her diverse experiences have equipped her with the skills necessary to be a successful advisor. Jennifer was previously a student in our program, back when it was known as College Crusade of RI. During her time in the public school system, she developed close relationships with her advisors, which gave her a deep understanding of the various programs available to students and the kind of support advisors provide as they prepare for college
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 .
Senior Director of College Access and Success Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0214[email protected] Keri Rossi-D’entremont has worked within postsecondary education in Rhode Island for over 19 years with substantial experience providing services, college advising and career counseling to students. Keri has developed and implemented successful, comprehensive statewide campaigns to recruit and support students in college including students with disabilities, first generation students and students from historically marginalized identities.
High School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 4014007431[email protected] Leonard Versola is a graduate of Vassar College, where they majored in Education and Music and minored in Sociology. They call Las Vegas, Nevada, and Manila, Philippines home. Before joining the organization, Leonard worked at Brown University and Oberlin College where they supported students through community programming. They are excited to help students get to and through college as a first-generation, low-income graduate themselves. Leonard is a fan of musicals, baking, and fantasy novels.
Family Engagement Coordinator Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0305 [email protected] Manny Garcia, a Onward We Learn alumna, attended Calcutt Middle School and graduated from Central Falls High School in 2013. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in human development and family studies, with a minor in Spanish, from the University of Rhode Island in 2017. Prior to joining our staff as a middle school advisor, she worked as an advisor for our CAAP program and for Rhode Island Write on Sports. She also served as a fellow for the Central Falls School District and for the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
High School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1902[email protected] Maria Gonzalez was born and raised in Providence, graduating from E-Cubed Academy High School in 2017. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication at Rhode Island College in 2021, becoming the first in her family to hold a college degree. Before joining the organization, Maria gained experience in student affairs while working at the Undergraduate Admissions Office at Rhode Island College and Enrollment Services at the Community College of Rhode Island.
Finance Associate Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0211[email protected] Marie Martin has been in accounting/finance for more than 35 years and has worked for nonprofit organizations for the last 10 years. For four years, she was the accounting assistant at Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England and previously was the bookkeeper at Amos House. In her most recent position, Marie was the bookkeeper/office manager at The Haitian Project.
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.
Admissions Coordinator Onward We Learn Staff Member[email protected] Nate is a first-generation college graduate from Providence, Rhode Island. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2021 as a Talent Development Scholar, where he studied political science with a minor in business. In 2020, he was awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship for an internship program abroad in Barcelona, Spain. In 2021, he was awarded the Michael P. Metcalf Memorial Fund and Christine T. Grinavic Adventurer's Fund from the Rhode Island Foundation to volunteer in Nicaragua and Hawaii. In 2024, he participated in The Fulbright Program in Panama City, Panama, through the Institute of International Education, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Additionally, he is a certified Clifton Strengths Coach through Leadership Rhode Island. His experiences focus on international affairs, business development, and education.
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.
Middle School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1806[email protected] Olivia earned an associate in arts degree from Community College of Rhode Island. Then, she continued her education to obtain a bachelor's in science in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Education at the University of Rhode Island. Olivia plans to further her education with a master's in education from Western Governors University this fall. Her last role in education was in an Early Education setting. Olivia is passionate about working with students in a school environment who need extra support to be successful.
Middle School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0302[email protected] In 2016, Paloma Goico graduated from Paul Cuffee High School, and received a BA in Psychology from Rhode Island College in 2020. Paloma has worked in PASS and ABA while gaining experience in social work and counseling throughout her career journey.
Senior Director of Strategy and Partnerships Onward We Learn Staff Member[email protected] Pegah Rahmanian joins the Onward We Learn team as the Senior Director of Strategy and Partnerships. With 15 years of nonprofit and higher education experience, Pegah brings executive oversight that inspires curiosity, reflection, intelligence, joy, and connection. Her past experiences include Executive Director of Youth In Action, YMCA Program Director, and most recently the Associate Dean of Students at Rhode Island College. A native of Ohio and the daughter of Iranian immigrants, Pegah is no stranger to the intricacies and nuances of shapeshifting to belong. Belonging is central to her work and informs how she engages with the world. As a first-generation college student and first-generation US citizen, she feels she has found a home at Onward We Learn. Pegah earned her BA from Oberlin College in Gender and Women Studies, Anthropology, and Comparative American Studies as well as an MA from Wright State University in Sociology. She loves being outdoors, cooking, and collecting - you can find her around town with two kids in tow, usually with a smile.
Middle School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1890[email protected] Priscila Mayol Negron is a dedicated youth development professional who graduated from Rhode Island College with a Bachelor's degree in Youth Development. Before joining Onward We Learn, Priscila worked as a middle school after-school site coordinator. In this role, she developed a passion for making every student feel seen and important, which continues to drive her commitment to fostering supportive and inclusive environments for young people.
Information Technology Support Specialist Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0201[email protected] Ryan Durgin is responsible for all aspects of computer setup, installation, troubleshooting, service, upgrades and maintenance for the Onward We Learn. Prior to joining our staff, he served as IT support specialist for Neighbors Emergency Center and Optum Healthcare. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from the University of Rhode Island.
High School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1833[email protected] Sage Leimer graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 2021 with her bachelor’s in psychology and a concentration in Peace and Conflict Studies. Before joining Onward We Learn as a High School Advisor, Sage previously worked in Central Falls with their Multilingual Learners programs, at Federal Hill House as a Teen Summer Program Leader, and at Holy Cross with their Passport program for first-generation college students.
Program Operation Specialist Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0306[email protected] Sarah Lessard is serving as interim director of middle school success, coordinating the work of our middle school advisors as well as overseeing the admissions process.
In her role as program specialist for Onward, she coordinates our advisory reporting system, oversees student program attendance and service data, and plays a key role in our daily communications with families and students. Previously she served on our middle school advisory team at schools in Cranston and West Warwick. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Bachelor of Science in human development and family studies, with a focus in family and community settings, from the University of Rhode Island. She also earned a T.E.F.L. certification from Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Spain.
Middle School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1805[email protected] Shanice Goncalves earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a concentration in justice studies and international nongovernmental studies from Rhode Island College. She previously worked as volunteer coordinator at Dorcas International, where she managed supplementary volunteer workforce from corporate, religious, academic, and community partnerships such as Brown University, Providence College, Bank of America, and Hasbro. Her passion for youth and community development drives the work that she does.
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.
High School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member (401) 519-0218[email protected] Steven Cepeda is a passionate high school advisor and Onward alumni at Onward We Learn with a strong commitment to supporting underserved and under-resourced communities. As a first-generation Dominican, Steven holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications, specializing in Public Relations and Mass Media, complemented by a minor in Computer Science and Web Development from Rhode Island College (RIC). He formally served as the Volunteer and Intern Coordinator at The Empowerment Factory (TEF) and an Orientation Leader at RIC forging meaningful connections with both students and families. Steven finds joy in cherishing moments with his family, exploring new travel destinations, and embarking on culinary adventures.
Chief Finance and Administration Officer Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0206[email protected] Susan Mansolillo has extensive experience leading the finance and administrative operations for nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island. For five years, she was chief financial officer for the Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England and, prior to that, senior director of finance and administration for the Audubon Society of Rhode Island for 25 years. Her most recent position was chief financial officer for the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner, an important partner of Onward We Learn. She is also a member of the Johnston School Committee.
Middle School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1794[email protected] Tim Costa graduated from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy. Before joining Onward We Learn, he worked for City Year Providence for two years and was assigned to Roger Williams Middle School in Providence as an Americorps member and then a team leader, which shifted his responsibilities from classroom management to leading a team and serving as the liaison between City Year and the school’s administrators.
CRM Project Manager Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-0049[email protected] Victor Montanez graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 2010 and earned a Bachelor of Science in sociology with a concentration in criminal justice and a minor in psychology from the University of Rhode Island in 2015. He is a Onward We Learn alumnus and first joined our organization as a middle school advisor, serving at Esek Hopkins Middle School and Times2 Academy.
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.
Middle School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1831[email protected] Yulissa is a Guatemalan American and a first-generation college graduate from Rhode Island. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Rhode Island College. Yulissa is passionate about working in the community and with students and youth. In her free time, she enjoys going on walks, watching shows, and dining out.
