Curriculum and Instructional Specialist Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0307apari@onwardwelearn.org 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.
Chief Program Officer Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0212amolina@onwardwelearn.org 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.
Associate Director of College Admissions Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1893aalmeida@onwardwelearn.org At Onward, Ana is responsible for guiding cohorts of students in the Honorific Program and their families through the college search, selection, enrollment, and transition process at selective institutions. The mission of the Honorific Program is to ensure students have the information and support needed to successfully get admitted and thrive at prestigious colleges and universities. Students also receive guidance in applying for scholarships and grants and maximizing all their financial aid resources. Ana is also responsible for maintaining relationships with the admissions office at various institutions and supporting Onward staff with training for best college admissions practices. Previously, she served as an academic advisor for the Northfield Mount Hermon Upward Bound Program. Ana graduated from Hope High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Portuguese and Brazilian studies and Political Science from Brown University, and Masters in Higher Education from Providence College.
Office Manager Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0203asoares@onwardwelearn.org Ana Soares comes to Onward We Learn after spending 18 years at the American Cancer Society. She speaks Portuguese and Spanish.
President and CEO Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0220abramson@onwardwelearn.org 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 401-400-0051amam@onwardwelearn.org 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.
Data Specialist Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0202aurena@onwardwelearn.org Antonia Urena serves as primary data entry specialist for data collected as part of our extensive program survey administration efforts. Other duties include the generation of evaluation survey reports, maintenance of advisor caseload reports, updating student records, and entry of program attendance and admissions data. She previously served as admissions assistant.
Middle School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1899 ariannad@onwardwelearn.org Arianna is a graduate of Shea High School in Pawtucket and went on to earned her Bachelor of Arts in English with a Theater Literature focus from Providence College. She was a part of various clubs such as the Poetry Club and a Peer Mentor Club. She is an alumna of our program and has completed over 1,000+ hours of programs. She also works on costume maintenance for the Wilbury Theater Group in Providence.
Program Operation Specialist Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1870adavey@onwardwelearn.org Ariel Davey has a passion for serving Onward We Learn students, as she is a program alumna herself. She graduated from Providence College in 2020 with her B.A. in Public and Community Service Studies with a Core Focus in Black Studies. Her previous experience includes being an AmeriCorps member at Bryant University in their Center for Student Leadership and Involvement in addition to being an intern for Blackstone Academy Charter School's College Access department. Her extensive involvement in Onward We Learn as a student allows her to support and service students once being in their shoes. In her free time, she likes to watch TV series, read, and listen to Beyonce all day long.
Director of Middle School Success Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0209bbeathea@onwardwelearn.org Bralyn comes to Onward We Learn with great enthusiasm and extensive leadership. Serving as the Director of Middle School Success, Bralyn has the opportunity and privilege to promote his servant leadership skills and also give back to communities that are identical to his upbringing. With nearly a decade and a half of student/youth based experience, Bralyn has combined the unique skill sets of project management and instructional design to execute his work. Bralyn is an Alumnus of UNLV with his Master of Education in Higher Education and Indiana State University for his Bachelors.
In his spare time, Bralyn enjoys fishing, traveling and 90s R&B/Hip Hop.
Director of People and Culture Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0215dramos@onwardwelearn.org 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.
Director of Communications and External Affairs Onward We Learn Staff Member (401) 519-0208dvital@onwardwelearn.org An award-winning digital marketing and communications executive, Destenie brings nearly two decades of experience to Onward We Learn.The former Executive Director of What Cheer Flower Farm, Destenie was the winner of the 2021 Social Enterprise Greenhouse Innovation Lab.
Before her time in Rhode Island, Destenie served as the Director of Marketing and Workplace Vitality at the Burlington Electric Department in Vermont, overseeing the company’s marketing, communications, and social media strategy while ensuring BED’s program, products and services were meeting customers’ needs and expectations, focusing on underserved and underrepresented populations in Burlington. Under her guidance, Burlington Electric received an Award of Merit (2017) and an Award of Excellence from the American Public Power Association(2018) in the category of Social Media and Web, also in 2018, BED made the international shortlist in the category of Best Green Brand for the Charge Awards in Reykjavik, Iceland. She was also named one of the top 40 under 40 by Vermont Business Magazine in 2018.
With a BA in Communications from Loyola University New Orleans and a MS in Strategic Communications from Purdue University, she also held positions at Moses Brown School, The Preservation Society of Newport, and The American Cancer Society
High School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1802dclement@onwardwelearn.org 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 401-519-0217edelarosa@onwardwelearn.org Elaine De La Rosa 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 401-400-1898eitkin@onwardwelearn.org 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 401-519-0205ewelborn@onwardwelearn.org 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.
High School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1872ekhiev@onwardwelearn.org Eric Khiev earned his Bachelor of Science degree in health studies with a minor in thanatology at the University of Rhode Island in 2019 as a Talent Development scholar. Prior to joining the organization, Eric worked in roles such as residential advising, administrative/clerical work, providing behavioral therapy to neurodivergent youth and as former board member and secretary at the Providence Youth Student Movement.
Evaluation and Research Specialist Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0301etwomey-wilson@onwardwelearn.org 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.
Middle School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1875jalonzo@onwardwelearn.org Jeimmy Alonzo graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in psychology and Spanish and minoring in human development and family studies. At URI, she worked part time as a tutor in the Spanish department and became a general manager at the Ram’s Den retail food court. She is alumna of our program.
High School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member (401) 484-8566jsaab@onwardwelearn.org Jimmy H. Saab earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Community Health & Wellness at Curry College in 2020. He also earned his Master's of Exercise Sports Science in Strength & Conditioning at Merrimack College in 2022. Prior to joining the organization, Jimmy worked in roles such as a youth sports coaching, sports performance specialist, and as a research assistant at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston
Middle School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1867jpari@onwardwelearn.org Joellyn Pari graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. While at the University of Rhode Island she was a Resident Assistant. Before joining Onward We Learn, she worked as a Behavioral Health Specialist at Bradley Hospital.
College and Career Success Coach (Gap Cohort) Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-854-5505jsteele@onwardwelearn.org Jonathan Steele has a Master of Education in adult education and more than two decades of student affairs and career development experience working with first-generation students and nontraditional learners at the Community College of Rhode Island and Landmark College.
Director of High School Success Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0307jflanagan@onwardwelearn.org Joshua Flanagan joined Onward We Learn after nearly two years at the Rhode Island Department of Education, where he was responsible for special projects related to student and stakeholder engagement as an executive staff assistant to the commissioner. Prior to RIDE, he had been am Onward high school advisor and college success coach since 2014. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from the University of Rhode Island in 2012.
Middle School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Memberkjackson@onwardwelearn.org Kenny is a graduate of Trenton Central High School in New Jersey. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Physical Education and Recreation with a minor in Sports Management and Recreation from Virginia State University. He’s a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. where he has completed countless hours of community service. A Recreation Aide at Bayview Rehabilitation in Kingstown, he has aspirations to become a basketball coach.
Director of Postsecondary Success Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0214krossi@onwardwelearn.org 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.
Family Engagement Coordinator Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0305 mgarcia@onwardwelearn.org 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 401-400-1902mgonzalez@onwardwelearn.org 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 401-519-0211mmartin@onwardwelearn.org 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.
High School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1935mgambardella@onwardwelearn.org Matt Gambardella, a graduate from Rhode Island College with a degree in English and Communication, joins Onward We Learn having held a variety of education related roles, spanning from the middle school classroom setting all the way to a college admissions office. These experiences, along with coaching high school tennis, have progressed his passion for working in roles in which he can be a supportive and resourceful advocate for youth.
Middle School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1810mperez@onwardwelearn.org Maura Perez recently graduated from Rhode Island College with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. She is bilingual and has experience with translating for young students and their families. As an undergraduate, she worked for the U.S. Census Bureau and engaged in volunteer work within her community. Maura grew up in South Providence and was the first person in her family to graduate from college.
College Success Coach Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1837nbenzan@onwardwelearn.org 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.
Information Technology Support Specialist Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-519-0201rdurgin@onwardwelearn.org 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 401-400-1833sleimer@onwardwelearn.org 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 401-519-0306slessard@onwardwelearn.org 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.
High School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1831slarbi@thecollegecrusade.org Seth Larbi joined Onward We Learn from College Advising Corps, where he was a college and career advisor at Tolman High School assisting about 260 high school seniors with college applications and delivering career assistance. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Africana studies, with minors in political science and sociology, from Rhode Island College and is pursuing his Master of Science degree in sports management with an athletic administration concentration at Lasell University.
Middle School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1805sgoncalves@onwardwelearn.org 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.
College Success Coach Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1866spineda@onwardwelearn.org 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) 519-0218scepeda@onwardwelearn.org 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 401-519-0206smansolillo@onwardwelearn.org 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 401-400-1794tcosta@onwardwelearn.org 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 401-400-0049vmontanez@onwardwelearn.org 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.
College Success Coach Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-0057vrose@onwardwelearn.org Victoria Rose has a Master of Education in higher education administration and brings valued experience in student affairs and undergraduate college admissions from Wheaton College, Mount Ida College and Fitchburg State.
Director of Family Engagement Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-241-0405 ydeoleo@onwardwelearn.org Yisel De Oleo is an educator and college access professional who has extensive experience designing, developing, and implementing family engagement programs to support parent advocacy and college awareness for diverse, multilingual learner families. Before joining Onward We Learn, Yisel was the MLL/EL family engagement fellow at the Rhode Island Department of Education, where she researched and designed various approaches to engage and educate families, and helped develop the state’s first multilingual/English learner Student and Family Bill of Rights. She previously worked as assistant director of college success for the Achievement First Charter Network in Connecticut, where she started her work as a college counselor, and brings several years of college admissions experience from her time at her alma mater, Eastern Connecticut State University. Yisel completed her Master of Arts in Urban Education Policy at Brown University, where she was awarded the 2021 Graduate School Citizenship Award and the Urban Education Fellowship. Yisel was born in the Dominican Republic, raised in New York, and is a fluent Spanish speaker.
