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.
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.
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.
Program Operations Specialist Onward We Learn Staff Memberbseverin@onwardwelearn.org 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 Memberbgeorge@onwardwelearn.org 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 Membercgrande@onwardwelearn.org 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.
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.
High School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Memberframos@onwardwelearn.org 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 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) 854-5511juddin@onwardwelearn.org 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 401-400-1875jalonzo@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.
Middle School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member (401) 400-1810jminierparra@onwardwelearn.org Jennifer Minier Parra holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Psychology from the University of Rhode Island, with a minor in Leadership Studies. At URI, she worked as a Resident Assistant for the Talent Development program. Post-graduation, she became a Community Specialist for PPSD, where she applied her expertise in community development and support. Jennifer is passionate about empowering communities and fostering positive relationships to create a supportive environment for all individuals.
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.
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) 400-1930mcontreras@onwardwelearn.org Marisleysis was born and raised in Providence. She attended Hope High School and continued as a first-generation student in Rhode Island College's preparatory enrollment program (PEP) and graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Prior to joining the organization, Marisleysis worked for the undergraduate Admissions Office at Rhode Island College as a student worker, admissions specialist, and intern for admissions marketing and communications.
College and Career Success Coach Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-854-5508mtorres@onwardwelearn.org 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 401-400-1837nbenzan@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.
Middle School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1806ochevian@onwardwelearn.org 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 Memberpgoico@onwardwelearn.org 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.
Middle School Advisor Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-1890pmayolnegron@onwardwelearn.org 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 401-519-0201rdurgin@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.
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.
Victoria Rose
College Success Coach (Accelerate Dual Enrollment Cohort)
College Success Coach (Accelerate Dual Enrollment Cohort) Onward We Learn Staff Member 401-400-0057vrose@onwardwelearn.org Victoria Rose is a born-and-raised Rhode Islander. She attended Fitchburg State University as a first-generation college student and earned 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. Prior to Onward, Vicky spent five years working in college admissions at Mount Ida College and Wheaton College in MA.
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.
