Cristina helps to organize and facilitate the system-wide structure of transportation, snack distribution and communications within the AfterZones. In addition, she assists in the coordination and implementation of quality standards and professional development opportunities. Cristina comes to us with a background in public service and community advocacy. Most recently she was the Clinical Coordinator for the Rhode Island MENTOR Network. Prior to that she spent five years as a Providence Law Enforcement Advocate working on behalf of victims of domestic Violence, as a Peer Educator for Sojourner House, and as a Caseworker for the Key Program. Cristina holds a BS in Human Development & Family Studies and BA in Pscyhology from the University of Rhode Island and is fluent in Portuguese. A native of the south side of Providence, she now lives in Pawtucket with her partner and foster children.
Staff
Elizabeth heads PASA's quality improvement strategy aimed at helping build the capacity of after-school organizations to provide high-quality programming. She also oversees grants, communications and public relations in coordination with the Executive Director. Prior to joining PASA, Elizabeth was a Project Director at the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) in Chicago, IL. She worked with school principals and their staff on the implementation and evaluation of social and emotional learning (SEL) programming in their schools. She has held positions at the Education Development Center in Newton, MA, and Dimock Community Health Center in Roxbury, MA. Elizabeth received a bachelor's degree from Trinity College and a master's degree in social policy, with a concentration in youth and family programs, from the Heller School at Brandeis University. Elizabeth is a native of Massachusetts and currently resides in Barrington with her husband and two children.
In this role, Patrick Duhon works jointly with PASA and the school department to develop a seamless day of learning. Prior to taking this position, Patrick served as PASA’s Deputy Director and led the development and implementation of the AfterZone model. Before joining PASA, Patrick directed the launch of the local City Year AmeriCorps national service program in Seattle. Patrick has a strong background in citywide systems gained through his work with King County Department of Transportation in Seattle. While there, he managed community relations and public involvement in politically charged transit and regional planning projects. Patrick has directed higher education service-learning programs, taught at the high school and college levels, and led and collaborated on several community, social justice and faith-based initiatives in New York City and Cleveland, OH. He holds a BA in International Studies from The Ohio State University and an MS in Urban Studies from the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University. A native of Akron, Ohio, Patrick currently lives with his wife and two children in Cranston.
Melissa oversees the day-to-day operations at Times2 Academy and Nathan Bishop Middle School and works closely with the rest of the North End/East Side AfterZone team. Prior to joining PASA, Melissa served as the Program Manager of America SCORES New England, working after school in the Boston Public School System to bring soccer and literacy to urban youth. She has also directed after-school programs at Tompkins Community Action and Cornell University Extension in Ithaca, NY, where she was involved in community outreach, youth development, and grant writing. Melissa holds an MA in Physical Education from Slippery Rock University and a BS is both Excersie Science and Athletic Training & Sports Management from Southern Nazarene University. She lives in Providence.
In this role, Damian directs PASA's high school initiative, The Hub, which supports an innovative, flexible and relevant citywide, expanded learning network that promotes and supports all high school aged youth in their career and college readiness, personal growth, community engagement and self-sustainability. Damian previously worked at Big Picture Learning where he managed the development and communications strategies while working directly with the founders on all strategic initiatives. Damian's education career began in the classroom where he taught for 7 years in all grades from 6th through 12th. He holds an MA in Education from Stanford University and a BS from Santa Clara University. Damian is a native of Providence, Rhode Island where he lives with his wife and newborn daughter.
As Director of Finance, Grace oversees all financial transactions, manages all grants and contracts, and tracks revenues and expenses for the Board of Directors and PASA staff. Grace has had extensive experience in financial management and quality assurance. Prior to joining PASA, she served as Finance Manager for the Health and Leadership for Providence (HELP) Coalition. She also spent more than 10 years as a finance and quality assurance manager for a large investment bank in London and 20 years in project management at International Computer Ltd. in London. Grace holds a BA in economics from Bryn Mawr College. A native of Whitemarsh Pennsylvania, Grace now resides in Providence with her husband.
Nicole oversees and coordinates the administrative functions of the PASA office, including human resources, and office and contract management. She has over 10 year of experience in coordinating and managing administrative functions across the social services, health care and technology industries. Nicole has served as an Office Administrator at Black Duck Software, Inc., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and TerraSolar USA. Nicole received her BS in Science History from Northeastern University and holds a Certificate in Human Resource Management from NYU's School of Continuing Professional Studies. She is currently pursuing her MS in Human Resources and Labor Relations at the University of Rhode Island and lives in North Providence.
Jeremy authors PASA’s grant proposals, press releases, newsletters and website updates, and assists with press events, as well as assists the Deputy Director and Executive Director in managing relationships with funders. Prior to his work at PASA, Jeremy served as a research assistant at the University of Rhode Island, assistant to an author of critical thinking and logic textbooks, a freelancer for McGraw-Hill publishing and a writing consultant for undergraduates at URI. In the past, he has volunteered his time with AIDS Care Ocean State and Habitat for Humanity, and has served as an ESL tutor at the Reservoir Avenue Elementary School. Jeremy recently received his BA in Writing & Rhetoric from the University of Rhode Island, where he was honored with the Stephanie Bounds Excellence Award in Writing & Rhetoric. He lives in Pawtucket with his partner and two cats.
As the Olneyville After Zone Manager, Jessie works to connect youth from DelSesto and Perry middle schools with programs headed by experienced and talented providers. A Rhode Island native, Jessie comes to PASA from Washington, D.C., where she served as a head teacher both during the day and after-school at Centronia School, a bilingual arts-based school. Prior to living in D.C., Jessie worked on community-organizing issues with Latino migrant workers in and around Syracuse, New York. In this position, she created a translator network for two local hospitals and organized emergency response activities and community festivals. While studying abroad, Jessie taught English to impoverished 7th-10th grade students in a rural town outside of Santiago, Chile, with the program Ingles Abre Puertas. Jessie received her BA from Syracuse University, with a dual major in Textual Studies and Studio Art, and a minor in Spanish Language and Literature.
As North End/East Side AfterZone Manager, Maliss works with community partners, schools, families and youth in the North End and East Side neighborhoods of Providence to coordinate AfterZone activities. Prior to this role, she was the Education and School-Linked Director for Connecting for Children & Families, a non-profit that seeks to improve the quality of life for families in Woonsocket. While there, Maliss oversaw an increase in student and family enrollment and developed, implemented and expanded service-learning opportunities for high school and college students. She has also served as a board member for Project Aid Khmer and the Rhode Island After School Plus Alliance, taught at the Montessori School in North Kingstown, and co-founded the Khmer Culture & Language Home Schooling. Maliss, who is fluent in Khmer, holds a BS in Management Information Science from the University of Rhode Island, and a MA in English as a Second Language and Cross-Cultural Studies from Brown University. A native of Cambodia, she now lives in Warwick.
In this role, Alejandro oversees all aspects of the growth and implementation of PASA’s AfterZone strategy. Prior to assuming this role, Alejandro served as an AfterZone Manager in the West End/South Side AfterZone. Before coming to PASA, Alejandro worked with youth in New York City in a variety of roles and settings. His background includes, program coordination, curriculum development, program design and creation, asset building, staff development and training. He received a BA in Sociology from Oswego State University. Originally from Mamaroneck, New York, Alejandro now resides in Providence.
In this role, Allison oversees the AfterZone operations in the West End and South Side neighborhoods of Providence, working with community providers, parents, youth and schools to bring high-quality after-school programming to middle school youth. Previously, Allison served as the PASA AfterZone Site Coordinator for Roger Williams Middle School. Allison received a BA in Art History from Mansfield University, where she continued her studies in Education and later went on to Stellenbosch University in South Africa. There, she participated in the "Kayamandi Project" to help develop and implement after-school programming in the surrounding township. Allison then served as an AmeriCorps volunteer with the Rhode Island College Crusade before coming to PASA. A native of Elmira, NY, Allison now resides in Providence, RI.
Leo oversees the day-to-day operations of the AfterZone program at Esek Hopkins middle school and is a key part of the overall planning and implementation of the North End/East Side AfterZone. Leo has spent the past 11 years in various programmatic and direct service positions at the YMCA, College Crusade, Family Services, Delaine House, Women's Resource Center of Newport and Paul Cuffee School. His career in public service started with eight years in the United States Army. Leo is fluent in Spanish and holds a degree in Criminal Justice from the College of New Rochelle in New York City. A native of the Bronx, he currently lives in Providence with his family.
In this role, Hillary manages the oversight of PASA and its three strategies. She also has primary responsibility for community engagement and fundraising efforts. Previously, Hillary led an education initiative called Rhode Island Scholars where business leaders spoke to middle school students around the state on the importance of college and taking math and science courses in high school. She also served as the Vice President for Program Development for Health & Education Leadership for Providence (HELP), a now-defunct coalition focused on improving the health and education of the children of Providence. While there, she worked to establish numerous systemic health and education initiatives. Hillary has a MA in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma and a BA from Harvard University. She is a native of Newbury, Massachusetts, and now resides with her husband and two sons in Providence.
Evan oversees the day-to-day operations of the AfterZone program at DelSesto Middle School and is a key part of the overall planning and implementation of the Olneyville AfterZone. Evan most recently worked in southern Africa at an experiential learning study abroad program in Windhoek, Namibia. While there, he coordinated student internships and educational travel seminars, and supported a community-based youth empowerment group. Previously, Evan worked directly with youth and coordinated youth programs with the YMCA of Central Massachusetts and YouthNet Worcester. Evan holds a BA in International Development and an MA in Community Development and Planning from Clark University in Worcester. Raised in Massachusetts, Evan currently lives in Providence.
Lisa oversees the day-to-day operations of the AfterZone at Perry Middle School and is a key member of the Olneyville AfterZone team. Lisa has been with the AfterZone since 2006, previously serving as the Site Supervisor at DelSesto Middle School. Before joining the AfterZone team, Lisa worked as a Family Advocate and Case Manager for Comprehensive Community Action and as a Student Conduct Case Manager at Johnson and Wales University. She holds a BA in criminal justice and psychology from Johnson and Wales University. A native of Providence, she currently lives in Olneyville with her husband and two sons.
Daniel oversees the day-to-day operations at Gilbert Stuart Middle School and works closely with the rest of the West End/South Side AfterZone team. He is a graduate of Brown University and has had varied experience in Providence's political and education scene, including crafting a volunteer outreach program for St. Patrick and San Miguel Schools, working with the URI Food Stamp Outreach project, and helping manage the successful Seth Yurdin for City Council campaign. A native of Rhode Island, Daniel currently resides in Providence.
Mary oversees the day-to-day operations at Roger Williams Middle School and works closely with the rest of the West End/South Side AfterZone team. Mary has worked in Boys & Girls Clubs since 1986 in various parts of the country, serving in both direct programming and executive management positions. Past postings include Martha’s Vineyard and Sequim, Washington. Mary started her non-profit career after college as a Jesuit Volunteer supervising a teen center in Bethel, Alaska. She has been with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence since 2005, most recently serving as the Grants Manager and Alumni Project Coordinator. Mary has a BA in English from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA and currently lives in Cranston.
Jean oversees the daily operations of the AfterZone at Bridgham Middle School and is a key member of the West End/South Side AfterZone. A graduate of Philadelphia College of Art, she has been a freelance decorative painter for over 25 years. As part of a flexible work schedule she was an active volunteer in a variety of educational organizations from School Improvement teams, PTO fundraising and advocacy for gifted education. Prior to this position, Jean worked as Site Support at both Bridgham and Gilbert Stuart Middle School. Jean grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Cape Cod, MA, and currently lives in Cranston with her husband and son.
