STAFF
Ann Durham, Executive Director
With PASA since 2014, Ann Durham has served as the Executive Director since July 2021. Taking a partnership-minded approach, Ann views PASA’s intermediary role as one that is meant to amplify and support youth-driven organizations throughout Providence. Ann’s previous work at PASA includes the expansion of professional development for OST professionals and leading PASA’s work on the developmental evaluation of the Every Hour Counts Measurement Framework. Ann regularly supports OST intermediaries throughout the country as they look to develop and strengthen their systems-level approach to youth programming. Ann holds a B.A. in English from Skidmore College and an Ed.M. in Sociology and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Tyrone Gaye, Deputy Director
Tyrone oversees the operations and manages the staff of all programming. Following a BA In Sociology from The University of Rhode Island, Tyrone has worked many years with at risk youth in Rhode Island. Tyrone gained his passion for youth development while working at The Ocean Tides School in Narragansett, Rhode Island. Most recently Tyrone served as a Director at Turning the Corner Youth Abuse Reactive Treatment Facility.
Gautam Sarin, Director of Finance
Gautam comes to PASA with a background in the finance and startup industries, and he is excited to make the shift to the mission-driven nonprofit sector. At PASA, he will support community and youth focused organizations. “I was lucky enough to have access to after-school programs in my youth, and those experiences helped me with my development and shaped me into who I am today. PASA’s mission to expand and improve after-school learning opportunities for the youth of Providence resonates me personally. I am proud to be part of a team that is dedicated to serving our local community.”
Lora Doerfer, Director of Middle School Initiatives
Lora oversees the operations and manages the staff of all middle school programming. She worked with Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center serving Boston Public Schools for the last seven years in a variety of roles, most recently as the Director of Discovery Expeditions and Professional Development. She has a Psychology Degree and Leadership Minor from the University of Maryland and has been involved with youth and student enrichment programs for the last 12 years.
Sheila Almeida, Director of Quality Initiatives
Sheila will be overseeing and managing the quality of PASA’s outcomes as it pertains to site observations, data, assessments, feedback, and professional development. Implementing a new and improved multi-year Quality Improvement Plan, Sheila will be bringing in her foundational knowledge and background in urban school settings to her continued professional journey of working in out of school time (OST) spaces. With a Master of Arts in Urban Education Policy (UEP) from Brown, her shared identity and professional experience working directly with Providence youth, and her passion to dismantle educational disparities/
James Walker, Director of Highschool Initiatives
James has been a Site Coordinator with PASA for 5 years before moving on to the Director of HS initiatives role. He has also helped with numerous DEI efforts in that time. He has a bachelor’s in Sociology from Providence College
Renée Lafond, Operations and Administration Manager
Renée oversees office operations and administration, including human resources, program, and finance functions of the organization, as well as supports the executive and development departments. Previously, Renée served as PASA’s People Operations Manager. With PASA, she moves in to her 11th year in the youth development field. Renée holds a BA in General Theatre from Rhode Island College and an Ed.M. in Theatre Education from Emerson College
Itza Serrano, Senior Data Manager
Itza oversees data management, reporting, and submission. Previously, Itza served as PASA’s Quality and Assessment AmeriCorps VISTA and later as the Data and Operations Coordinator. She has a BA from Holy Cross in Psychology with a minor in Gender Studies and a Masters from URI in Human Development and Family Studies with a focus on data analysis.
Izzy Okunlola, Hub Site Coordinator, Hope High School
Izzy oversees HUB operations at the Juanita Sanchez Education Complex and 360 High School. He has over 10 years of experience working with youth and non-profits across the country. He is a Nigerian migrant who is also a Providence native. Izzy obtained a BA in Philosophy from DePauw University.
Nallely Perez, Hub Site Coordinator, JSEC
Nallely M. Perez oversees the HUB program operations at the Juanita Sanchez Education Complex and 360 High School. With a BA in Public Community Services Studies from Providence College, she has a rich background in youth work, including her role as a Program Coordinator Assistant at WaterFire Providence. Raised in Providence and having benefited from similar programs herself, Nallely is deeply committed to supporting and empowering students of color. Her passion for youth development drives her to create meaningful opportunities and positive change in her community.
Emily Bisordi, AfterZone Site Coordinator, DelSesto Middle School
Emily Bisordi oversees AfterZone operations at DelSesto Middle School. Emily has a background in conservation education and has previously worked at zoos in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Her passion for youth development stems from her years as a camp counselor. She has a Bachelors of Arts in Zoology from the University of Vermont.
Jonathan Goncalves, AfterZone Site Coordinator, Nathan Bishop Middle School
Jonathan Goncalves is the site coordinator at Nathan Bishop Middle School. Jay has a bachelor’s degree in English Language Composition with a minor in Film Studies. He has a passion for medieval European and Arabic literature, and works as a manuscript editor for a small publishing house in the Southeast U.S. He has taught in the Providence Public School District for three years and has been working with youth for almost a decade. Jay is an avid reader who enjoys fantasy, sci-fi and non-fiction stories. Say hi if you see him!
Yuliandra Samora, AfterZone Site Coordinator, Esek Hopkins Middle School
Board of Directors
PASA’s Board of Directors, chaired by Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, is a dynamic group of public officials, private sector leaders, and community partners. Our board members bring with them a diverse array of expertise and passions, and each are deeply committed to the role that after-school and expanded learning programs play in creating positive outcomes for youth.
Brett Smiley, Mayor, City of Providence, PASA Board Chair
Justin Reid, VP, Strategy & Corporate Development, AmerisourceBergen, PASA Board Vice-Chair
Benjamin Appleyard, Communications Manager, Bank of America
Rachel Colaice, Health & Wellness Coordinator, Providence Parks Department
OPEN, Chief of Police, Providence Police Department
Jayne Donegan, Executive Counsel, Textron
Margaret “Peggy” Farrell, Partner, Hinckley Allen & Snyder LLP
Carol Grant, Commissioner, Office of Energy Resources
Henry C. Hodge Jr., CEO, HCH Enterprises, LLC
Benjamin McGuire, Esq., Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig, PASA Finance Chair
Ayana Melvan, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships, Mission Programs, Mystic Aquarium
Javier Montanez, Superintendent of Providence Schools, Providence Public School District
Genesis Sanchez Tavarez, Commercial Litigation Associate, Proskauer Rose LLP
Benjamin T. Scungio, Office Manager, Sales Associate RI & MA, Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty
Nicole Verdi, Head of Government Affairs & Policy, New England Orsted Americas