Robert joined the Steppingstone team in 2022. He received his B.A. in Sociology and Italian Studies from College of The Holy Cross in 2022. Robert grew up in East Boston, MA and currently resides in Revere. He served as a student mentor and tutor at several community organizations in Worcester and also became a member of several student organizations on campus during his time in college. He appreciates the opportunity to be working with a group of hardworking Scholars who are committed and willing to grow. During his free time he enjoys biking, hiking, reading, exploring different foods.

Louisa received her B.S.W. from Salem State University in 2020. Prior to joining Steppingstone, Louisa worked as Child Services Coordinator for Victory Programs Inc., a sober-living residential program for families, in Boston, and later worked as a Teaching Assistant at Wellesley High School. She has always had a passion for working with young people and helping them reach their educational goals, which led her to join the College Success Team! In her free time, you can find her exploring new things in Boston, listening to music, or spending time with her cat, Ghost.

Daniella Castillo Vasquez is an Advisor with the College Success team at Steppingstone. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, she moved to the Boston area in 2018 to pursue a B.A. in Psychology and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Brandeis University. She has been with Steppingstone since her graduation in 2022 and loves being able to pursue her passion of working in a higher education setting. Outside of work, what Dani enjoys the most is traveling, writing and making herself little crocheted hats.

Katie moved from traditional education, and Long Island, to join Steppingstone in Boston as a Social Emotional Learning Associate in 2023. She received her B.A. in History from Roanoke College in 2018, along with a teaching certification, and previously worked as a Social Studies educator teaching students from 6th to 12th grade. Katie firmly believes that SEL makes a difference in children’s lives, and looks forward to learning more about Boston, aiding the Steppingstone community, and seeing Scholars' success! In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with her black labrador, Goose, reading fiction books, and cheering on her favorite NY sports teams.

Leocadia graduated from Regis College in 2020 with a B.S. in Biology. She's lived in Boston her entire life, specifically Dorchester. Leocadia is a former Steppingstone Scholar! Outside of work, Leocadia enjoys art, music, and spending time with her family and friends.

Amber joined Steppingstone in 2023 as the Director of Social Emotional Learning, bringing years of SEL and behavioral knowledge with her. She has previously worked for the Virginia Institute of Autism and CHADS Coalition for Mental Health, which have shaped her passion for advocating for vulnerable populations. She believes that every student should have someone who never gives up on them, and helps them to see their strengths despite challenges. Amber obtained her BS in Neuroscience and MS in Psychology from Purdue University. In her free time, she can be found playing board games, crafting, and traveling.

Sam is a first-generation Haitian American graduate of Bates College, where they earned their B.A in Africana Studies with a concentration in Racisms. They joined Steppingstone in 2023 as a Middle School Success Advisor dedicated to enriching student experiences and working with first-gen low-income students, like themselves, to turn their dreams into realities. As an experienced  DEIB facilitator and educator, Sam has partnered with Somerville Public School District, Bates College, and the Thrive Scholars Program (of which they are a proud alumni) to lead conversation in identity, access, belonging, liberation, and BIPOC joy.  Outside of work Sam can be found cuddled up with a good book, writing prose, thrifting at their favorite spots, or cooking Caribbean food with friends!

To learn more about Sam, or read their work feel free to connect with Sam on LinkedIn!

Sage graduated from Marlboro College in 2019 with a B.A. in "Sociology: Education and Social Justice" after completing two undergraduate internships at Steppingstone in both Admissions and Advising. Coming into this position with experience in education, youth mentorship, and social work-related roles, Sage approaches youth work through a lens of supporting children in being critical- and independent-thinkers who feel confident in both their self-concept and ability to navigate the world around them. In xyr free time, you can find Sage reading, hiking, or enjoying a podcast.

Tauryn first joined Steppingstone in 2011 as a Scholar, and commenced in 2012. Tauryn returned to Steppingstone as a High School Success Advisor in 2023. Being both a first-generation college student, and Steppingstone alum, she considers her work a full-circle moment, helping Scholars access opportunity and resources.  She received her B.A. in Sociology, and Political Science, with a minor in Black Studies from Providence College. During her time at Providence College, she worked in a program designed for prospective students, helping out with various college-readiness workshops. Outside of work, Tauryn loves cooking, event planning, and traveling.

Thai has been with Steppingstone since 2019. He graduated from the University of Hawaii with his B.A. and M.A. in English. He enjoys working with College Scholars and getting to learn more about their goals and aspirations. When he is not working, Thai is a huge anime fan and loves his Lakers! Currently, Thai is working fully remote from California!

Sean graduated from UMass Boston in 2021 with a B.A. in Exercise and Health Science. Before that, Sean graduated from Boston Latin School in 2016. During undergrad, Sean started working at a nonprofit in Dorchester called Viet-AID where he developed his passion for helping young people prepare academically for their future. Outside of work, Sean loves finding new restaurants to try with his friends, watching Boston sports, and reading any and all genres of books.

David Meneses Ontiveros is member of the Steppingstone Commencement class of 2012, and became a Middle School Success Advisor in 2023. After commencing from Steppingstone, David went to the Fenn School for middle school and then Roxbury Latin for high school. He attended Connecticut College and graduated with a double major in Psychology and Latin American and Latino Studies. In college, David held numerous executive board positions for various clubs, and worked in the admissions department for two years. Outside of work David likes to hangout with his friends and watch and play sports.

Originally from Fairfield, Connecticut, Dan joined Steppingstone in October 2022 after teaching in the Greater Boston Area for several years. Dan graduated from Providence College, where he received his B.A. in English Secondary Education. His overall objective as an Advisor is to create a culturally responsive academic environment that celebrates intersectionality to ultimately foster a new heightened passion for learning, literature, and civic engagement. During his free time, he enjoys playing the saxophone, writing short stories, and playing soccer!

Kat joined Steppingstone in 2013 as an Advisor. She later served as the Director of Admission and the Senior Director of Middle School Success. Prior to joining Steppingstone, Kat interned at Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center's youth program, and at the Museum of Science conducting K-12 engineering education research. She first served Boston Public School students through Project Destiny ministries at the Boston Chinese Evangelical Church. Kat received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University. Outside of work, she participates in ballet classes, mentors college students at her church, and listens to BTS.

Darren was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. He attended UMass Boston and earned a B.S. in Exercise Health and Science in 2021. Darren joined Steppingstone in 2022. Prior to Steppingstone, Darren worked for UMass Boston as an Admissions Counselor on the first year team. He was also an AmeriCorps member with Tenacity. Darren has a passion to create a relationship with Scholars and give them the support and resources needed for them to have the bright future they deserve. Outside of work, Darren loves to play all types of video games, listen to music and watch anime. A fun fact about Darren is that on a good day Darren can finish an entire rotisserie chicken.

Chris is an experienced educator with a demonstrated history of leading start-up initiatives in the field of education. Skilled in program development, Chris' expertise lies in the development and management of innovation within ​the social sector. Prior to joining Steppingstone, Chris served as Academic Dean for the Trinity Boston Connects’ TEEP program, as well as band and orchestra director at the Boston Arts Academy. Chris received his B.M. in Music Education from the Berklee College of Music and M.S. Ed. in Education Entrepreneurship from the University of Pennsylvania.​ Chris serves as a trustee on various school and nonprofit boards including The Meadowbrook School and Hartford Youth Scholars.

Bianca graduated from Boston College in 2019 where she earned her B.A. in Elementary Education and Applied Psychology & Human Development. She then went on to get an M.Ed in Special Education at Boston College where she was a Donovan Urban Teaching Scholar. Before coming to Steppingstone in 2022, Bianca was a fourth grade teacher in Boston Public Schools. Bianca loves getting to work with and support the amazing Scholars and their families. She also loves seeing the Scholars grow both academically and socially. In her free time Bianca loves to read, cook, bake, paint, and hang out with friends.

Will brings varied experience and expertise from over a decade in education to his role as Director of High School Success at Steppingstone. He has worked as a classroom teacher, math department lead, and house chair at schools in both Los Angeles and Boston, as well as Director of Partnerships for an early college STEM pathways organization. He brings a student-first mindset to his work and has a grounding belief that all students can be successful when they can meaningfully explore a variety of career paths and receive individualized support and mentorship along the way. Will received a BBA from George Washington University and an M.Ed. degree in Educational Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. In his free time, he enjoys chasing his dog, trying new recipes, and finishing 80% of crossword puzzles.

Ailyn joined Steppingstone in 2023 and supports both the Admission and Academy teams in her role. She is a Steppingstone Alumna and first-generation college graduate, receiving her B.A. in Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Stanford University. In her role, she looks forward to learning from and supporting the Steppingstone community throughout the first chapters of the Scholars Program journey.

Mary received her B.A. in Sociology and Spanish Literature from Colgate University and her M.A. in Elementary Education from Sacred Heart University. Mary worked at Steppingstone for three years as a Reading and Writing teacher prior to joining the team full time in 2012. Throughout her time here, she has served as an Advisor, a member of the Teaching & Learning team, and Director of Preparation & Placement. Now focused on placement across the organization, Mary is thrilled to help Scholars and families access new educational opportunities.

Yamiles or “Yami” is an Academy Advisor for Steppingstone Scholars and families. She is Dominican, but New York born, and Boston raised. Yami graduated from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in 2018 with a B.A. in Sociology and Child and Family Studies. She loves traveling, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends very much! She is a very passionate Latina dedicated to giving back to her community by cultivating the opportunity for growth, learning, and success for youth of color.

Jane joined Steppingstone as an Advisor in 2006. She later served as Senior Director of Teaching and Learning and then became Vice President of Academic Programs in 2019. Prior to joining Steppingstone, Jane taught seventh grade Language Arts as a Teach for America corps member in Philadelphia. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Boston College, an M.S. in Education from Saint Joseph's University, and is a graduate of Tufts University’s Institute for Nonprofit Practice. Jane grew up in Florida and currently lives in Malden with her family. She loves playing with her daughter, reading, going on family hikes, and traveling.

Born in a storm in the Way-Back-When, Ivy Wagner spent her youth in the city, her twenties trying any and everything, and more than a few years teaching. When not helping Scholars advance on a path towards college, she can be found exploring a slew of interests, from gardening and carpentry to illustrating and writing. She loves the art of Beatrix Potter, the fables of ancient peoples, and making the time to cherish the people around her.

Kylie joined Steppingstone in 2023. Kylie graduated from Boston Latin School in 2016. While a student at Boston Latin School, Kylie, along with her classmates, led and participated in a student led social justice campaign known as #BlackatBLS. This campaign led to a reevaluation of the exam school admission process. Kylie's commitment to social justice and passion for education led to her completing her B.A in Sociology and Africology at Temple University, and then completing her M.Ed in Secondary Education with Boston Teacher Residency, through the University of Massachusetts Boston. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to new places and attending music festivals.

Annie joined Steppingstone in 2015 as an Advisor to middle and high school Scholars before transitioning to work with college Scholars. Prior to joining Steppingstone, she coordinated academic and enrichment programs for youth at a different organization, and supported undergraduate students in navigating the college experience at her alma mater. Annie received her B.S. in Elementary Education from Boston University. Outside of work, she enjoys playing with her dog (Milo) and baking (while very roughly following recipes).

Joined in 2021, Joanna is a Boston native with a B.A. in International Relations and East Asian Studies from Connecticut College. After graduation, she explored her interests in teaching in China where she taught English at various grade levels. The experience led her to pursue a Master’s in Teaching at the Beijing Normal University where she further developed her skills in teaching and working with young learners. Joanna enjoys seeing Scholars’ faces light up when they understand a difficult problem. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and traveling.