Afterschool Exploratorium Team
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Kate Hanson
EXPLORATORIUM PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Kate graduated from Emerson College in 2014 with her B.S. in Communication Studies and minors in Psychology and Leadership & Management. As a Pawtucket, Rhode Island native, Kate has spent the last decade dedicated to working in RI communities focusing on youth development and mentorship, community connection, and theatre education. Kate enjoys crafting, looking for treasures at the thrift store, eating yummy foods, and spending time with her cat and husband.
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Haylee Pineda
AFTERSCHOOL AND STUDENT ENRICHMENT MANAGER
Haylee graduated from Central Falls High School in 2011 and earned her Teacher’s Assistant certification in 2020. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at the University of Phoenix, with a projected graduation date of 2029. She has been passionate about working with children from a young age,
In high school, she ran track as team captain and also practiced ballet. She now enjoys spending time with her daughter, who attends The Learning Community. Whether they are doing arts and crafts, getting their nails done, or trying new boba spots they always have a good time .
Since joining The Learning Community two years ago, Haylee has advanced from part-time Youth Mentor to full-time, and now serves as the Extended Day and Student Enrichment Manager.
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Elizabeth Otero
YOUTH MENTOR
Elizabeth, born and raised in Providence. Mount Pleasant Graduate. She is a mother of three wonderful kids, one whom currently attends the Learning Community. She has been working as a Development specialist for 23 years. Elizabeth is bilingual. Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her kiddos, traveling, and reading.
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Francisco Leal
LUNCH & RECESS AID
Frankie was born in Los Angeles and raised in East Providence, Frankie is a first-generation college student with a love for working with kids. A graduate of East Providence High School, he is now working towards a degree in Secondary Education (English) to become a high school teacher. Outside of responsibilities, he enjoys running along the East Bay Bike Path, trying new restaurants, and listening to music any chance he gets. His number one priority in life will always be his little orange cat, Nugget!
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Christine Urbine
YOUTH MENTOR (Lunch & Recess)
Christine is a Youth Mentor supporting students during lunch and recess at The LC. She earned her BA from Regis College, majoring in Political Science with minors in History, Spanish, and Education, and later completed a Culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu. Christine is a Certified Behavioral Technician and previously worked as a Paraprofessional in the Wrentham Public Schools, supporting students in sub-separate classrooms from Pre-K through Grade 3. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she grew up in Somerville and Medford. In her free time, Christine enjoys painting and creating art
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Vivian Cortez
YOUTH MENTOR
Vivian is originally from Guatemala. She has worked various jobs, including cleaning gyms and restaurants, working in a jewelry factory, and assisting the Spanish-speaking community in a dental office. She and her husband started a small painting and remodeling business. She is currently in her third semester of online Psychopedagogy studies at Universidad Galileo. The opportunity to work at The Learning Community allows her to put into practice the knowledge she has gained during her academic studies.
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Carmen Malave
Lunch & Recess Aide
Bio coming soon!