Afterschool Exploratorium Team

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Lina Londono

    YOUTH MENTOR

    Lina Londono is a Certified Nursing Assistant. She is the mother of three beautiful daughters who attended The Learning Community; the youngest is now in second grade. Lina loves working with children and has had experience as a teacher's aide at Progreso Latino. She is a hardworking individual who is highly competent, selfless, compassionate, and sensitive to the needs of children. As an individual and as a member of a team, she is committed to excellence and is always ready and willing to assist in any way possible. The safety and education of our community's children are always her priorities.

  • 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. 

  • Angela Leal

    YOUTH MENTOR

    Angela is a lunch and recess youth mentor at The Learning Community. She previously worked in childcare and senior care environments, including the YMCA, The Leon Mathieu Senior Center, and a nursing home. She aspires to be a classroom teacher. She was born and raised in Pawtucket, RI. She loves spending time with her family and her two children. Road trips and discovering new places to eat are just a couple of her hobbies!

  • Río Valentín

    YOUTH MENTOR

    Río, born and raised in Puerto Rico, found her passion in education at an early age. The base to her education style is being an empathetic listener with the goal of adjusting the message to the student’s needs. Social positioning strategist and consultant, educational programming specialist for 11 years. In the winter of 2024, she launched a Community Development Program in Puerto Rico. Río finds joy through writing, her words ignite personal discovery and passionate expression. She also enjoys photography and spending time with nature.

  • Ivan Espinal

    YOUTH MENTOR

    Bio coming soon!

  • Gerson Castillo

    YOUTH MENTOR

    Bio coming soon!

  • Gracie Carrasquillo

    LUNCH & RECESS SUPPORT AIDE

    Bio coming soon!