Kiera Cullen

(she/her)

Development Manager

Kiera is very excited to be joining the Assemble team. She holds a master of the arts in International Policy and Development from Middlebury Institute of International Studies. There she focused on education and environmental policy. She assisted in teaching and designing courses such as Racism and Policy and Storytelling for Change. In 2020, she served a year as an English as a Second language instructor with Compass Americorps. Kiera is passionate about developing safe learning environments so students can discover their learning style. In her free time Kiera enjoys hiking, embroidery, and reading stories from around the world. She is a proud cat mom to two lovely kitties, with hopes of fostering more soon.

Contact: kiera@assemblepgh.org

Devon Dill

(she/they)

In-House Programs Manager

Devon Dill is an artist and educator with a passion for community building, informal education, and making things. She holds an MFA in Photography from Parsons The New School for Design, and focuses on exploring the intersection of traditional craft and technology.  Her art incorporates a variety of media and thrives on change, which encourages her mission to be a life long learner. Her hope is to provide the tools for both young and old minds alike to take agency over their own learning experiences. In her free time Devon enjoys exploring the outdoors, riding her motorcycle, and cooking.

Contact: devon@assemblepgh.org

Evelyn Lienhard

(she/her)

Adult Learning Coordinator

Evelyn is a teaching artist with a love for community learning and material exploration. She grew up in Thousand Oaks, California, where she enjoyed hiking, climbing, and photography. From there, she lived in San Francisco for 4 years and then Chicago for 10 years. She moved to Pittsburgh in the fall of 2021, looking for a creative community and a city she could be inspired by. Evelyn has over 15 years of education experience both in and out of the classroom. She found her passion for teaching in after school programs, culminating in her class Origami Paper Jam, which she taught professionally for 5 years! Outside of Assemble, Evelyn is learning to dance, sing, and paint!

Contact: evelynl@assemblepgh.org

Ja’Sonta Roberts

(she/her)

Off-Site Programs Manager

Ja’Sonta Roberts is a dynamic individual with a rich tapestry of roles and passions. She is a mixed race African-American educator, program manager, performer, director, playwright, actor, advocate, mother, daughter, friend, partner, troublemaker, and agitator.Ja’Sonta is a strong believer in equitable futures for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and DACS (Descendants of Africans, Caribbeans, and Afro-Latinxs) Descendants. Her educational background includes studying performance and education/child development at Point Park University in which she attended her Bachelors of Arts degree. Ja’Sonta’s boundless energy and dedication carry over to her work at Assemble.

Contact: jasonta@assemblepgh.org

Sophia Bender

(she/her)

Offsite Program Coordinator

Sophia is a maker educator who loves all things geeky. She majored in English (fiction) Writing and Psychology at Pitt, and studied Learning Sciences for her Masters at Indiana University, Bloomington. There she developed a passion for maker learning and discovered a new hobby–sewing  cosplay costumes!–that also has many educational implications. Since grad school, she has put into practice STEAM and maker learning in many settings both inside and outside of school. At Assemble, she hopes to help young makers develop agency, creativity, problem-solving and many other skills, so they can then go on to change the world!

Email: sophia@assemblepgh.org

Nina Barbuto

(she/they)

Executive Director

Nina’s passion for art, new media, and social learning led her to found Assemble, a community space for arts + technology, in 2011. On her own, Nina works in a variety of media including architecture, film, sound, and installation, often exploring the idea of recycling noise into a system or elevating the vernacular to the spectacular. Nina co-founded I Made It! Market in 2007. An idea based on urban acupuncture, this nomadic market partners with community, arts, and non-profit organizations to raise funds and awareness to assist in improving their communities while allowing local artists and crafters to sell their wares. Nina holds degrees in architecture from Southern California Institute of Architecture and Carnegie Mellon University, where she is also adjunct faculty.

Contact: nina@assemblepgh.org

Tany Haynes

(she/her)

In House Youth Programs Coordinator

Tany is a transplant to Pittsburgh and has lived here for 6 years.  She was born in Massachusetts, grew up in South Florida, and most recently moved from Buffalo, NY. While in Buffalo she ran an afterschool art program (one she attended in her youth) and also received a degree in Fine Arts from The University of Buffalo. Her love is Art Education and working creatively with children. She has also studied various forms of dance throughout her school career including ballet, jazz, and modern.  Tany enjoys learning about all kinds of music, Djing dance parties, and practicing yoga. She is very excited to be a member of the Assemble team!

Contact: tany@assemblepgh.org

Rosemary Erb

(she/her)

Assemble Teacher

Space holder, story teller, lover of nature. Rosemary comes to Assemble via the  coast and ocean of Maine. Full of a plethora of very odd information covering a wild and wide variety of subjects. I like to figure out the process by which something works and get super excited about sharing whatever I am doing with others at the time. I look forward to sharing and learning with the young Assemblers, along with my fellow teachers.

Email: rosemary@assemblepgh.org

Ellen Jones

(she/her)

In House Assemble Teacher

Ellen is a digital illustrator and educator with a passion for learning and making. She holds a BFA  in Graphic Design from SUNY Purchase College where she found a love of printmaking, art history, and teaching. Ellen has over 5 years of teaching experience in both digital and fine arts programs. She strives to create educational spaces that encourage exploration, curiosity, and creates a welcoming environment for all students. Outside of work Ellen enjoys crocheting and spending time with her two cats.

Email: ellenj@assemblepgh.org

CJ Swanson

(they/he)

Assemble Teacher

Cusha Brown

(he/him)

Assemble Teacher

Cusha is a second generation college student majoring in Education, Nursing, and Aviation. He is an aspiring teaching artist because of his love for art, education, and youth. He is a caretaker for his siblings and a family man who loves his people. Some of his main hobbies include photography, digital art, and fashion design. He started as a Ramp Up Fellow and once the program was done became an official Part time assemble staff.

Veronica Rae

(she/her)

Off-Site Programs Curriculum Coordinator

Veronica is a Garfield Native who started off at Assemble in 2011 as an afterschool student and went on to work at Assemble summer camps, Teens as Teachers, Hack the Future and more! She is also a proud teacher of the Afro-
future curriculum. Veronica graduated from Barack Obama Academy of International Studies in 2019. Veronica is also a photographer who learned her digital and film skills at the Manchester Craftsmans Guild, she is now the owner of Veronica Rae Photography™, a Black Female Owned Photography service. Veronica also has received her RAMP certification. Veronica loves to create safe learning environments, seeing, all things STEAM, travel and caramel iced coffee!

Instagram: @pghphotos.vee
Facebook: Veronica Rae Photography
Phone: (412) 254-3778 (Text)
Email: veronica@assemblepgh.org

Khadijat Yussuff

(they/them)

Monthly Programs Coordinator

Email: khadijat@assemblepgh.org

Thea Keene

(they/them)

Development Associate

Thea Keene is an artist and advocate for alternative education. She holds a BFA in Ceramics, with minors in Spanish and Psychology, from Montana State University. Thea is fiercely passionate about fostering community connections through art making and working to ensure spaces to create remain accessible to all. Outside of work, Thea is likely drinking a cup of tea, knitting, mountain biking, or working on her upcoming graphic novel.

Email: thea@assemblepgh.org

Instagram: @farrago_designs

Zim Syed

(he/him)

Offsite Teacher

Zim Syed is a Bangladeshi-American mixed-media artist. Zim was born in Atlanta and moved to the United Arab Emirates soon after. He spent his childhood between the USA, Bangladesh, and the UAE, and his upbringing and experiences as a Bangladeshi American have vastly shaped his life and work. Zim became involved in the local art scene while studying economics at the University of Pittsburgh. In 2020, Zim was the lead artist on the John Lewis Mural, located on Locust Street in Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood, which promotes visual messages about police brutality, systemic racism, and gun violence. In 2021, he received a BIPOC Micro-Grant from the Pittsburgh Foundation’s Center for Philanthropy. Zim is represented by BoxHeart Gallery in Bloomfield. Along with Brew House’s Distillery residency, Zim was also recently awarded the Radiant Hall x Boom Concepts residency.

Email: zim@assemblepgh.org

Tatiana Krzesicki

(they/them)

Off-site Teacher

Tatiana is a local artist and maker with a background inenvironmental studies. They enjoy making sculptural jewelry out of a range of soft materials, using many different fiber arts. Their drawn artwork focuses on fantastical details of life just outside of view. In their work as an educator, they value adjusting to create new spaces for students to experience agency and confidence.

Email: tatiana@assemblepgh.org

Joee Yeager

(It/Ey/They)

Ramp Up Fellow

Joee Yeager is an artist with an interest in informal education and the exploration of self through making and has joined Assemble as a part of the Ramp Up Fellowship Program. Joee grew up in rural Western Pennsylvania and moved to the city to find acceptance and diversity after graduating from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. Joee has taught art to a diverse mix of people from being a crafts counselor in Colorado to teaching painting parties for Senior Citizens and it prizes helping others find joy and make memories through creation. Joee uses art as an exploration of identity and self. Through photography, painting, printmaking, and journaling they work to better express itself. Outside of work Joee can be found reading, writing, and going to concerts.

Email: joee@assemblepgh.org

Collin Wright

(He/Him)

Ramp Up Fellow

Collin is a software developer, educator, game designer, musician, and lifelong learner. After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Montana State University, Collin is exploring ways to create collaborative teaching experiences using interactive and immersive technology. With a passion for all things science, and a newfound interest in lighting design, Collin is learning and teaching astronomy at Carnegie Science Center’s Buhl Planetarium. Outside of work, find Collin tinkering with game design, playing board games, practicing piano, and biking around Pittsburgh’s parks.

Email: collin@assemblepgh.org

Ivory Eddins

(She/They)

Ramp Up Fellow

Ivory Eddins is a self taught local multidisciplinary artist. She explores different disciplines such as painting, fiber arts, and print making.

Email: ivory@assemblepgh.org

Assemble Teacher

Melannie Taylor

(she/her)

Assemble Teacher

Melannie is playwright ,sculptor and teaching artist from the northside of Pittsburgh Pa.Directing Playwriting ProductionBFA at The University of the Arts.  Melannie’s work has been produced at the New Hazlett theatre for the 2023- 2024 CSA Season and with the Throughline Theatre  located at the The Carnegie  Stage.  With a passion for community outreach she has aligned herself with multiple different non profit Pittsburgh organizations Dreams of Hope, The City Theatre, The Mattress Factory, Assemble, Let’s Get Free, Boom concepts and BTAN. In this work Melannie has been able to connect to my community through theater in so many unique ways.

Email: melannie@assemblepgh.org

Katelynd Gibbons

(she/her)

Board President

Creative Services Director, Steel City Media

Katelynd Gibbons began volunteering with Assemble back in 2011, helping lead activities at Learning Parties and off-site events. Since then, she has maintained a strong connection to Assemble’s mission, and, in 2022 joined the Board of Directors. As a driven lifelong learner, Katelynd’s participation with Assemble continues to fuel amazing opportunities to learn and support other learners. She currently works with Steel City Media as the Creative Services Director. Her work in digital storytelling has been featured in campaigns for both national brands and local businesses, and she enjoys playing with design across a wide range of styles. A love for art, education, and people are at the core of how Katelynd approaches the world. She holds a BA in Art History from Penn State University and a MA in Social Science from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. In her free time, Katelynd enjoys DIY home projects and creative activities like painting, collage, and découpage. Most of all, she likes to spend time with her rambunctious cat, Miko.

Email: katelynd@assemblepgh.org

Phyllis Kim

(she/her)

Board Vice President

Architect at EwingCole

Phyllis Kim is an architect in Pittsburgh. Her passion for community-engaged, public interest design finds expression in her work on theCarnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians, her programming GBBN’s Edge Gallery, and her contributions to GBBN’s Design Issues Series. With an expansive view of what design can do, Phyllis always seeks opportunities for designers to engage their communities. In addition to her work at GBBN, Phyllis is interested in teaching and mentoring young architects. A member of the National Organization of Minority Architects, she is part of the team that executes Project Pipeline, an architectural camp aimed at exposing architecture and design to minority students. She also is an adjunct faculty member Carnegie Mellon’s school of Architecture where she is an alumnus.

Email: phyllis@assemblepgh.org

Emily Farah

(she/her)

Board Member at Large

Senior Counsel for NiSource, Inc

Emily Farah is a lawyer, animal lover, and adventure-seeker. Emily studied journalism at Duquesne University and received her law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. At work, Emily is a regulatory attorney with a focus on pipeline safety. In her free time, Emily enjoys mentoring young adults, rock climbing, running, hiking, and snowboarding. Emily currently lives in Mount Washington with her dog (Zelda), cat (Frances Purrkins), and her most trusted ally/husband, Silas Russell.

Email: emilyf@assemblepgh.org

Liz Dewar

(they/them)

Board Secretary

Technology Program Director, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh

Email: liz@assemblepgh.org

Brett Fulesday

(he/him)

Board Treasurer

Senior Manager, Valuation Services at CFGI

For more than 20 years, Brett has provided business-valuation services for individuals as well as public and privatelyheld, early-stage and mature companies.  Approximately 10 years ago, feeling disconnected from the Greater Pittsburgh community, Brett joined a local Rotary Club.  He has prioritized nonprofit service since, with roles ranging from sounding board to board chair (including with Assemble in 2020 and 2021), all the while accumulating experiences on various committees–particularly, finance and governance.  He is equally happy to help and to learn.

Email: brett@assemblepgh.org

Samuel Rotellini

(he/him)

Development Committee Chair

Adjunct Professor, Point Park University

As an adjunct professor at Point Park University, Sam teaches communications and media entrepreneurship, helping students develop the skills and strategies needed to succeed in today’s dynamic workplace environment. He is committed to inspiring the next generation of leaders by equipping them with practical knowledge and entrepreneurial mindsets.

Sam is committed to serving his community. He has held leadership roles on numerous nonprofit boards, including Chair of the March of Dimes Pittsburgh, Vice President of the Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh, and served on the board of the Western PA Bleeding Disorders Foundation. These experiences have deepened his passion for advancing the missions of nonprofit organizations and supporting community development.

Email: samuel@assemblepgh.org

Ashlee Freeman

(she/her)

DEIAJ Committee Chair

Ph.D. Candidate, Educational Psychology, Liberty University

Ashlee Freeman is a native of Ohio. She earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in Business Management from Capital University in Bexley, Ohio. She earned her Master’s of Arts in Human Service Counseling with a concentration in Executive Leadership from Liberty University. Ashlee has supported several non-profits and higher education institutions targeting historically marginalized groups with the aim of providing equitable solutions. Her skill set includes strategic implementation, group therapy, social emotional learning, educator training and facilitation. Ashlee is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Liberty University. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., One of her career goals is to provide holistic solutions to students that target their physical, emotional, psychological, and social needs.

Email: ashlee@assemblepgh.org

Ellen Yates

(she/they)

Business Analyst & Project Manager, PwC

Ellen studied Writing and Urban Studies at the University of Pittsburgh and Sustainable Business Practices at Duquesne University. They’re developing a business plan for a human centered-design cooperative and paid apprenticeshipprogram, tentatively called Applied Arts and Sciences Co-op. They work as a business analyst and project manager in sales enablement at PwC. In 2022, they joined Assemble’s Board of Directors and began co-chairing the Information Management Committee. They live in Lawrenceville now and grew-up in State College, PA.

Email: ellen@assemblepgh.org

Elise Hawthorne

(she/her)

Information Management Chair

Product Manager, Amplify Education

Elise Hawthorne is a Product Manager at Amplify Education, where she works to build digital curriculum and learning tools for K-12 students and educators across the country. Elise is passionate about the intersections of education, technology, and creativity. Her prior work in education includes advising school districts and education technology organizations in technical strategies, and before that, leading a data team with KIPP NYC Public Schools. She is an alum of AmeriCorps and the Education Pioneers Fellowship, and holds a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University.

Elise lives in Point Breeze with her husband, Samarth, and their two muppet-like dogs, Barry and Edie. In her free time, she loves reading and making pottery.

Email: elise@assemblepgh.org

Shannon Thompson

(she/her)

Associate Director of Learning at The Andy Warhol Museum

Shannon is an arts education professional with over a decade of teaching and program management experience. In her current role as Associate Director of Learning at The Andy Warhol Museum, she uses her passion for interdisciplinary arts education and inquiry-based teaching methodologies to create entry points to the collection for all audiences. She has also worked at Carnegie Museum of Art, Assemble, and multiple Girls Rock Camps and camps for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Shannon got her Masters of Education in Community Engagement from Merrimack College.

Shannon enjoys cooking, dog-parenting, and playing the drums in her free time.

Email: shannon@assemblepgh.org 

Angelica Cooper

(she/her)

School Counselor, Pittsburgh Public Schools

Ms. Angelica Cooper is a School Counselor at Pittsburgh Public Schools. She started working in schools leading teen programming through community organizations such as the YWCA and Assemble. She eventually became a Substitute Teacher and Project Assistant before her current role. Born and raised in Pittsburgh she attended all Pittsburgh Public Schools and then on to Chatham College, and IUP for her Master’s degree. She proudly services on the board of directors for Assemble, East Liberty Family Health Care Center, and Cultivating Resilient Youth. She loves children and has a passion for promoting social, emotional, and mental health and wellness. She has 4 awesome children of her own. When she is not working she likes to spend her time with her family, going to the movies, going out to eat, playing games, spending time outdoors and traveling.

Email: angelica@assemblepgh.org

Kylie Seltzer

(she/her)

Postdoctoral Fellow, Carolina Public Humanities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Kylie Seltzer is an architectural historian, educator, and community builder whose work focuses on creating a freer, more liberated society. Her research focuses on the ways that architecture was used as a tool to visualize racist theories for public and scientific audiences in nineteenth-century Paris. In her capacity as Postdoctoral Fellow, she is overseeing the launch of the Zietlow Civic and Community Engagement project, which focuses on connecting young people with their local communities and activating their unique potential to create change. The project prioritizes humanistic inquiry, participatory events, and innovative communications strategies. 

She is also a plant lover, fitness enthusiast, dedicated mother to two Shih Tzus – George Michael and Phil Collins – and an avid watercolorist.

Email: kylie@assemblepgh.org 

Hannah Moon

(she/her)

Assistant Vice President of Experience Architect, U.S. Bank

Hannah is a talented and driven Assistant Vice President of Experience Architect at U.S.Bank. Her background as a first-generation immigrant from South Korea has instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the value of diversity and inclusivity. Her passion for math and science has enabled her to excel in her career, and she has a keen eye for detail and a natural talent for creating engaging and immersive experiences for customers.

But Hannah’s commitment to community extends beyond her work. She is deeply passionate about creating healthy and happy communities, and she frequently volunteers her time to help others. One of her favorite ways to show her love and support for those in need is by cooking for them, especially during difficult times.

In her personal life, Hannah has a love for trying new skincare products and writing reviews. She also takes great care in ensuring her friends’ skin and overall well-being. Her genuine concern for others is evident in everything she does, and her warm and welcoming personality makes her a joy to be around.

Email: hannah@assemblepgh.org 

Eanna Holton

(she/her)

Deeplocal

Eanna is a Kansas City, MO native who has called Pittsburgh home since 2008. With a background in makeup artistry, latex mask production, & small-run handmade manufacturing, Eanna is always picking up new skills from the talented people around her! For the last 5 years, she has worked at Deeplocal, a Sharpsburg based Creative Technology & Experiential Design Firm doing things ranging from hand painting 80 tweets on the Daytona 500 track to establishing & implementing DEIB practices as part of company culture and values. In her “spare time,” Eanna is training to become an amateur wrestler!

Email: eanna@assemblepgh.org 

Anqwenique Kinsel

(she/her)

Email: anqwenique@assemblepgh.org

Leslie Witt

(she/her)

Inside Sales Manager, Tri-State Capital Bank

Leslie is the manager of the inside sales team at Tri-State Capital Bank. Her team works with financial advisors across the country to acquire securities backed lines of credit for their clients. She holds a BS in Business Administration with a major in Finance from the University of Pittsburgh. Leslie has extensive experience working for regional and national banks both on the client facing side and loan administration. She is excited to bring her knowledge to the finance committee. Leslie lives in the South Hills with her husband and is also an avid volleyball player, scuba diver, and hiker who knows how to live out of a backpack for multiple days.

Email: leslie@assemblepgh.org 

Janine Jelks-Seale

(she/her)

Director, Health Equity with UPMC Health Plan

Janine works on the cutting edge of a large-scale systemic effort to address legacy issues in health equity and disparity. Janine blends business, technical, and creative acumen and a talent for distilling complex concepts into plain language together to bridge the gaps between silos, lead problem-solving initiatives, and deliver results. She is an experienced professional with past roles within Fortune 500 firms, local and federal government, and local and national non-profit organizations.

Previously, Janine worked as a Research & Development Engineer for General Mills, Inc.—one of the largest consumer products manufacturers and marketers in the world with over 100 brands that you know and love. Her product development experience covered soup to nuts from product improvement and new product development roles supporting Progresso Soup to leading product R&D productivity efforts for Chex Mix, Bugles, and Gardetto’s brands.

Janine presently serves as a board member of Footbridge for Families—an organization assisting families facing short-term financial crises. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Pittsburgh’s urban and park landscapes through walking, running, cycling, and kayaking as well as supporting local theatre, comedy, and living artists.

Email: janine@assemblepgh.org

Jennifer Onofray

(she/her)

Email: jen@assemblepgh.org

Latia Hubbard

(she/her)

Associate at Burns White, LLC

Email: latia@assemblepgh.org

Travis Kelley

(he/him)

Vice President, Commercial Banking – Healthcare, Higher Education & Nonprofit Industries 

Travis is a commercial banker at J.P. Morgan Chase, focused on the healthcare, higher education and nonprofit sectors. He has a B.A. in Linguistics and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. Travis is passionate about education and community service, having volunteered as an ESL tutor and served on the boards of multiple nonprofits and educational foundations. He enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with his wife and two sons.

Email: travis@assemblepgh.org

David Doswell is a software engineer based in Marina del Rey, California. A Pittsburgh native, he owns and operates his own software consultancy, Code Plus Color, and has worked for NeuroAge Therapeutics, PayPal, The City of San Francisco, and other technology startups. He also teaches programming to young students in Pittsburgh and has been associated with Assemble for almost 10 years, where used to work as a teacher. David enjoys a good steak, blowing off steam at OrangeTheory, and his morning espresso.

Email: david@assemblepgh.org

EJ Schuck

(he/him)

Customer Service Director, Duquesne Light Company

EJ is a utilities leader, woodworker, and Formula 1 enthusiast. EJ received his Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Engineering and Master’s of Science in Energy Systems Engineering from Lehigh University. His professional career has been focused on the utility industry and includes technology strategy, customer service transformation, and data & analytics. EJ‘s passion for making started in his father’s auto repair shop, deepened with home renovations, and continues as a wood shop teacher at Workshop PGH. This led EJ to seek out involvement with Assemble to support its incredible mission within the community. EJ stays busy chasing his two kids (Edwin and Felicity) with his wife Laura. They live in Friendship and love walking their dog Harley around the neighborhood.

Email: ej@assemblepgh.org