Our Team
The Assemble team is approachable, passionate about their work, and reflects the community we serve.
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
CJ is a local artist and activist. They enjoy hands-on making, including painting and drawing, sculpting and fiberarts. They began at Assemble as a student in the Hack the Future program and later returned as a Ramp Up Fellow and now a part time teacher. They enjoy making art, listening to and making music, cooking, hiking and being out in nature, and spending time with friends and family.
Email: cj@assemblepgh.org
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.
Email: cusha@assemblepgh.org
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
Khadijat Yussuff is an immersive transmedia STEAM artist whose work centers on reimagining Web 3.0 in the context of indigenous cultures, and aims to marry their Yoruba origins with their love of mixed-reality technology while creating educational opportunities around both. Khadijat’s work has been shown thus far in Pittsburgh, NYC, Basel, & Portland, and they are currently pursuing a Master’s in Data Science from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Email: khadijat@assemblepgh.org
Thea Keene
(they/them)
Development Associate
Thea Keene is an artist and advocate for alternative education. They hold a BFA in Ceramics, with minors in Spanish and Psychology, from Montana State University. Thea is 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 their 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)
Assemble Teacher
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)
Assemble Teacher
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
Nsai Temko
(they/them/she/her)
Assemble Teacher
Nsai Temko is a vivacious teaching artist. Nsai was born and raised in Pittsburgh. They graduated as valedictorian of Propel Braddock Hills High School in 2019 and are deeply passionate about learning and sharing knowledge. In High School, Nsai served as the GSA and Engineering clubs’ president. Nsai also began making poetry and comic zines and selling them at local zine fairs. She served on HomeTeam/Student Council as treasurer and worked as a teen writer for Public Source. In addition, she completed the Learn and Earn program at Assemble and participated in Hack The Future.
Nsai went on to receive their bachelor’s degree from Emory University. During their time at Emory, Nsai studied Environmental Science and an interdisciplinary approach to the humanities. Nsai wrote their thesis on developing an ecocentric narrative structure that frames stories meant to bring people closer to each other and the environment. As a part of this thesis, they wrote and illustrated the webcomic, Naturan.
They recently completed an AmeriCorps term at Tree Pittsburgh, there they focused on community engagement, environmental education, and tasks in the tree nursery.
Nsai also participates in Dreams of Hope programs such as the Queerness and Nature series and TheatriQ. She also participates in the Metamorphosis Readings at the White Whale Bookstore. They recently joined the Black Transformative Arts Network as a creative in residence.
Nsai is excited to be a part of the Assemble team!
Email: Nsai@assemblepgh.org
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
Karter Breedlove
Off-Site Teacher
Karter is an emerging creative and teaching artist in Pittsburgh, PA. Karter is passionate about uplifting and connecting the creative voices of Pittsburgh. Karter has always found solace in self-expression, whether through visual art, writing, or performance. Karter’s path found intersection with education in November 2023 through the Ramp-up fellowship program at Assemble. In May of 2024, Karter was officially hired on as a part time off-site teacher at Assemble.
Their journey as a teaching artist has not only enhanced their personal creativity, but also provided an opportunity to become more involved with the Pittsburgh community and share their unique perspective with others.
Through their personal creative practice, Karter explores the perception of self, queerness, interpersonal experiences and spirituality. Their artistic process is spontaneous, prolific, and somewhat erratic. They focus on turning intangible tangible–capturing emotions through colors, lighting, and imagery. They work primarily with visual art, and their first solo exhibition “Chrysalis” was up at Wick Monet gallery February – March 2024. Their second solo exhibition was at Commonplace Coffee Squirrel Hill in September 2024. They look forward to putting on more exhibitions in the future. Karter also has a passion for magazine creation, curating an eclectic mix of visual artists and poets into book format.
When they’re not working on various creative projects, Karter enjoys spending time in nature, embracing magic, and adventuring around with their lovely friends
Email: kb@assemblepgh.org
Assemble Board of Directors
Samuel Rotellini
(he/him)
Board President, Executive Committee Chair, 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
Jennifer Onofray
(she/her)
Board Vice President
Co-Owner, Two Frays Brewery
Jennifer is the CEO and Co-Owner of Two Frays Brewery, a community-based brewery and taproom in the Garfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh, down the street from Assemble. She is also the CEO and Founder of Nestwork, an organization built to support women business owners in Pittsburgh. And also an Executive Coach and Professional Speaker focused on leadership development. From her 20+ years in corporate business leadership roles, she brings strong experience in strategy development, financial leadership, developing leading global teams to deliver sustainable growth and building and developing small teams in the small business environment. Through her work in the brewery, she cultivates an inclusive culture and welcoming space that gives back to the community through donations and collaborative events.
She has served on several volunteer boards – most recently – Bloomfield Development Corporation. She holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Lehigh University and MBA from U of M Ross School of Business. She lives in Pittsburgh with her husband and two frenchies.
Email: jen@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
Shannon Thompson
(she/her)
Board Secretary
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
Latia Hubbard
(she/her)
Board Member at Large
Associate at Burns White, LLC
Email: latia@assemblepgh.org
Kylie Seltzer
(she/her)
Governance Committee Chair
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
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
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
Erica Tamburo
(she/her)
Events Committee Chair
Owner, Erica Tamburo Gallery
Email: erica@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
Liz Dewar
(they/them)
Technology Program Director, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
Liz Dewar is a technology leader with business and creative experience in non-profits large and small. They have extensive experience in museum technology and operations, as well as an educational background as a former photography teacher. At work, Liz enthusiastically approaches both technical and adaptive challenges while fostering happy and high-performing teams. Liz came to Assemble’s board excited to champion an organization that brings joy and opportunity to the community. They can usually be found walking in Garfield-Friendship-Bloomfield with their partner, Helen, and dog, Elam.
Email: liz@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
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
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 nonprofitsectors. 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
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
David Doswell
(he/him)
CEO at Code Plus Color
David Doswell is a software engineer based in Marina del Rey, California. A Pittsburgh native, he owns andoperates 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
Rebecca DuPont
(she/her)
Associate Professor, Multimedia Communications, Community College of Allegheny County
Email: rebecca@assemblepgh.org
Malcolm Carrington
(he/him)
Undergraduate Recruitment Specialist, University of Pittsburgh
Email: malcolm@assemblepgh.org