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.

  • 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 was raised in Providence. She previously worked as a Co-Manager and Manager Trainer for management at a company for 22 years. Elizabeth loves to craft with her kids, travel, and read.

  • Haylee Pineda

    YOUTH MENTOR

    Haylee is a Central Falls High School graduate of the class of 2011. She obtained her teacher’s assistant certification in 2020. She has plans to go back to school and earn her degree in early childhood education one day. She has always had a great love for children since she was a child herself. Haylee enjoyed running track while in high school and was also the team captain. Haylee loves spending time with her daughter who attends TLC. Whether they are getting their nails done, trying a new Boba spot, or doing arts and crafts, they always have a good time.

  • Kathleen Sami

    YOUTH MENTOR

    Kathleen was born and raised in Passaic NJ and later moved to North Providence RI where her immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic finished raising her and her three older brothers. Kathleen Is a mother of three and a fur mom of one dog and cat. She has previously worked in corporate collections with some minor experience as a camp counselor. Fun fact: Kathleen is a woman of many talents when it comes to being creative she was just born with a natural creative eye.

  • 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!