Leadership in
Rhode Island

Executive Director

Nirva R. LaFortune has nearly 20 years of experience in education, government relations, public policy and community engagement and service. Her relationship with City Year began almost 30 years ago when she participated in City Year Rhode Island’s Young Heroes Program while a student in Providence Public Schools. Her experience was transformative and set the foundation for her passion for service and equity.

Elected to Providence City Council in 2017, Nirva was the first Haitian American to hold elective office in the state of Rhode Island. She served as the vice chair of the Special Committee on Education and introduced legislation to create the City of Providence COVID-19 Recovery and Resiliency Task Force. Nirva championed social-emotional support and resources in schools, affordable housing, mental health issues and initiatives that address inequity and racial disparity and promote equity and access.

Director of People & Operations

Frances Bellegarde's previous roles have helped foster inclusive workplaces and improve organizational processes. She holds a Master of Science in Organizational Development & Leadership from Saint Joseph’s University, Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. In her role as Director, People and Operations brings her passion for organizational excellence, strategic leadership, and commitment to impactful service to City Year.

Marisa began her journey in service with City Year New Orleans during the 2020–2021 school year, an experience that solidified her dedication to supporting students and communities. Following her year of service, she spent two years as a Middle School teacher, further honing her skills in student engagement and classroom leadership.

Marisa uses emotional insight to build strong, trust-based relationships with students, colleagues, and Corps Members and is driven by the belief that creating a safer and more joyful world for children lays the foundation for a better future for all. Through her work, Marisa strives to contribute meaningfully to a more just and compassionate society. 

My name is Patrick Nigro (he/him/his). I am a City Year AmeriCorps Alum (Philadelphia ‘14 & Rhode Island ‘15) as well as the Community Partnership Manger for City Year Providence. In between my service with City Year as an ACM and my work on staff, I was a classroom teacher for those ten years working in middle schools, high schools, and postsecondary institutions in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. When not out in the Southern New England community recruiting young adults to serve with City Year Rhode Island, I enjoy spending time with family/friends, rooting for the various Boston sports teams, and listening to as well as making music in my bands.

Senior Impact Manager

Christina Nikovits is a dedicated Senior Impact Manager with extensive experience in relationship development and management. With a strong foundation built through four years of service with City Year Rhode Island, Christina has honed a unique ability to build and nurture partnerships that drive meaningful impact. Passionate about uplifting student voices and leading with empathy, Christina is committed to creating spaces where students feel heard, valued, and empowered. Throughout her career, Christina has cultivated a reputation for fostering collaboration, building trust, and advocating for the success of students and communities.

Driven by a deep commitment to social change and educational equity, Christina continues to lead with purpose and a focus on making lasting, positive impacts.

(720) 384-6069 aimee.schnebeck@cityyear.org

Aimee Schnebeck is a former public-school teacher and AmeriCorps member with a deep passion for supporting and developing future leaders. Aimee began her career with Teach for America, where she taught 5th and 6th grades at her placement school for seven years before transitioning to City Year. In her current role, she leverages her expertise in curriculum development to plan and execute a yearlong learning sequence, foster career development, provide volunteer opportunities, and offer in-school observation and coaching for AmeriCorps members, service leaders, and returning corps members.

Kevin was born in Philadelphia, PA. He attended Syracuse University where he studied Communications. Following his time at Syracuse, he dedicated two years of service with City Year in Baton Rouge. Currently, he serves as an Impact Director here in Rhode Island after more than 11 years at City Year Boston. Kevin has two daughters, Marcia (4 yr) and Nola (2 yr) with his wife Sara. He possesses a strong passion for fostering community and teamwork especially when working with students and young adults. Outside of work, Kevin is an avid Philadelphia sports fan and enjoys a great meal throughout the city or cooked at home.

Rachel Turner is the Development Events and Operations Manager at City Year Rhode Island. She graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Elementary Education and Art. After college, she began her City Year journey in San Jose, serving as an AmeriCorps member and later as a Team Leader. She then returned to her hometown and spent four years as an Impact Manager at City Year Rhode Island, supporting students and schools through mentorship and educational initiatives. Beyond her work in education, Rachel is a passionate film photographer.

Lauren Ustaszewski is a fundraising professional with 17 years of experience in the non-profit sector at various cultural organizations in Rhode Island. Lauren was most recently the Individual Giving Experience Manager at Roger Williams Park Zoo, working to grow individual giving in support of the Zoo's mission of animal welfare and conservation.

Prior to her time at the Zoo, Lauren held numerous roles at Trinity Repertory Company and Bill Hanney's Theatre by the Sea. Lauren is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a B.F.A. in Theatre. She resides in CT with her husband, extended family, and a few furry friends.