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.

Chief Of Staff candice.delosreyes@cityyear.org

Candice brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, education, and organizational strategy, with a focus on advancing equity and strengthening mission-driven organizations. She began her career in youth development and has since worked across higher education, philanthropy, and K–12 education, including leadership roles at Roger Williams University’s Intercultural Center and as Chief of Staff/Faculty & Staff Experience Coordinator at The Wheeler School. Candice has also advised and taught an 8th grade community-based, experiential middle school program—teaching civic engagement, building partnerships across Providence, and supporting students as they grow into a stronger sense of agency, identity and purpose.

Candice is committed to creating conditions where young people and those who support them can thrive. Candice serves on the board of Movement Education Outdoors. She holds a BA in Sociology and a Master’s in Public Administration. She is a Rhode Island native and a proud, first-generation multiracial Filipina who lives in Providence with her partner and two children, all of whom are always up for an adventure—especially if it involves games and good food.

Managing Director of Impact (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.

Community Partnerships Manager

Patrick Nigro (he/him/his) is a City Year AmeriCorps alum (Philadelphia ’14 and Rhode Island ’15) and the Community Partnership Manager for City Year Providence. Between his service with City Year as an AmeriCorps Member and his work on staff, he spent ten years as a classroom teacher, working in middle schools, high schools, and postsecondary institutions across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. When he’s not out in the Southern New England community recruiting young adults to serve with City Year Rhode Island, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, cheering on various Boston sports teams, and listening to—and making—music with his bands.

Development Operations & Events Manger

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.

Operations Coordinator

Matthew Harville has worked in the education field for 10 years in a variety of roles, including Teacher Assistant, Lead Teacher, Operations Assistant, Lead Operations Associate, and Operations Specialist. He has always had a passion for helping people and building a better tomorrow. He believes laughter is one of the greatest gifts you can give to anyone. His mindset is that the world is already stressful enough, so let us work together to make it a little less stressful.

Impact Manager

Becca is a youth development and education professional with extensive experience working alongside young people, educators, and families to create supportive, engaging learning environments. Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of educational settings, supporting students with diverse needs and partnering with educators to build communities where young people can thrive, grow, and stay curious.
As an Impact Manager, Becca works closely with school partners and AmeriCorps members to strengthen relationships, communication, and collaboration within school communities. Drawing on her experience as both an AmeriCorps member and classroom teacher, she brings a collaborative, solutions-oriented perspective to her work. She is passionate about helping AmeriCorps members feel connected and supported while building strong partnerships that ultimately benefit students, educators, and school communities.
Outside of work, Becca enjoys reading, baking, crafting, exploring new places, and spending time with friends and family. She is excited to build relationships across the City Year community and serve as a supportive partner to the schools and communities she works alongside.

Impact Manager

Paulex Colón Vazquez is joining City Year as an Impact Manager, bringing a deep commitment to educational equity rooted in her experiences as an educator, community partner, and Americorps alum. As a former ESL teacher, she saw firsthand the power of relationships, mentorship, and supportive learning environments in helping students thrive. Most recently, Paulex served as a recruitment manager at Teach For America, where she developed partnerships and supported the growth of future education leaders. She is excited to continue serving students and communities through her work with City Year.