Staff

I was born in Colombia and raised in Boston my whole life. I received my BS in Counseling with a minor in Social Work at Lesley University. Prior to joining the Steppingstone’s advising team, I worked at the after-school program at the Hurley K-8 School for six years while also working at the Umana Academy during the summer. I am also a Steppingstone alumnus from the class of 2011. I have a passion of working with children and helping bilingual parents become more involved in the BPS system. During my free time, I love drawing and painting!

Kristin received her BA in English from The College of the Holy Cross and her MA in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling from Lesley University. Prior to joining Steppingstone, she worked in a therapeutic program at Arlington High School.

Ben received his B.A. in History from Brown University and his M.A.T. from Relay Graduate School of Education in New York. Prior to joining Steppingstone, Ben spent five years as a teacher at VOICE Charter School in New York and Edward Brooke Charter School in Boston.

D'Jonita graduated from Colgate University in May 2019 with a BA in Psychology and Educational Studies. As a Steppingstone Alumna and a Boston native, she is dedicating to giving back to communities that have contributed to her own success, and striving everyday to incorporate effective mental health practices in her work. In her free time you might find her spending time with her family, eating delicious food, or in the dance studio breaking it down to Beyonce.

Abobomi Docanto was born and raised in Boston. He attended public schools in Boston and went to Providence College and majored in Political Science and Public and Community Service Studies. Before coming to Steppingstone, he worked at City on a Hill Charter School. He is a huge Primer League Football fan. During his free time, he likes to read and walk around Boston. He has lived in Roxbury and Dorchester his whole life.

Tramel received his BA from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in English/Communications. Prior to joining Steppingstone, he served two years as an educator at a charter school through an AmeriCorps program in Bridgeport, CT. Outside of work, he is most likely writing, reading, watching old films, and enjoying time with friends.

Archi grew up in Boston and is also Steppingstone alumnus from the Class of 2008. He received his BFA in Illustration from Lesley University College of Art and Design in 2018 with a focus in mixed media arts. Prior to Steppingstone he interned in local galleries and showcased his own work around the Northeast.

Katarina received her BS in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University. Prior to joining the Steppingstone Foundation, Katarina interned at the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center leading their youth tutoring program, and at the Museum of Science conducting K-12 engineering education research. She first served Boston Public School students through Project Destiny ministries at the Boston Chinese Evangelical Church. Outside of work, Katarina participates in beginner adult ballet classes at the Boston Ballet.

Chris is an experienced educator with a demonstrated history of leading start-up initiatives in the field of education. Skilled in program development, Chris' expertise lies in the development and management of innovation within ​the social sector. Prior to joining Steppingstone, Chris served as Academic Dean for the Trinity Boston Foundation's TEEP program, as well as band and orchestra director at the Boston Arts Academy. Chris received his B.M. in Music Education from the Berklee College of Music and M.S. Ed. in Education Entrepreneurship from the University of Pennsylvania.​ Chris sits on the Board of Directors of the Trinity Boston Foundation and is a member of the Advisory Team of Neverbore.​

Sara received her degree in History and Romance Languages from Wesleyan University. She is passionate about working with children and providing them with access to the best education possible. In her free time, she loves to hike, bike, travel, and eat good food.

Mary Lou graduated with a B.A, in Economics from Boston College and received a Masters in Public Policy from Brandeis University with an emphasis on monitoring and evaluation. Prior to her work at Steppingstone, she worked as a Research Assistant at Universidad de San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador and tutored Math, Economics, Spanish and Test Prep online. In her spare time, Mary Lou loves to travel, hike, cook, and tutor.

Mary received her B.A. in Sociology and Spanish Literature from Colgate University and her M.A. in Elementary Education from Sacred Heart University. Mary worked at TSA for three years as a Reading and Writing teacher prior to joining the Steppingstone staff full time. Most recently, Mary was the Library and Technology Coordinator at The Advent School in Beacon Hill.

Jacob graduated from Colgate University with a B.A. in English and from Lesley College with an M.Ed. in Middle School English. Subsequently, Jacob taught English for 15 years in both public and private schools, at both the middle and high school levels. In his free time, Jacob enjoys going to Marvel Comics movies, watching Manchester United soccer matches, and most of all, playing with his two young daughters.

Jane Ventrone began her career at Steppingstone as an Advisor with The Steppingstone Academy in 2006. Before moving into the Vice President of Academic Programs role, she served as the Senior Director of Teaching and Learning. Prior to joining Steppingstone, Jane taught 7th grade Language Arts as a Teach for America corps member in Philadelphia. She has a B.A. in Psychology from Boston College, an M.S. in Elementary Education from Saint Joseph's University, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University. Jane serves on the Board of Directors of Riverbend School in Natick, MA and she also enjoys reading, gardening, and traveling.

Hannah Waters graduated from the University of Maine in 2017 with a BA in International Affairs and a minor in Sustainable Agriculture. After graduating she spent two years teaching English in Beijing, where she developed a passion for education and working with youth. In her free time Hannah enjoys reading or being outdoors.