Meet Our Navigators!
Hi, I’m Alexis! I’m an L4L Lead Navigator and this is my third year working at L4L. I graduated from Smith College with a bachelor's in Psychology and Statistical & Data Science. I am now a third-year graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at RIC. I love to read manga, and I enjoy playing video games or drawing when I have free time. I have a strong desire to work in the helping profession and aim to be as helpful as I can!
My name is Ashley, and I am excited to return to the L4L family as a Graduate Assistant! I have a B.A. in Communications from St. John’s University in New York, and I am currently in my second year of the School Psychology Master’s Program. I love movies, books, and music and would love to chat about them all! I also enjoy hiking and spending time with my friends, my fiancé, and my dog, Max. I am new to the area and always looking for new restaurants to try; please let me know about your favorite and best recommendations!
My name is Baboy Nyanneh, a student at Rhode Island College pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. I am passionate about making a meaningful impact in my community through my dedication to helping others. I love storytelling, especially writing African folktales to preserve my homeland's culture and traditions, and music plays a crucial role in keeping me inspired and joyful. Outside of academics and creative pursuits, I stay active and healthy by going to the gym and participating in sports. Known for my sense of humor and reliability, I strive to spread positivity and make a difference in the lives of those around me.
Hi. I’m Brydon Conti and I am a graduate of the Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College. I am currently enrolled in RIC’s Master of Social Work program. I enjoy writing, reading, and watching films.
Hello everyone! My name is Chelsea and I am excited to be joining the L4L family as a Navigator. I am in the first year of the accelerated BSW to MSW social work program. The plus of a long commute to campus is I live near the beach. I spend as much of my free time there as I can and love a dip in the ocean in all seasons. I am a Jeopardy fanatic. Please share your favorite books or podcasts. One of my outlets has been running and I recently completed the goal of a half marathon. It took me a few decades hiatus to return and complete my higher education goals, but like running it is about keeping going. I look forward to supporting you as you keep going to achieve your goals.
Hey there! My name is Diana, and I am a Lead Navigator at Learning for Life. I am in the Accelerated MSW Program at Rhode Island College. I love to challenge myself and create new connections with other people any way I can. I look forward to growing in all aspects throughout this academic year as I have a heart for helping others and meeting them where they are at. I believe that everyone should have at least one person in their corner to help uplift them so that they can accomplish their goals in life. When I am not studying or attending class, I love practicing self-care such as going to the gym, making a cup of tea, sleeping, doing my own nails, and reading Christian books. At L4L, I would like to be the best that I can be so that I can provide support and resources for my Scholars for them to succeed in reaching their designated goals.
Hello, my name is Hunter Palazini, and I am returning for my second year as a Lead Navigator with Learning for Life. I am a graduate student at RIC in the Licensed Mental Health Counseling program. Helping others has always been my passion from an early age; I grew up as a Boy Scout and valued the opportunity to support my peers and participate in various community service projects. This interest is what led me to this field, and it is why I look forward to continuing to help the RIC student population eliminate personal barriers and maintain focus on their educational goals and career aspirations. Aside from my courses and work, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and dogs, watching TV, and archery.
Hi there! I’m Jacob Kramer. I am a second-year student in the MSW program at RIC. I am the Graduate Assistant assigned to the Food for Thought pantry. I am a great believer in the idea that all people have a right to eat healthy food for free. I am proud to be able to help feed the Scholars here at RIC, and am looking forward to finding new ways of funding and stocking the pantry. When I am not at RIC, I like to swim, walk in the woods, and cook for friends. Please stop by and grab a snack! I look forward to meeting you.
Hi! My name is Katie and I am in my last year of the Master of Social Work program at RIC. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with students as this marks my second year as a Navigator with L4L. I am passionate about helping others achieve success and reach their goals. Some of my favorite hobbies include reading, discovering new restaurants, thrifting, and baking. I am excited to begin working and am looking forward to growing and developing my knowledge and skills with L4L!
Hi. My name is Kiraschlee, and I am a first-time Navigator intern at Learning for Life. My pronouns are she/her. I am in my senior year and will graduate this spring with my Bachelor of Social Work. I will be moving on to pursue my Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work. I am excited to have the opportunity to connect students with resources they need by being part of the L4L team. In my free time, I like to read, try new restaurants and hang out with friends and family.
Hello. My name is Lami, and I am currently a graduate student in RIC’s Master of Social Work program. As an L4L Navigator, I am looking forward to getting to know Scholars and supporting them in any way they may need, as well as connecting students to resources. When I am not attending classes, I like to work out, go for walks/runs, eat good food and spend time with my family and friends.
Hello, my name is Mars Yena (they/them), and this is my first semester as a Lead Navigator for Learning for Life. I am excited to join the team and to be able to work with the students on RIC’s campus. I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from RIC in 2024 and I decided to extend my time at RIC by joining the Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. I have always loved helping and supporting others in any capacity I can, and I have worked with a wide variety of backgrounds as well. I love to read in my free time and host game nights with my wife and friends. I am excited to learn more about you and to support you in any way I can.
Hi! My name is Olivia, and I am a Graduate Assistant at L4L. I received my bachelor’s degree from RIC in Psychology and I am now in my first year of the Master’s/CAGS program in School Psychology. Outside of school, I love listening to music, going to concerts, reading, doing yoga and going to the beach. I also love spending time with my husband and our two cats, Frankie and Raf. I am so excited to be working with the L4L team and supporting students on their journey through school.
