Staff & Board

STAFF

Masiel Rodriquez-Vars

Executive Director

Masiel is deeply passionate about education. She comes from a family of public school advocates, and she was an elementary public school teacher in the early 90s. She pursued a circuitous path to MFEE - law school, program associate at a family foundation, director of a youth philanthropy program, amateur filmmaker, and nonprofit consultant with organizations serving vulnerable youth.

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Dory Hack

Director of Innovative Programs

After nearly 20 years working at the intersection of the justice system, youth development, and community programs, Dory is loves putting her energy and experience to work in her own community. She's an advocate for public education, policy dork, systems nerd, and compulsive problem-solver. Prior to MFEE, Dory worked at the Center for Justice Innovation. She has two children in Montclair Public Schools and a background in theater design/production.

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Erin Madigan White

Director of Communications

Erin is thrilled to put her news and communications background to work in support of public education. She has more than 15 years of experience at media organizations including The Associated Press, TIME and Fortune. She holds a journalism degree, an MFA in creative writing, and teaches writing workshops for young people. Erin also served as a PTA co-president and her three children attend Montclair Public Schools.

Gianna Santelli

Director of Development

Gianna has over a decade of development experience. She specializes in helping small nonprofits scale their fundraising, focusing on new revenue generation and long-term sustainability. Her approach combines storytelling, strategy, and research to create authentic connections. She's worked with notable organizations in the arts, education and workforce development. Gianna grew up in Nutley, attended Rutgers and lives in Montclair with her cat, Amber.

Kathy Maloy

Grants Coordinator

Kathy began volunteering as a grant liaison in 2015 and formally joined MFEE in February 2020. As the daughter of a retired public school teacher, she is passionate about supporting educators, and she truly enjoys seeing their magical ideas come to life in MFEE's annual grants. Kathy has a background in marketing and public relations. She has three children in Montclair Public Schools and was a past head of SEPAC (Special Educational Parent Advisory Council).

Najla Nazeemudeen

Administrative Coordinator

Najla serves as the Administrative Coordinator at MFEE. With two children in the public school system, she helped coordinate after-school enrichment programs and volunteered as a school liaison for MFEE before officially joining in 2020. She is energized by seeing the positive impact MFEE’s work has with children and the school community. She has a background in Psychology.

Raichel Cochancela

Program Coordinator, Navegadores Escolares

Raichel is a student at Montclair State University pursuing a masters in social work, with a concentration in Children, Youth, and Families. She is a first-generation college student and strives to be a change maker. She has previously worked as a kinship case manager, and is looking forward to working with students, school staff, community partners and volunteers to help newcomer families navigate the Montclair Public Schools and access educational resources.

Jenn Contreras

Program Coordinator, After School Programs

Jenn has a background in criminal justice and most recently served as the executive director of a daycare in Montclair. Having moved to the United States at a formative age, she understands the challenges that come with these changes and how important it is to feel supported and heard. She has always enjoyed helping others and is excited to provide academic and social support to students during such a pivotal time in their lives.

Lesley Xicotencatl

Weekend Coordinator, Entrenadores Escolares

Lesley joined MFEE as program coordinator in 2021 and helped launch the Entrenadores Escolares program. She is focused on creating a safe, inclusive environment for students while providing the support they need to thrive academically. Lesley works full-time as a second grade teacher at HOLA - Hoboken Dual Language School. She has over 7 years of experience in the education field and is proud of how much MFEE's after-school programs have grown.

Rosario Tula

Youth Services Specialist

Rosario works with the teens and children in MFEE’s after school programs. A first-generation student currently studying at Montclair State University, she grew up in Passaic and has lived in Montclair for more than 10 years. She attended the Montclair Public Schools and graduated from Montclair High School in 2021. She enjoys working with children and families and is passionate about giving back to the community that has given her so much.

OUR BOARD

MFEE's Board of Directors draws from a broad base of the Montclair community. Board members include parents, alumni, and community members, but above all, passionate advocates for public education. Board members serve two year terms.