Roseann Bongiovanni, Associate Executive Director

Roseann Bongiovanni joined the Collaborative as the Green Space Coordinator in 1995 and is the chief architect of its incredible growth. She has a bachelor's degree from Boston University and a Masters in Public Health from the Boston University School of Public Health. Roseann has administrative responsibility for all Green Space projects. In addition to her Collaborative work Roseann serves on the Chelsea City Council and was elected Vice President for 2006.
roseannb@chelseacollab.org

Damaris Gonzalez, Lead Outreach Organizer

Damaris is a long-time community activist who joined the Collaborative staff in 2002 as a part-time "doorknocker" in the Chelsea Voter Initiative. She is personally responsible for registering hundreds of Chelsea voters. Damaris also has worked for Centro Latino in its after-school youth enrichment program. She has organizing responsibilities in the Voter Initiative, Chelsea United in Defense of Education (CUDE), the Summer Youth Employment Initiative and the Chelsea Tenants Association.
damarisg@chelseacollab.org

T.J. Hellmann, Green Space Youth Program Coordinator

TJ joined the Green Space staff in 2003, having recently returned from 3 years of organizing and youth work in El Salvador. He has a bachelor's degree from the University of Dayton. TJ supervises the 6-member teen Environmental Crew and has expanded the scope of their projects significantly. He has organizing responsibilities for the T-Riders Union (TRU) and campaigns to rid Chelsea's waterfront neighborhood of polluters and noxious businesses.
tjhellmann@chelseacollab.org

Ivette Ithier, Coordinator, Latino Coalition and CUDE

Ivette served on the Collaborative Board before joining the staff in 1998. In addition to her lead responsibilities for the Latino Coalition and CUDE she works as Gladys' right hand on the Voter Initiative and the Summer Youth Employment Initiative. Prior to joining the Collaborative staff she was the Coordinator of the Chelsea Economic Development Alliance and a Vista Volunteer at Chelsea Neighborhood Housing Services.
ivettei@chelseacollab.org

Dora Santaniello , Financial Director

Dora joined the Collaborative staff in 2003 after serving on the Collaborative Board. Previously she was the Cash Room Supervisor at the New England Aquarium. She has a bachelor's degree in accounting from Boston College. Dora served two terms on the Chelsea City Council, including as its Vice-President, before stepping down last year.
doras@chelseacollab.org

Gladys Vega, Executive Director

Gladys joined the Collaborative staff in 1990 and has taken on increasing responsibility with each passing year. She is the original organizer of most of the Collaborative's community coalitions. She is one of Chelsea's most prominent and important community leaders. Gladys is a student at Cambridge College and is close to earning her bachelor's degree. She has supervisory and organizing responsibility for the Latino Coalition, Summer Youth Employment Initiative, After School Community Building Tutoring Program, Peer Leadership for a Gang-free, Violence-free School Year and the Latino Immigrant Committee. Gladys also provides technical assistance and presents at many training workshops.
gladysv@chelseacollab.org