Mission and Vision
Felix A. Urrutia Jr.
Executive Director
As executive director, Felix Urrutia is stewarding Casita Maria through its next stages of development leading to the Centennial Anniversary in 2034. He has a Master's Degree in Urban Affairs from Hunter College, completed non-profit executive management training at Columbia University, and has been an Adjunct Lecturer at Lehman College for 20 years.
Senior Management Team
Christie Alcid, Controller
Christie Alcid is the Controller of Casita Maria, Inc. where he oversees the financial operations and provides advice that will enable Casita Maria to achieve its operational goals. His responsibilities include budgeting, forecasting, accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll. Christie holds a Master of Business Administration from Baruch College and is also an Enrolled Agent (EA) certified to practice before the IRS.
Director of Education & Programs
Yasmar Cruz is a Puerto Rican artist, educator, and nonprofit leader with over a decade of experience based in New York City. She serves as Director of Education & Programs. She holds a BA in Performing Arts & Public Relations from the University of Puerto Rico and a Master’s in Dance Education from the City University of New York.
Blanca Estepa, Office and Finance Manager
Blanca I. Estepa serves as the Office and Finance Manager at Casita Maria. She supports staff and manages and troubleshoots office operations to ensure the effective and efficient use of agency resources. Ms. Estepa earned an A.S. in Business Administration with continuing credits in Accounting from Baruch College.
Tracy Fortson, Development Manager
Tracy Fortson serves as the Development Manager at Casita Maria. She is a mission-driven social impact professional with more than 20 years experience in nonprofit management and development, fundraising, strategic planning, communications and advocacy. Using the arts, culture, and creativity as catalysts for social change, Tracy is inspired to do work that empowers, engages, and mobilizes people in historically underserved communities. She studied sociology at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Gail Heidel, Artistic Director
Gail Heidel serves as the Artistic Director at Casita Maria overseeing all performing and visual arts and arts education programs. She joined the organization in June 2015 and informs her work with over twenty years of experience as an arts administrator, curator, educator and visual artist. Ms. Heidel holds a BFA from the University of Connecticut and an MFA from the University of Minnesota.
Human Resources Manager
Jazzie Merced is the Human Resources Manager at Casita Maria. She oversees the complete employee life cycle and administers, as well as ensures, overall compliance in areas of policy development, payroll, training and benefits administration. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Union College and a Master's degree in Human Resources Management from The New School.
Arts Team
Teaching and Therapeutic Artist Coordinator
Molly Buzanis serves as the Teaching and Therapeutic Artist Coordinator. With valuing inclusion and quality art education, she assists Teaching Artists in implementing Expressive Art Therapy into all disciplines. Molly holds a BA in Dance Choreography and Performance with an Anthropology minor from Saint Mary’s College of California.
Arts Program Coordinator
Elizabeth Ochoa serves as the Arts Program Coordinator at Casita Maria. With her passion for arts and culture and their ability to improve health outcomes, she integrates her experience as a public servant having served both internationally and domestically to facilitate events and programs in the community. Elizabeth holds a BA in psychology from the University of Nevada Las Vegas and a MPH from the Colorado School of Public Health.
Education Team
Ciaseem A. Andrews, Program Coordinator for Elementary Education
Ciaseem A. Andrews serves as the Program Coordinator for Elementary Education at Casita Maria. He creates a safe, structured, and fun learning environment for elementary age young people to thrive and facilitates staff training. Mr. Andrews attended SUNY Brockport where he pursued an English degree with a concentration in Literature.
Nairobi Cordero, Community Outreach and Family Engagement Coordinator
Nairobi Cordero serves as the Community Outreach and Family Engagement Coordinator at Casita Maria. She creates a welcoming environment for parents/caregivers and young people while managing all aspects of after-school and summer day camp enrollment. Ms. Cordero holds an AS in Community Health from Hostos Community College and a BS in Speech Pathology from Lehman College.
Education Specialist
Elion Clemente's role at Casita Maria is to provide educational support to the programs through various techniques and skills. Elion has a business administration degree in non - profit management and a 10+ year career in youth development and fashion design.
Gloria Pleasant, Program Coordinator, Middle School Program, Harlem Village Academy
Gloria Pleasant serves as the Program Coordinator at Casita Maria’s East Harlem middle school program at Harlem Village Academy during the school year and back in the Bronx during the summer months. Ms. Pleasant holds a Bachelor's Degree in Social Science from the College of New Rochelle, Rosa Parks Campus.
Associate Program Coordinator for Middle School Education
Jessica Torres serves as the Associate Program Coordinator for Middle School Education at Casita Maria. She provides support for all aspects of the program during after-school and summer day camp. Ms. Torres holds a Bachelor's Degree from University of Phoenix in Business, Science, & Communications. She is currently attending New York University (NYU) to obtain her Masters Degree to become an LMHC through the Counseling in Mental Health and Wellbeing program with a focus in school aged adolescents.
Amanda Turcios, Associate Program Coordinator for Elementary Education
Amanda Turcios serves as the Associate Program Coordinator for Elementary Education at Casita Maria. She provides support for all aspects of the program during after-school and summer day camp. Ms. Turcios holds a Bachelor's Degree from Ursinus College in Anthropology and Sociology, with concentrations in Latin American Studies, Gender and Women's Studies, and Politics.
