CASITA MARIA'S HISTORY

Casita Maria is a youth, family and community serving arts, culture and education organization in the Hunts Point/Longwood section of the South Bronx. We were established in East Harlem in 1934 by Claire and Elizabeth Sullivan and Sister Mary Imelda who observed waves of Spanish-speaking people pouring in from Puerto Rico in need of essential services. 

While settlement houses were in place to address the needs of the poor, this population was made up of predominantly Jewish, Irish, and Italian immigrants. Seeing the disparity and isolation of the newly arriving Spanish-speaking community, Claire, Elizabeth, and Sister Mary provided critical nutrition, housing, childcare, and educational support. What they could not know at the time was that they were championing social justice long before the term was coined for what would become one of America’s most historically marginalized groups.

For 90 years, Casita Maria has expanded its population base to serve all people of color and continues to serve as an oasis, safe haven, and gathering place for hope and enrichment through arts, culture, education, and recreation.  In 2009, Casita Maria inaugurated a state-of-the-art facility encompassing performance spaces, exhibition gallery, dance and music studios, and more on its Simpson Street campus. This 90,000 square foot, six-story educational and cultural facility in collaboration with the Department of Education has enabled Casita Maria to expand its scope and capacities as a beacon of excellence.

Mission and Vision

Mission

To enrich and elevate youth, families, and communities through arts, culture, and education.

Vision

A joyful community that celebrates and unites diverse cultures. 

Values

Casita Maria's practices are grounded in three fundamental values that reflect who we are and how we want to inspire the world we live in.

COMMITMENT.  We are a team of professionals dedicated to excellence in the intellectual, creative, physical, and emotional growth of everyone we serve.

SAFETY. Casita Maria is a safe and empathetic space where everyone respects and values each other and the community we serve.

INNOVATION.  We learn and evolve in collaboration with dedicated Board members, donors, families, staff, local service partners, elected officials, and a growing community of caring adults.

Board of Directors

Jacqueline Weld Drake, Chair

Benigno Rodriguez-Cubeñas, Vice Chair

Gautam Patel, Treasurer

George Corton, Secretary

Michael L. Ziegler Esq.


John L. Bernbach

Martha Bograd

Sissi Fleitas

Miguel A. Fuentes, Jr.

Michéle Gerber Klein

Alberto Mariaca

Patrick Moran

Darlyn Portes

Thomas C. Quick

Jean Shafiroff

Nancy P. Barry

Daniel Brodsky

Mario Buccellati, II

Paul l. Cejas

Helen Downey

Anne Eisenhower Flöttl, in memoriam 

Wolfgang K. Flöttl

Sergio Millerman

Lewis S. Ranieri

Pilar Crespi Robert

Violy McCausland-Seve

Staff

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

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.

David Stewart Hudson, Manager of People & Culture

David Stewart Hudson, SHRM-SCP® serves as Manager of People & Culture at Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education bringing a decade of expertise in Human Resources (HR) to the role. Hailing from the nation’s capital, David is over the rainbow excited to provide exceptional stakeholder support and strategic organizational guidance to the staff, partners, and amazing young artists of Casita Maria. 

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.

Griselda Borja, Finance Director

Griselda Borja, MBA, is an experienced nonprofit leader with over 16 years in cemetery management, along with extensive expertise in charter school and private school finance. As Casita María’s Director of Finance, she oversees budgeting, reporting, and compliance to ensure strong fiscal stewardship in support of the organization’s mission. She holds a BA in Accounting from Lehman College and an MBA from Grand Canyon University.

Ramon Spence, Director of Education & Programming

Ramon Spence brings over 20 years of experience in youth and community development to his role as Director of Education & Programming at Casita Maria. As a product of youth development, he understands the importance of quality afterschool programming. Ramon studied International Business at Baruch College and Nonprofit Leadership at Fordham University, and holds a School-Age Child Care Credential. He has served as a Director with some of the city’s largest youth development nonprofits and currently sits on the Board of Directors of Navigators USA, one of the country’s leading coed scouting programs. Beyond his philanthropic work, Ramon is also an instructor with the American Red Cross, where he teaches and promotes life-saving skills. He is deeply dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for young people and communities to thrive.

Arts Team

Molly Buzanis, 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. 

Yanet Diloné, Arts Program Coordinator

Yanet Diloné serves as the Arts Program Coordinator at Casita Maria, where she brings a collaborative spirit, respect for cultural traditions, and strong logistical skills. She supports all public-facing programs, including the South Bronx Culture Festival, BronX BandA concerts, exhibitions, murals, partner-led events, the Teen Arts Apprentice Program, and culminating showcases for after-school and summer programs.


She is also a practicing artist and holds a BA in Art History from Hunter College.

Zenobia Rector, Art Studio Assistant

Zenobia Rector serves as the Art Studio Assistant for Elementary and Middle School after school programs. Previously she served for five years as a Casita Maria Group Leader. Zenobia holds an Associate's Degree in Fashion Design from Bauder College.

Education Team

Amanda Turcios, Program Coordinator for Elementary Education

Amanda Turcios serves as the 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.

Ciaseem A. Andrews, Senior Program Coordinator

Ciaseem A. Andrews serves as the Senior Program Coordinator overseeing Middle School programs. He creates an engaging and nurturing environment for grades 6-8, providing life skills to prepare participants for transitions and challenges, while giving room for voice and choice. Mr. Andrews attended SUNY Brockport where he pursued an English degree with a concentration in Literature. 

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.

Lynn V. Sidney, Associate Program Coordinator

Lynn V. Sidney serves as the Associate Program Coordinator for the Elementary program at Casita Maria. In her role, she provides support for all aspects of the after-school and summer day camp programs, helping to design and implement engaging activities that foster academic, social, and emotional growth in young learners. Ms. Sidney has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Lehman College and brings a strong background in youth development. Ms. Sidney is dedicated to creating safe, and enriching spaces where children can explore their creativity, build confidence, and form positive relationships. She is passionate about building strong connections with participants and their families and believes that collaboration and communication are key to a successful program.


Nairobi Cordero, Outreach and Family Coordinator

Nairobi Cordero serves as the Outreach and Family 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.