MEET OUR TEAM
TOM CAHILL
President of Studio Institute
Studio in a School Association (SIAS) has provided artist-taught visual arts programs in New York City for more than 45 years. The success of its programs under the direction of Thomas Cahill was the catalyst for the creation of Studio Institute in 2016, when he was appointed president, with the goal of expanding SIAS programs to other cities. A Brooklyn native, Tom credits his parents with instilling his love of the arts, starting with family outings to New York City museums and other cultural institutions at an early age.
“Studio Institute programs help both youngsters and adults to understand the rigor that’s involved in the visual arts, how essential the arts are, and how personal motivation when making, sharing, and responding to art could be the fundamental element that gets them to see their lives differently.”
Leslie Capello
Executive Vice PresidenT
Over the past 25 years, Leslie has focused her career on young children (birth-5 years) and the professionals who nurture their development and learning. Starting out as a toddler teacher in early care and education (ECE), she naturally moved into roles to support the ECE workforce and from there, held such leadership roles as Early Head Start Director at Grand Street Settlement, Deputy Director at Children’s Aid, and Senior Director at QUALITYstarsNY. In these positions, Leslie created systems that supported scalability, measuring impact, monitoring, project improvement, and accountability.
She also served eight years as an adjunct instructor at Borough Manhattan Community College (BMCC-CUNY) in the Teacher Education Department. Leslie earned a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Mills College in Oakland, California. Leslie enjoys traveling around NYC by train, ferry, or on foot visiting museums, galleries, parks, promenades, beaches, historical sites, bridges, and neighborhoods.
“I feel honored to be part of the team at Studio Institute. Supporting access to quality arts education and career pathways in the arts carries with it a deep investment in children, teens, and college students. It is a privilege to be part of their creative and developmental growth.”
Alberto Cordoba
Executive Assistant and Manager of Program Administration
Alberto lends his expertise in Administration, Operations, and Project Management to create and implement procedures and strategies across a range of different industries. Prior to joining Studio Institute, Alberto worked with Net Capital as a Consultant. Alberto has worked in Office Management and as Executive Support for over 15 years in Boston and New York City.
Alberto was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia and earned his BS in Business Administration from Javeriana University. In his free time, he can be found gallery hopping, exploring new museum exhibits, drawing, riding his bike in Brooklyn, and learning new languages.
“Working at Studio Institute, I've found that work and life seamlessly merge as we assist in the development of youth art skills. There is nothing more fulfilling than witnessing new generations embrace the belief that art unites multiple cultures and communities.”
TEEN PROGRAMS
Michele Sossou
Manager, Program Administration and Teen Apprenticeship Program
Michele has a wide background in after-school, educational, and public program settings, including positions at Children's Aid, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, and The New York Public Library that focused on literacy, tutoring, food justice, and recreation. Having worked with students from grades K–12, to provide experience in education, youth programming, and community engagement has allowed her insights and perspectives that complement her work with teens and college students in Studio Institute programs, including Bloomberg Arts Internship, the Teen Apprenticeship Program, and our Studio Intensives. Michele enjoys running, outdoor movies, cooking, and discovering new places to eat in New York City.
"Working at Studio continues to help me have an appreciative understanding and respect for the arts and see children and interns grow in many ways with their creativity and confidence."
Angelica Negron
Associate Manager, Teen Programs
Angelica is a New York University graduate with a BFA in Photography & Imaging with honors and a double minor in Child & Adolescent Mental Health Studies and Art & Public Policy. She has worked within the field of art education at institutions such as the Brooklyn Children's Museum and Free Arts NYC, in addition to working as a Teaching Artist at schools throughout New York City. She has extensive experience creating curriculum for and teaching young people of all ages and abilities, including many with autism and related disabilities. In her free time, she can be found playing Skee-Ball, watching RuPaul's Drag Race, or exploring NYC to find the best sweet treat.
"Watching students discover the endless career paths within the arts and culture fields is incredibly inspiring. I am confident the next generation of artist and arts workers will aid in creating an equitable, exciting art world, and knowing I have a small part in shaping their experience here at Studio is an honor."
Samantha Copé
Associate Manager, Bloomberg Arts Internship program
Samantha Copé (she/her) has enjoyed a variety of professional experience from classroom teaching to nonprofit administration. Most recently as a Communications Coordinator at Cool Culture, an arts equity organization and partner of Studio Institute, she collaborated with interns from Bloomberg Arts Internship and CUNY Cultural Corps to curate content for programming in support of arts access and social change. She transitioned from art education to nonprofit because of her own internship experience through AmeriCorps VISTA.
Growing up in Maryland, Samantha fell in love with the arts and cultural spaces of D.C. and has since found, between her time teaching middle school and working in nonprofit, some of her favorite memories are museum field trips with students and interns. Outside of her professional interests, Samantha loves biking in Central Park, silent discos along the Hudson, game nights with friends, and visiting the beach and her family who now live in California.
“I know the power of internships for career exploration personally and have witnessed the impact of the BAI program on the interns I’ve worked with.”
College PROGRAMS
Sophia Domeville
senior manager, arts intern College program
Sophia brings several years' experience in program administration, art education, and professional development for students and educators. She holds dual master's degrees in educational leadership focused on education policy and arts education from NYU, where she was a fellow for NYU Social Sector Leadership Diversity Fellowship. In Newark, Sophia designed an immersive arts program centered on the impact of Youth Voice and the Social Justice Movement. Along with her experience in program administration and teaching, her focus is on the importance of art education and its development to increase a sustainable pipeline of access for all students. A Haitian American, Sophia is an Abstract Expressionist and a coffee aficionado who loves to travel.
“I’m passionate about providing diverse college students from regional cities with internship opportunities within the museum field. I find joy developing partnerships with arts institutions and college placement offices to enhance this wonderful program.”
Kailey Duran
Program cooRdinator,
arts intern CollEge program
Kailey is sewn into the fabric of Studio Institute, originating as an Arts Intern herself at the Rubin Museum of Art in 2023. She then moved onto being the Program Coordinator for the Arts Intern program, directly supervising and mentoring student interns in the summer 2024 program. Her time with Studio Institute has awakened her passion for making opportunities in the arts more accessible to students with diverse backgrounds. Kailey received her BS in Journalism from Boston University, a path she pursued because of her love for storytelling. This means in her free time you will always catch her with a book in her hand.
“It is incredibly inspiring to see students building the steps of their future careers with the Arts Intern program. By getting a small glimpse into how they want to shape the world, I am confident our future is in good hands.”
Craig weiner
Program Manager Arts Intern, College
Since moving to NYC in 2005, Craig has dedicated his career to supporting marginalized students and their quest to meet their potential. His experience includes building a community of 5,000 Teach For America alumni in New York City and building postsecondary partnerships to support OneGoal-New York students toward retention and graduation. He has also led a paid internship program at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and served as a consultant for several non-profit and higher education institutions, developing strategic plans for both college and career readiness.
Craig has a B.A. in History and English Literature and an M.A. in Drama from Washington University in St. Louis, as well as an M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. When not working, he can be found in Brooklyn with his two children and two cats, or at a variety of performing arts venues.
“The Bloomberg College Arts Internship program at Studio Institute is an incredible opportunity for me to combine my college and career development experience and my personal arts background to make a transformational impact on students across the country.”
Alyssa Muñoz Associate Manager Arts Intern, College
Alyssa (she/her) has supported diverse education programs through student services, college success program development, grant-funded institutional equity initiatives, and most recently, financial education workshops for underserved communities in New York state. After starting her career in recruitment and operations in tech, she gained a master's degree in student development from Seattle University alongside shifting into community management and program administration in the education sector. Through her work, she applies an equity lens to empower diverse youth and is excited to bring that same passion to Studio Institute. Outside of work, she enjoys watching TV, finding local eats, reading, and writing.
“I am thrilled to be part of the Bloomberg College Arts Internship team, where I can support diverse college students and cultural arts organizations in the development of empowering youth career pathways.”
Regional School and CommunitY Programs
Lenora Inez Brown
Director of greater cleveland programs
Lenora has worked professionally as a new-play dramaturg in many of the nation’s regional theatres and Broadway. As an arts educator, she has taught at The Theatre School at DePaul University and lectured at various colleges and universities and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Although she has spent many hours in rehearsal halls, she began her arts career studying art history in high school and college. Her first internship in the arts was at the Brooklyn Museum of Art as a high school junior. She is excited to combine her background in art history and dramaturgy and arts education here at Studio Institute. When she isn't working with arts educators, she can be found reading cookbooks and creating amazing gluten-free pies and other delicacies.
"Joining Studio Institute here in my hometown of Cleveland is important to me. My first internship during high school at the Brooklyn Museum of Art sparked my love for the arts and arts education. I have loved Studio Institute since 2017 when I learned about its model, and I cannot wait to grow the vital work of Studio Institute here.”
Judith Foster
Manager of Professional Learning
After starting a career in publishing, Judith realized that she would rather be among children in a school than adults in an office. She's been a teacher, principal, teacher educator, and curriculum specialist—as well as a founding teacher and principal of the Neighborhood School, a public school in Manhattan. At Studio Institute, Judith launched the visual arts component of CREATE, the arts-based professional learning track of the NYC Department of Education’s Pre-K for All program, and has worked with Studio teaching artists in Memphis, Newark, Greenwich, and Cleveland. In Judith’s professional practice, she has always sought to give children opportunities to express their voices and ideas. When her schedule allows it, she makes pottery, plays with her grandchildren, and putters in her garden.
“I’m so happy to bring my previous experience to my work at Studio Institute as a manager of professional learning. I love teaching and collaborating with adults to offer children open-ended explorations in artmaking that excite them and inspire them.”
EDITORIAL
Adele Stroh
Editorial assistant
Adele has taken on several roles during her tenure at Studio in a School and Studio Institute. During the early years, she worked with the Development Department, Marketing and Public Relations, and the President’s office. Prior positions included teaching High School English; serving as Associate and Acting Director of Education at the Whitney Museum of American Art; providing vocational counseling for refugees; and working with unemployed professionals, all of which has provided her with experience and insights that contribute to her editorial expertise in guiding the production of Studio’s arts education program materials. Presently, she is spending time caring for the estate of her late partner, artist Russell Connor, trying to get his work exhibited and sold.
“After 18 years at Studio, I’m still eager to get back to editing much of the digital and print materials that leave our office. I’ve missed the camaraderie and personal interactions of being on-site with my Studio Institute colleagues.”
MARKETING
Dennis Sebayan
Marketing & Communication Manager
Brand storyteller and strategist Dennis Sebayan has 20+ years of experience in marketing with a background in journalism, public relations, business analysis, and business development. Drawing from his diverse journey, he bridges technology and strategic communication to amplify action-inspiring narratives. He successfully led data-driven content strategies at ThreatModeler Software and Nonprofit HR, driving significant organizational growth. At Replicated, a software distribution platform, he crafted technical content that drove record-breaking engagement within developer communities. His UX design and innovation were instrumental in transforming digital experiences at Rutgers University and NYC 311. Dennis approaches each project with analytical precision and a systems mindset, architecting strategies that connect with audiences and spark meaningful conversations. He has a BA in English with a concentration in psychology from the University at Buffalo. He served a two-year term on Seton Hall University's Stillman School of Business Advisory Board for their Transformative Leadership in Disruptive Times program. Dennis, a Ridgewood, NJ resident, is a lector and commentator at Our Lady of Mount Carmel church. He has a passion for health and wellness and in his spare time, enjoys cooking, hiking, and exploring his love of high-fi sound as an audiophile.
“I marvel at Studio Institute’s mission to transform students and communities through creative discovery. I'm passionate about arts enrichment because it unlocks potential, builds confidence, and creates lasting positive impact. Each day, I'm energized knowing our work breaks down barriers and makes arts education accessible to all.”
Jeannie Sharkey
Marketing & Communication
With a background in marketing and communications focused on second language acquisition, education technology, literacy, and visual arts education, Jeannie’s experience includes management positions in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors. In her role in Marketing & Communications, she works closely with Studio Institute staff to reach and engage Studio’s key audiences: students, parents, teachers, school and community leaders, and cultural partners; and highlight the accomplishments of the remarkable young people participating in Studio programs from Early Childhood to college. Outside of work, Jeannie enjoys hiking in the mountains, studying Italian and ancient Roman history, advancing her culinary expertise, and getting dirty in her perennial garden.
“Working at Studio Institute makes it possible for me to experience art on multiple levels every day—whether it’s talking to students about their art, discovering the work of new artists, or learning about the latest ‘must-see’ museum installations from colleagues.”
James Azzaretti
Social Media and Video Documentation
James is a graduate of New York University with a BFA in Film & Television. At NYU, he worked in various public schools in lower Manhattan for work-study, tutoring students, and teaching cooking classes.
Upon graduating, James has worked in the film industry as a sound engineer and videographer. He has worked on projects from independent shorts all the way to major studio features. James is excited to continue his work documenting the work of Studio Institute, its interns, and events through video and photos. Check out Studio’s social media to see some of James’ work.
“I have experienced firsthand the paid opportunities and adventures Studio Institute provides to emerging artists and young students. I am excited to continue my journey with Studio having seen the positive effects of Studio’s missions.”
DEVELOPMENT
richard teller
Development manager
Richard began his career in film and television production in New York “back when cable was being born.” He then went to work for The American Film Institute and then the National Endowment for the Arts, where he began to work in the nexus between the nonprofit sector and philanthropy. He has been fundraising ever since, working in the areas of social justice, HIV/AIDS, eldercare, and international development. Now based northeast of Boston and working remotely, he's finding walks by the ocean with his dogs a newfound source of joy.
“What a thrill it is to be working in the arts again with ‘the house that Aggie built.’ Studio is an organization I’ve admired since I first came to New York in 1980, and it’s a privilege to be part of the team seeking support for its work in so many other cities.”