The Lab Staff
Mary Tinucci, MSW, LICSW, has been a school social worker in Saint Paul Public Schools since 1991. She has worked with youth in a variety of settings. She has strong experience facilitating groups with urban youth. She developed her own interest in group work, writing, poetry and spoken word poetry into an innovative way to work with urban youth. She began by starting an after-school writing program at Ramsey Jr. High in 2000. She continued by founding and facilitating Lexicon, a community poetry group for high school students at Lexington Branch Outreach Library (now the Rondo Community Outreach Library) in St. Paul from 2001-2004. Throughout the last several years, she has consulted with several social service agencies to facilitate writing circles for GLBT youth, youth in foster care & other at-risk youth populations in the Twin Cities. Her own love of group work, poetry, journaling, and writing for emotional health led her to create The Poetry Lab (March 2004) for EBD students in St. Paul Public Schools. Under Mary’s leadership, the Poetry Lab has developed and transformed into The Lab to include additional creative modalities. Most recently, Mary initiated the Lab’s staff growth to a team of 7 (Vistas, staff and interns) and launched the program’s move to Homecroft. Contact Mary: mary.tinucci@spps.org (651) 744-1005
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Tess Pease, MSW, LICSW has worked with youth for over 25 years, 11 of which have been in St. Paul Schools, as Team Lead in the PAS program at Central High School. Tess has returned to her work at The Lab this year, for her second year. Her passion is empowering youth, helping them identify their strengths and connect with these strengths in ways that move them toward their dreams. She is committed to learning and finding creative ways to encourage students’ engagement in high school and post-secondary education. She is passionate about health and wellness, and also loves travel, the outdoors and adventure. Tess was voted “Metro Area Cool Woman of the Year” in 2000 for her dedication to youth. Contact Tess: theresa.pease@spps.org, (651) 744-1001
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Mallory Haar, BA. Mallory is the Creative Arts Specialist / Program Assistant at The Lab. She coordinates volunteer and service learning involvement, and matches Lab students with mentors from the community. Again and again she finds the mentorship relationship to be a powerful one, guiding both “mentor” and “mentee” to new growth and self-exploration. You can most commonly find her facilitating Poetry Labs, although she also works in the visual arts and wellness. She is particularly passionate about helping students prepare for the transition out of high school, and enjoys taking students on college tours. She is currently working to coordinate a new Leadership Lab. Mallory works as the point person for Harding, Como and Highland Senior Highs, as well as RiverEast Day Treatment. Reach her at mallory.haar@spps.org or (651) 744-1002.
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2008 – 2010 Americorps*VISTA Members
VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. In return for their service, AmeriCorps VISTA members receive a modest living allowance and health benefits during their service, and have the option of receiving an education award or stipend after completing their service. VISTA members generally do not provide direct services. Instead, they focus their efforts on building the organizational, administrative, and financial capacity of organizations that fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster economic develop, and otherwise assist low-income communities.
Kristen Mason, BA. Kristen is in her second year of service as an Americorps *VISTA for The Lab. Serving primarily as a support for the staff and volunteers of The Lab, she manages The Lab’s technological resources, publicity, and video/data documentation of the direct service at The Lab. Kristen is passionate about art & education, both as tools of empowerment & social justice. Contact Kristen: kristen.mason@spps.org, (651) 744-1003
Tricia Michel, BA. Tricia is also in her second year of service as an Americorps *VISTA for The Lab. She is enthusiastic about the upcoming school year and is taking leadership in community outreach, grant writing. She is looking forward to working with the students and staff at Hazel Park Middle School Academy PAS and Murray Jr. High School PSD. Contact Tricia: tricia.michel@spps.org, (651) 744-1004
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2009 – 2010 Interns
Leann Stanoch, MSW Intern, is a Master’s of Social Work intern studying at the University of Minnesota. This year, she is working with Harding, Battle Creek and River East students. She enjoys road trips, self-reflection, music, breathing in the outdoors and learning from and about people. She can be reached at: leannstanoch@gmail.com
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Geriann Fedorowicz, MSW Intern, is working on her Master’s Degree in Social Work from St. Catherine University and the University of St. Thomas. She is working with Ramsey Junior High, Murray Junior High, and Como Senior High. She loves to see people enjoy art and explore new things! She can be reached at: gfedoro@gmail.com
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Gonkama Johnson, Intern, is working on his Undergraduate degree in Psychology at Concordia University, St. Paul. He is working with St. Andrews PAS, Central High School, and Highland High School. He is interested in holistic approaches to learning and understanding the human being. He can be reached at: johnsong2@csp.edu
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Sade Kelly, SW Intern, is working on her Undergraduate degree in Social Work at St. Catherine University. She is working with West 7th PAS, Johnson High School, and Hazel Park Middle School. She can be reached at: srkelly@stkate.edu
