READ Staff

Yvonne Petrasovits, President: Prior to joining READ in 2008, Yvonne was a co-founder and Managing Director of Aetos Capital, an investment management firm that grew from a staff of two to 275 employees and offices worldwide under her leadership. In addition to her twenty year career in the business sector, she simultaneously worked in a volunteer capacity with community and education related organizations and currently serves as a national board member and board committee chair for Communities In Schools, Inc. Yvonne holds a BS in Business from Iona College and an MBA from Sacred Heart University.

Lavinia Mancuso, Vice President of Education and Government Relations: Prior to joining READ in 2005, Lavinia served as Head of Education and as Director of Professional and Community Development for the Museum of the City of New York. Lavinia has also worked as both a principal, serving bilingual students in East Harlem, and a teacher in New York City public schools for more than 30 years. Lavinia holds an MA in Education from Hunter College as well as a Masters of Information Systems from City College.

Gregory Castro, Director of Finance & Administration: Prior to joining READ in 2009, Greg served as the Director of Finance for The Bronx Museum of the Arts. Greg has worked in the nonprofit field for over twenty years with an array of organizations in all five boroughs of New York City. In addition to his work with READ, he is a member of the Board of Directors and Treasurer for the Gay and Lesbian Dominican Empowerment Organization (G.A.L.D.E.). Greg holds a dual MBA from Pace University in accounting and finance.

Jacki Kelly, Development Director: Prior to joining READ in 2003, Jacki was the Manager of Development and Communications at the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition. In 2007, Jacki re-joined READ’s staff after working as the Development Director for Citizen Schools – New Jersey and as a member of Citizen Schools’ national fundraising team. Jacki holds a BS in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations from Northeastern University.

Jaselis Mejia, Teen Director: Prior to joining READ in 2006, Jaselis was charged with managing Aramark’s Food Services to more than 1,800 corporate employees across New York City. Prior to her current role, she has served READ as teen manager and interim director. Jaselis holds a BS in Business and Hospitality Management from St. John’s University.

Kelley Perkins, Program Director: Prior to joining READ in 2004, Kelley was a Project Manager for the Early Head Start Research Project in East Lansing, Michigan. In addition, she has experience as a reading tutor, classroom teacher, and child studies researcher. Kelley holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from University of North Carolina and a Masters degree in Child Development from Michigan State University.