LitWorld Staff

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CAITLIN CASSARO
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
A social worker and long-time nonprofit executive, Caitlin is a passionate supporter of children's rights, and believes it is their perspective and voice that must be heard. She believes that entering with compassion, understanding, and respect is incredibly important in this work, and strives to collaborate rather than serve. She also loves a good spreadsheet!

Favorite Book: Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem and The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
 
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Amber Peterson
Director of Program Innovation
Amber is an educator who believes passionately in the power of story and who helps young people change the world.

Favorite Book: Dragon Sword and Wind Child by Noriko Ogiwara
 
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Monica Valentin
MANAGER OF PROGRAM OPERATIONS
Monica brings her commitment to supporting families from her time as a social worker in the Bronx to LitWorld’s work with children all over the world.

Favorite Book: Valley of Secrets by Charmian Hussey
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GIGI VERKAIK
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS
Gigi started her professional career in the theatre (behind the scenes.) Deciding she'd had enough of "Life Upon the Wicked Stage", she became a corporate event planner in New York City. She eventually decided she wanted to use her event planning powers for good and became the Director of Special Events at Goddard Riverside Community Center, where she planned the New York Book Fair for ten years. This led her to becomming a passionate fundraiser and storyteller. After stints at several other major NYC non-profits, she is thrilled her next chapter is at LitWorld and she looks forward to helping to tell every story!

Favorite Book: Wizard of Oz
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YAMILETTE RIVERA
OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Yamilette Rivera's background is in education, literature, and operations. She is thrilled to be at LitWorld, where her passion for all three can positively impact communities all over the world!

Favorite book: I Want my Hat Back, by: Jon Klassen and The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrisson
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DEANNA GONDEK
PROGRAM ASSOCIATE
Deanna is an educator who uses the power of storytelling to help young people understand themselves and one another. Stories are life!

Favorite book: There,There by Tommy Orange
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CHRISTOPHER LALL
PROGRAM MENTOR
Christopher Lall is an undergraduate at New York University studying English and American Literature, with minors in creative writing and business. He views the world as a narrative unfolding, recognizing the importance of each story in that narrative. He is thrilled to be at LitWorld, encouraging all members to actively work towards sharing their own stories with the world!

Favorite Book: The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion