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Sara Hahn
Director of Education
Sara Hahn, M.A., M.Ed. holds a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University in human development studies in addition to a master’s degree from Pepperdine University in education. After teaching in both public and private schools in Los Angeles, Sara witnessed the disparity in education across her student population firsthand, and she was inspired to create a program that would provide comprehensive support to students from underserved communities. Sara co-founded the education nonprofit Determined to Succeed with actor and activist, Hank Azaria. Sara and Hank worked together for over a decade to support students academically, emotionally and financially through middle school, high school and college.
Ellie Foster
Director of Education
Ellie Foster, PhD is an advocate for centering creativity, social justice, and emotional expression in the way schools approach social-emotional learning and trauma-sensitive practices. Ellie has supported this approach as a high school English teacher, literacy researcher, k-12 teacher educator, instructor with Denver Writes, and an activist for youth experiencing homelessness through Attention Homes. Ellie holds a M.S. in educational psychology from University of Wisconsin-Madison and a PhD in literacy education from University of Colorado at Boulder. Ellie’s doctoral research explored centering emotion in research-based writing.
Bryanna Morelli Daniel
Teaching Artist
Bryanna holds a master’s degree in social work from University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree in human and social development with a minor in psychology. Through AmeriCorps, Bryanna worked at a nonprofit called Branches, Inc. where she mentored, tutored, and created enrichment activities at an after-school program for K-12 students. Bryanna gained international experience working abroad while volunteering in Embu, Kenya, with Huruma Rescue Mission, where she taught English and art to elementary students. During her graduate studies, Bryanna provided case management, crisis intervention, treatment planning, and individual and group counseling to students. Bryanna is very passionate about helping individuals from diverse backgrounds, advocacy, community development, and striving to create social change.
Cathyana Marcel
Teaching Artist
Cathyana holds a master’s degree in social work from Florida International University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lee University. She has served as the assistant program director with Branches Inc. for the past six years. Her background in the nonprofit sector and community development has helped her be a strong mentor to under-resourced youth. In reflecting on her experience delivering this curriculum she shares, “Having experienced historically defining moments and living in a culture that caters too easily to silencing our inner struggles, the Kevin Love Fund project was life giving and empowering for our students. Our students desperately need these spaces of hope.” Cathyana is a lover of stories, leadership development, and creating safe spaces that empower youth to become their best selves.
