WATCH Staff

For general inquiries, contact WATCH at 781-891-6689. For specific program-related issues, contact the appropriate staff person below.

Daria Gere

Executive Director

daria@watchcdc.org
Extension 200

 

 

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Daria Gere has been the Executive Director of WATCH since 2013, and formerly served as WATCH'S community organizer. She has over fifteen years of experience in working as an organizer for community based non-profit organizations, including the Massachusetts Senior Action Council, State-wide Organizing for Community Empowerment in Tennessee, and the Community Media Organizing Project. Daria brings her passion for justice, practical experience, and successes in organizing around a variety of issues on local, state and federal policy campaigns.

Tania Burger

Development Director

tania@watchcdc.org
Extension 206

 

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Tania Lang Burger is the Development Director at WATCH. She came to WATCH in 2013 from more than a decade of experience as Development and Communications Coordinator for a historically African-American non-profit organization in Montgomery, Alabama. At the Federation of Child Care Centers of Alabama, Tania participated in the full range of organizational programs. In addition to managing fundraising, communications, and public relations activities, Tania facilitated workshops and trainings, undertook child care policy research and advocacy, and guided collaborations with partner organizations. She was particularly involved in the organization's signature program for bridging differences in the service of community development and personal empowerment.

Genoveva Tavera

Community Organizer

genoveva@watchcdc.org
Extension 208
Cell: 781-570-4376

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Genoveva Travera is the Community Organizer. Genoveva is an active member of the Waltham Latino community with experience in community outreach work. She has educated families on accessing community resources, developed an after-school program for 47 low-income families, created a library to promote bilingual literacy, and coordinated a community crisis response for a missing person. She has international experience in managing multi-cultural events.

Brian Logue

Adult Education Program Manager

brian@watchcdc.org
Extension 202
Cell: 781-570-4359

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Brian Logue is the Program Manager for WATCH’s adult education program. Brian has been teaching English as a Second Language for over ten years, including two sessions as a volunteer English teacher at WATCH. A resident of Waltham, Brian is certified in TEFL instruction at the Boston Language Institute and has extensive experience developing original curricula and lesson material with an emphasis on integrated speaking, reading, and writing instruction. Brian's focus at WATCH is leadership development and supporting students and volunteers.

Brianna Polanco-Smith, MBA

Director of Operations and Media

brianna@watchcdc.org

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Brianna is the new Director of Operations and Media after serving as the Campaign and Communications Coordinator of WATCH for two years. She is a proud member of the Latino/x community. She graduated with a B.A. in Public Relations and Communication, and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Rhode Island, and is now also certified in Nonprofit Management. She has dedicated much of her life to serving others and has even won several awards for her dedication to the Brown and Black community. Brianna strives for a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.

Sarah Al-Sheraidi

Housing Clinic Director

sarah@watchcdc.org
(781)-512-8050

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Sarah recently completed her Master of Public Health with a concentration in Health Policy and Management from Florida International University in 2021. Sarah has previously worked with state and non-profit agencies to provide resources to a wide variety of people in need. She has vast experience in human trafficking policy. Sarah is passionate about improving the livelihoods of those in her community and beyond. She is excited to guide the work of WATCH's  Housing Clinic which serves over 700 Waltham households a year by offering support and referrals for housing and basic needs. Sarah is also excited to create new partnerships and build upon older partnerships to better meet the needs of the community.

Karla Ortega

Case Manager

karla@watchcdc.org
(781)-512-8050

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Karla Ortega joined WATCH in August 2020 as a Tenant Advocate and member of the WATCH Housing Clinic. Karla graduated with honors and a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering in Barcelona, Spain, and a Masters Degrees from Cambridge College and Harvard University.  Given Karla’s multicultural background, she is uniquely positioned to support the under represented minorities and immigrant population in the City of Waltham.  She is fluent in English, Spanish, and Catalan.   Karla brings her passion for advocacy, her practical experience in support of legal teams, and knowledge in the area of city and state government programs to provide assistance to families struggling financially.  Consistent with WATCH's mission, she is committed to support and help the Waltham community to do well and thrive.

Nafisa Abdinur

Volunteer and Internship Coordinator

nafisa@watchcdc.org

Extension 212
Cell: 781-570-4380



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Nafisa joined WATCH in June 2023 as the new Volunteer and Internship Coordinator. She is a dedicated social justice advocate with an MBA in Social Impact and an MS in Global Health from Brandeis University. She comes to us with a background in clinical medicine and community health and extensive experience in community engagement and research and a comprehensive understanding of social justice, health, and the challenges vulnerable populations face. Her passions lie in promoting affordable housing, providing civic education and leadership development, and empowering underrepresented residents through civic engagement. With a focus on sustainable solutions and social equity, she is committed to creating a more equitable and just world for all.

Daisy Brevner

Case Manager

daisy@watchcdc.org
(781)-512-8050

 

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Originally from Guatemala, Daisy came to the United States at 13 years old and had to learn a new language and accustom herself to a new life. Daisy preserved and eventually graduated from Sawyer College in 1994 with a degree in Hotel and Tourism Management. Shortly after, Daisy started a 10 year career with American Airlines as a Customer Service Agent. Later, Daisy founded a logistics company that unfortunately closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Daisy started with WATCH in December 2020 and is excited to work with the Waltham community.

Pamela Fernandez

Media Coordinator

pamela@watchcdc.org

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Pamela joined WATCH in August 2022 as the Media Coordinator. She graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in Textiles. Pamela has worked with several organizations and community groups that focus on equality. She is passionate about social justice and how art has and can inform social justice movements. She is excited to bring these passions to WATCH.

Jaxeny Robles

Adult Education Program Assistant

jaxeny@watchcdc.org

 

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Jaxeny joined WATCH in October 2022 as the Adult Education Program Assistant. She is currently in her final year of pursuing a Sociology degree at Suffolk University in Boston. As the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants, Jaxeny is passionate about social justice. She is committed to expanding accessibility and knowledge of community resources and services to people living in marginalized communities. Jaxeny is excited to contribute positively to the Adult Education Program at WATCH and help provide people in the Waltham community with the support and education tools necessary to grow and develop into their full potential.

Jimmy Rodrigues

Data and Outcomes Manager

jimmy@watchcdc.org

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Jimmy joined WATCH in January 2022 as the Data and Outcomes Manager. He graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in Health Studies with a Health Promotion specialization in May of 2020 and is now working on a degree in Nursing. Jimmy has been part of many community groups as well as leadership roles at URI. At Watch, he will be managing data pertaining to our many programs and compiling reports which will reflect our own outcomes. He is very passionate about helping others, and he is excited to bring that passion to WATCH!

Carlos Vivar Wong

Job and Financial Management Clinic Coordinator

carlos@watchcdc.org
Extension 213
Cell: 781-570-4404

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Carlos Vivar Wong joined WATCH in January 2022 as the Job and Financial Clinic Coordinator. Carlos graduated from the University of Massachusetts Boston with a B.S. in Exercise and Health Science. Carlos has a history of working with nonprofits with their goal to help develop communities. Carlos will work on providing many educational opportunities such as workshops, one-one help, and informative information to help improve the knowledge of many difficult topics within the job and financial fields. Carlos is excited to be able to help further develop the community of Waltham.

Meet our Interns

To learn how you can intern at WATCH email our Volunteer & Internship Coordinator Nafisa at nafisa@watchcdc.org or visit our jobs and internship page.

Warren

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Warren is excited to help spread WATCH CDC's mission and create even more community awareness!