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 Director

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.

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.

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 Clinic Director

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.

Jessica Freeman

Case Manager

jessica@watchcdc.org

(781) 577-0207

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Jessica, a former intern at WATCH's Housing Clinic, dedicated nearly a year to her work there. With over two years of experience in various housing clinics, she honed her skills in advocacy, breaking down housing barriers, aiding in obtaining essential documents, navigating unemployment, and accessing city assistance and funding. Currently, Jessica serves on the Board of Directors at Silver Lining Mentoring, contributing to program planning and coordination. Her involvement extends to event planning and brainstorming engaging activities. Moreover, she advocates for mentees, addressing their concerns and community issues, emphasizing the values of open communication and consistency as pillars of support. Jessica is currently in her senior year at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, pursuing a degree in Human Services.

Jackie Duodu-Burbridge

Grant Writer

jackie@watchcdc.org

 

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Jackie brings over 20 years of nonprofit fundraising experience to her role as Grant Writer. Before founding a grant writing consulting firm, Jackie worked with organizations such as the Urban League, ERASE Racism, and the New York Working Families Party, where she played a key role in securing transformative funding and advancing key policy initiatives.  Jackie’s career has empowered mission-driven organizations through strategic leadership, fundraising, and grassroots advocacy. She has successfully led campaigns around housing equity, social justice, and educational access, and has helped clients secure millions in grant funding. With a deep commitment to social justice, Jackie combines her practical experience with a passion for creating sustainable, long-term impact in the nonprofit sector.

Nelson
Barcenes

Community Engagement Specialist

nelson@watchcdc.org

 

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Nelson is the first Community Engagement Specialist at WATCH CDC and a lifelong Waltham resident. As a first-generation American and bilingual member of the Latinx community, Nelson is dedicated to empowering and supporting his neighbors. With a career rooted in the service industry, Nelson brings his passion for social justice, inclusivity, and community empowerment to his role. He is eager to make a meaningful impact through his work, and contributing to WATCH CDC's mission.

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.