WATCH Staff
For general inquiries, contact WATCH at (781) 296-8865
or email intake@watchcdc.org.
For specific program-related issues, contact the appropriate staff person below.
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.
Gianfranco Cornejo Gizzi
Director of Community Engagement
Cell: (781) 296-8865
Office: 781-891-6689 ext 201
Gianfranco Cornejo Gizzi (they/he/she) joined WATCH CDC in early September of 2025. Born and raised in El Salvador, Gian moved to Massachusetts to get his B.A. degree in Political Science and Creative Writing at Clark University, after being an active member of various LGBTQA+, education, youth, social justice, and advocacy-based organizations in his home country. Proud member of the LGBTQA+ and LatinX communities, Gian is passionate about community engagement, building, organizing, and outreach as well as creating partnerships and pathways of access for justice communities. Gian hopes to bring their skillset to straighten the relationships WATCH CDC holds with other key actors, advocates, and volunteers in Waltham, foster a safe space for those navigating the housing system and necessary resources, and build a strong community of advocacy and change.
Brianna Polanco-Smith is a proud member of the Latino/x community and a passionate advocate for equity and community empowerment. She currently serves as Director of Operations and Media at WATCH CDC, following two years as Campaign and Communications Coordinator. With a B.A. in Public Relations, an MBA from the University of Rhode Island, and a certification in Nonprofit Management, she brings strong communication, leadership, and strategic skills to her work. Brianna’s career centers on storytelling and community-building, and she has earned multiple awards for her commitment to uplifting Black and Brown communities. Whether in nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, or community engagement, Brianna’s mission remains the same: to build and strengthen community.
Taryn
Seidenspinner
Director of Adult Education
Cell: 781-570-4359
Office: 781-891-6689 ext 202
Taryn Seidenspinner joined WATCH in April 2025 as the Adult Education Program Manager. She holds a B.A. in Secondary Social Studies Education from SUNY Old Westbury and an M.A. in TESOL Education from Adelphi University. Since 2019, Taryn has focused on adult ESOL education. She previously served as an English Language Acquisition Specialist at a nonprofit in Utah, where she supported adult language learners, trained and managed volunteers, and developed personalized curriculum. After relocating to the East Coast, she continued her work as an ESOL teacher at the Waltham Family School. Taryn is passionate about creating safe, inclusive environments where individuals can build confidence and practice their English skills.
Steve Gustave's joined WATCH CDC in September 2025 as a part-time Housing Case Manager and later transitioned into a full-time role. He brings several years of experience as a case manager and school liaison with multiple Massachusetts nonprofit organizations, where he has supported families navigating housing instability and other complex challenges. Steve holds a Bachelor of Laws from the State University of Haiti. He also completed a Master's in Diplomacy, earned a Master’s in International Human Rights from Nantes University, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Law at Northeastern University.
As a native Haitian, Steve plays a vital role in helping WATCH CDC strengthen connections and communication with its growing Haitian community. His academic training and professional experience reflect a deep commitment to advocacy, equity, and housing stability. Outside of work, Steve is an avid soccer fan and leads a foundation that helps cover school tuition for children in Haiti. He is passionate about empowering clients to build confidence, achieve stability, and create pathways toward a more secure future.
Paula Pedrosa (she/her) joined WATCH CDC as a temporary Case Manager in December 2025, transitioning into a full-time role in March 2026. Born in Brazil, Paula moved to the US at the age of 6 and was raised by strong Brazilian women who inspired her passion for community, justice, and supporting others.
Before joining WATCH, Paula spent several years working in property management, where she gained firsthand insight into the challenges tenants face navigating the housing system. This experience inspired her commitment to tenant advocacy and access to stable housing. As a proud immigrant and member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Paula is dedicated to supporting the diverse Waltham community by helping tenants understand their rights, advocating for their needs, and connecting them with immediate resources.
Eben Forbes
Director of Programs
eben@watchcdc.org
Cell: (781) 512-8050
Office: (781)- 891-6689 ext. 302
Eben Forbes joined WATCH in March 2026, following six years with the City of Somerville’s Office of Housing Stability, where he preserved tenancies through financial and legal assistance, landlord engagement and policy initiatives. Prior to this he worked with the Community Day Center of Waltham as the Executive Director, and later as a consultant. He has also worked overseas in Myanmar, Laos, Nicaragua, Guatemala and India with non-profit organizations. Eben is fluent in Spanish and proficient in French. In his spare time, he plays jazz guitar, rock and traditional music with other local musicians.
Genesis Contreras
Development Associate
Cell: 781-512-8052
Office: 781-891-6689 ext. 206
Born and raised in NYC, Genesis Contreras moved to Boston to pursue a BA in Media Studies from Tufts University, enchanted by the world of visual storytelling and the power in personal stories to create lasting change. A proud first-gen Afro-Latina, she is driven to amplify marginalized voices and expand service accessibility to improve quality of life within vulnerable communities. In 2023, she began working in care coordination for addiction recovery, and is now pursuing her MPH in Health Equity, bringing a person-first approach to everything she does.
Jimmy Rodrigues
Data and Outcomes Manager
Cell: 781-570-4357
Office: 781-891-6689 ext 214
Jimmy Rodrigues 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!
Nafisa Abdinur
Volunteer and Internship Coordinator
Cell: 781-570-4380
Office: 781-891-6689 ext 212
Nafisa Abdinur 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.
Mario David Zepeda is a bilingual marketing and communications leader specializing in storytelling, multimedia, and community engagement. He currently serves as Director of Marketing & Communications at DotHouse Health, where he leads strategic campaigns and multimedia content across digital and print platforms. With a background in journalism and nonprofit work, he has extensive experience in donor communications, fundraising, and community outreach. Mario holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from Emerson College and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Spanish from Denison University. Passionate about equity and representation, he brings a DEI-focused lens to his work, helping organizations connect with diverse communities.
Originally from Guatemala, Daisy Brevner 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.
Haybi Garcia
Community Organizer
haybi@watchcdc.org
Cell: (781) 296-8865
Office: 781-891-6689 ext 201
Haybi Garcia (she/her) joined WATCH CDC as Community Organizer in October 2026. Originally from Guatemala, she has lived in Waltham for approximately seven years. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Criminology and Social Justice at Boston College, where she previously earned an Associate's Degree in Applied Psychology and Human Development through the Messina College program. With several years of experience working with youth, families, and community organizations in Waltham, Haybi is passionate about community engagement, social justice, and creating positive change. She believes everyone deserves equal access to opportunities and is interested in how institutions and systems shape the lives of individuals and communities.
Nam Dinh
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Gercide Luc
First Time Home Buyer Facilitator
Gercide Luc is the Community Programs Associate Director at Urban Edge, where she focuses on housing stability and financial empowerment. Her work includes foreclosure prevention counseling, first-time homebuyer education, and financial literacy programs that help residents navigate housing challenges and build long-term financial stability. Gercide brings extensive experience working with Boston-area communities and is fluent in English and Haitian Creole, with working proficiency in Spanish.
Eli Burrell is a neuroscience student at Brandeis University pursuing the pre-med track with the goal of becoming a physician. He is passionate about community service and believes that strong communities are built through accessible resources, education, and support. Through his work with WATCH CDC, Eli is excited to contribute to initiatives that strengthen the Waltham community. Outside of school and volunteering, he enjoys basketball, strength training, and exploring interests in neuroscience and health.
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.
Spade Davis joined WATCH CDC in May 2026 as a Housing Clinic Intern and now serves as the Data and Community Engagement (DCE) Intern. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Community Health and Biology at Tufts University. Spade is passionate about addressing gaps in community support, particularly in underserved communities, and hopes to use data to advocate for more equitable access to resources and services. At WATCH CDC, Spade hopes to support the organization’s mission, apply and strengthen their public health and data skills, and learn new ways to support the Waltham community.
Chloë Kenney is a junior at Boston College studying Applied Psychology with minors in Marketing and Communications. She loves working with people and is passionate about human behavior, building genuine relationships, and mission-driven work. Outside of work and school, you'll usually find her doing yoga, cooking, going on walks, or listening to music. She's super excited to support WATCH CDC's mission as the Programs and Community Engagement Intern this fall.
Rithina Njenje is a senior at Fitchburg State University currently pursuing a bachelors in Public Health Science and a Community Relations and Engagement Intern at WATCH CDC. Rithina's experience in healthcare, student leadership, and community involvement has strengthened her interest in working with people from different backgrounds and understanding the challenges communities face. Through WATCH, she's excited to gain hands-on public health experience, broaden my perspective, and learn how community resources and support systems can make a real difference in people’s lives.
Stella Pintar is a master’s student at Tufts University studying Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning. She is passionate about supporting resident-driven solutions that address housing instability. At WATCH CDC, Stella is excited to contribute to outreach strategies and help connect community members with housing, economic, employment, and other resources.