Our Team
The Rev Dr Leonisa Ardizzone, Founder & Director
The Rev Dr Leonisa Ardizzone has been a science and peace educator for more than 30 years. She has spent most of her life working in education in various capacities but always driven by the same vision: to create a more just and equitable world. She has been a middle and high school teacher, a museum and environmental educator, a university professor, a non-profit executive, an entrepreneur/small business owner, an instructional coach, and an education consultant. Rev Leonisa, also known as Dr. A, has created curricula for schools, after-school programs, and museums, including a Climate Change Program for the City of New York (through the Department of Design and Construction).
Leonisa began her teaching career at the American Indian Heritage School in Seattle, then worked with under-resourced youth at a BOCES high school in Ithaca. After receiving her doctorate in 2001, she served on the faculty of Adelphi University and Fordham University, leaving the academy in 2007 to run (and grow) the Salvadori Center (a STEAM not-for-profit) for five years. In 2012, she opened Storefront Science in Manhattan, which was awarded “Best of New York” in the Children’s Category by New York Magazine. When she relocated to Rosendale, she became an Instructional Coach for Ulster County BOCES and then joined the faculty at Vassar College in 2019. During her various roles, Leonisa has presented her work all over the world, and published numerous articles and two books; Gettin’ My Word Out (SUNY Press) and Science-Not Just for Scientists (Gryphon House).
Leonisa holds a BA in Biology (Ithaca College), an EdM in science education (Western Washington University), an Ed.D. in International Educational Development with a concentration in Peace Education from Columbia University, and an MDiv with a focus on Inter-religious Engagement (Union Theological Seminary).
Leonisa has a permanent teaching certificate in New York State (biology, general science). An ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, Rev Leonisa is a member of the Kingston Interfaith Council, a core organizer with GreenFaith, and a member of the Zen Peacemakers Order. In addition, Leonisa is an accomplished jazz musician (having released three albums), a mom, and a resident of Rosendale. www.leonisaardizzone.com
Get in touch with Leonisa at revdrleonisa@pechv.org.
Leonisa began her teaching career at the American Indian Heritage School in Seattle, then worked with under-resourced youth at a BOCES high school in Ithaca. After receiving her doctorate in 2001, she served on the faculty of Adelphi University and Fordham University, leaving the academy in 2007 to run (and grow) the Salvadori Center (a STEAM not-for-profit) for five years. In 2012, she opened Storefront Science in Manhattan, which was awarded “Best of New York” in the Children’s Category by New York Magazine. When she relocated to Rosendale, she became an Instructional Coach for Ulster County BOCES and then joined the faculty at Vassar College in 2019. During her various roles, Leonisa has presented her work all over the world, and published numerous articles and two books; Gettin’ My Word Out (SUNY Press) and Science-Not Just for Scientists (Gryphon House).
Leonisa holds a BA in Biology (Ithaca College), an EdM in science education (Western Washington University), an Ed.D. in International Educational Development with a concentration in Peace Education from Columbia University, and an MDiv with a focus on Inter-religious Engagement (Union Theological Seminary).
Leonisa has a permanent teaching certificate in New York State (biology, general science). An ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, Rev Leonisa is a member of the Kingston Interfaith Council, a core organizer with GreenFaith, and a member of the Zen Peacemakers Order. In addition, Leonisa is an accomplished jazz musician (having released three albums), a mom, and a resident of Rosendale. www.leonisaardizzone.com
Get in touch with Leonisa at revdrleonisa@pechv.org.
Board of Directors & Advisory Board
Jane Ahn (Board of Directors)
Jane (she/her) is a current graduate student in Sociology and Community & Environmental Sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is deeply interested in issues of community, climate violence, and peace education. She also loves to read, play with her two cats, and cook new recipes.
Julio Gonzalez (Board of Directors)
My name is Julio Gonzalez (he/him), a native Bronxite who has enjoyed taking steps towards transformative education. I am currently working as an Admissions Officer at Prep for Prep, an nyc-based educational non-profit. I look forward to working in many spaces that will engage my critical thinking and ability to step out of my comfort zone. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time rooting for the New York Knicks and going to the movie theaters (animated movies are my favorite!).