Meet the Team

Meet The Joy Team

Dori Larea

Dori Larea

CEO

Dori is the Founder and CEO of Nexplore USA. His vision is to spread the Joy of Learning and to develop a culture of thinking through game-play. Upon his arrival in the United States, Dori has successfully implemented Nexplore’s diverse programs in over 700 schools in 8 states.

Dori holds an M.A. degree in Educational Management and Leadership from the University of Tel Aviv, Israel. His professional specialization is in the field of educational research. For three years, he worked as a researcher in the Department of Educational Innovation and Experiment in Israel’s Office of Education while completing his Master’s thesis on Educational Change in the 21st Century.

Dori also has 6 years of management experience as a commander and a captain of various combat units in the IDF.

Finds Joy in Learning: beach volleyball, chess, and strategy games of any kind

Claire Finders

Claire Finders

COO

Claire’s passion for equity and excellence in education inspire her work building Nexplore systems in support of spreading the Joy of Learning nationally. With a background in Special Education, School Leadership, and Education Management, Claire brings a unique perspective to her work developing internal Nexplore operations. When not collaborating with the team or geeking out in spreadsheets, Claire enjoys walking in nature, practicing yoga, doing puzzles, dancing, and traveling with her husband and 2 children.

Claire holds an M.Ed from University of Washington, an M.S.T. from Pace University, and B.A. in Communication from University of Southern California.

Finds Joy in Learning: American Sign Language, dance choreography, and new recipes

Vanesa Sragowicz

Vanesa Sragowicz

Director of Operations

Vanesa’s fun and playful personality, combined with her strong organizational skills, are key to Nexplore’s operational success. Originally from Argentina, she brings an impeccable work ethic that allows for easy-going and smooth interactions with Nexplore’s team and clients.

Outside of her supportive work at Nexplore, Vanesa enjoys spending time at the beach, strengthening relationships, and walking daily.

Finds Joy in Learning: sharing with friends and family

Nisan Abarbanel

Nisan Abarbanel

Regional Sales Manager

Nisan’s passion for communication, forming relationships, and team building motivate him to connect with existing and new sites and districts. He is committed to building and managing the Nexplore sales team to find new opportunities and serve Nexplore partners in the best way possible.

Additionally, Nisan volunteers in the Miami Israeli community and runs an Atidim course for young entrepreneurs. He loves all kinds of sports including tennis, soccer, basketball, and water sports; but his true love is for cats.

Finds Joy in Learning: new skills, business & entrepreneurship strategies, and networking

Christine Barnatchea

Christine Barnatchea

Sales Representative

Christine specializes in analyzing data and is responsible for conducting market research and providing leads at Nexplore. Her background as a Quality Analyst in the corporate world for 10 years led her to Nexplore. She’s keen and organized with details and data.

Christine is inspired daily by her son and family. In her free time, she loves cooking and exploring new ideas for small businesses.

Finds Joy in Learning: new recipes, unique business ideas, fashion, and travel

Christine Barnatchea

Morisea Lloyd

Sales Representative

Morisea Lloyd has a passion for helping others and wants to make a difference in their lives. In her role as a Sales Representative at Nexplore, she spreads the joy of learning by making new connections across the USA. Morisea loves meeting new people, reading, and baking in her spare time.

Finds Joy in Learning: cooking new dishes and exploring new places and cultures

Ferdinand Perocho

Ferdinand Perocho

Sales Representative

Ferdinand is a results-oriented marketing professional with 12+ years of experience in the BPO industry. With a Marketing Management degree and deep understanding of consumer behavior, he brings to Nexplore a proven track record of success in driving lead generation.

Thriving in dynamic environments, Ferdinand possesses excellent communication and analytical skills. His passion for learning new things ensures staying ahead of industry trends.

Finds Joy in Learning: new recipes, exploring unique business ideas, and traveling

Fiorella Molero

Fiorella Molero Garibay

Senior Design Manager

Fiorella’s passion for art has allowed her to immerse herself and develop in areas such as Brand Identity, Content Creation for social media, and her personal favorites, photography and video production. With more than 7 years of experience in graphic design, she is committed to support and grow with the Nexplore creative team.

Fiorella holds an B.A. and a professional title in Graphic Design with a major in photography from San Ignacio de Loyola University, Peru. In her free time, she loves to go riding her bike and discover new places where she can fly her drone and take short videos with it.

Finds Joy in Learning: art, travel, puzzles and drone piloting

Amanda Meeks

Amanda Meeks

RFP Manager

As the RFP Manager at Nexplore, Amanda brings a deep commitment to academic excellence. With a background in teaching, educational leadership, and strategic improvement, she is dedicated to ensuring positive outcomes for all students. When Amanda is away from the office, you can most likely find her at a baseball field anywhere from Florida to North Dakota watching her kids play baseball. Amanda also enjoys entertaining friends and family with her husband and three children, shopping, and traveling.

Amanda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Florida State University and earned her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix.

Finds Joy in Learning: new technology, youth sports, and fashion

Praise Sunday

Praise Sunday

Sales Representative

Praise excels in building genuine connections with clients, prioritizing their needs, and showcasing the value of Nexplore offerings. Her focus lies in guiding and assisting children to celebrate their unique identities and diverse perspectives, infusing creativity into the sales approach. In moments away from work, Praise is often found engrossed in documentaries, particularly on NatGeoWild, and enjoys indulging in singing and adventurous activities.

Praise holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sales from Prince Audu Abubakar University (PAAU) and a Master’s degree in Educational Marketing and Communications, demonstrating a solid foundation in both sales and marketing strategies.

Finds Joy in Learning: the art of persuasion, the intricacies of human interaction, the psychology behind decision-making, and the challenge of finding the perfect solution for each client

Praise Sunday

Jewels Franz

Sales Representative

Jewels’ never-ending ambition, drive, and compassion for building up local communities through education guide her work with Nexplore to further distribute the joy of learning to as many groups as possible. From her previous experience working with kids with disabilities, to her current work teaching in classroom settings, Jewels provides a well-rounded perspective on many aspects of Nexplore’s operations on the ground. In her free time, Jewels enjoys creating original artwork, powerlifting, and going to concerts featuring her favorite bands.

Jewels holds a B.F.A in Textiles from Kutztown University and hopes to acquire her Master’s in the coming years.

Finds Joy in Learning: Textile Art, Athletic Science, and Nutrition

Praise Sunday

Venetia Timm

RFP Coordinator

Venetia has worked in the corporate and non-profit development and community relations fields for more than 30 years. Her career, beginning in New York City and Long Island, has included the Community Center movement, health and hospital administration, private school advancement, crisis intervention, group foster care, early childhood education and advocacy, board development, and government relations.

Venetia is also an accomplished chef, and finds joy in providing exquisite, intimate dinners for her family and friends.

Finds Joy in Learning: elevated cooking and hosting techniques

Tomi Ologunleko

Tomi Ologunleko

HR & Recruiting Coordinator

Tomi is a talented and dedicated HR professional with 3 years of experience in Human Resources. Known for her exceptional organizational skills, she ensures that all recruitment processes run smoothly and efficiently, leading to successful outcomes at Nexplore. Passionate about her work, she strives for excellence. One of her greatest strengths is her ability to connect with people. She is a true “people’s person”.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Tomi has an adventurous spirit. She embraces new experiences and enjoys exploring different cultures and environments.

Tomi holds a B.A. in International Relations from Houdegbe North America University.

Finds Joy in Learning: badminton, travel, research, and creative pursuits

Kayiri Owuna

Kayiri Owuna

Executive Assistant

Kayiri is a highly skilled professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Calabar, Nigeria. As a certified teacher holding a national certificate in education, Kayiri has a strong background in educational practices and coaching.

With over 5 years of experience in the banking sector, Kayiri has excelled in managing operations, optimizing productivity, and facilitating communication for busy executives.

At Nexplore, Kayiri’s expertise lies in streamlining tasks, handling administrative duties, bookkeeping, and providing HR support. Kayiri’s dedication and proficiency contribute to the success of the organization.

Finds Joy in Learning: coaching, problem solving, and learning new languages

Janise Duboue

Janise Duboue

HR & Recruiting Coordinator

Janise’s passion for teaching and sparking learning stems from her belief in the transformative power of education. With years of experience in teaching electives, Janise has honed her skills in creating engaging and interactive lessons that inspire students to explore new ideas and concepts. Her dedication to fostering a love of learning is evident in her innovative approach to curriculum and her ability to connect with students on a personal level. Janise’s commitment to professional development ensures that she stays current with best practices in education, making her a valuable asset to any learning community. Her enthusiasm for teaching not only brings joy to herself but also ignites a lifelong love of learning in her students.

Finds Joy in Learning: Portuguese, new books, and her grandmother’s recipes

Ryan Villard

Ryan Villard

Director of Curriculum & PD

Ryan is passionate about empowering people to achieve their educational goals so that they can change their lives, whether by obtaining a degree to unlock career goals or learning for fun. He brings his experience in curriculum development to guide how instructors take Nexplore’s diverse programs into the classroom. As a lifelong learner himself, Ryan loves traveling and learning about different cultures’ art, history, and language.

Ryan holds a B.A. in Anthropology and a B.A. in English Literature from The University of California, Davis. He has worked in EdTech for 5 years, managing online educational materials development.

Finds Joy in Learning: language, music, reading, and sports

Jennifer Garstang

Jennifer Garstang

Technical Writer

Jennifer joined Nexplore as an After School Instructor and soon began applying her skills in art, design, and marketing to help share the joy of learning with more and more students. She now uses her over a decade of experience in educational enrichment to create exciting, engaging learning programs and train up-and-coming instructors. Outside of her role at Nexplore, Jennifer spends much of her time on digital painting, wire-sculpting miniature trees, creative writing, songwriting, and turning recycled styrofoam into works of art through the power of materials science.

Jennifer holds a B.A. in Creative Writing, with a minor in Entrepreneurial Studies, from the University of Southern California.

Finds Joy in Learning: art, music, writing, and just about everything else

Maria Derenzo

Maria Derenzo

Curriculum Support Specialist

Maria’s drive towards accessibility for all students and passion for learning by exploring have grounded her work as a Nexplore Instructor and Curriculum Developer. Maria uses her background in Science, Literacy Education, Teaching for Diverse Learners, Theatre, the Arts, and Psychology to bring creative and unique solutions to Nexplore’s curriculum team and foster the Joy of Learning through a wide variety of Nexplore programs in Los Angeles County. Maria lives by the motto “A Jack of all trades but a master of none is far better than a master of one” and uses that philosophy to guide her passions in expanding her niches and impact. When not diving headfirst into new programs, Maria enjoys gaming, discovering new stories, and exploring new sources of music, dance, and film.

Maria holds an M.S.T. from the State University of New York at Oswego, a B.A. in Psychology with endorsements in Trauma Studies and Cognitive Science, and a minor in Theatre and Theatre Tech, also from SUNY Oswego.

Finds Joy in Learning: Science Fiction/Horror stories, new craft projects, and video games, especially Pokémon

Maria Derenzo

Alissa Dolan

Curriculum Developer

Alissa is passionate about bringing creativity and energy into her role as a Curriculum Developer. With a background in literacy and language teaching and curriculum development, Alissa has worked in education for over ten years. She has experience working in many educational contexts and loves helping students develop a passion for learning. Outside of work, Alissa enjoys practicing yoga, traveling, and reading.

Alissa holds an M.Ed and an M.A. in English from the University of Missouri and a B.A. in English from Truman State University.

Finds Joy in Learning: Spanish, ukulele, and culture

Sabrina De Vita

Sabrina Paola De Vita

Program Success Manager – California

Sabrina’s passion for technology in education has inspired her work with Nexplore to spread the Joy of Learning nationwide. With a background in teaching English as a Second Language, Robotics, and Programming, Sabrina brings a unique perspective to her work developing her Nexplore team. She has worked in multiple educational institutions in Argentina training and accompanying teachers in the incorporation of ICT, Robotics, and Programming to their lessons. She is the author of original content for multiple self-paced courses and has been the Pedagogical Coordinator and Quality Control Manager at Conev Ceibal Computational Thinking Program in Uruguay. When not supporting her instructors and sites, Sabrina enjoys traveling, reading, watching series, and spending time with her son, Lino.

Sabrina has graduated as an English as a Second Language Teacher from the Joaquín V Gonzalez Teaching Training College. She has specialized in Programming and Educational Robotics at the Universidad Tecnologica Nacional and in the use of technology applied to education at the INFOD.

Finds Joy in Learning: watercolor painting and coding

Mary McCormick

Mary McCormick

Program Success Manager – Colorado

Mary has over 25 years experience in teaching, directing, and administration of arts programs. She stays current with graphic design trends, which was her past career focus. Mary’s artistic pursuits include drawing, printmaking, and painting. She is inspired by our resilient youth, who have endured the pandemic amongst other challenges. She truly enjoys seeing the learning process unfold in so many different ways, while teaching and overseeing Nexplore’s numerous programs.

Outside of the classroom, she has a passion for barns and post and beam homes. Her largest project to date was designing, sourcing, and building (with a carpenter), her own post and beam barn home. She also loves wood-block printing, exhibiting, and selling her prints (when she has time!).

Additionally, Mary holds a B.F.A. in Graphic Design from East Carolina University, Greenville, NC.

Finds Joy in Learning: art, piano, and tiny home design

Mary McCormick

Rachel Rosenthal

Program Success Manager – Florida & Georgia

As a source of solutions for her Nexplore team, Rachel’s impact extends beyond the classroom and into the community. Her passion for excellence in education and creating relationships makes her a valuable asset at Nexplore. Rachel has worked with youth for over 5 years counseling, coaching, and teaching on the East Coast. She mentors and motivates children to embrace physical education and learn to take care of their health and bodies. When not completing her studies in child development and physical education, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family and four legged friends.

Finds Joy in Learning: roller skating and yoga on the beach, scrapbooking, and DIY projects.

Adam Goldweitz

Adam Goldweitz

Logistics Manager

As the Logistic Manager at Nexplore, Adam is confident that his unique experiences and passion will support the logistics team. With a strong attention to detail and organization skills, Adam is inspired by the various programs being offered to children at Nexplore. His passion for film and 3D printing support his work with Nexplore’s diverse programs.

Adam holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and has worked in retail and customer service for many years.

Finds joy in learning: movies of any genre, all things Marvel, DC, and Star Wars, Dungeons and Dragons, and 3-D printing

Marc Anthony Rice

Director & Franchise Partner – Philly

Marc Anthony is a highly driven and results-oriented professional with an extensive background in driving franchise growth and corporate team development. His expertise in operations, sales, recruiting, training, and communication in customer-focused businesses have largely contributed to some of the most successful franchise systems.

“I’m passionate about growing and scaling businesses by implementing systems and processes as well as developing core values, building teams, and impacting company culture.”

Finds Joy in Learning: new recipes to cook for his family almost weekly!

Alan Luchnick

Franchise Partner – Philly

Alan believes in the motto: “Make it fun and they will learn.” His background in delivering a complete customer experience is second to none. Most recently, Alan managed 45 OrangeTheory Fitness stores. He is eager to bring his business background to expanding Nexplore and fostering the joy of learning in Philly.

Finds Joy in Learning: biking and kayaking

Esther Ramos

Office Director

Esther is a dynamic leader with a passion for innovation and growth. With a background in law and a MSc degree in International & Comparative Law, Esther’s journey began in compliance and banking supervision in Venezuela. Since immigrating to the United States, she has thrived as a corporate manager, specializing in franchise development. Esther believes in organic intelligence, constantly analyzing structures, and seeking new solutions through questioning and innovation.

A forever student and visionary, she inspires her team to push boundaries and embrace creativity. With Esther’s leadership, the future is bright, and possibilities are endless.

Finds Joy in Learning: music, literature, science, and culinary arts

Leah Romano

Lead Generator Associate

Leah is a spirited professional who finds immense joy in creating enduring connections and fostering a never-ending world of learning. With an eclectic background that includes experiences in finance, media, real estate, and marketing, Leah brings a dynamic and results-driven approach to her role as a Lead Generator Associate at Nexplore, where she is dedicated to expanding the company’s reach through innovative business development strategies. Outside the realm of work, Leah indulges in exploring the vibrant restaurant scene, participates in lively group fitness classes, and channels her creativity into crafting engaging content for her social media community. Her passion for continuous growth and creating a positive impact aligns seamlessly with Nexplore’s mission to foster the Joy of Learning.

Leah holds a B.S. in Business Management and Finance from Florida State University.

Finds Joy in Learning: Interior Design, at-home DIY projects, and cultural cuisines

Misha Vilenchuk

Director – Midwest

Misha Vilenchuk spends most of his free time with family and learning new skills. His background as a chess master led him to Nexplore, where he discovered programs that, like chess, inspire children to build important life skills. Misha has been giving private and group lessons for the last 16 years, and has driven excellence by helping 7 students attain Ohio grade level titles.

Misha also holds an M.A. degree in Non-Profit Service from Brandeis University.

Finds Joy in Learning: chess, history, and philosophy

Betia Vilenchuk

Assistant Director – Ohio

Betia Vilenchuk has an extensive background in dance and through the language of movement, she has discovered an avenue for nurturing the physical, emotional, and cognitive growth of young minds. Betia’s drive, passion, and strong belief that learning extends far beyond the textbook is what ultimately led her to join Nexplore and foster the joy of learning.

Betia holds a B.S. in Human Development and Family Science from The Ohio State University.

Finds Joy in Learning: dance, chess, and baking

Misha Vilenchuk

Director – Midwest

Misha Vilenchuk spends most of his free time with family and learning new skills. His background as a chess master led him to Nexplore, where he discovered programs that, like chess, inspire children to build important life skills. Misha has been giving private and group lessons for the last 16 years, and has driven excellence by helping 7 students attain Ohio grade level titles.

Misha also holds an M.A. degree in Non-Profit Service from Brandeis University.

Finds Joy in Learning: chess, history, and philosophy

Edward Congco

Program Success Manager

Edward loves to provide high-quality education through developing curriculum and assisting Nexplore to spread the Joy of Learning. With a background in teaching specialty classes, summer camps, and after-school programs, Edward provides various points of view to help Nexplore’s managerial operations. Outside of working with his peers, Edwards loves to spend time with his loved ones and cook dishes from different cultures.

Edward holds a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Finds Joy in Learning: cooking, basketball, and teaching

Kenan Kilo

Sales Manager

Kenan’s commitment to achieving sales targets drives his efforts at Nexplore, where he actively contributes to Sales and Marketing initiatives aimed at promoting the Joy of Learning nationwide. With a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology, Kenan brings a unique perspective to his role, drawing from his professional background in business development. When he’s not collaborating with his team or conducting market research to understand customer needs, Kenan enjoys cycling, traveling, and networking. His dedication to his work is matched only by his devotion to his family, fostering genuine connections, and indulging in self help classics.

Kenan holds a BSc. in Sociology and Anthropology and Post Graduate Diploma in Strategic Communication from the University of Buea, Cameroon

Finds Joy in Learning: AI marketing, copywriting, and data mining

Omi Sarda

Director of Operations

Omaira’s biggest passion is helping others to develop their own potential for building their happiness. Teamwork, clear and fluid communication, and a strong understanding of processes and data are part of the key skills that Omaira brings to build day-to-day internal Nexplore operations. As a Chemical Engineer who graduated from the Universidad Simón Bolívar, Venezuela, one of her core values is excellence and learning to develop problem-solving skills.

Music is one of her passions, Omaira has played the piano since she was 11 years old and also, studies opera singing and plays the cuatro, which is a traditional instrument from Venezuela (like a small 4-string guitar). She also loves trekking, cycling, dancing, and traveling.

Finds Joy in Learning: Helping others to develop their inner creative potential, learning new things, and sharing with family and friends.