Katie Gorczyca - Executive Director

Katie Gorczyca, LMHC was born and raised in Acton, MA. After graduating from ABRHS, Katie went on to study expressive therapies at Lesley University. Katie continued her studies and earned her Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and expressive therapies from Lesley University in 2015. During school and after, Katie has had internships and jobs in the mental health field in different settings, ranging from in-home services, community-based support, outpatient settings, and residential hospital programs. Katie has had the opportunity to work with young children, teens and adults, in areas including bereavement, pediatric palliative care, anxiety and related disorders, and post-adoption support. In 2017, Katie had the opportunity to co-author her first book with two other clinicians, entitled Adoption Is a Lifelong Journey. In 2016 Katie completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training from Radiant Yoga Boston, and in 2017 she completed a 30-hour yin yoga training. Though not formally teaching yoga anymore, Katie values the importance of the mind-body connection and believes in implementing mindfulness concepts “off the mat.”

Katie has been involved with DPYS from the moment it became an idea in 2003, after her brother, Danny, died. Katie remained an active part of Danny’s Place in its former model as a teen volunteer, and joined the Advisory Board while at college. More recently, Katie has facilitated one of its signature programs and led several workshops for teens on balanced living topics. In 2018, Katie became Executive Director of Danny’s Place Youth Services.

Katie lives in Wellesley with her husband and two children. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Children’s Room in Arlington.

Cristina Morales-Alvarez - Operations Manager

Cristina (She/They) is the Operations and Social Media Manager at Danny's Place where she was a volunteer for a year before joining our team! 

She received her Bachelor of Science in International Marketing and has completed several courses on Digital Marketing, Copywriting, and SEO.

She is married and has a College boy and a Junior High girl. She has been a resident of Acton since 2012.

In addition to her work with DPYS, Cristina enjoys blogging, she has a website dedicated to supporting Latino SAHM by helping them launch their online presence for their business.

Fun Fact: She loves spicy street corn and everything with chocolate!

Kaeleigh De Silva - Programs Manager

Kaeleigh De Silva (she/her/hers) is the Programs Manager here at Danny’s Place. She brings with her a series of graduate degrees at the intersection of the social sciences and expressive arts coupled with extensive experience in the nonprofit sector around positive youth development.

Kaeleigh is currently completing her PhD in Depth Psychology with a specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices, which continues to inform and shape her holistic lens. She believes that we all deserve to hold onto the beauty of our inner child and she thus infuses a playful spirit into all that she does.

Having been born and raised in the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago has nurtured Kaeleigh’s easy-going and carefree nature, and she channels the warmth of the Caribbean when coping with the winter months.

Kaeleigh has been fortunate enough to work with the full spectrum of age ranges and human experiences, from older adults in memory care to children and families in grief support services.

Ultimately, Kaeleigh is drawn to and inspired by the infectious spirit of young people. The mission of Danny’s Place resonates deeply with Kaeleigh as she does this work in memory of her childhood best friend whose life-force and impact was far larger than his 16 years on this Earth. 

Renn Duffey - Program Coordinator for Self-Exploration & Life Skills / Mental Health & Wellness

Renn (they/she) studied Psychology with a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where they graduated with an Outstanding TA award in 2018. Renn’s work in youth services began over a decade ago when they began working with a local summer camp, their passion around designing and implementing programs growing ever since.

Renn brings a strong focus on self-care awareness and advocacy to their work, and utilizes their lived identity as a queer and trans individual to fight for equality in community spaces throughout Massachusetts. 

Renn is a passionate ally, advocate, and educator looking to inspire positive change in the world around them. They currently live in Gardner with their bearded dragon Lacey and their cat Dusty Rose. Their favorite hobbies are gardening, singing, and hanging out with their friends.

Hannah Perry - Program Coordinator for Leadership & Community Building

Hannah Perry (she/her/hers) is the Program Manager for Leadership & Community Building here at DPYS. She has a background in education, earning her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and American History and master’s degree in Moderate Disabilities from Lesley University.

Hannah has worn many hats in the education field working with youth and adults of all ages, most recently as a second grade teacher in Winthrop, MA. As an educator, she was passionate about fostering an inclusive environment that encouraged the social-emotional development of her students.

Hannah is excited to continue working in a space that inspires children to find their spark and grow as a friend, artist, and leader. In her spare time, Hannah is an avid reader and performs with OnStage Dance Company as a dancer and choreographer.

Tori Dolan - Program Support

Tori Dolan (she/they) is a social work intern from Simmons University. They are a senior in the undergraduate social work program. Although fairly new to working in youth services, Tori has developed their facilitation skills through Project 351, a Massachusetts based leadership program, and through time spent as an assistant camp counselor at a local summer camp.

Tori is eager to learn more about Danny’s Place and develop their social work education and facilitation skills during their time spent here, from September 2023 to June 2024.

They will be supporting a variety of programs including Mosaic, Sparks & Me, Penguin Club, and ConnectNite. In their free time, Tori likes to spend time with their friends and family, longboard, and visit the beach. They currently live at home with their cat named Monkey and younger brothers.

Danielle Vella - Program Support

Danielle Vella (she/her/hers) is the program support for Danny’s Place. She is currently a junior pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Boston University and plans to continue her education with a Master’s Degree in the surrounding area. 

Danielle has had a plethora of experience working with children from as young as a few weeks old to young adults in their first year of college. With such a technologically advanced society, Danielle has felt that it has become increasingly difficult to be vulnerable and connect with each other. She hopes to encourage people to be more in touch with the genuine raw silly version of themselves and embrace the growth of self discovery. 

Danielle is delighted to join the DPYS team and engage in the variety of workshops they offer. In her spare time Danielle enjoys reading, writing prose, and spending time with loved ones.