Meet the Team

Arantxa Plascencia earned her law degree from Universidad Panamericana, Mexico, and holds an LL.M. from Georgetown University Law Center. Arantxa oversees the day-to-day operations and coordinates the myriad programs of the Institute. She also manages personnel and plays a lead role in the Institute's research and strategic efforts.

Dr. Katherin Ross Phillips brings a distinguished career in research, analysis, and program development to The Bergel Institute. Previously, Katherin worked for many years studying the reach and effectiveness of policies that support low-income working families. Immediately preceding her Institute role, Katherin co-founded The Shared Humanity Project. Katherin received her Bachelor's from Johns Hopkins University and her Masters and Doctoral degrees from Syracuse University.

Isabella Castillo is a recent graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a B.S. in Behavioral and Social Data Sciences. At the Bergel Institute, she focuses on data visualization and digital communications, bridging the gap between raw data and real-world impact. Isabella is passionate about turning complex data into clear, compelling stories, and is committed to using data-driven insights to tackle meaningful challenges.

Andrea Riccio has been with the Institute from the start and leads our outreach and fundraising efforts. Andrea brings a deep reservoir of experience to the Institute, ensuring we amplify the voices of each team member and their work. She graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of New Hampshire with a B.A. in Political Science and Government.

A key figure in the establishment of The Bergel Institute, Derek’s personal and professional experiences informed many aspects of the Institute. Derek has seen up close the impact of industries moving out of areas, as well as the devastating effects of economic neglect by local and federal government. For more than a decade, Derek has been a leader in the private and nonprofit sectors, and his skills and insights position the Institute to be a source of education and critical thinking for people of all ages. Derek attended the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith for Communications.

Leigh is a Marine Corps veteran and criminologist who brings her passion for social science and community impact to the Bergel Institute. In her role, she will advance several projects, including education, curriculum design, and organizational development. Leigh received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Florida Atlantic University and her Doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University.

Susan Williams is an accomplished, PMP-certified strategist with an MBA in Business Leadership and extensive experience in project management and consulting. A dedicated advocate for individuals with lived experience, Susan focuses on dismantling systemic barriers to housing through evidence-based policy reform. She brings expertise in building organizational capacity, enhancing employee engagement, and implementing equitable system safeguards that create lasting value for vulnerable populations. Susan holds a BA in Health Administration from the University of Phoenix, an MBA in Business Leadership from Baker Center for Graduate Studies, and her PMP certification from the Project Management Institute.

Caroline Barnes holds a Master of Public Health in Health Policy & Management and dual Bachelor's degrees in Neuroscience and Psychology from the University of Tennessee. A Certified Health Education Specialist and Certified in Public Health, she brings expertise in community-based research, health communication, and coalition building. Her work spans six rural Appalachian counties, producing published needs assessments and policy briefs for stakeholders including the Tennessee Department of Health. At the Bergel Institute, Caroline is focused on building a cross-sector coalition in Hancock County, Tennessee — one of the state's most economically distressed — to address food insecurity and the interconnected conditions of poverty.

Ms. Lisa Stransky was fundamental in the founding of The Bergel Institute and helps oversee all aspects of its work. Lisa has been involved in the development of multiple nonprofit organizations focusing on poverty eradication. Her career in education, advertising, and real estate has led to consistent recognition in the Wall Street Journal, Washingtonian Magazine, and many other publications. Lisa earned a Bachelors from Miami University and a Masters from American University.

Dr. Mark Bergel has founded and led programs that have served more than 500,000 children and adults. He is the only individual inducted into both the Business Hall of Fame and the Human Rights Hall of Fame in his former home of Montgomery County, MD. He has been honored as Washingtonian of the Year and received numerous other regional, national, and international awards. Mark has more than 40 years of leadership experience in education, poverty work, government relations, and health-related initiatives. Mark received his Bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and his Masters and Doctoral degrees from American University, where he also taught for 15 years.