Research Assistants & Administrative Staff

Trey Avery (Email) is a masters student in Neuroscience & Education and serves as a graduate research fellow and communications director for NCCF. His research interests include the use of neuroimaging methods (primarily EEG/ERP methods) as an early diagnostic tool and measure of developmental differences in young children from different socioeconomic backgrounds. He is particularly interested in exploring the effects of different early childhood programs on early literacy and language development and attention. He is also interested in programs that include social and emotional learning and mindfulness practices, particularly early childhood programs serving low income children. Before entering the masters program, he worked with Keeling & Associates, a higher education consulting firm in New York City that works with colleges and universities to focus on and improve student learning and institutional effectiveness. He earned his B.A. in American Cultural Studies from Fairhaven College at Western Washinton University (2006).

Elise Castillo(Email) is Research Assistant to NCCF Co-Director Sharon Lynn Kagan. Prior to joining NCCF, Ms. Castillo taught English for three years in public middle and high schools in Brooklyn, New York. She earned her B.A. in English from Barnard College in 2008 and her M.S. in Teaching from Pace University in 2010. Ms. Castillo is an alumna of Teach For America.

Samara Wallace-Noyola (Email) joined NCCF in September 2004 as Finance Director. Prior to joining NCCF, Ms. Wallace-Noyola was employed at Columbia University for eight years. She holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from Metropolitan College of New York, and is currently pursuing a MA degree in fundraising for non-profit administration at Columbia University.

Sara Rosinus (Email) is Administrative Associate to NCCF Co-Director Sharon Lynn Kagan. Ms. Rosinus graduated from the University of Michigan in May of 2009 with a B.A. in Psychology. Prior to joining NCCF, Ms. Rosinus worked as a Paralegal at a mid-sized law firm in Washington, D.C.. While in DC, she was also a Research Assistant at The George Washington University for Dr. Christina Gee. She is currently a board member of LearningPlunge, LLC, a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., and pursuing an M.A. degree in Developmental Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University.