Meet Rise Above's Leadership
Sarah Baldiga
Co-founder & Executive Director
Sarah has a Masters degree in Nonprofit Management from Worcester State College and received her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Saint Anselm College. She has worked in nonprofit organizations her entire career and has experience with grant writing, marketing, fundraising, and volunteer management. Before being named Rise Above’s first Executive Director, Sarah was the Associate Director of Development at Jumpstart, a Boston-based nonprofit. Sarah lives in Hopkinton and enjoys being outdoors hiking and skiing.
Cassie Giardina
Director of Programs & Outreach
Cassie joined Rise Above in January 2024. Cassie has a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Worcester State University. Her entire career she has worked in nonprofit organizations that focus on positive youth development and community organizing. Before Rise Above, Cassie worked as Program Director for Cultural Exchange Through Soccer (CETS) in addition to coaching soccer, being a mentor, and facilitating sexuality education programs. Cassie lives in and is from Western, MA.
Stephani Spencer
Program Manager
Stephani joined Rise Above in January 2024, most recently working with middle school students as a school social worker. She has advanced degrees in social work and education and is passionate about supporting the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of all children. Stephani and her husband are also foster parents and have been fostering since 2019.
Marisa Lutz
Grants Manager
Marisa joined Rise Above as a part-time employee in August 2026 to support its development initiatives and help expand the organization’s impact. She brings a strong background in cultivating relationships with individual donors and corporate partners to secure funding for local nonprofits that promote equitable access to life-saving programs. A resident of Sudbury, Marisa enjoys spending her free time exploring the outdoors and taking in local cultural experiences.
Nalany Guerrier
Marketing Manager
Nalany joined Rise Above as a part-time Marketing Coordinator in September 2026, bringing experience in nonprofit communications and hospitality marketing. A Dorchester native, she discovered civic advocacy at the Berkshire Partners Blue Hill Club, where she served as a Keystone leader. After attending Boston Arts Academy, she graduated from Emerson College in 2024 with a degree in Creative Media Arts Production and Performance. She began her career as a Marketing Communications Intern at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and joined the Alumni Board for its Career Labs initiative. She then worked as a Digital Marketing Specialist at the Four Seasons
