Founder and Executive Director
Alicia Sewald-Cisneros, LPC, CCTP
A bilingual and bicultural therapist, Alicia combines her training as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with her personal experience as an immigrant. This unique combination drives her commitment to building accessible and culturally competent spaces to provide emotional support to the Hispanic community. Her passion is building bridges, offering safe spaces, and increasing accessibility to resources that optimize mental well-being for those most in need.
Our Board
Elizabeth Stephenson is a retired social worker with over 40 years of experience, focusing on at-risk children, youth, and families. She developed and led strength-based trauma-informed programs to promote healthy family and community relationships. With a master’s degree and a License in Social Work, she believes in empowering the vulnerable to find their own voice. Elizabeth is a proud mother and grandmother, dedicated to family and community service.
Kim Radler is a retired HR professional with 35+ years of experience, specializing in nonprofit work. Fluent in Italian, she lived in Italy for several years and worked with diverse populations. She holds graduate degrees from Middlebury College and Carnegie Mellon University. Kim and her husband are actively involved in various community charities, promoting positive work environments and cultural development through policies and strategies.
Stan Ledziski is a retired global executive with 35 years of experience in manufacturing, gold mining, and steel industries. He created employee councils that allowed employees to improve their work environments. Stan has worked across the US, Canada, England, Spain, and beyond. Holding a graduate degree from Carnegie Mellon University, he now spends his time volunteering and contributing to various community organizations.
James Shamlin is a psychotherapist and owner of Cranberry Psychological Center, focusing on well-being, personal growth, and interpersonal relationships. He has served on the Butler County Humane Society board and organized events for various nonprofits benefiting animal shelters, victims of domestic violence, and others. James is dedicated to fostering support, well-being, and stronger community ties, especially with Spanish-speaking populations.
Miryam Pacheco is a Board Secretary with 11 years of experience in social responsibility, both in private companies and social organizations. She specializes in project evaluation, fundraising, and strategic partnerships for nonprofits. Holding a Masters in Human Resources from UCAB and numerous certifications, she has developed fundraising strategies for Venezuelan nonprofits and focuses on corporate social responsibility and sustainable development.
Jeff Sewald is an award-winning writer and filmmaker specializing in the cultural significance of people, places, and events. He founded Backstory Partners LLC and created documentaries such as “Gridiron & Steel” and “We Knew What We Had.” A published author, his 2020 book was about forensic pathologist Cyril Wecht. Jeff’s current projects include a documentary on Dr. Jim Withers and the global street medicine movement for the homeless.
Adriana Jiménez is the Director of Grants Management at Resources Legacy Fund, where she provides strategic oversight of the organization’s grantmaking operations. She has been working in the philanthropic and non-profit sectors for over 20 years, specializing in helping funders develop and implement more streamlined and effective grantmaking practices. Adriana holds an MA in Arts Administration from Columbia University. She currently sits on the advisory board of the Latin American Cultural Center (LACC) in Pittsburgh, and is a board alum and current volunteer of PEAK Grantmaking, a community of over 8,000 grants professionals advancing best practices in philanthropy.
Alexis accrues decades of professional experience in supply chain management, business and finance. Currently he serves as Associate Principal, Practice Director, Supply Chain Planning, Americas for Westernacher & Partner Consulting, Inc. Alexis holds a Master of Science in Management and Public Policy from Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University, a Master of Science in Finance from IESA, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Sociology/Anthropology from Ohio Wesleyan University.
Our Team
Program Manager
Jannette holds a Master’s degree in counseling from Cambridge College, Puerto Rico, and is working on her PA license. She coordinated the initial program rehearsal, connecting Pittsburgh’s Spanish-speaking population with local therapists. Additionally, she led virtual psychoeducational groups on life skills and domestic violence prevention for adults.
Contact: jannettec@ayudate.net
Business Manager
Luz holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Lisandro Alvarado Central Occidental University, Venezuela (2006), with 15+ years of experience. She is passionate, detail-oriented, and adaptable. As Business Manager, she handles administrative tasks like bills, payments, reports, and contracts. Luz is pursuing a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s degree in Pittsburgh.
Contact: Luzp@ayudate.net
IT manager (Latin-Tech)
Ernesto specializes in digital transformation for nonprofits, improving efficiency and expanding impact. With a Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering from Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Argentina, he’s pursuing a specialization in Information Systems. He collaborates with Ayudate on projects like digital maturity, custom software, and strategy development.
Contact: eperoche@gmail.com
Research and social media content manager (Latin-Tech)
Darío Rossin is a psychologist, graduated from the National University of Rosario (2016), specializing in Community Mental Health and Addictions (2020-2023). Trained in Gestalt Therapy (2018-2024), he works with individuals and families from a humanistic perspective, rooted in Gestalt therapy and psychoanalysis. He creates content on Mental Health and Migration issues.
Contact: rdario@ayudate.net
