Jo

Founder/Executive Director

Joann “Jo” (she/her) is a community collaborator who practices hands-on healing, poetry, love for food and the outdoors with emphasis on social justice, honoring ancestors and undoing negative perceptions of the out- doors and wellness. She has been working as a self-care educator for 21 years and holds an MS in Exercise Science and Physiology. Working in health care, fitness, education, and within prison systems has shaped her communication as well as her desire to work in community with Black and Brown farmers and youth. Jo spends her days organizing Movement and Education Outdoors, a youth outdoor experience program, supporting community-based organizations in understanding inclusion and equity, and uniting with educators and leaders of color to increase access to health and wellness in the education system for low-income, Black, and brown students in Rhode Island.

Contact:

jayuso@meoutdoorsri.com

Cai

Program Director

Cai (all pronouns) is a Visayan jungle born, urban transplant who landed in the shores of the north east. Their time goes towards building a more liberated future through practical magic, expansive imagination, and rooting our hands in the soil whilst compassionately listening to the stories of elemental forces. Cai holds a passion for decentralized community led + social justice oriented knowledge sharing, and believes that mending our relationship to land, ecology and the more than human world, is one of the major roots of individual and collective healing.

They have trained as a farmer apprentice, herbalist, birth worker, researcher, street medic, programs manager, artist, youth educator and hold a BFA in art history + ceramic minor, with specialization in Indigenous Art History of the Americas. Cai was a co-organizer of New Moon Mycology Summit and is a board member of Taíno Woods Sanctuary and Emergent Forest. Cai’s toddler Inara, is their North Star, the guiding light on how to be an ancestor in training.

Contact:

cdiluvio@meoutdoorsri.com

rinne-julie

Outdoor Experience Program Coordinator

Rinne-Julie (They/Them/Elle)  is a Queer Black & Peruana, facilitator, educator, herbalist and dreamer born and raised in E.Hartford Connecticut (Poquonook and Sicaog Lands). With a BA in Communications, and Diversity and Inclusion Leadership, Rinne-Julie has served the last 10 years in various roles facilitating on topics such as social justice education, white supremacy culture and community care with groups ranging from K-12, university students and senior level professionals. 

Rinne-Julie has experience in holding restorative justice and racialized healing spaces, and is passionate about skill sharing and tapping into the collective brilliance around us all. What roots them into this human experience is making time to honor Pacha Mama, connecting to their ancestress’ practices of farming, exploration, cooking, dance, community and play.

Contact:

rjfruster@meoutdoorsri.com

Candice De Los Reyes

Candice De Los Reyes began her career in the nonprofit sector, working in youth development before moving into nonprofit capacity building at the Rhode Island Foundation. She later transitioned into higher education as Associate Director of the RWU Intercultural Center, advancing equity and inclusion efforts and fostering spaces of belonging. Candice then moved into independent schools, first at Lincoln School and then at The Wheeler School, where she served as Chief of Staff and Faculty/Staff Experience Coordinator, partnering on strategy, governance, and organizational growth. She now serves as Assistant Director of the Cityside Program, where she helps lead a community-based, experiential middle school program—teaching civic engagement, building partnerships across Providence, and supporting students as they grow into a stronger sense of agency, identity and purpose in the world. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a Master’s in Public Administration from URI. Candice is a proud multiracial Filipina and lives in Providence with her partner and two kids, who are always up for an adventure—especially if it involves good food.

Diamond J. Vaccaro

Diamond J. Vaccaro is a dedicated board member, entrepreneur, and current college student pursuing her PhD in African Studies. She was first introduced to Movement Education Outdoors when her child joined as a participant, continuing for several years until her family relocated. Inspired by the organization’s impact, Diamond has served on the board since its foundation, contributing her time and perspective to support its growth and mission.

As a business owner and community-focused leader, Diamond is passionate about creating accessible, enriching experiences for families and youth. She brings a thoughtful, hands-on approach to her role and remains committed to uplifting the communities the organization serves.

Jeannie Castillo-Lapierre

Jeannie Castillo-Lapierre brings over 25 years of experience in public service and nonprofit leadership, with a focus on youth development and out-of-school time programming. As Studio Programs Director at New Urban Arts, she oversees year-round arts programming for high school students, leading program strategy, staff development, and budget management while creating a space where young people can explore identity, creativity, and agency.

Jeannie’s work is grounded in the belief that learning happens through experience, whether in a studio, a community space, or outdoors. Her background spans military service and senior leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, including finance, operations, and human resources. She is committed to expanding access to meaningful, youth-centered opportunities that support confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging.

As a board member of Movement Education Outdoors, Jeannie brings a strategic, equity-focused perspective and strong alignment with the organization’s mission to support young people through movement, nature-based learning, and experiential education. She is especially interested in how outdoor spaces can support growth, reflection, and community for youth who may not otherwise have access to those experiences.

Stephanie Nunes

Stephanie Nunes serves as the Executive Director of Youth In Action. A dedicated community advocate and leader passionate about empowering youth, she earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Providence College and her Master’s from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. Stephanie has spent her career developing and implementing youth programs in both St. Louis and Rhode Island. At Youth In Action, she has guided the organization through growth, transitions, and COVID recovery while staying true to its core values of intergenerational leadership and youth power.

Rachel Holbert

Rachel (she/her) comes to MEO with years of outdoor and environmental education experience, and presently works on climate justice issues for the Narragansett Bay Research Reserve. She previously served as President of the RI Environmental Education Association, as well as on the New England Environmental Education Alliance and Ocean State Environmental Education Collaborative (AmeriCorps) boards. Rachel is originally from Louisiana and is restoring a 1959 Beetle when she's not hiking.

Annie

Sophia Academy x MEO Program Assistant Facilitator

Annie (she/her) is a junior at the University of Rhode Island studying Accounting and Economics. She grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, the daughter of Laotian refugee parents who taught her the meaning of resilience, gratitude, and community. Annie joined MEO in 2018 as part of the very first youth cohort. Over the years, she’s grown from a learner to a leader, carrying with her the lessons of curiosity, connection, and care for the land.

Her roots in Providence fuel her passion for making education and environmental awareness accessible to all. Through MEO, Annie found a deeper understanding of her community and the stories the land holds. She now shares that knowledge with younger folks, hoping they too see how everything around us is connected. Annie dreams of continuing this work beyond MEO, giving back to her community and someday shaping change through public service.