Our staff

Erin Muirhead McCarty (she/her/hers) is a seasoned development professional whose work has focused primarily on directing annual fund campaigns, individual and corporate giving, institutional fundraising, and strategic partnerships.

She holds a degree in studio arts, and art history from Virginia Commonwealth University’s nationally ranked School of The Arts, and studied visual arts and restoration in Florence, Italy.

Erin has a love of pop-culture, politics, travel and adventure, and enjoys binge-watching documentaries, she relies on her two teenage daughters to keep her current on all of the latest Tik Tok challenges, Instagram trends, and viral memes.

Michael Matfess (he/him/his) comes to the Community Art Center after a long, storied career in finance and operations with companies ranging from 3 employees to ones with over 100 employees. In his most recent role before joining Community Art Center, Michael was the CFO and STEM Day Camp Director for a non-profit that offers informal education through the use of live action role playing. ​

In the office you will often find Michael sitting at his desk staring at spreadsheets or wandering aimlessly around the halls and the classrooms.  When he isn’t working, Michael is often binge-watching shows on streaming services while contemplating the struggles of growing up with only black & white TV and 6 stations to choose from.  While Michael likes to cook, he continues his quest for the perfect breakfast/brunch location.

Kosar Mohamed (she/her/hers) embodies a journey marked by resilience and a commitment to service. Hailing originally from Somalia, she arrived in the U.S. in 2003, accompanied by her son and family, after spending 12 formative years in Kenya refugee camps. Kosar's educational path includes earning an associate degree in Arts in Upstate New York and later double majoring in psychology and political science at Umass Boston. These dual majors underscore her diverse interests, delving into the intricacies of human behavior and political dynamics. In addition, she undertook a double minor in Women & Gender Studies and Human Rights, showcasing her profound commitment to exploring issues related to equality, social justice, and human dignity.  

Over the past 11 years, she has taken on roles such as a case manager, parent educator, and family advocate in Minneapolis and Boston. Kosar's exploration of the real estate realm demonstrates her adaptability. Beyond her professional pursuits, she quietly contributes to various community organizations. In her leisure time, Kosar enjoys simple creative pursuits like crafts. Her love for cooking and cherished moments spent with her nieces and nephews at the playground reflect her commitment to family. In her journey, Kosar embraces values of resilience, ongoing learning, and a genuine commitment to supporting others in different aspects of her life.

Aishea Henry (she/her/hers) is a Jamaican born, American citizen who moved to America when she was in the 7th grade. Aishea lived in Cape Cod until she went off to college at Assumption College, which was later named Assumption University in Worcester, MA. Aishea earned a BA in Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies. Having enrolled in Assumption's 6 in 5 program, Aishea was able to complete her master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling within an extra year post-undergrad. Aishea fulfilled her graduate practicum at Central Mass Collaborative High School and gained additional experience while interning at Family Continuity programs in Worcester. She went on to work part-time for Family Continuity as an Outpatient Clinician specializing in children and youth ages 6 - 22. Aiesha’s full-time work as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, makes use of her over 5 years experience working in the mental health field. In that time, Aishea has benefitted from working in a variety of settings, with a spectrum of ages. Aishea especially enjoys working with young children and adolescents, helping them to navigate their worlds, emotions, thoughts and feelings. In her free time Aishea enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, watching Netflix, and hanging out with friends and family.

Sarah Winter (she/her/hers) was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She formerly worked in education and interactive media at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, where she worked on digital story-telling interactives and the early iterations of the Museums As Sites for Social Action (MASS Action) project, a national, collaborative project to create more equitable and inclusive practices in museums. In 2018, her adventurous spirit brought her to the West Coast; while in Eugene, Oregon, she coordinated community engagement and educational programs at an arts non-profit focused on arts accessibility, environmental sustainability, and recycled art. Sarah received her master’s degree in Art, Education and Community Practice from New York University, and holds a B.A. in Art History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In her spare time, Sarah loves spending time with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors, listening to podcasts and music (and singing along!), taking pictures with her old Polaroid, and trying out new baking recipes.

A lifelong Cantabridgian, Jada Alleyne (she/her/hers) comes to the Community Art Center with a wealth of early childhood and youth work experience. She has worked with Cambridge Youth Programs, Amigos Community School and Campamento Cultural de Amigos, and Children’s Village. The daughter of an educator, Jada holds a degree in Early Childhood Education. She is also a licensed cosmetologist, a creative spirit, and beauty product junkie. These days, when she’s not working on curriculum plans and keeping up with attendance records, she can be found selling her boutique bath & body products through her Soap Her Girl website. Jada enjoys creating art and baking with her young daughter, or spending time twin-bonding with her twin sister.

Lionel was born in Haiti. Ever since he was a child he had an interest in art-making. After immigrating to the U.S. He joined groups and attended schools that had a strong focus on art. As a result, Lionel worked for a variety of art-based nonprofit organizations. This garnered him a passion for teaching and mentoring youths. He then joined the Community Art Center and is now the Teen Media Manager. In this role, he can manage, mentor, and teach youth with the same passion that he has for art-making. His work usually involves comic book art, however, throughout the years He's expanded his skill sets into painting and filmmaking.

Rory Liddy (he/him/his) is a well-rounded individual with a passion for all things media. He grew up in many places, splitting his childhood between North Cambridge, East Arlington, and Limerick, Ireland. His earliest endeavors were as a musician: playing guitar, writing songs, and freestyling, but as he grew older began to gravitate towards the video side of things. Today, he primarily identifies himself as a videographer and media consultant, but really, he loves the arts as a whole. 

He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he was awarded the W.E.B. DuBois Award for Outstanding Sociological Contribution for his Honors Thesis. After graduating, he had a prolific career as both a print and video journalist writing for newspapers and producing for TV stations across Massachusetts. He is also a self-employed videographer, a ‘one stop shop’ of sorts: filming, editing, and directing independent documentaries for clients and himself. He found his way to the Community Art Center in 2024, when he was hired as the Interim Teen Media Instructor. Since then he has also been given the role of DIYDS Festival Coordinator, and whatever else the Center may need. He is a family man through and through; when not at work, he enjoys spending time with his fiancé and his brothers, working on new projects, and watching his favorite shows.

Jack O'Hearn (he/him/his) has spent nearly two decades as a professional artist, with experience in public art, grant administration, and higher education. He has worked with many non-profits, small businesses, and local governments to execute public art projects with a community focus. He believes the arts can be an important tool for community and economic development, enhancing pride and trust within a community and increasing equitable investment. Jack earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from Lesley University and his Master’s Degree from The University of Wisconsin. He has lived in many places throughout the country building a career in the arts, including New Mexico, Wisconsin, Indiana, and West Virginia. He now lives back in his hometown of Lowell, Massachusetts with his wife and two daughters. In addition to being a visual artist, Jack also plays the guitar and is very passionate about music.

Marisol is an accomplished professional with extensive experience across both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, specializing in outreach, programming, fundraising, and operations. Her expertise has enabled her to make a meaningful impact in various leadership and roles. Additionally, Marisol has served on numerous boards and committees in SouthEastern Massachusetts, where her contributions have helped drive local initiatives and foster community development. Beyond her professional endeavors, Marisol is passionate about the arts and wellness. She is a dedicated performer, sharing her talents in spoken word poetry at local venues. Marisol has also been a committed yoga instructor for nearly a decade, teaching both adults and children in public schools, community gardens, studios, small businesses, and nonprofits.

Shayla Young (She/Her) was born and raised in Massachusetts and has always had a love for the arts. Shayla graduated from Bridgewater State University (BSU), where she majored in English and minored in African American Studies and Theatre Arts.

During her time at BSU, Shayla worked as an intern for the Martin Richard Institute for Social justice and the AFAM department, hosting a series of events and advocating for the students of color on campus. One of her main projects at BSU was creating a Black History BINGO game that helped people learn more about African American figures as well as having fun!

Shayla is a passionate advocate for equity and social justice. During her time at BSU, Shayla ran an Arts of Activism project called "The Bigger Picture" where she interviewed peers on their perceptions  of campus safety. Shayla then took those views and incorporated them into a larger art mural of the school mascot, displaying all the student voices and their concerns of campus. "The Bigger Picture" was displayed at the 2022 BSU Kente Cloth ceremony and currently resides at the Martin Richard Institute of Social Justice office in Bridgewater.

In her free time Shayla is an artist, she loves to paint and sketch cartoons from sight. Shayla also loves Theatre Arts. Being part of an ensemble feels very familiar to Shayla, so she is excited to now be a part of this arts community!

Antaliyah Maxwell (she/her/hers) comes from a Cantabridgian family with deep roots in Cambridge. In fact, her mother actually attended Community Art Center as a youth, and participated in some of the earliest filmmaking projects! Antaliyah has worked as a Teacher’s Assistant at TechBoston Academy, where she assisted students ages 5-13 in behavior and honor roll classes; tutoring students in math, social studies, science and humanities. She has also worked as a home health aid for Cerebral Palsy of Massachusetts, where she took great care of some of the most vulnerable clients. Antaliyah is finishing up a bachelor's degree at the University of Massachusetts - Boston, majoring in sociology with a minor in early education. Coming from a large family, Antaliyah has tons of real-life, hands-on experience working with young children. She appreciates that working with children teaches patience, and enjoys viewing life through the observations of young children. In her spare time, Antaliyah loves delving into poetry - you may even catch her at an open mic in the area!

Ckylah Lee was born & raised here in New England. Devoting her life to being a multidisciplinary artist, activist, and historian. She believes in tying those things together to create both traditional and digital artwork. Ckylah has decided to pursue her passions both personally & independently. If she is not working or painting in her studio- you can find her flipping through her vinyl collection, watching documentaries, lacing up her rollerskates, or going to a thrift store.

Alyssa Tunno was born in Vancouver, Canada, but was raised for most of her life in Framingham, Massachusetts. She is completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Lesley University, with an interest in painting and ceramics. Creative expression has been a passion of hers throughout her life, and she believes that art making is a vital outlet to share one’s ideas, emotions, and passions. Most recently, she has been interested in collaborative artwork, exploring the importance of the relationship between art making and community building.

Alyssa has experience as a youth figure skating instructor, and is excited to continue working in childcare and share her passion for art with her students! In her free time, she enjoys cooking, crochet, and jewelry making.

Jordan is a Southern NH native and speaks highly about the beauty of all 4 seasons in her home state. She holds a bachelors in Art Therapy, with a specialization in Holistic Health and Wellness from Lesley University. She has been working with children in the Greater Boston area for 4 years now, and is so grateful to witness each child’s artistic and personal journey!

Starting her college journey at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, she personally understands how this global event impacted learning, socialization, health, and most importantly human interaction. Jordan believes that CAC is paving the way for creative expression in children and adolescents in the Cambridge area and hopes to bring her passions for yoga, mindfulness, the outdoors, and of course art, to the CAC community.

Originally from Fall River, Massachusetts, Mic has always been an artist. From drawing, to music making, to performing, to sculpting, she has at least tried it all, and will always be excited to learn a new art medium!  It’s because there are so many different ways one can be creative, that she believes everyone is an artist, and loves being able to share her passion in hopes it will inspire others well as.

Mics passion for teaching goes just as far back as her passion for art. Since Kindergarten career day she knew she would be a teacher. Starting at age 16, she has had various teaching jobs working with students ranging from pre-K to eighth grade and decided to pursue a degree in art education and illustration from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, in 2017, graduating in 2021.

Having known so many people, including herself who have struggled in school, Mic understands the importance of good childcare and the effect it has upon our future adults. She aims for her art room to be the same safe space she had growing up, highly valuing a sense community and celebrating differences.

Khora Lane is a Framingham State graduate with a bachelors in Psychology. She has lived in the Boston area her entire life and love the atmosphere and people. Being a part of CAC is like being a part of a close community full of support. 

Ashanti was born And raised in Santo Domingo Dominican Republic and came to America at the age of seven and graduated from Boston community leadership academy . She is attending BSU and pursuing her social working major. She loves to spend time with friends and family and most importantly with the Community Art Center Youth. 

Nya was born and raised in Dorchester. She has always had a passion for creativity and self-expression. From a young age, she immersed herself in the vibrant world of fashion, drawing and entrepreneurship. Her love for art blossomed, leading her to work with children in various programs where she could share her enthusiasm and creativity. Now, Nya brings her experiences to an after-school program, where she combines her passion for fashion and art to inspire and teach young minds. 

José Yax (he/him/his) is the Community Art Center custodian and resident ‘fix-it-all’ super-hero. It runs in the family for José; for years before him, his brother, Erick held the position until retirement. José’s easy going demeanor and kind ways bring a smile to everyone in his path.