Shamir Rivera-Quintal
Interim Executive Director
Email: shamir@projectlearninc.org
Direct Line: (978) 941-4500
Shamir Rivera-Quintal was born and raised in Lowell, Massachusetts, and is a proud graduate of Lowell High School (2006) and Bowdoin College (2010), where she earned a B.A. in Sociology and Africana Studies.
Her career began in the technology sector, with roles at Constant Contact and later at a cybersecurity startup acquired by IBM. After seven years in tech, Shamir returned to her passion, serving her community by joining Project LEARN, where she worked to expand equitable access to high-quality educational opportunities for Lowell students. In December, Shamir concluded her tenure at the Coalition for a Better Acre, where she served as Director of Operations, a role that took her back to the organization where her mother had volunteered since moving to Lowell more than 30 years ago. Following her time at CBA, Shamir returned to Project LEARN, where she now serves as Interim Executive Director, continuing her commitment to educational equity and community impact in Lowell.
She lives in Lowell with her husband, Kyle, and their two sons, Ethan and Lucas.
What is your dream vacation destination?
Hawaii
How do you take your coffee?
Cream and a little sugar, but always up for a fun latte from a local cafe!
What is your favorite restaurant in Lowell?
Sizzling Kitchen
Katerynne Patino
Director of Operations
Email: kpatino@projectlearninc.org
Direct Line: (978) 941-4501
Katerynne Patino was born in Medellin, Colombia, and immigrated to Lowell when she was a teenager, falling in love with the city from day one. Today, she is a happy mom and proud community servant. After a long career in the financial world, she switched to education and started as the Lowell Public School (LPS) Parent Liaison at a middle school in the Acre. Katerynne discovered her passion for working with Lowell's youth and simultaneously joined the Project LEARN team as the City's Family Council Liaison and Development & Programs Administrator. Before joining the Project LEARN team, she worked LPS Office of Equity & Empowerment as the Spanish Bilingual Family Liaison for the entire District.
How do you take your coffee?
Iced pumpkin latte with almond milk
What is your favorite restaurant in Lowell?
Laos Thai Kitchen on Merrimack
Who was your favorite teacher at Lowell High?
Mrs. Samaras, my ESL Teacher!
Autumn Kleiner
Senior Development Manager
Email: akleiner@projectlearninc.org
Direct Line: (978) 941-4502
Autumn Kleiner is a 2022 graduate of the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where she majored in English with a concentration in professional writing and dual minors in marketing and digital media. Previously, Autumn interned with the Office of Congresswoman Lori Trahan’s Communications Team and at a local start-up magazine, American Muslim Woman Magazine, where she had a major hand in developing its social media presence and overall brand identity.
What is your dream vacation destination?
Greece!
How do you like your coffee?
Iced with no sugar and oat milk
What’s your favorite movie?
Titanic
Shawnic Coleman
Pathways & Partnerships Manager
Email: scoleman@projectlearninc.org
Direct Line: (978) 941-4503
Shawnic is a lifelong Lowell resident, Licensed Social Worker, and Certified Addiction Recovery Coach who is passionate about supporting young people and helping them see the possibilities available to them. With more than 12 years of experience working with youth, young adults, and families, Shawnic has built her career around creating meaningful connections, advocating for others, and helping people navigate challenges while recognizing their strengths. Shawnic’s connection to Lowell is deeply personal. Having grown up in the community, she understands the importance of having supportive adults, accessible opportunities, and people who believe in you. Her own experiences have shaped her commitment to giving back and creating pathways for young people to succeed. Outside of work, Shawnic is a proud mother who values family, community, and making a positive impact. She is excited to join Project LEARN and bring her experience, passion, and love for Lowell to the work of supporting students and strengthening partnerships across the community.
Who was your favorite teacher at Lowell High?
Kate Keefe
What is your favorite TV show?
Game of Thrones & Young Sheldon
What is your favorite restaurant in Lowell?
1981 Ramen Bar
Lauren Bonich
Pathways Manager
Email: lbonich@projectlearninc.org
Direct Line: (978) 941-4503
Lauren has a background in forestry and environmental education, so a love for the outdoors has always been a big part of both her personal and professional life. Throughout her career, community outreach and building meaningful partnerships have been central to her work, and she finds a lot of fulfillment in connecting people, organizations, and resources to strengthen the communities they serve. Lauren has been part of the Lowell community since 2022 and has been fortunate to serve the city during her time with Lowell National Historical Park. Through that work, she has developed a deep appreciation for Lowell’s history, people, and the many organizations working to make the city a vibrant place to live and learn. She is excited to begin her next chapter with Project LEARN and to continue getting to know the many facets of Lowell. Lauren looks forward to building new relationships, learning from students and community partners, and helping Project LEARN continue to elevate and support the opportunities available to Lowell students.
What’s your favorite pizza topping?
Black Olives
What's your favorite TV show? -
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
What's your favorite place to eat in Lowell?
It’s a tie between Purple Carrot or Tasty Dumpling