Discovering Justice Staff

  • Discovering Justice Staff
Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan

Executive Director
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Victoria Suri

K-5 Curriculum Developer
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Hanna Bregman

Program Associate
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Alexandra

Alexandra vonBallmoos

Executive Administrative Assistant
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Laura Brenner

Chief program officer
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Emily Dall'Orso

Courthouse Programs Manager
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Bianca Lora

Senior Development Manager
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Maryanna (Mern) Cronin

Director of Programs and Partnerships
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Kiley Hartman

Mock Trial and Mock Appeal Program Manager
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Mehana Koch

Development and Administrative Associate
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Victoria Suri

Victoria is interested in problem-solving to create impactful and accessible learning experiences that will promote justice ideals and foster the spirit of student change-makers. As Discovering Justice’s K-5 Curriculum Developer, she supports teachers in creating meaningful and valuable learning experiences that develop knowledgeable and effective student advocates. Previously, Victoria spent six years as an elementary educator with experience in social-emotional and inquiry-based learning experiences.  She earned a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Kentucky, and an M. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on instructional technology from the University of Virginia.

Hanna Bregman

Hanna Bregman believes that all young people deserve equitable access to a comprehensive civic education in which they can grow the skills and confidence to engage as active community members. Grounded in a deep appreciation for language and learning, she previously tutored K-5 students in English and writing with Somerville Public Schools and served as a Staff Writer and Section Editor at the Tufts Observer. Hanna holds a BA in Anthropology from Tufts University and brings her dedication to student-centered civic programming to her work at Discovering Justice.

Alexandra

Alexandra vonBallmoos

Alex has over fifteen years of administrative experience, most recently at Boston Schools Fund. Prior to her time at BSF, she served as an Executive Assistant to the Head of School at Mother Caroline Academy, where she also provided major support to the Development office. Before her time at MCA, Alex served as an assistant at a media firm in Washington, DC.

This role oversees financial operations such as reconciliations, expense tracking, payroll, and donor acknowledgments, while managing organizational systems, employee records, and meeting coordination. It also provides event logistics, Board support, and office management, ensuring efficient processes, accurate recordkeeping, and the successful execution of programs, operations, and special events like the annual Spring Gala.

Laura Brenner

Central to everything Laura does are students and the belief that with authentic, collaborative relationships and a reflective, responsive, innovative approach to instruction and curriculum, public education is a pathway towards liberation for all students, and to a more just and equitable world. She is committed to problem solving with teachers and district leaders, facilitating professional development and designing engaging educational opportunities that build elementary students’ civic identities, critical skills, and global awareness. Before becoming a nonprofit leader with Discovering Justice, Laura worked for seven years as an elementary school teacher and instructional leader in Boston. She is a graduate of Simmons University, where she earned her Bachelors in Psychology and her Masters in Teaching. Most recently, she graduated from UPenn Graduate School of Education with her Masters in School Leadership and a principal certificate while spending a year as principal intern in Cambridge, MA.

Emily Dall'Orso

Emily Dall’Orso believes in the power of object- and place-based learning to engage students of all ages in American history, civics, democracy, and the work towards a more equitable society. She has developed and led field trips, tours, and programming across a variety of museums and unique spaces, including a historic cemetery and a nineteenth century water pumping station, and is excited to add “federal courthouse” to that list. Emily earned a BA in American Identities and Storytelling from the CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies and earned her MSEd in Learning and Engagement in Museums and Cultural Organizations at Bank Street College of Education. 

Mern Cronin

Maryanna Cronin is deeply passionate about empowering youth through transformative education and meaningful community engagement. With a degree in Legal Studies from Franciscan University and a career that bridges education and law, Maryanna is dedicated to creating impactful change. Before joining Discovering Justice, she spent six years at a nonprofit focused on youth development within Boston Public Schools, where she honed her skills in volunteer management, partnership coordination, and community relationship building. Her career also includes valuable experience with the Department of Youth Services and juvenile probation courts, where she contributed significantly to youth advocacy and support. She is excited to leverage her expertise to create dynamic educational opportunities and uplift underrepresented communities, advancing the organization’s mission with creativity and dedication. 

Kiley Hartman

Kiley Hartman is passionate about providing students with the knowledge necessary to navigate an increasingly complex justice system. Central to this passion is the belief that education is liberation and should be accessible to all students. As a former Mock Trial participant herself, Kiley believes Mock Trial to be an excellent tool to foster student confidence and autonomy. Before joining Discovering Justice, Kiley worked as a middle school teacher in the Greater Boston Area. She graduated from Hamilton College with a B.A. in Government and a double minor in Religious Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies.

Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan has spent nearly her entire 20+ year career dedicated to providing students with access to high-quality education experiences that lead to strong academic outcomes. She brings extensive and diverse experiences as a teacher, school administrator, funder, and nonprofit professional. Rana is committed to Discovering Justice’s mission to enable students to become well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and desire to build and sustain an equitable democracy.

Prior to Discovering Justice, Rana spent seven years at Boston Schools Fund, most recently as the Chief Operating Officer. She co-led the development of the organization’s second fund, and ensured its operationalization across the organization. Previously, Rana played pivotal roles at organizations such as Salsify, Phoenix Charter Academy, The Achievement Network, and Roxbury Prep Charter School. Rana graduated from Williams College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Psychology. She earned her Master’s in Education Policy & Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Mehana Koch

Mehana Koch is a recent graduate of Wellesley College, where she earned a BA in Psychology. She joined Discovering Justice excited to learn about nonprofit operations and support an organization whose mission uplifts and empowers future engaged citizens.

At Discovering Justice, Mehana enjoys supporting both the administrative and fundraising needs of the organization. Her day-to-day work includes processing donations, reconciling accounting information, and maintaining a strong database. She also has played a large role in onboarding new staff and supporting large organization-wide events, such as the Annual Gala.

Bianca Lora

Bianca Lora is passionate about expanding access to civic education, uplifting historically underrepresented voices, and creating spaces where young people can grow as informed and active members of their communities. With a background spanning across organizing, policy, and fundraising, she brings a collaborative spirit to the work.

Prior to this role, she led cross-departmental initiatives for donors at the ACLU of Massachusetts, including its 800-person annual gala. Bianca has also served as a Senior Legislative Assistant for a Councilmember At-Large in Montgomery County, Maryland where she oversaw a legislative portfolio on government operations, economic development, public safety and social justice issues. She also launched an organizing campaign alongside the adjunct faculty at Prince George’s Community College with SEIU.