Three staff members of RYTE Institute looking at document.

Staff

Michael Esposito

Education
MA, Northern Arizona University; BA, Tulane University

Michael graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2017 with an MA in Psychological Science. He then spent one year as a PhD student at the University of Pittsburgh in the Applied Developmental Psychology program. Currently, Michael is a Research Associate for the RYTE

mission-driven organizations achieve their goals.

Office
University Hall, Room 2144
Phone
973-655-7127
Email
espositomic@montclair.edu

Mirka Feinstein

Education
MSW Columbia School of Social Work and BA in Sociology, Barnard College at Columbia University

Mirka Feinstein is the Assistant Director of Operations at the RYTE Institute. She holds a Masters in Social Work as well as a B.A. from Columbia University. She is responsible for the operations and managerial leadership of the institute. Mirka is the project manager for the BSA study. Previously Mirka worked as the Program Director for an agency serving homeless youth as well as an Adjunct Professor at Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. Additionally, Mirka has worked as a social work and program development consultant for international and youth serving organizations.

Office
University Hall, Room 2119
Phone
973-655-3485
Email
feinsteinm@montclair.edu

Colette Killian

Colette Killian Headshot
Education
BS, Bentley University

Colette is the Assistant Director of Budgets and Grants in the RYTE Institute. She is responsible for the administrative and financial components of the lab and is coordinating logistics for PACE. She currently works in a similar capacity at PRISM (Professional Resources in Science and Math) housed at the Bristol-Myers Squibb Center for Science Teaching and Learning located in Blanton Hall at the University. She has worked at Montclair State University part-time for over 14 years. Previously she worked at Patient Care Inc., American Cyanamid and Touche Ross. Colette graduated from Bentley University and is a CPA.

Office
Blanton Hall – PRISM
Phone
973-655-7553
Email
killianco@montclair.edu

Elisa LaPietra

Education
PhD Social Work, Fordham University; MS Counseling Psychology, Northeastern University

Dr. LaPietra serves as the Research Interview Coordinator for the national Boy Scouts of America Study in the RYTE Institute.  Dr. LaPietra began her career in the counseling field in Philadelphia working with adults with mental health and addiction disorders.  She later directed an outpatient substance abuse program in New York City as well as a family case management program.  After returning to Pennsylvania, Dr. LaPietra assisted with the oversight and support of mental health and substance abuse programs in the Bucks County Behavioral Healthcare System.  Prior to arriving at Montclair State, Dr. LaPietra worked for Rutgers University as a Supervisor for the NJ Hopeline, the state’s suicide prevention hotline.  Dr. LaPietra has been an Adjunct at Montclair State University and the College of Saint Elizabeth in NJ.  Dr. LaPietra received her Ph.D. in Social Work from Fordham University in 2006, is a Licensed Social Worker in NJ, and a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor in PA.

Office
University Hall, Room 2105
Phone
973-655-4540
Email
lapietrae@montclair.edu

Alexis Nager

Education
Office
University Hall, Room 4147
Phone
973-655-7127
Email
nagera@montclair.edu