Nahomi Rivera-Pineiro

 Since first joining Our Piece of the Pie (OPP) in 2016, Nahomi Rivera-Pineiro has embodied the spirit of service and transformation. Now serving as a Clinician (LPCA) and Youth Justice Advocate, Nahomi brings a trauma-informed lens to her work, supporting justice-involved and gang-affiliated youth in Hartford with therapy, advocacy, and life skills. 

With a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico and a master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of New Haven—plus several certifications in trauma, parenting, and recovery—Nahomi has built a strong foundation to support her community. She’s currently applying to a PhD program in Counseling Education and Supervision, always striving to grow in her impact. 

Nahomi co-created the Youth Empowerment Collective (YEC), a life-skills program that teaches youth everything from conflict resolution and healthy relationships to how to cook, write a letter, or tie a tie. Seeing youth participate consistently and walk away proud of themselves was, to Nahomi, the most rewarding outcome. 

Her professional toolkit includes certifications in SMART Recovery for clients and their families, Complex Trauma, Circle of Security Parenting, Triple P (Positive Parenting Program), First Aid and CPR, Trauma-Informed Care, and Mental Health First Aid for both Adults and Adolescents. These qualifications reflect her holistic and culturally responsive approach to healing.

Her work isn’t just about checklists or goals—though she celebrates those, too. “Success isn’t always about milestones,” she shares. “Sometimes, it’s just about a young person showing up, trying, and allowing themselves to grow.” 

Beyond her clinical role, Nahomi is a trusted presence at OPP—someone youth turn to not only for services but for connection. “The youth and my team are what keeps me going. Hartford’s youth are often misunderstood. But they are powerful, smart, and resilient—and they deserve to be seen that way.” 

Her proudest accomplishments include completing her master’s degree, earning her certifications, and continuing to process and heal from the loss of a youth she worked closely with who was taken by police violence in 2019. 

That experience shaped her compassion, resilience, and belief in justice—and it continues to fuel her practice today. 

As she looks ahead to EMDR training and continued advocacy through the Transforming Youth Justice Program, Nahomi remains grounded in one principle:

 “Always keep the youth’s needs first. This work isn’t easy, but when you lead with purpose, it becomes worth it every single time.” 

Cecile O’Meara

Cecile is one of the dedicated leaders behind OPP’s Pathways to Careers Initiative (PCI). Cecile recently celebrated her 3-year anniversary with the organization and has dedicated her time to helping young people in Hartford reconnect with their education and build their futures.

A proud UConn graduate, Cecile studied Human Development and Family Sciences with a minor in Psychology. She has always believed in the power of opportunity and connection. Her passion for this work comes from seeing just how much Hartford youth are capable of when they have the right support. 

In her role, Cecile works directly with youth to help them re-engage with school, complete career training, and find meaningful employment in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, IT, and transportation. Whether it’s supporting someone through school, preparing them for interviews, or helping them secure important documents like a driver’s license or social security card, Cecile meets youth where they are and helps them move forward in their journey.

One of her most rewarding moments was helping a young man who faced several setbacks, including losing his permanent resident card and having his driver’s license suspended. Together, they worked step by step to replace his paperwork, complete his training at CT State Capital Community College, and prepare for his driving test. Today, he has all his documentation in place and is ready to start his career in manufacturing. 

For Cecile, the work is personal. “The relationships I’ve built with my youth are what I’m most proud of,” she shares. “Seeing them achieve things they once thought were impossible keeps me going every day.” 

Her advice to anyone considering this field, “Lead with empathy and patience, take care of yourself, and remember—small steps lead to big change.” 

Jorge Hernandez

Jorge’s journey with OPP is a full-circle story. Once a participant in the Hartford Youth Services Corps and a Youth Ambassador, Jorge experienced firsthand the transformative impact of OPP’s programs. In 2022, he became a Summer Intern through the Summer Youth Employment Program, and shortly after, officially joined OPP as a Youth Development Specialist. Today, with nearly two years on our team, Jorge continues to inspire us through his work as a Workforce Development Specialist. 

While pursuing his degree in Criminal Justice at CT State Capital Community College, Jorge brings a unique and personal understanding of the challenges Hartford youth face. At OPP, he provides career coaching, organizes training programs, prepares participants for internships, and connects them with meaningful job opportunities. His work is a testament to how OPP nurtures talent from within the community and empowers youth to achieve their goals. 

Growing up in Hartford, Jorge knows firsthand how critical mentorship and opportunity are. Mentors like Yessica and Phil at OPP once helped guide his path — and now, through OPP, Jorge is paying that mentorship forward. Whether it’s leading the Summer Youth Employment Program, supporting the Hartford GO Youth Program, or organizing career fairs, Jorge is helping youth gain confidence, develop career skills, and unlock their potential. 

One standout success story from Jorge’s work at OPP includes Irving, a participant who earned multiple professional certifications and is now thriving in the construction field — a testament to the lasting impact of OPP’s programs and Jorge’s dedication. 

Outside of his professional work at OPP, Jorge finds personal motivation in his role as a father, striving to build a better future for both the youth he serves and his own children. 

We are proud to have leaders like Jorge on the OPP team, continuing to build stronger futures and stronger communities, one young person at a time. 

Tajah Ryder

For over two years, Tajah Ryder has brought heart, hustle, and positive energy to Our Piece of the Pie (OPP) as a Life Skills Specialist. With a background in psychology and human development from Boston University, Tajah originally pursued a path in ABA therapy — but her in-home sessions quickly exposed her to the realities facing many young people in Hartford. That insight shifted her purpose and brought her to OPP, where she now serves as an advocate and anchor for youth navigating the DCF system. 

Tajah supports a caseload of young adults in DCF care, helping them tackle barriers like housing instability, mental health challenges, and food insecurity — all while supporting their personal development, education, and employment goals. From one-on-one mentorship to facilitating weekly life skills workshops, she’s deeply committed to helping young people build confidence, community, and consistency.

Her leadership shines through initiatives like the Youth Advisory Board for DCF Region 4, where she co-developed an onboarding curriculum that builds public speaking skills, advocacy confidence, and legislative literacy. She also created a partnership between OPP and Dignity Grows to distribute hygiene products to youth — an act of care that many need. 

When it comes to measuring success, Tajah doesn’t look to stats — she looks to create rapport. “That comfort, that engagement — that’s the real work,” she says. Success is a young person feeling safe enough to show up, speak up, and trust the process. 

Tajah also keeps the wheels turning behind the scenes, maintaining detailed daily notes and monthly assessments that help ensure no youth falls through the cracks. Her approach is equal parts heart and strategy. 

Transitioning to the new Launch program came with its share of challenges, especially while restructuring activities for a post-COVID generation. But Tajah remained grounded in her mission: to be the kind of support she once needed. One powerful success story involved Liam — a youth who overcame homelessness and substance use to eventually secure a full-time job and stable housing, with Tajah’s unwavering guidance along the way. 

Looking ahead, she’s planning a speaking event featuring guest speakers with lived experience, designed to empower and inspire new program participants. Tajah is also curating creative field trips and service projects that get youth learning beyond the four walls of a classroom. 

To those interested in entering this field, Tajah advises, “The system can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to fix it all at once. Just keep showing up. That’s how change begins.”