Mary Brown, Executive Director and Co-Founder Mary is the co-founder and Executive Director of Life Pieces To Masterpieces, Inc., and has been with the organization since its inception in 1996. Mary graduated from Xavier University in New Orleans and has worked with low-income youth for over 20 years. Mary has received numerous awards throughout her career, including the Mayor's Spirit of Neighborhood Action Award, the Agusta Savage Arts Leadership Award, a Community Service Award from the Monica Davis Show, and an Outstanding Youth Educator Award from the See Forever Foundation. She also serves on the Board of Directors for a number of organizations including the Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts, Fair Chance DC, Leadership Greater Washington and the Center for Nonprofit Advancement. In addition to her work with Life Pieces, Mary is also a Training Consultant with Neighborworks America.
Elder Bill (William Pitts), Director of Operations & Programs William Pitts, Director of Operations and Programs, has worked for more than 30 years in the youth development field. Mr. Pitts has extensive experience in providing direct services to young people, conducting program evaluation, budgeting and strategic planning and supervision of staff. Mr. Pitts has a B.A. in psychology and served as a member of the Board of Director For the Consortium of Youth Services, Inc.
Loretta Curry, Program Director Loretta is a native New Orleanian and graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana. She received her degree in Business Administration and worked in retail management upon graduating. Before long, Loretta realized her true passion - early childhood education and development. She worked as a special education teacher in the New Orleans Public School System for two years before moving to Houston, Texas. Once there, Loretta worked for 15 years at Kathy's Kiddie Corner , where she became assistant director. She eventually returned to New Orleans and worked as director of Kiddie Care Zone for four years. As program director, Loretta manages the day-to-day operations at LPTM, oversees the nutrition program, and assists with homework and tutoring.
Seneca Wells, Artistic Coordinator Seneca Wells, a native Washingtonian and graduate of H.D. Woodson High School has been with Life Pieces for over nine years. Starting as a special apprentice to co-founder and professional artist Larry Quick, Seneca has transitioned into the role of Art Assistant. Seneca studied at the Corcoran School of Art, and recently won and ARCH Artist in Residence fellowship.
Maurice Kie, Program Coordinator Maurice Kie, who is one of the original seven founding LPTM apprentices currently serves as a Program Coordinator at LPTM. Maurice studied at Morgan State University for two years before transferring to the University of the District of Columbia, where he is now a part-time Education major. Maurice also served as an intern with the Hunton & Williams Law Firm for over a year.
Anthony Francavilla, Development Manager Anthony first joined LPTM as a summer intern before taking on the role of Development Manager upon graduation from Georgetown Georgetown University.
Kristian Whipple, Visiting Professional Artist Photographer | Educator | Optimist. For over 15 years Kristian Whipple has been involved in outdoor, in-school and out-of-school time education in both rural and inner-city settings. In addition to working with youth in the arts, for the past two years he has been directing New Community ArtSpace. Kristian is aiding Life Pieces by creating fine digital reproductions from their original artwork, training the apprentices in digital photography and aiding in the entrepreneurial efforts of the organization.
