Staff
Marisa Giarnella, LCSW, Co-Founder and Interim Executive Director
JPF was founded in 2011 after the Co-Founders lost their son, Jordan, to suicide when he was a freshman in college. In their grief, they learned the unacceptable statistics surrounding mental health and suicide in the young adult population, and decided they needed to turn their grief into action, by creating unique programming, so that other families would never have to experience such a profound loss.
Marisa has worked in human services since 1985. She obtained her Masters of Social Work from the University of Connecticut in Administration. Her employment experiences range from the CT Department of Children and Families to various positions with local mental health authorities in Eastern Connecticut. She has volunteered for decades in her community and is currently an active member of the CT Suicide Advisory Board.
Marisa regularly presents at conferences, workshops, and participates in panel discussions, podcasts, television, radio, and newspaper interviews.
Email Marisa at mgiarnella-porco@jordanporcofoundation.org
Call Marisa at 860-904-6041, ext. 101
Leah Nelson, Director of Programs
Leah Nelson earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Women’s Studies from the University of Connecticut, and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work at the UConn School of Social Work. She joined the Jordan Porco Foundation in 2012 and serves as the Director of Programs, overseeing the growth, development, and integrity of the organization’s critical programs. Leah is a Certified QPR Trainer and has also presented her lived experience with mental health and suicide to a number of audiences. Outside of her professional endeavors, she has been an active member of her community, volunteering over the years for organizations such as Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters and Paws New England. A nature lover, Leah can usually be found hiking in the mountains, camping in the National Parks, snowshoeing in her woods, or on the lake on her stand up paddleboard.
Email Leah at lnelson@jordanporcofoundation.org
Call Leah at 860-904-6041, ext. 102
Nick Marinelli, Program Resource Manager
Nick Marinelli holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychological Science from Central Connecticut State University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Connecticut, where he also earned a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management. His passion for mental health advocacy work began at CCSU, joining groups like Active Minds, and continues to this day as a volunteer Crisis Counselor for the 988 Crisis Text Line.
Since joining the Jordan Porco Foundation in 2018, Nick has been a key contributor to the evaluation, development, and operations of the Foundation’s programming. He has also significantly impacted the organization’s grants process, by researching and writing proposals that support the Foundation’s growth and mission.
Outside of the office, Nick leads an active lifestyle, enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and camping. He is an avid cook and fills his cup while reading, often accompanied by the best girl in the whole wide world, Acadia (his pup).
Email Nick at nmarinelli@
Call Nick at 860-904-6041, ext. 103
Isabella Baldino, Program Outreach Coordinator
Isabella Baldino has joined the Jordan Porco Foundation as a passionate advocate for mental health. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Marketing and a minor in Hospitality Resort Tourism from Coastal Carolina University. Isabella brings a wealth of experience in traditional and social media marketing, as well as event coordination and execution on a multi-state level working closely with Chambers of Commerce and town/city officials.
Driven by a desire to make meaningful contributions to the community, Isabella is excited to apply her skills and personal experiences in mental health advocacy to her new role. She is committed to supporting the vital mission of the Jordan Porco Foundation and looks forward to collaborating with her team members.
Outside of work, Isabella enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her two cats. She is an avid beachgoer, loves exploring new hiking trails, and is passionate about the mental and physical health benefits of indoor spin classes at CycleBar.
Email Isabella at ibaldino@jordanporcofoundation.org
Call Isabella at 860-904-6041, ext. 106
Suzan Bibisi, Development Associate
Suzan Bibisi has more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit development, including annual appeals, special projects, recognition and fundraising event planning and sponsorships, grant research and writing, and marketing and communications. She has served a variety of area nonprofits as a Development Director and Executive Director, and earned a Master’s Certificate in Nonprofit Management at UConn. Her most recent positions were as Manager of Special Events and Communications for The Hartford Bishops’ Foundation, Bloomfield; Mission Advancement Director for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambéry, West Hartford; and Development Director for Prudence Crandall Center in New Britain. Suzan also has a love for theater and served for three years as Managing Director of the HartBeat Ensemble, Hartford. Prior to her nonprofit work she was a newspaper journalist and editor in Los Angeles (arts and entertainment), Waterbury (state politics), and Manchester (local news). She lives in Old Wethersfield, around the corner from the JPF office, with her husband, Chris, and Lhasa Apso, Lincoln. She’s thinking about riding her bike to work.
Email Suzan at sbibisi@jordanporcofoundation.org
Call Suzan at 860-904-6041, ext. 104
Beth Holcomb, Event Manager
Beth earned her Bachelor of Science/Arts degree in Accounting from the University of Hartford and her Masters degree in Finance from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Hartford. She has worked as a CPA in a public accounting firm and an Assistant Treasurer of a Fortune 500 company. Her breadth of experience in event planning and working with volunteers comes from years of volunteer service at her church, her children’s schools and the Greater Hartford Open (currently, Travelers Championship).
Beth resides in South Windsor with her husband Steve, her children Juliana and Michael, and her cats Penny and Abbie. She enjoys the company of others, working out, shopping, day trips, and most of all spending time with her family.
Email Beth at bholcomb@jordanporcofoundation.org
Call Beth at 860-904-6041, ext. 105
Carissa Peckrul, Social Media & Communications Consultant
Carissa Peckrul earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Educational Studies from Roger Williams University. She spent time post graduation serving with AmeriCorps and traveling to teach Mental Health First Aid training across Connecticut. Carissa was introduced to the Jordan Porco Foundation in 2020, as she began pursuing her Master’s of Social Work at the University of Connecticut. She dedicated her time as a Nine out of Ten Ambassador and enjoyed pursuing her passion of suicide prevention alongside other incredible individuals across the country. Her professional experience working in various settings as a social worker and mental health advocate has led her back to JPF as a Program Coordinator and she is thrilled to continue raising awareness through evidence informed programs and training. Outside of the work setting, Carissa values her time with family and friends, is an avid concert-goer, and loves to gain new experiences through travel.
Email Carissa at cpeckrul@
