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
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
