Rush Nicotera became YPI’s seventh Executive Director in November of 2021. They come to this work with 25 years of grassroots organizing and nonprofit experience. In previous roles, they worked with parents, doctors, clergy, and other concerned residents to bring comprehensive sex education to all Worcester Public School youth K-12. They also worked to keep bus fares free throughout Worcester and worked to end the death penalty in New Hampshire. Rush was Co-Grand Marshal of the Worcester Pride Parade in 2018 and was awarded the Key to the City of Worcester in 2020. They were listed in Advocate Magazine’s 50 LGBTQ+ Leaders for 2022. In 2023, Rush received the Human Rights Campaign’s Impact Award. Rush was honored by Trans Community of New England (TCNE) with the 2025 Trans Community Visionary Award. They are married and proud parents of one human child, two cats, and numerous plants.

Rush can be reached at Rush@YouthPrideRI.org

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Joe can be reached at Joe@YouthPrideRI.org

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Tiffani can be reached at Tiffani@YouthPrideRI.org

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Cel can be reached at Cel@YouthPrideRI.org

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Kamila can be reached at Kamila@YouthPrideRI.org

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Sam can be reached at Sam@YouthPrideRI.org

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Ellen can be reached at Ellen@YouthPrideRI.org

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Paola can be reached at Paola@YouthPrideRI.org

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V can be reached at Volta@YouthPrideRI.org

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Jess can be reached at JessC@YouthPrideRI.org

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Sy can be reached at Sy@YouthPrideRI.org

Kody is a clinical social worker and is excited to provide individual counseling services at YPI! Kody has been passionate about working with and advocating for LGBTQ+ youth since they were a queer youth themself, as a peer facilitator of the LGBTQ+ youth group in Hartford, CT way back in 2010. They have worked with youth ever since in community-based, hospital, and residential treatment settings. They moved to Rhode Island in 2013 and love the beauty and diversity of their adopted state.

Kody has specialized training in multiple clinical approaches and evidence-based practices to help people manage strong and difficult feelings and unwanted or unsafe thoughts and behaviors, as well as complicated family relationships. Kody primarily works at Family Service of RI as a clinical supervisor for the in-home trauma treatment program. They often provide training and advocacy to schools, community agencies, and state systems (like DCYF) to promote understanding and support for trans and nonbinary youth.

When they’re not being a clinician, Kody loves walking their dog or listening to podcasts in their hammock. Kody’s schedule is variable due to their daytime job, but generally they are available in the evenings.

To make an appointment with Kody, speak with staff or email them at Kody@YouthPrideRI.org

• Andrew Prescott, Chairperson
• Shellie Moniz, Vice Chairperson
• Maia Bailey, Secretary
• Dani Doucette, Treasurer
• Cassie Sutten Coats
• Jesse Pack
• Chris Yagoobian
• turner zimmerman
• Joe Wilson
• Shannyn Vicente