Piece by Piece is thrilled to welcome three new team members through AmeriCorps VISTA, a national service program that fights poverty by helping nonprofits build capacity and create lasting solutions. Over the next year, Emily Lopez, Joel Gonzalez, and Robin Toller will bring their skills and energy to Piece by Piece’s mission of building a brighter, more inclusive arts community.
Emily Lopez, Outreach Coordinator
A New York City native who recently moved to Los Angeles, Emily graduated from Skidmore College with a B.S. double majoring in Management and Business as well as Spanish. Through marketing internships, community projects, brand activations, and a semester working in Madrid, she developed a passion for communications and mission-driven work. At Piece by Piece, Emily will strengthen referral partnerships, identify underserved neighborhoods and priority partners, and represent the organization at community events and resource fairs. She is especially excited to meet people across Los Angeles and create more consistent pathways for participants to access programs.
Joel Gonzalez, Program Coordinator
A Los Angeles native, Joel holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master of Public Administration from Cal State Northridge. He brings years of experience with the City and County of Los Angeles and local nonprofits, focusing on mental health, workforce development, and community organizing. Joel will strengthen program systems, improve attendance and certification tracking, and launch a peer mentorship program, helping participants affected by homelessness and economic insecurity build self-sufficiency through art. Outside of work, you’ll find him exploring dog beaches with his Bichon Frise, Linda, or trying new restaurants around town.
Robin Toller, Marketing Coordinator
Robin earned her B.S. in Communications Media in 2023, focusing on film and television production, and has worked as a live audiovisual technician and TV production assistant. She first served with AmeriCorps in the American Red Cross disaster response program, then spent a year as Storytelling and Communications Fellow at GRID Alternatives, a renewable energy nonprofit. Robin will develop marketing strategies and materials, engage the community through events and classes, and build systems to support Piece by Piece’s social enterprise. She’s excited to bring arts, education, and opportunity to her community. Off the clock, she loves board games, reading, and her tabby cat, Airport.
Please join Piece by Piece in welcoming Emily, Joel, and Robin!
