Our Team
The Write Away staff is an energetic group of people from diverse fields, including teaching, nonprofit administration, creative writing, education data, and more.
What brings us together? A passion for closing the digital divide, fostering communication skills, and working toward a world in which everyone has the power to express themselves.
Deanna Santoro, EdD (she/they)
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Deanna Santoro has served Title I schools as a teacher, instructional coach, and professor for the past decade. Deanna founded Write Away in 2020 after graduating from their doctoral program at Johns Hopkins University, where they studied the use of digital tools to promote writing achievement. Deanna’s interest in educational technology originated from their time as an elementary literacy teacher in Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC. As an educator, Deanna saw an opportunity to close the digital divide for their writing students by integrating technology into learning experiences, which Deanna continues through the mission of Write Away. In addition to serving as the Chief Program Officer of Write Away, Deanna is an education advocate and proud foster parent in Washington, DC.
Devin Zibulsky, MS (he/him)
Chief Operating Officer
Devin’s interest in technological equity comes from witnessing the digital divide as a foster parent in Washington, DC. Outside of Write Away, Devin is a statistician and works with government agencies, international organizations, and non-profits in developing, producing, and disseminating data products, surveys, and assessment data. Devin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Skidmore College and a Master of Science in Statistics, Measurement, Assessment, and Research Technology from the University of Pennsylvania.
Katie Turek, MSEd (she/her)
Director of Program Evaluation
Katie brings to Write Away 8 years of experience in leadership, program evaluation, volunteer management, and outreach in higher education and nonprofit settings. Katie is a proud AmeriCorps alumna, having served for two years at a community resource center in Philadelphia. There, she witnessed the progress and empowerment possible through collaborative relationships, strengths-based coaching, and increased digital literacy. Katie currently works at a liberal arts college, helping college students develop civic leadership skills and put their values into action through high-impact community engagement experiences.She holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from the Ohio State University and a Master's of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania.
Joseph Levin-Manning, MBA, SHRM-SCP
(he/him)
Chief of Staff
Joseph is thrilled to be joining Write Away and brings with him experience working with nonprofit and educational institutions. He has a background in leadership development, diversity and inclusion, and human resources. In the US and abroad, he has presented to public forums on topics such as intersectionality, inclusionary practices, and community engagement. Joseph has a strong passion for diversity and inclusion, striving to bring together communities, and inspiring others to live their most authentic lives. Joseph currently works at CareFirst, where he serves as the Divisional Advisor to the CHRO. Joseph has a Master’s in Human Resource Management from Georgetown University, a Master's in Business Administration with a focus in Organization Leadership and Development from the University of Maryland, and a BA in Political Science with a minor in Music from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As an active participant in the DC community, Joseph founded Capital Qvellers, a group that organizes programs, events, and leadership retreats for LGBTQ Jewish young professionals in the area. He also performs with the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington DC and a small ensemble called Seasons of Love.
Abby Peabody (she/they)
Manager of the Digital Literacy Mentorship Program
Abby Peabody started volunteering with Write Away as a Mentor in 2020 while studying at Ursinus College. In their final year of college they became a Senior Mentor and helped organize a number of events, such as publishing parties and the mentorship showcase, and even lead their own Empower Hour session. Abby graduated from Ursinus College in May of 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. After graduating they became the manager of the Digital Literacy Mentorship program. Having been a mentor and a student helps give Abby a perspective about how meaningful Write Away is and what helps make it what it is, an inclusive mentorship program that seeks to empower mentees and mentors.