About Us
Emerge Mentoring began in 2019 in response to the growing reality that many teens in foster care were approaching adulthood without stable, lasting relationships or meaningful community connections. What started as a local call within Stone Coast Community Church grew into a movement centered on relational support, developmental growth, and long-term community engagement with youth navigating complex systems.
From its earliest stages, Emerge was shaped by the belief that transformation grows through consistent relationships, shared experiences, and environments where young people are genuinely known. The ministry developed through collaboration with mentors, churches, social workers, caregivers, and community partners who recognized that teens often need more than programs or services alone; they need trusted adults willing to engage with their lives over time.
As Emerge evolved, mentoring became one expression of a broader vision in which training models were built using research-informed mentoring practices, developmental relationship frameworks, trauma-informed understanding, and practical engagement with life. Over time, Emerge expanded its partnerships across Central and Southeastern Massachusetts and Greater Providence, equipping caring adults and local churches to participate in relational support work.
Today, Emerge Mentoring continues to grow as a community-rooted movement focused on helping teens experience connection, encouragement, opportunity, and a sense of belonging during some of the most formative years of their lives.
Emerge Vision and Values
Vision: To change the trajectory of youth in foster care, equipping them to become thriving adults.
Action-oriented - We intentionally build authentic relationships, which are the heart of transformation.
Community-focused - We partner with families, agencies, and communities to create lasting impact.
Grace-filled - Give dignity to all because we see inherent worth in all people.
Lead by example - We build safety and stability through honesty, consistency, and care.
Have fun - Life is too short, so live it to the fullest; smile often, and laugh a lot!
One-on-One Time
Our mentors meet one-on-one with their mentees for at least 4 hours each month, and these meetings can be scheduled to work for both mentors and teens. We show teens they matter by regularly spending time with them, listening, building rapport, and developing a trusting relationship.
Time Well Spent
Our mentors and teens enjoy various one-on-one activities - from free to low-cost options - such as hiking, attending free events, or visiting an arcade, museum, or ice cream shop. With just a few hours each month, mentors help teens grow, thrive, and feel supported
Leadership Team
Founder
Sean Smith
Sean Smith is the founder and Lead Pastor of Stone Coast Community Church and founder of Emerge Mentoring. With decades of ministry experience, he has a deep commitment to walking alongside youth and families, especially those facing crisis. His guiding belief is simple: every teen aging out of care should have at least one consistent, caring adult in their life. This conviction led to the creation of Emerge Mentoring, which supports youth in foster care through strong, reliable relationships that promote healthy development and reduce high-risk behaviors. Sean’s leadership reflects a practical, service-driven faith and a deep belief in every young person's potential to thrive.
Director of Mentoring
Evangeline Brennan
Evangeline Brennan is the Director of Mentoring at Emerge, bringing more than two decades of experience investing in children, families, and the professionals who serve them. Her leadership has been forged in early childhood education and family support, directing a multidisciplinary Early Head Start team, managing federal grants, and supporting families facing significant adversity. A sought‑after trauma‑informed and Brazelton Touchpoints trainer, she is known for building cultural competence and confidence in educators, home visitors, and family‑serving staff. At Emerge, she equips mentors to be caring, consistent, trauma‑aware, and attentive to each family’s story so they can help change the trajectory of young people’s lives.
Executive Director
John Piselli, MA, CAGS
John Piselli is the Director at Emerge, where he leads the innovation of mentoring and transition services for young adults exiting foster care. A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with over 20 years of leadership in mental health and vocational recovery, John has already spearheaded a 300% increase in program enrollment through evidence-based design. He is dedicated to building transformative systems that empower individuals to break cycles of trauma and achieve lasting personal and professional success.
Advisory Team
The Emerge Advisory Team is comprised of: LiCSW, Director of Children's Clinical Services for a Community-based services in RI; LMHC, Vice President, at a Southeast Massachusetts Community Human Services organization; The Co-Founder of the world's largest crowdfunding platform; and Former CEO of National Packaging and Distribution Company, Chair of a Rhode Island-based Charitable Fund, and National Speaker.