📧Contact

Please reach out if you have any questions or comments.

Email

[email protected]

Voice/Text

585-542-8310

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uppermonroe/

NextDoor: https://nextdoor.com/pages/upper-monroe-neighborhood-association-rochester-ny/

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The UMNA Leadership Team

Officers

President, Peter House | [email protected]

Peter has lived in Rochester for 36 years. His first home in Rochester was on Rosedale Street. He and his husband Michael Hannen purchased their home in Upper Monroe in 2007. Peter is a special education teacher at Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES. He is also the summer minister at the First Universalist Church of Rochester. Peter is a long time member of the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus. He is a member of the Monroe County Democratic Committee, and has served on the board of Abundance Cooperative Market.

Peter was first elected in 2025.

Peter lives on Laburnam Crescent.

Peter's term as president ends in 2027. His term as a board member also ends in 2027.

Vice President, Tim Guyot | [email protected]

Tim has been in Monroe county since 2005 and moved to Upper Monroe in 2018. He appreciates the vibrance and variety in our neighborhood and is ready to engage more to support the neighborhood goals. He's held various positions on the board of the Rochester Amateur Radio Association for the past 8 years, and is familiar with the operation of local not-for-profit organizations. His current areas of interest for the neighborhood are maintenance and improvement initiatives, encouraging support for local businesses, and bringing attention to nearby activities and attractions.

Tim was first elected in 2024 He has served as VP since 2024.

Tim lives on Alliance Avenue.

Tim's term as vice president ends in 2027. His term as a board member also ends in 2028.

Treasurer, Patrick Casey | [email protected]

Patrick was born in California and later moved to go to school. More recently he lived for a time on Long Island before settling here in Rochester. Patrick purchased his first home in Upper Monroe a little over one year ago with his husband, Emiliano Brini. Patrick is currently a data analyst for RIT’s Institutional Research, Data, and Analytics. Both Patrick and Emiliano have been an active members of UMNA since the day they moved into their home; participating at meetings as well as social events.

Patrick was first elected in 2025. He has served as treasurer since 2025.

Patrick lives on Suter Terrace.

Patrick's term as treasurer ends in 2027. His term as a board member ends in 2027.

Secretary, Paul Kizior | [email protected]

Paul and his fiancée Nora moved to Rochester in August 2023 and settled down in the Upper Monroe neighborhood on Avondale Park. Paul, originally from Chicago, met Nora in Seattle and they decided to settle down in Rochester to be closer to Nora's family and explore a new region together. When Paul isn't excited by or avoiding news about the Buffalo Bills, he will probably be exploring an indie computer game, puttering about the house, or relaxing with the family. They have two adorable pets, a cat Luna and dog Penny, that need lots of love. Paul is looking to get involved with the neighborhood community and help build a safe inclusive space for all.

Paul was elected in 2026. He has served as secretary since 2026.

Paul lives on Avondale Park.

Paul's term as secretary ends in 2027. His term as a board member ends in 2028.

At Large

An At Large member of the UMNA Leadership team either supports a particular topical area (zoning, social, community gardens, etc.) or supports the organization more generally and plugs in where needed.

At Large, Meredith Blumoff Schwartz | General Support | [email protected]

Meredith & her husband Jeremy bought their home on Laburnam Crescent almost exactly 1 year ago – the final papers were signed on Jeremy’s 45^th birthday, March 30, 2025!

Along with their two relatively "feral" children, they have come to love the neighborhood for its vibrance & vitality, diversity and wealth in green space and parks, abundance of dogs and Pride flags.

When she’s not at work with URMC, on the administrative side of the heart failure & transplant program, you can find her cooking, gardening, playing with their sweet Aussie doodle Pippa or trying to convince her son that not every piece of nature needs to live inside the house.

Meredith is excited to get to know more neighbors, build stronger, hyperlocal connections and welcome as many neighbors as possible into the fold.

Meredith lives on Laburnam Crescent.

Meredith was elected in 2026 and her term ends in 2028.

At Large, Rebecca Seal | Supporting Social Activities | [email protected]

Rebecca moved to the Upper Monroe neighborhood with her husband John in 2014, and works as an occupational therapist for the Rochester City School District. She was and still is attracted to this neighborhood for its diversity, dog friendly vibes, proximity to the city, and abundance of parks within walking distance. She looks forward to being part of a team that supports the vitality, safety, and respect of all our neighbors.

Rebecca will narrow her focus during her current term to supporting social events.

Rebecca was first elected in 2024. She served as secretary from 2024-2026.

Rebecca lives on Alliance Avenue.

Rebecca was elected to her current position in 2026 and her term ends in 2028.

Community Connectors

The essential idea behind Community Connectors is to create a strong connection between the many various areas of our neighborhood with each other. Each Community Connector is associated with a particular geographic area of Upper Monroe. In addition, like all other members of the UMNA Leadership Team, Community Connectors plug into UMNA activities based on their interests.

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Community Connectors FAQs - 2025.pdf

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Kelly Abernethy | Culver Road, Hinsdale Street (section), Werner Park | [email protected]

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Kelly grew up in the Finger Lakes region and settled in Rochester after living out of state for 30 years. She and her husband landed in the Upper Monroe neighborhood and found it has ideal access to all the things they love about Rochester. Kelly is a therapist, transformational coach, advocate and activist. She loves running, hiking, vintage and working on her house. Upper Monroe has been providing ample opportunities to engage in the activities Kelly is most passionate about. She hopes to support UMNA’s efforts to continue to enhance a beautiful, dynamic and connected neighborhood where everyone feels safe and included.

Kelly lives on Werner Park. Her term will expire in 2027.

Kristen Ashley | Crosman Terrace (section), Pinnacle Road (section), Shepard Street (all) | [email protected]

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Kristen originally moved to Upper Monroe and the 2 family she owns on Shepard Street in July 2008. After six years, her family with two growing boys moved to Brighton. She returned about 2.5 years ago after the boys grew up. She was thankful to come back to a neighborhood she knew and reconnect with neighbors here. She is now the proud owner and landlord of the Shepard Street house. She looks forward to continuing to participate and connect even more with neighbors in the neighborhood.

Kristen lives on Shepard Street. Her term will expire in 2027.

Michelle Strickland-Kucerak | Pinnacle Road (section), Rosedale Street (section), and Roosevelt Street (all) | [email protected]

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Michelle and her wife, Christa, moved into their home on Rosedale Street in January 2022. They were drawn to the Upper Monroe neighborhood for its walkable, tree-lined streets, great vegan food, and welcoming spirit—proudly marked by Pride flags throughout the area. Michelle works from home for an animal protection nonprofit and shares the house with two lovable golden retrievers (one a bit more anxious than the other—thanks in advance for your patience if you walk by with a dog!). When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her gardening, camping in her teardrop camper, or running with the local Fleet Feet group. She’s excited to get to know more neighbors and help strengthen connections in the community.

Michelle lives on Rosedale Street. Her term will expire in 2028.

Lydia Crim | Avondale Park, Belmont Street and Hinsdale Street (section), Rosedale Street (section) | [email protected]

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Jennie Gemignani and her family, including a spouse, three children, two cats, and one dog, chose Rochester as their new home in late 2021. Of the nine different places she has called "home," Rochester is the favorite.

When she's not sitting on her front porch on Avondale Park, Jennie enjoys reading, writing, and CrossFit.

With a background in education and human resources, Jennie looks forward to making connections that help Upper Monroe feel like a welcoming place for everyone.

Jennie lives on Avondale Park. Her term will expire in 2027.

Mary Pat O'Hara | Engel Place (all), Field Street (section), Laburnam Crescent (section) and and Pinnacle Road (section) | [email protected]

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Mary Pat has lived in Upper Monroe since 1977 and in Rochester most of her life. You've probably seen Mary Pat walking my dog in the neighborhood. When she's not walking her dog she's reading, gardening, hiking biking or working on a project around the house.

Mary Pat lives on Laburnam Crescent. Her term will expire in 2028.

OPEN POSITION | Harwood Street (all), Laburnam Crescent (section), Luzerne Street (all), Overdale Street (all), Palisade Park (all) and Suter Terrace (all) | [email protected]

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If you would like to learn more about supporting UMNA in the role of a community connector, please write to [email protected].

The term associated with this position will expire in 2028.

Fatima Razic | Crosman Terrace (section), Field Street (section), Laburnam Crescent (section) and Pinnacle Road (section) | [email protected]

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Fatima is a widely known professional songwriter, producer, actress, model as well as a successful entrepreneur and business owner. Originally a refugee from Bosnia, a small country on the Balkan peninsula, Fatima bought her home on Crosman Terrace in 2022 and is living her American dream. She was featured on the cover of Rochester Women Magazine last year with an in-depth article. Over recent months she's organized two informal mixers at her home in an effort to bring neighbors together. She also happens to be a big fan of DIY home improvement projects so you might see her getting dirty in her back yard. Her goals include building bridges in the neighborhood and helping to keep the positive momentum in our area moving!

Fatima lives on Crosman Park. Her term will expire in 2027.

Jeanne Weber | Alliance Avenue (all), Pinnacle Road (section) | [email protected]

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Jeanne and her husband purchased their home in Upper Monroe on Alliance Avenue in 1990. Volunteering in the Neighborhood for 30 years and watching their neighborhood grow in many ways has been gratifying. Jeanne is currently retired and teaches skiing, enjoys hiking and kayaking.

Jeanne lives on Alliance Avenue. Her term will expire in 2027

Ex Officio

Those identified as "ex officio" are not elected by UMNA members and not voting members of the UMNA Leadership Team. Instead, they are general consultants to UMNA and serve in any capacity the UMNA President desires. Typically past presidents of UMNA move into the ex officio role for one or more years after serving.

Ex Officio, Rome Celli | [email protected]

Rome is a past president of UMNA. He served as an interim president in 2023 and then was elected twice thereafter and stepped down in 2026.

Rome is a 65 year old Rochester native. He has been a NYS licensed real estate broker for over 40 years. Rome has had quite a bit of experience serving as board president of community groups including two other neighborhood associations, many non-profits as well as president of a local town chamber of commerce and an elected member of a local school board.