Our Team
The People Behind The Pathway
REBECCA DONNELLY
MUSCARELLO
FOUNDER
Rebecca Donnelly Muscarello is the Founder of Growth Pathways, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing transitional housing, guidance, and supportive services to young people aging out of foster care throughout Southeastern Louisiana. As a strong faith-based woman, Rebecca is guided by her belief in God, her compassion for others, and her commitment to serving those in need. She established Growth Pathways to ensure vulnerable young adults have access to a safe home, dependable support, encouragement, and the tools needed to build stable, independent lives.
Rebecca brings more than a decade of entrepreneurial and management experience as the owner of AMT Janitorial & Cleaning Services. In this role, she oversees business development, customer relations, financial management, hiring, employee development, marketing, and daily operations. Her experience has strengthened her ability to lead teams, manage resources responsibly, develop lasting community relationships, and turn ideas into sustainable programs.
Her professional background also includes public service as a Compliance Inspector with the St. Bernard Parish Public Works Department and service as a Substitute Teacher and Front Desk Assistant with the St. Bernard Parish School Board. These experiences gave Rebecca a deep understanding of community needs and the importance of providing young people with structure, encouragement, and meaningful opportunities.
Known for her servant-leadership approach, strong work ethic, and heart for helping others, Rebecca is committed to making Growth Pathways a trusted community resource where young adults throughout Southeastern Louisiana feel supported, discover their potential, and build successful futures.
NICOLE COPELIN
GUTIERREZ
Nicole Copelin Gutierrez is a dedicated community leader with more than 15 years of experience in corrections, reentry services, workforce development, and community engagement. Her professional journey includes serving as a Sergeant and Shift Supervisor with the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office and as a Reentry Case Manager with Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans.
Nicole currently serves as a Community Coordinator and Career Specialist with Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana. She also coordinates the New Orleans Reentry Task Force, bringing together employers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to expand opportunities for justice-impacted individuals.
As Secretary of Growth Pathways, Nicole contributes her strengths in organization, partnership development, program coordination, event planning, and community advocacy. She is passionate about helping young people aging out of foster care gain access to safe housing, education, employment, mentorship, and the support needed to become successful and independent adults. Nicole believes every young person deserves a community that recognizes their potential and helps them build a brighter future.
Chairperson
Joanah Muscarello
Vice Chairperson/Media Strategist
Joanah Muscarello is a 22-year-old Medical Assistant and a dedicated member of the nonprofit’s social media team. With a heart for serving others and a strong desire to make a positive impact in her community, Joanah joined the organization because she believes every young person deserves to feel supported, valued, and reminded that they are never alone. She earned her associate degree and currently works as a Medical Assistant, where she continues to grow her passion for helping others through compassion, patience, and care.
Through her role in social media, Joanah hopes to use her voice and creativity to shine a light on the experiences of teens aging out of foster care and help connect them with encouragement, resources, and a community that believes in their future. She is passionate about helping young people recognize their own strength and potential as they step into adulthood. Joanah’s goal is to reach as many teens as possible and remind them that their circumstances do not define them, their future is full of possibilities, and they do not have to navigate this journey alone. She is honored to be part of a mission that empowers young adults to believe in themselves, build a strong foundation for their future, and know that someone is always in their corner.
Peter Walgamotte
Treasurer
Peter Walgamotte serves as Treasurer of Growth Pathways SELA and brings more than 15 years of experience as a successful construction business owner. A devoted father and man of strong faith, Peter values integrity, hard work, accountability, and service to others.
His business experience provides valuable knowledge in financial responsibility, planning, and sustainable growth. Peter is passionate about giving back to the community and helping create opportunities for young people to build stable and successful futures. Through his role with Growth Pathways SELA, he is committed to supporting the organization’s mission of empowering youth transitioning from foster care throughout Southeastern Louisiana.