Who We Are

ESTEEM Group Inc. was founded in 2012. In 2018, a new board came together to revitalize the organization, define a renewed mission, and build sustainable programs that would guide ESTEEM Group Inc. into the future.

Today, our mission is simple and powerful: to empower students through education, engagement, and motion, while instilling important social emotional learning skills to help students thrive physically, mentally, socially and emotionally throughout their lifetime.

Inspired by this mission, we created The E.S.T.E.E.M. Group, a program designed to support students of all ages—from PreK through college—across Western Pennsylvania. Our curriculum is diverse, developmentally appropriate, and built to meet students where they are while challenging them to grow.

Using music and movement, we guide students as they:

  • Learn to be supportive teammates
  • Strengthen their social skills
  • Build a sense of belonging
  • Boost their self-esteem
  • Discover leadership abilities
  • Communicate with confidence
  • Practice respect and etiquette
  • Grow as individuals and community members

Meet the Team

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Gena Melago

Executive Director

Lead Teaching Artist

Gena Melago, MS, has spent her life “in motion.” Beginning with ballet and gymnastics in childhood, she went on to captain her high school dance team and later trained in Latin and Ballroom dance under the guidance of champion dancers and world-class adjudicators Terry and Rozana Sweeney. Throughout her school years, she was also active in sports, including basketball and volleyball.

Gena’s love of learning naturally grew into a love of teaching. With a Master’s degree in Instructional Leadership, Education, and Training from Robert Morris University, and certifications in Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid, she brings a strong educational foundation to her work. As a Prevention Specialist with Pittsburgh Mercy, she discovered how music and movement could transform a classroom—building confidence, connection, and understanding among students.

Today, Gena continues to share that passion through her leadership with ESTEEM Group Inc. She believes deeply in the ability of music and movement to transform connections, build community, and help students discover who they can become. Gena is committed to helping students see themselves and each other in new, empowering ways through the art of movement.

Her favorite quote—“The best memories are those you never planned on having”—reflects the heart of her work. Gena hopes that everyone who crosses her path leaves with memories that uplift, inspire, and help shape them into the person they are meant to be.

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Michael MacConnell

Chairperson

Mike MacConnell has dedicated over 20 years to education and youth development. Currently teaching special education in the Verona area, he has also completed his Master’s in School Counseling. Throughout his career, Mike has worn many hats—including Youth Minister, Vacation Bible School Director, and advocate for youth in the foster care system—reflecting his lifelong commitment to helping young people grow and thrive.

Outside the classroom, Mike has pursued his passion for Ballroom and Latin dance for over twelve years. He competes, mentors, and shares his love of dance with his two children, Jake and Elijah. As a proud dad, accomplished dancer, and devoted educator, Mike is excited to bring the vision of ESTEEM Group Inc to life across the Pittsburgh area, inspiring students through movement, learning, and community.

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Susan Hill

Treasurer

Susan Hill brings over 40 years of experience in finance, with deep expertise across both for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Known for her thoughtful guidance and collaborative approach, she is always eager to contribute where she can and ensure the best outcomes for all involved.

Outside of her professional work, Susan enjoys spending time with her granddaughters and relaxing outdoors with a good book.

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Theresa Cammerata

Secretary

Theresa Cammerata has been volunteering in the Pittsburgh communities since she was in her 5th grade youth group.  She has enjoyed getting out into the world and seeing how to help.  She shares the belief "Leave things better than you found them", and takes it very seriously.  Theresa wants to make the world a better place, and hopes that in showing society how easy it is to be kind and take care of others, that'll inspire others to take up the torch.
She holds a BA in Mathematics and minor in Computer Science from Saint Vincent College.  Learning these two logistical driven subjects has helped her apply them in the real world in the form of event planning for community service.  Using these skills she was president of her college Rotaract, assisted in running several volunteer events with former employers, was president of the Therapy Dogs International - Pittsburgh chapter for several years, and was on the St. Jude Gala committee - Pittsburgh chapter, also for many years.  Theresa is now the PTO president of her one daughter's school and has planned numerous successful events.
In her "down-time" she plans birthday, graduation and holiday parties for her family, and L-O-V-E-S to cook themed dinner and a movie nights.  Theresa gets to come home to a wonderful husband, her step-daughter, her daughter and a Border Collie, Stella.  They are all her willing helpers and she's grateful to have a supportive environment to apply her event planning skills.
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Rozana Sweeney

Board Member

Rozana Sweeney was born in Croatia and raised in Germany, where she began dancing at the age of five. Over 15 years, she became a junior and youth German Ballroom and Ten Dance Champion, later earning the title of German Amateur Ballroom Champion and representing Germany in major European and World competitions.

After turning professional, Rozana and her partner consistently ranked among Germany’s top Latin and Ballroom couples, including a second-place finish at the 1989 European Ballroom Championship in Belgium. Following a move to the USA in 1990, she competed nationally and internationally, achieving Rising Star Champion and Open Latin Finalist titles, before transitioning to American Smooth competition, placing in the top 12 in the US circuit.

Since retiring from competitive dance in 2003, Rozana has dedicated herself to teaching and mentoring. She co-founded Art & Style Dance Studio in Pittsburgh, developed successful youth and adult programs, and helped establish ballroom dance clubs at CMU, Penn State University, and Point Park University. She has served as a teaching artist for Dancing Classrooms Pittsburgh, faculty member at Point Park University, and, as a certified NDCA and US National Judge, was named a World Class Adjudicator for the USA in 2016.