Rachel McGinnis, PhD
Director
Dr. Rachel McGinnis is an interdisciplinary scholar focusing on the fields of conflict science, community violence, and mass atrocities. She holds a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from Nova Southeastern University, a Masters and Bachelors of Science from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Prior to coming to MC government as the Assistant Director of Research Strategy and Development, she was the Director of Peace and Conflict in Prishtina, Kosovo. Over the last two decades, she has spent time working on the ground in areas of conflict– Palestine, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Lebanon, Greece, the Turk-Syrian border and the Calais Jungle in France. Rachel’s work focuses on individuals with PTSD and sexual violence survivors, as well as, works to bring awareness to local NGO’s, medical personnel, and government officials working with male refugees in the region. One of her career achievements was working with the EU to change policy in how SV survivors were identified and supported. Her hope is that her work here will continue to assist those who are often underrepresented in their communities.
Cynthia Adell
Community Liaison
Cynthia has an extensive range of skills and experience in the areas of community building, education, and outreach. She has successfully demonstrated her passion and natural ability to create common ground with those she meets, works with, and serves, including decision makers, community agencies, business partners and community members. She previously worked for 20 years at MVP Health Care focusing on the underserved population. Her last role there was as the Manager of Sales, Marketing and Outreach for the Western New York Region. Her passion extends beyond the workplace to the community. Cynthia is the Founder and Executive Director of Rochester Health Engagement Partners. A nonprofit organization that educates the African American community. Her active involvement continues as she also serves on faith-based groups and community organizations. She is an alumnus of the African American Leadership Program.
John Beers
Grants and Contract Management Assistant
John began his career working for the County in 2021 working as a Loan Document Technician in the "Fast Forward Two" Grant program that assisted small businesses in Monroe County affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Continuing into 2022 John also worked on the "Working Capitol Grant" program also assisting small businesses affective by COVID-19. John also worked briefly as an Intake Document Technician for the Monroe County Home Improvement Program as well. Prior to working for the County John has worked for 15 years working in the Abstract Title industry. John has also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, New York.
Spencer Cook
Contract Compliance Monitor
Spencer Cook was born and raised in Rochester, NY. His wife, Holly, works in Canandaigua, NY and together they are raising one daughter, one son, and two cats. His interests include skiing, exploring the Finger Lakes Region and spending time on the water.
Brenda Myrthil
Contract Compliance Monitor
Brenda Myrthil was born in a small town in Nebraska but now calls Rochester “home”. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication and Journalism at Wayne State College and her Master’s degree in Counseling-Student Personnel at the University of Memphis. After a higher education career including 10 years at the University of Rochester and 20 years at Roberts Wesleyan University she joined the Monroe County department of Finance with Research Strategy and Development. When not working, you can find Brenda running on the roads and trails of Monroe County training for a marathon!
Carlos J. Ortiz-Bonilla, PhD
Research Specialist
Dr. Carlos J. Ortiz-Bonilla was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Puerto Rico. In 2014, Carlos joined the University Of Rochester School Of Medicine where we completed an NIH-funded post-baccalaureate, a Master of Science and a Doctorate degree on cancer research. During this time, Carlos participated of multiple international conferences to present his research findings and he was also involved in activities to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. After his journey with the University of Rochester, Carlos pursued a career in the pharmaceutical industry as a Research Project Manager in Buffalo, NY. With the desire to impact local communities positively, Carlos currently works as a Research Specialist/Project Coordinator for the County of Monroe leading the Opioid Epidemic Research Initiative.
Faye Pelow, PhD
Community Development Initiatives Manager
Dr. Faye Pelow has dedicated her studies and career to community development, cross-cultural communication and DEI initiatives. She received her Ph.D. and a Master of Science from Florida International University in Global and Sociocultural Studies, a Master of Science in International Studies from St. John Fisher College and a Bachelors of Arts from Nazareth College in Spanish and International Studies. Prior to acting as the Community Development Initiatives Manager at Monroe County, Faye most recently worked as a Special Projects Manager for the County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency and for Greater Rochester Enterprise, a local Economic Development non-profit. Faye spent several years teaching at FIU and, while there, implemented a Welcoming and Mentoring program for incoming students. Faye is deeply committed to the community and the people she serves. It is her sincere hope that her work within Research, Strategy and Development – and specifically with the ARPA team- will support transformative change that will have a lasting impact in Monroe County.
Joyce Rodgers
Senior Office Account Clerk
Joyce is a Rochester, NY native, and grew up in the Northwest and Southwest quadrants of the city. She has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Roberts Wesleyan College. She has a background in radiology scheduling with Rochester Regional Health, being a liaison between the patient and physician’s offices. She has also worked on several continuous improvement office projects during her employment with Waste Management. Joyce has joined the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Team in June 2024 as a Senior Office Account Clerk. In addition to her other responsibilities, she is pleased to process vouchers for the ARPA Subaward Grantees.
Hannah Summerfield-Gonchar
Research and Data Analysis Coordinator – DHS Liaison
Hannah Summerfield-Gonchar is a Research and Data Analysis Coordinator for Research Strategy and Development. She is also the liaison between RSD and the Department of Human Services. Previously, Hannah worked for a non-profit in San Francisco as an Impact Analyst conducting surveys, interviews, and focus groups to look at the effectiveness of their programs. Hannah is working on a variety of projects connected to our community violence initiative and will continue to work with RSD and the Department of Human Services with the overall goal to decrease violence and increase safety in Monroe County.
Dylan Welch
Contract Compliance Monitor
Dylan is a member of the ARPA team and received his Bachelor degree in Economics from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont. Prior to join the County, Dylan worked as a Financial advisor and English instructor helping students and parents of diverse backgrounds to solve financial and language-related challenges. In his current role, Dylan assists the ARPA team with monitoring grantees’ contract compliance to ensure their positive impacting in our communities.
Current and Past Interns
Ava Agusta
Fall 2025
Allie Boudrez
MSW 2025-2026 school year
Jillian Antol
Rochester Institute of Technology, Criminal Justice and Global Public Health Program
Summer 2024
Sayyada Khaki
Rochester Institute of Technology, Psychology Program
Summer 2024
Johanna Alvarez, MS
Rochester Institute of Technology, Criminal Justice Program
Spring 2024
Prashant Mainkar
Rochester Institute of Technology, Psychology Program
Summer and Fall 2023
