Meet our team.

FOUNDER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Canadian artist Jessica Potenza paints and sculpts the horse as muse and metaphor, exploring the spaces where intuition meet emotion—while her ceramics reflect the same quiet attention to form and feeling.

After a lifelong career in the equine industry, Jessica went on to build a second career as a painter, with her work collected internationally across Asia, the UK, Europe, and North America.

In 2023, she founded Sprouts—Gather’s youth enrichment program—what began as a small, nurturing initiative quickly grew into the larger vision that is now Gather.

Rooted in a desire to uplift local makers and bring people together, her work is centered—pun intended—on creating an inspiring and grounding third space for the community, one that fosters connection, creativity, and a shared love of literature.

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BOOKSHOP DIRECTOR

Sara Gulotta is the Bookshop Director at Gather, where she brings a thoughtful, systems-driven approach shaped by her background in technology. A graduate of Cornell University, she worked as a software engineer at both BuzzFeed and Etsy, developing a strong foundation in building scalable systems and user-centered experiences.

A devoted reader with a deep love for speculative fiction, Sara is especially drawn to immersive science fiction and fantasy—stories rich in character development and world-building that stretch the imagination and explore new possibilities.

A pillar in Gather’s development, Sara has helped guide the project from concept to full realization. Her passion, clarity, and dedication have been instrumental in creating a space that is both intentional and inspiring—rooted in community, creativity, and a shared love of books.

DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE & REALIZATION

Abigail Coover Hume, founder and director of Overlay Office has been building as an architectural designer and project manager in New York City, San Francisco and beyond for over 18 years.

Abigail received her Masters of Architecture from Yale. Her work and writings have been published in the New York Times, Wired, Metropolis, Tarp, and Project and exhibited at The Druker Gallery, the A+D Museum, the Yale Architecture Gallery, One Night Stand, and the New York Center for Architecture. Along with Nathan Hume, Abigail is also a partner at HumeCoover Studio and co-creator and editor of suckerPUNCHdaily.com, a website that reviews the work of contemporary artists, architects, and designers who offer the stunningly unexpected. Abigail has previously taught architectural design as a lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania and as a critic at the Yale School of Architecture. She currently teaches studios at the Pratt Institute.

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT LEAD & MUD MENTOR

New York–based multidisciplinary artist and maker Erica Ianuzzi creates work that embodies presence, curiosity, and quiet grounding. With a focus in handbuilding, her pieces carry an earthy sensitivity—gentle yet deeply rooted in the tactile language of making.

Erica is beloved within the Gather community, where she has spearheaded the Sprouts youth enrichment program for ages 6 months to 5 years for the past three years—bringing warmth, creativity, and care to our youngest members and their families.

In addition to her role as Creative Director for Gather’s market & art café, Erica leads handbuilding classes at Gather.

MUD MENTOR

Kate Poland Hetman is a dedicated ceramic artist and educator with over three decades of teaching experience. She has taught high school ceramics for 21 years, specializing in handbuilding, and has spent 30 years teaching wheel-throwing to students of all ages—from pre-K through adults—bringing a rare depth of experience across developmental stages and skill levels.

Kate currently teaches high school and adult ceramics classes in Rockland and Bergen counties, where she is known for her thoughtful instruction, strong technical foundation, and ability to meet each student where they are. She works out of the studios at the Clay Art Center and serves as Membership Coordinator for Hudson River Potters, actively supporting and strengthening the regional ceramics community.

Kate will be part of the team leading the summer semester and Clay Camp at Gather, where she brings her warmth, expertise, and enthusiasm to inspire the next generation of young makers through hands-on exploration and creative play.

MUD MENTOR

Giselle Reiter is a ceramicist whose work reflects a thoughtful balance between the calm rhythms of her Peruvian heritage and the vibrant energy of New York. These influences come together in the forms she creates on the wheel, where movement and stillness coexist.

As a teacher, Giselle emphasizes building strong technical foundations within a warm and relaxed environment. Her classes are supportive, gently playful, and designed to help each student gain confidence, experiment freely, and develop their own creative voice.

Giselle teaches all levels wheel for Gather.

MUD MENTOR

Eden R. Weisbond of Crestwood Clayworks is a ceramicist passionate about the art of clay. Educated at Syracuse University with further study at Parsons and SVA, she continues to refine her practice through local studios and collaborations.

Eden is part of the wonderful team leading beginner and intermediate wheel and handbuilding for Gather.

MUD MENTOR

While working as a professional scenic artist (painter) in the entertainment industry, Lourdes Aviles always fondly remembered a pottery class she took in college. Recently, she returned to the world of pottery, rediscovering the joy and creativity it brings. Each piece she creates reflects her passion for the craft, blending unique design with playful charm. Her goal is to craft pieces that stand out for their craftsmanship and bring a sense of fun. Whether for yourself or someone special, her work is meant to add something meaningful and joyful to everyday moments.

Lourdes leads classes in both wheel and handbuilding for Gather.

MUD MENTOR

Puerto Rican multidisciplinary artist Jani Maria Morales works across ceramics, wood, metal, and digital sculpture. Guided by craft and storytelling, her practice explores identity, memory, and material—shaping forms that hold ancestral knowledge and cultural resonance while engaging art as a means of connection, care, and preservation.

Jani leads classes in sculpture for Gather.

MUD MENTOR

Regina Nikishina is a Russian-born ceramicist and multidisciplinary artist passionate about guiding learners of all ages through the discovery of new mediums. Recently emigrating from Russia, she brings curiosity, skill, and creativity to every classroom and studio she engages with.

MUD MENTOR & GLAZE GURU

LEAD BARISTA & WRITING MENTOR