Team

Robin Sclafani

Executive Director
Robin has over 25 years experience in developing and delivering anti-bias training programmes for various target groups. With a Masters Degree in Conflict Resolution, Ms. Sclafani uses training and facilitation as methods for transforming social conflict into opportunities for social cohesion. Originally from New York City, Ms. Sclafani came to Brussels in 1998 as a Fulbright Scholar to the European Union.

Melissa Sonnino

Facing Facts Network Director
Melissa has extensive experience in managing EU projects. Since its inception in 2011, she has managed and developed the European project Facing Facts! an innovative programme aiming to tackle the issue of hate crime and hate speech in Europe. She is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders and partners, supporting the communications and fundraising strategies, and coordinating multiple activities and projects in the area of hate crime, hate speech, discrimination and bias. She also has significant experience in developing and implementing training programmes, in-person and online, on these issues. Since 2015 she manages the  e-learning platform facingfactsonline.eu. Melissa received the Professional Diploma in Digital Learning Design from the Digital Learning Institute.

Joanna Perry

Senior Research and Strategy Lead

Joanna Perry is Senior Research and Strategy Lead at the Facing Facts Network, ensuring evidence-based approaches across all Network activities. She develops and oversees the production of research publications, policy documents, and thought leadership content on hate crime and hate speech response systems, while integrating cutting-edge online learning methodologies across the Network’s capacity-building programs.

An independent consultant with over 20 years’ experience, Joanna partners with international organizations, governments, and civil society to advance access to justice and safety for victims and communities affected by hate crime, discrimination, and targeted violence. Her career includes senior policy roles at the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the Crown Prosecution Service for England and Wales, and Victim Support UK. She is an Associate Research Fellow at the Institute for Crime and Justice Policy Research, Birkbeck College, University of London. A published expert on hate crime policy, disability rights, and access to justice, Joanna’s recent work includes serving as Disability Adviser to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Cambodia (2023). She holds degrees in psychology, law and online learning.

Daniel Heller

Project Officer
Originally from Rome, Italy. Daniel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences with a specialisation in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Conflict and Development from Universiteit Gent, where he researched for his Master’s thesis the challenges and advantages of an intersectional-informed approach to hate crime policies. His interests include concepts of violence, racism, the political, and intersectionality. Daniel received the Professional Certificate in Instructional Design from the Digital Learning Institute.

Annabelle Betz

Communications Officer
After her studies in Lyon, Weimar, Lisbon and Leipzig, Annabelle joined Facing Facts/CEJI as a Communications Officer in November 2022. Previously, Annabelle worked as a video editor for the digitisation of teaching content and in the Communications team of a non-profit organisation. Annabelle holds a Bachelor’s degree in European Media Culture with a specialisation in “Organisations, Institutions and Digital” and a Master’s degree in European Studies. Annabelle received the Professional Certificate in Instructional Design from the Digital Learning Institute.

Rennier Caselli

Digital Learning Developer
Hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, Rennier holds a degree in International Relations and a Master’s degree in Cultural Property Protection in Crisis Response from the University of Turin. With experience dating back to 2017, Rennier has been working in the training field, including consulting for international organizations like the International Training Centre of the ILO. In this capacity, Rennier provided support and developed online training courses. Known for proficiency in various digital tools, Rennier excels in managing e-learning platforms and crafting engaging learning materials, thus exhibiting expertise in delivering impactful training courses.

Adam Coventry

Finance & Administration Officer
Born in London, Adam received his Bachelor degree in Business Management from Brunel University in 2006. Adam gained 5 years of experience working on the financial side of collaborative projects both domestic UK and EU-funded, before relocating to Belgium in 2017. Once in Belgium, Adam worked in an administrative role for an NGO and then moved to CEJI to focus on EU projects.