Founder and CEO
Mark Masi, a licensed clinical psychologist, became inspired to help Italian Americans apply for dual citizenship after he obtained his citizenship with Italy. Raised in a bi-lingual, bi-cultural family, Dr. Masi furthered his proficiency in Italian by completing advanced language courses both in the US and in Italy. He has obtained the CILS-Certficazione in Italiano come Lingua Stranieri (Certification in Italian as a Foreign Language) by the University of Siena; the CILS is recognized by the Italian government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dedicated to helping individuals successfully complete their Italian dual citizenship applications, he oversees all operations and provides consultations on Italian dual citizenship requirements.
ICAP Team
Sharon Acquaro received a degree in Law at the University of Bari (Italy), “Aldo Moro,” and completed her internship at “Avvocatura Distrettuale dello Stato di Bari.” In addition to her previous work as a lawyer, she was assigned as “Cultore della Materia” in the Department of “Penal Law, Penal Procedure and Philosophy of Law “at the same University. She has also authored several chapters published in Italian Law Manuals. In addition to her law degree, Sharon has a Master’s in “Conciliation & Mediation.” Sharon was instrumental in establishing our Apply in Italy Program in the Comune of Legnano where she serves as Program Manager
Claudia Croci Candiani received her bachelor’s degree in Interpreting and Communication and is currently studying for her master’s degree in Conference Interpreting at IULM University in Milan. She is employed at an Italian Law Firm which has an affiliate agreement with ICAP to provide translations of documents to be used in the Italian Courts. She is glad to happy to be able to help others connect to their heritage.
Claire DeLeo obtained her Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University. A proud Italian-American one of her specialty areas is Italian genealogy. With several years of experience in researching and translating Italian and Latin records from the Italian State Archives, Claire provides both naturalization and immigration research as well as research of Italian civil records of birth, marriage and death.
Giulia DeLuca received her undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University with a major in Anthropology and is currently a graduate student at DePaul University in Chicago. As a proud Italian American, she is passionate about helping others connect to their heritage and culture. She is skilled in research, analytics, critical thinking, and data interpretation. She acts as a case manager to assist those in verifying their eligibility and consultation throughout the process of dual citizenship.
Irene Giorgi graduated from the University of Bologna and received certification in teaching Italian as a foreign language form the Italian Cultural Institute of London. She currently teaches Italian language and works as a web content specialist in Milano where one of her duties is translation. Irene provides translation of birth, marriage, and death records for our clients. Irene is also the language instructor at ICAP.
Adamo Petrucci Horn received his bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Wayne State University, Detroit Michigan. He has skills and experience in project management, financial analysis, databases and data modeling. Adam is a first generation Italian American and brings his knowledge of the Italian culture to ICAP. His duties include organization, development and oversight of office procedures, assistance with internet marketing and management of our Apostille department.
Kiana Petrucci Horn is currently an arts student at Elgin Community College. She is a first-generation Italian American that feels strongly connected to her heritage and would like to bring the Italian community together through multiple social platforms. Kiana obtains knowledge and skills in branded content through social media, marketing, and communication. Her duties include facilitating growth and development of ICAP by utilizing social media platforms to inform clients about Italy and establishing partnerships with organizations.
Shelley Jackson received her undergraduate degree from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, a masters degree from Temple University, and two years of study at the Centro Universale di Bel Canto (CUBEC) in Modena. She is responsible for procuring US naturalization records, as well as consulting clients on next step procedures for obtaining Italian citizenship by descent. Shelley obtained her dual citizenship with Italy through jure sanguinis in December 2020, and enjoys helping others achieve the same dream.
Pablo Josè Lorenti works as an expert in obtaining birth, marriage, and death records according to the guidelines of the Italian registry offices, and communicates effectively with Registrars and Vital Records at Italian Town Halls throughout Italy on behalf of our clients. He is also skilled in working with State and Regional Archives as well as churches in Italy when records are not located at the Municipal level. Mr. Lorenti, has dual citizenship with Italy and Argentina, having been born in Argentina of Italian parents, and he currently resides in Italy.
Serena Petrone is a highly qualified Italian teacher who, prior to joining ICAP, taught Italian for several years in London and in Italy. She earned her degree in Foreign Languages from the University of Fisciano in Salerno, Italy, and subsequently received both the International House Certificate in teaching Italian for teaching adults, and the DILS- PG Certificate in teaching Italian as a foreign language, form the University of Perugia. Serena loves teaching and she can adapt her lessons according to your needs and goals. She is a resident of Salerno, Italy which is also her native city.
Massimo Ranallo is currently a business student at Elgin Community College. He is a first-generation Italian American who is proud of his heritage and culture. With a solid background in customer services and community volunteering, Massimo has received in-depth training on the Italian citizenship by descent laws. He serves the ICAP team as a case consultant and provides both preliminary eligibility screening and formal consultation for Italian citizenship by descent.
Tatiana Ranallo is a graduate of St. Edwards Central Catholic High School, Elgin, IL and a first-generation Italian American. Her commitment is to deepen her own affinity for her Italian heritage as well as that of the clients with whom she interacts with at ICAP. A result oriented individual, Tatiana has significant experience in customer service and has developed a strong foundation in interpersonal skills, communication, organization, and leadership. Her responsibilities at ICAP include managing Apostille orders to ensure successful completion, advising clients when orders are concluded and facilitating their next step consultations, and organizing in-office client documents.
Bella Serini received her law degree from the Universita’ degli Studi di Bari (Italy) in 2005 and subsequently completed her JD from Fondazione Scuola Forense Barese (Italy) in 2008. Passionate for law, she worked for several years at an Italian law firm where her duties included courtroom assistance, law research, and preparation of legal documents. In addition to her legal work, she also served as a volunteer teacher at a Catholic Elementary school in Bari (Congregazione delle Suore dello Spirito Santo, Villa Madre Arcucci). Upon moving to the US she completed Academic Advanced ELS at College of DuPage (USA) in 2012, and worked as an interpreter for The Language Labs – Westmont, IL. Bella provides our clients with legal translations of divorce records, criminal background checks, and other court records.
Stefano Sessa completed his studies in Literature and Philosophy at the Federico II University in Naples, and participated in an Erasmus project in a marvelous city in the Eastern Germany: Dresden. Fluent in English, he was instrumental in developing our “Apply in Italy Program” and serves as our consultant in coordinating this program. He also provides professional translation and procurement of Italian civil records.
Lisa Calderaro Shannon graduated with honors from Loyola University where she studied Italian language and literature, earning her bachelor’s degree in Communications. Lisa has an extensive work history in program coordination for the Catholic Church as well as the marketing of consumer products. She has experience in video production, social media marketing and website design, Lisa is very proud of her Italian heritage, spending much of her free time researching her own Italian lineage and traveling to trace those paths. Lisa is a case consultant at ICAP and she conducts both preliminary eligibility screening and formal consultation for Italian citizenship by descent.
Barbara Tomasina received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Milan and has several years of work experience as an administrative assistant and account manager in both Italy and the US. Her responsibilities include creating and coordinating work orders for our Italian vital record and translations services, communication with collaborators in Italy, liaison with Italian consulates and Ministry, general filing and clerical duties.
Danila Trapasso received her degree in Business Administration from the University of Calabria in 2019. Danila worked many years as an administrative assistant and accountant and she has significant experience in working with Public Office. A resident of Catanzaro, Italy, Danila uses her business skills in obtaining Italian birth, marriage, and death records from the Italian Town Halls and Regional Archives throughout Italy on behalf of our clients.
Franchesca Werden is a professional genealogist with over thirty years of experience doing Italian research. She holds a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University. Franchesca began tracing her own Italian family as a teenager after listening to her nonna’s stories about the “old country”. She has extensive experience with both Italian civil and parish records. As an ICAP Team Member, Franchesca provides research of Italian civil records of birth, marriage and death as well as US naturalization and immigration research.