Lead Cooking Instructor Heather Leach:
For me, one of life's greatest pleasures is a home-cooked meal shared with others. These meals together inspired me to study ethnobotany and to learn from people around the world how they grow, prepare, and eat food. A cultural connection to food, and the amazing diversity that results from that bond, is what I hope to celebrate through my work in farming and cooking. 
DANA LOOKER
CCIL ADMINISTRATOR Dana Looker has worked as a nonprofit fundraiser for over a decade. But, as it did for many of us, the COVID pandemic made her think about her future goals and legacy. Being an avid reader and book nerd since childhood, Dana decided it was time to pursue her dream of opening an independent bookstore in her community. Shortly after opening Looker Books in Coatesville, PA, she sought out a nonprofit organization to help her bring the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to Coatesville. AHHAH was the perfect fit. Dana now serves as the Administrative Director for the Chester County Imagination Library processing registrations, creating reports for AHHAH and partner organizations, and communicating with families about the program. Dana lives in Coatesville with her husband, Jim, and their three furry children. 
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Dayvon BladenCulinary FacilitatorDayvon, a Coatesville, Pennsylvania native, found his passion for baking and community engagement early on. Feeling adrift in high school, he discovered a culinary arts program that ignited his love for pastry. Under the mentorship of seasoned chefs, he honed his skills and later earned a Bachelor's in Baking and Pastry Science from Johnson & Wales University.
Navigating the challenges of the pandemic, Dayvon gained hands-on experience in artisanal bakeries, deepening his understanding of ingredients and technique. Now collaborating with AHHAH, he shares his expertise through classes designed to empower youth with creativity and confidence. Passionate and dedicated, Dayvon continues to inspire with his craft, leaving a lasting impact on the world of pastry. 
Kathy D. Hrenko
Lead Expressive Arts teacher Kathy D. Hrenko, MCAT, ATR-BC is a master’s level, board certified art therapist with 30 years of experience in the field of art therapy. She has worked with children, teens, and adults in a variety of settings including in-patient psychiatry, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, therapeutic camps, nursing homes, youth detention, art studios, and wellness centers. Kathy has published several articles on her art therapy work and has presented on various mental health and art therapy topics both locally and nationally. In addition to her work as an art therapist, Kathy has served in non-profit leadership as the Executive Director for the Kennett After-School Association-a free after-school program serving middle school students, and she previously served as the Operations Director of Project C.U.R.E. - the largest distributor, worldwide of donated medical supplies and equipment to developing countries. She also served as a part of the AHHAH Advisory Board for over 5 years. |
Patty Hillkirk Restorative Practices TrainerPatty Hillkirk is a Gestalt Psychotherapist who has worked with at-risk youth for over forty years. She is an alumna of Penn State University and a graduate of the Pennsylvania Gestalt Center. Patty’s work in the HIV/AIDS community started in 1986 when her best friend was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Inspired to create Camp Dreamcatcher after watching a “60 Minutes” segment in 1995 about a summer camp for children coping with HIV/AIDS in New York, Patty’s dream was to create a therapeutic and loving community to embrace children impacted by the disease. What started as a one-week camp in 1996 has expanded to year-round programming which includes therapeutic and educational camp sessions, weekend leadership retreats, mentoring programs, restorative practices programs, college scholarships, a holiday adopt-a-family program and HIV/AIDS training, education and community outreach.
n 2022, Camp Dreamcatcher launched a collaboration with the Center for Relational Practices to train the staff, board members, counselors, and health center volunteers in the use of Community Building and Restorative Practices (RP) to respond to conflicts during the therapeutic camp session. These tools provide a non-punitive approach for responding to harm through the lens of repairing relationships and restoring community. Over 150 counselors, youth, staff, and volunteers have completed RP training and implemented these practices throughout the camp session. In 2022, Camp Dreamcatcher launched a collaboration with the Center for Relational Practices to train the staff, board members, counselors, and health center volunteers in the use of Community Building and Restorative Circles strengthened the therapeutic culture of Camp Dreamcatcher and in 2023 ten members of the Camp Dreamcatcher Leadership Team completed the Center for Relational Practices Training of Trainers Certification. The Camp Dreamcatcher RP Team now offers workshops and training to organizations across the region who want to learn more about using these practices to build connections, repair relationships, and restore community. The Camp Dreamcatcher RP Team has provided training to thirteen organizations/groups in the past two years, serving over 200 people. |
Sean TaylorMy name is Sean A. Taylor and I’m a Video Production Specialist with over 25 years of experience editing Promos, News Packages, Corporate Videos, Live Events, Short Films, Music Videos and of course Weddings. I graduated from the Art Institute of Philadelphia in the Winter of 1999 and started my 1st Job in January 2000 at Philly TV News as a VTR Operator/Editor. I love challenging myself and seeing ideas come to life using the art of cinematography.
My qualifications include professional experience from ESPN News, Sports Center, NFL Live, Baseball Tonight, NBA Live and Mike & Mike Radio Show, NASCAR, Philly TV News, ABC News, Motion Inc. and the Omni 2000 Inc., Dance Party USA production house. In the year 2009, I've had the privilege of teaching Basic Studio Operations, Final Cut Pro Studio and Avid Media Composer for the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. One of my highlights in my professional cinematography journey was when I was hired by Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, the daughter of Joe Frazier to be her personal videographer for all of her fights, including the Layla Ali versus Sista Smoke Jacqui Frazier historical boxing event. I am Currently the Creative Director and Owner of Visual Jedi, LLC, Professional Mentor for the L. A. Radio & Film Connection Online Program & CTE Teacher at Northeast High School. |
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Hi! My name is Elaina MacQueen and I am
a third year marketing student with a minor in business law at West Chester University. On campus, I’m in the Honors College, Ihold a position as the Director of Finance for my sorority, and I am also involved in a few different clubs for my major. I’m so excited to volunteer for AHHAH because I love serving as a guide for kids to learn.In ten years from now, I see myself startinga family and working at a marketing firm orin corporate law. |
My name is Anika Moten and I'm a junior nursing
major. On campus I'm the president of the organization cru and I lead a sophomore girls Bible study once a week! I'm excited to volunteer at AHHAH because I love working with children and helping them learn and grow! In ten years I see myself working as a labor and delivery nurse and being a mom. |
I am a junior English major with minors in professional and technical writing, communication studies, and media and culture. I am excited to work with AHHAH because I am passionate about literacy and enjoy sharing my love for reading. In ten years, I see myself continuing to volunteer for my community no matter where I end up or what else happens.
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Abby is pursuing her B.S. in Psychology and is a
member of the WCU Honors College. She has always loved working with children and is passionate about understanding the practice of trauma-informed care. She is currently an undergraduate research assistant helping to develop better ways to train doctoral students and works part-time at a preschool. In the next 10 years, Abby plans to pursue graduate studies in Clinical Psychology and Social Work and eventually use that experience to help bring mental healthcare to children in underserved communities. Her favorite activity that she is involved with outside of school is volunteering with A Moment of Magic, bringing the magic of beloved characters to medically vulnerable children. Abby is excited to continue spreading joy and support to more children through her involvement with AHHAH. |
Hi everyone! My name is Eliza Bauder, and I
am going into my third year at West Chester University! I am an Early Grades Preparation major with a PreK-8th grade Mathematics minor! I am involved in Best Buddies where I serve as the Social Media Chair, The Hidden Opponent where I serve as the Club Sports Representative, and a Resident Assistant. I am excited to be an AHHAH intern because I am passionate about early literacy, play based learning, and children being able to express themselves through art! In ten years I see myself in an eighth-grade algebra class room teaching my students about linear equations! |
I’m Aramis Hernandez, a junior Computer Science student at West Chester University in the Honors College. Some of my interests include programming real-time graphic simulations, playing soccer, working out, and playing video games.
Why I’m excited to be working with AHHAH: I’m excited to be working with AHHAH because I value the many areas and activities the organization engages in to make a difference. I’m especially motivated to support AHHAH’s efforts to address and put an end to the school-to-prison pipeline. Where I see myself in ten years: In ten years, I see myself deeply involved in my professional field. I also see myself actively engaged in whatever community I’m part of, working to make a difference in my hometown and beyond. I hope to be a role model and leader in that community. |
