Jan Michener
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Jan Michener has an MA in Education from Widener University and a BA in Theatre Arts from SUNY. She is a certified trauma informed adult and children’s yoga teacher. Jan has led a number of workshops and spoken at the Educating Hearts Conference held in Montgomery County. She is an avid student of Michelle Johnson's Skills in Action. Jan co-facilitates our Trauma-Sensitive and Self-Care & Mindfulness Professional Development Workshops.
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Dana Looker
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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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Christina Gamez
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Christina Gamez is a registered nurse of over 20 years and a veteran of the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps, proudly representing Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital since 2019. She brings a broad range of clinical experience across both hospital and community settings. A Healing Touch Certified Practitioner and Holistic Nurse Coach, Christina integrates evidence-based and complementary approaches to support whole-person well-being. Christina is excited to support meaningful work in the community through Step Up Step Out (SUSO), a teen program of Arts Holding Hands and Hearts (AHHAH), supporting local youth during some of the most impressionable chapters of their lives. Christina believes deeply in creating safe, supportive spaces where people can show up exactly as they are, build resilience, manage stress, strengthen community connection, and discover their own ability to positively impact themselves and the community. The ripple effect of this work is truly immeasurable.
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Kathy Hrenko
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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.
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Patty Hillkirk
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Patty 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.
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 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. |
Kate Perkins
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Hi, My name is Kate Perkins and I will be helping with the Imagination Library Storytime at Kennett Library. I’m a recently retired Kindergarten teacher from London Grove Friends Kindergarten, live in West Chester with my husband and son who is now a Junior at Pitt. I love reading, hiking & watching the Eagles- Go Birds !!
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Allison Connelly
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Allison Connelly, professionally known as “A.C. Brooke,” graduated from Millersville University in the spring of 2023 with a B.S. in Media Arts Production and a minor in Graphic Communication Technology. Her first role post-college was as the Director of Marketing & Development at Lancaster EMS, where she previously interned. Currently, she serves as the Creative Director at UCA WAVES, a nonprofit promoting mental wellness in AAPI youth and their families.
Over the past few years, Allison has had the honor of working alongside filmmaker and MU professor Dr. Changfu Chang on his new, award-winning feature, Silent War: Asian American Reckonings with Mental Health. Additionally, she has spent that time directing her own piece, Paper Birds, a documentary on recovered and fragmented memories of trauma and the delayed onset of PTSD. As a multimedia professional, Allison is lucky that this path allows her a number of ways to create change and center stories too often left untold. It is her hope—as a professional and, more importantly, a human being—to use her skills to expand our understanding of mental health, highlight historically stigmatized issues, and amplify the voices of others. |
Lizzie Guidici
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This semester, I am so excited to complete my Social Work Field placement with AHHAH! The organization’s restorative justice programs that support Chester County youth, and their focus on mental well-being, empowerment, and reducing justice system involvement, strongly align with my interest in criminal justice. I am eager to work with young adults to help build skills that promote long-term success. I am also completing my Honors Capstone project with AHHAH, focusing on increasing child literacy in Chester County through their Imagination Library. I look forward to learning from these programs and contributing to meaningful change.
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Justin Brown
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Justin Brown is a distinguished author, speaker, and educator with over 15 years of experience in the field of education. A dynamic leader and trainer, Justin brings strong creative, analytical, and communication skills to his work, fostering inclusive environments and enhancing student engagement.
His passion for working with students began during his undergraduate studies in public relations from Slippery Rock University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations. Actively involved on campus, he collaborated with various offices and departments, ultimately founding the "Diversity Awareness Program LLC" an initiative dedicated to raising awareness and promoting unity across institutions. He continued developing D.A.P. while pursuing a degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, while working towards earning his master’s degree in student affairs in higher education. For a decade, Justin served in student affairs at West Chester University, where he played a pivotal role in student development and engagement. His experience in higher education provided him with deep insights into fostering positive student experiences, empathy, and leadership. Currently, Justin serves as the Director of Student Relations and School Climate at Downingtown Area School District (DASD), the sixth-largest district in Pennsylvania. |
Dave Slaughter
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Dave is a professional photographer, technology strategist, educator, and mentor with more than 20 years of experience helping people develop skills, confidence, and new ways of seeing what is possible.
As the Photography/Media Instructor for AHHAH’s Peacekeeper Media Program, Dave combines practical photography and visual storytelling instruction with a strong commitment to mentorship and youth development. Through hands-on learning, he helps participants explore photography and media as tools for creative expression, communication, and telling meaningful stories about themselves and their communities. Dave is also the founder of 1865 studios, a Chester County-based photography and creative studio, and is passionate about investing his experience in the next generation of creators and leaders. |
Ashley Baker
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I’m a senior Marketing major with a minor in Media & Culture at West Chester University, passionate about media, storytelling, and the entertainment industry. I’m especially interested in using creative media to tell meaningful stories, amplify voices, and empower communities. One of my most memorable experiences was studying abroad in Italy, where I completed a media and marketing internship and gained international experience in creative storytelling and content production.
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Alyssa Brown
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My name is Alyssa Brown, and I am your Miss Coatesville for America Strong! I graduated from Coatesville Area Senior High School in 2018 with Chester County Futures and the National Honor Society! Throughout my childhood, my parents struggled with addiction which led to both of them being incarcerated at different points in my life. Although I always had a strong support system through my grandparents and aunts, I still struggled with my mental health as a kid. I thought I would grow up to be a teacher or a veterinarian, but after graduating high school I followed a different career path. The stigma of mental health leads to untreated diagnoses which tends to affect both of the demographics I care deeply about very negatively. After working in the mental health field for two years, I am now a registered behavioral technician who advocates for mental health to bring awareness that it exists and that there is resources out there to help while dedicating my free time to help children and animals that may or have already been affected by mental health. As an adult, I’ve learned to take all of my lived experience, and use it to help others who may be experiencing similar life events.
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Grace GarofolA
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Hi! My name is Grace Garofola, and I am a third year Early Grades Preparation (Prek-4) major at West Chester University. I also am pursuing a minor in literacy and am a student in the Honors College. I remain involved on campus through many organizations, including Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, If You're Reading This WCU, Future Teachers United, and the West Chester Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band. I intend on becoming an elementary school teacher, and I wish to pursue a graduate degree concentrating in literacy and education. I cannot wait to begin work with AHHAH and begin outreach into the local communities, especially through restorative justice and literacy!
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Theresa Brown
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Hi everyone! My name is Theresa Brown, and I am a student at West Chester University studying Exercise Science with a Pre-Occupational Therapy focus. I am passionate about working with children and helping them feel supported, confident, and successful. I am excited to help AHHAH because I love the organization’s focus on bringing people together and creating opportunities for children and young people to grow. Through my studies and experiences working with children, I hope to continue learning how to make a positive impact in my community and help children reach their full potential.
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Vivianne Lanz
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Vivianne Lanz is an emerging business and marketing professional pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management at West Chester University. She currently interns in the Marketing Department at City of London Investment Management, supporting data analysis and marketing initiatives for clients. Her previous experience includes work with international law firm IOberti Legal, as well as roles in finance at Countryside Accounting Solutions, and nonprofit organizations.
At West Chester University, Vivianne serves as Secretary of the Public Relations Club and as a Bible study leader through the Catholic Newman Center. She is passionate about communication, leadership, and continuous learning. Outside of work and academics, Vivianne enjoys international travel, various arts and crafts, reading, and maintaining an active lifestyle |
Kate MCCracken
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Kate McCracken is a Sophomore in the Honors College at West Chester University, where she is studying English while also pursuing coursework in Studio Arts and American Sign Language. Kate is employed on-campus as a peer mentor in the writing department where she assists students in their coursework. Kate hopes to go on to become a literary agent, and eventually open her own bookstore, all while writing her own novels. Kate is involved in numerous organizations on campus including being the Fundraising Chair of A Moment of Magic and an active member of both Best Buddies and Honors Student Association. Kate is thrilled to begin working with AHHAH, where she is excited to be a part of the empowerment of families and children in her local community
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Nathan Tribbett
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Hello, my name is Nathan Tribbett. I am a second-year student at the West Chester University of Pennsylvania. I am a psychology major pursuing minors in sociology and civic and professional leadership. As an Eagle Scout, my project was making a sensory pathway for children with special needs. I am excited to work with AHHAH as I have always found a sense of enjoyment in helping other people, and I believe this is an outstanding opportunity to focus my interests and skills into a wonderful organization.
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ELIZA BAUDER
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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!
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Alan Asitimbay
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Alan Asitimbay is a student at West Chester University currently in his junior year. As a first-generation student, he quickly understood the importance of education and what it means to always have a helping hand. Furthermore, he comes from a Hispanic household, giving him the opportunity to learn another language. With AHHAH, he plans to further elevate the goals the organization pursues alongside branching out to a different community who may experience the hardships of a language barrier. He is looking forward to help out as many people as possible and ensure a better tomorrow is at the front door for anyone who may need it.
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