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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Heather Leach
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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.
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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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Abigail Sikes
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Abigail Sikes RN, BSN CSN has experience in acute care, long-term care, hospice, and home health. She has experience as a Staff Nurse, Home Health Nurse, Hospice Nurse, Assisted Director of Nursing and RN Supervisor, and Health care Administrator/School Nurse. Abigail expanded her profession by becoming a Certified Life Coach and Forgiveness Coach. She started her own business, Forgiving Gifts, encouraging forgiveness and healing through traumatic experiences with a focus on unforgiveness and illness when unable to let go. As a nurse, Abigail has developed a passion for coaching individuals on the importance of letting go of past hurt and resentment so they can begin to live a purposeful and healthier life.
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Dayvon Bladen
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Dayvon, 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.
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Saphir Davis
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Saphir Davis (they/them) is obtaining their MA in Art Therapy and Counseling with a concentration in Trauma and Crisis and certificate in Human Sexuality from Southwestern College. Saphir has experience with organizations focusing on therapeutic arts, DEI, arts and culture, and 2SLGBTQIA+ and PGM (People of the Global Majority) advocacy. They completed their practicum at A Better Life Therapy, and currently are also interning at The Welcome Project PA as a support group facilitator and therapist. Saphir also serves as the Media and Design Consultant for One Institute and received their BA in Multimedia Art from Loyola Marymount University in 2020.
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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. |
Sean Taylor
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My 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. |
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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Michele Wolfe
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Michele Wolfe has recently retired after thirty years in the preschool classroom. She has spent most of her career working with children in the local community. Michele also spent time abroad working with students in Singapore. She is happy to continue to share her love of children’s books through the CCIL program. As an avid reader, Michele loves seeing the joy in children’s faces when they connect with a book.
Michele holds a BS and an M.Ed. in early childhood education from Cabrini University. She lives locally with her husband and three children. |
Ashley Baker
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Hi! My name is Ashley H. N. Baker, and I am a third-year Marketing student with a minor in Media & Culture at West Chester University. On campus, I serve as the Events Director for WCUR 91.7 FM, where I help lead, plan, and elevate student programming and events. I’m excited to be partnering with Community Solutions at West Chester University, and I’m grateful to Jan for appointing me as the new Administrative Assistant Intern. I’m passionate about storytelling, community engagement, and creating spaces where students can connect and grow. In ten years, I see myself thriving in the film and marketing industry, leading creative projects that make an impact and building a meaningful career rooted in media, culture, and community.
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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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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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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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