Emerging Leaders Fellowship

Alec Bottari is the Assistant Director of Annual Giving, Graduate Programs at Jefferson where he manages university-wide fundraising campaigns and oversees the Sidney Kimmel Medical College’s Class Agent program. In this role, he partners closely with alumni volunteers, campus stakeholders, and advancement colleagues to bolster alumni engagement and philanthropic support through peer-to-peer outreach. Prior to joining Jefferson, Alec held fundraising and development roles at the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. He brings a collaborative spirit, a commitment to inclusive engagement, and a passion for strengthening donor relations to all his work.

Kate Camarda is a dedicated educator currently serving as an English as a Second Language teacher in the Phoenixville Area High School. She also teaches Adult ESL. Since beginning her teaching career in 2005, Kate has been passionate about empowering students through education and support. In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, she founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Kate’s Casa, that provides essential resources and assistance to immigrant families in the Phoenixville area. She takes a hands on approach to help families navigate challenges, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to thrive. Through her unwavering commitment, Kate’s Casa continues to make a significant impact in the lives of those they serve, fostering a supportive learning environment both in and out of the classroom. Outside of her professional endeavors, Kate is a devoted wife and proud mother of four daughters, balancing her commitment to family with her mission to uplift her community.

Allegra Churchill is the Development Associate at Charlestown Playhouse, a nonprofit preschool and kindergarten. Allegra enjoys raising money for the school so that it can have high quality programming, support amazing teachers, welcome a diversity of families, and give back to the greater Phoenixville community. She is also the Director of Miss Betty’s Day Camp during the summer. Both roles are a meaningful way to work with children and families to create safe, joyful environments that foster self-confidence and life-long learning. Allegra is grateful for the opportunity as an Emerging Leadership Fellow to deepen her skills and connect with others in the Phoenixville non-profit community.

Taina is a dedicated Bilingual Legal Support Staff and Case Manager, proudly serving the immigrant community in Kennett Square. Her personal journey as an immigrant fuels her deep passion for advocacy and support. Originally from Brazil, Taina moved to the United States in 2013 at the age of 10 to live with her grandmother in search of a better future.

Despite the many challenges of starting over in a new country, she remained determined and resilient, ultimately earning her high school diploma through Ann’s Heart GED program in Phoenixville. Taina now uses her lived experience to connect with and uplift others in similar situations, offering legal and case management support with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and unwavering commitment.

Her work is grounded in compassion and a desire to foster hope and resilience in the immigrant community. As a participant in the Emerging Leaders Fellowship, Taina is eager to further develop her leadership skills to continue being a powerful advocate for justice, equity, and meaningful change.

Hello, my name is Jessica DeVine. I prefer to be called Jess. I am married and currently reside in Pottstown with my husband and our 13-year-old Maltese/Shih Tzu mix- Bentley.  

I worked in the Financial Industry for 15+ years. After feeling burned out in 2018, I decided it was time for a change. I quit my job, without a backup plan, and began to search for something more fulfilling. I went to school and obtained my real estate license in 2019, and at the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic, accepted a job with a non-profit that assisted those that were food and housing insecure. While working with people who were in crisis and homeless was a very difficult job, it was very rewarding personally. I found something that gave me purpose: helping people to gain back their dignity, strength, and self-sufficiency.   

I worked in that role for 4 years and it taught me so many life lessons. It enhanced my humility, gave me direction and purpose, and taught me about selflessness and boundaries. I have been working in my current role as a Resident Service Coordinator for Petra Community Housing for 1 year now. I am committed to this work and Petra’s mission. I believe that through community and kindness, that’s how we leave our mark and make a difference. We strengthen our journey and others’ one step and one kind act at a time.  

In my free time I enjoy travelling, baking, spending time with my family and friends and learning new things. I am a creative at heart, and love things like dancing, writing, music and diamond dot painting.  

My name is Samantha Ferrara and I am the Center Director of Phoenixville Area Children’s Learning Centers – Franklin Commons location. I have been with PACLC for a little over a year now, but I have 13 years of early childhood experience. I have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, and I graduated from Immaculata University in 2013. I am originally from Downingtown and currently reside in Schwenksville with my husband, Peter of 6 years, and two children Olivia 5 and Bennett 2. I am still getting to know Phoenixville and look forward to getting more involved with the community.

Cian Flanagan is the Program Manager at Barnstone Art for Kids, a nonprofit that helps children facing adversity build resilience through art. Previously, Cian worked as a communications specialist and a Montessori Early Childhood Guide in the Chicago suburbs. They are deeply passionate about mental health advocacy, animal rescue, and LGBTQ+ rights. 

Grace Hardy is the Senior Manager of Program Operations and Impact at Trellis for Tomorrow. Grace began with Trellis in 2025, helping to deliver the summer SEED Skills program. Since then, Grace has worked with the programs team in several capacities, now focused on metrics and measurement – tracking data and outcomes for Trellis’ programs as well as operational support. Prior to Trellis, Grace spent years working in outdoor education: from the Maryland Park Service to Outward Bound instructor – most of Grace’s work has been focused on building connections to our natural spaces. Now through Trellis, she really enjoys the opportunity to connect with people through gardening and food. Outside of Trellis, Grace enjoys baking, exploring new hiking spots, and playing with her dog Penny.

Ashley attended school in the Owen J. Roberts School district and graduated in 2009. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with a concentration in graphic design and painting, from Alfred University in 2013. She is TriCounty Community Network’s Director of Mission and Operations. In her spare time, she creates paintings, drawings, crafts, sewing, and exhibits her work in local galleries. She has resided in the Pottstown area most of her life and involved in various community organizations and initiatives.

Justine M. Nieves is the Regional Director for Church Housing Corporation, bringing nearly a decade of leadership experience in the non-profit housing sector. She has overseen the management of a diverse portfolio of affordable housing communities, including HUD-subsidized senior housing, LIHTC workforce housing for families, transitional housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, a first-time home buyers program, and supportive housing for residents with special needs and mental health challenges. 

With an Associate’s Degree in Behavioral Health from Delaware County Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from West Chester University, Justine combines academic insight with hands-on operational expertise. She is recognized for her strengths in developing onboarding programs that enhance organizational effectiveness, her deep knowledge of HUD and LIHTC compliance, and her collaborative leadership style. 

Justine is deeply passionate about advancing human rights, particularly the fundamental rights to housing, healthcare, and nutrition. Her work is driven by a commitment to equity, dignity, and creating safe, supportive environments for all individuals, regardless of circumstance. 

My name is Jennifer Schalles and I currently hold the position of Program Manager for Individual Services at Variety the Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley.  I worked as a behavior therapist for twelve years before joining the Variety team as an employment specialist.  I used my skills to support adults with disabilities in job development, placement, retention and meeting their personalized employment goals.  I am looking forward to this opportunity in furthering my professional development!

Throughout my time in the nonprofit sector, I’ve spent much of my career supporting healthcare organizations throughout Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania. I now work with the Phoenixville Community Education Foundation, helping to expand resources for Phoenixville’s students and educators. A graduate of Elizabethtown College, I live in Phoenixville with my husband and our two children. 

Recently got a promotion at work, and now you’re managing your friends? This training will provide best practices and feedback on how to transition from peer to manager while maintaining healthy relationships and strong teams. 

This training will provide a high-level overview of nonprofit management, including the sector at large, financial management, human resources, strategic planning, mission-based work, and more!

Strong program evaluation is key to understanding your organization’s work and impact. This topic will discuss the value of program evaluation, including methodology, data collection, and frameworks for evaluating and understanding what makes your organization effective and impactful. 

Join PCHF and the Phoenixville Regional Chamber of Commerce for our nonprofit holiday gathering to celebrate an incredible year of hard work and service! This will be an excellent chance to network with local nonprofit staff and leaders.  

As a manager, effectively having difficult conversations and providing constructive feedback are invaluable skills for success. This training will provide insight into how to have tough conversations while still supporting and bolstering your team.

Fundraising and development are cornerstones of effective nonprofits. This discussion will give tips and insight into building a fundraising strategy that integrates your mission while generating sustainable revenue. The conversation will include donor cultivation practices, current fundraising trends, and more.  

In this session, fellows will be guided through individualized strength assessments, discussing ways to effectively incorporate your personal strengths into your leadership style.

This session will focus on the fundamentals of creating strong organizational and project budgets. Fellows will gain a deeper understanding of the budget creation process, as well as best practices for managing to your organization’s budget.

Understanding the financial health of your organization is critical for sustainable growth and development. This session will give fellows a broad understanding of nonprofit financial health and equip them with the tools to understand and make important decisions based on financial data.

The concluding session of the Emerging Leaders Fellowship will include a Q&A discussion with area nonprofit leaders and experts on their work, goals, and experiences. Fellows will have the opportunity to share their own goals and make important professional connections!

Nancy Walsh, founder of tbdNOW, has been developing and administering leadership development programs for over a decade and has worked closely with local non-profits, county agencies, and community leaders for close to a decade. Nancy’s experience with the Montgomery Bar Association (“MBA”) has allowed her to develop skills and knowledge that provide a valuable and unique perspective to her clients. Nancy is responsible for the development, oversight, and presentation of both the Montgomery Bar Association’s (“MBA”) award-winning Leadership Academy and DEI programs. Nancy develops and administers programs and workshops for Montgomery County, such as its successful Emerging Leaders program. Beyond her work with the MBA and Montgomery County, Nancy provides one-on-one and small group coaching to private individuals, conducts youth leadership programs, and consults on various community projects and programs. She is also a Certified Executive Coach. 

Allison Turner is a Professor in the Department of Public Policy and Administration at West Chester University, teaching in the Master and Doctor of Public Administration programs. Her professional experience encompasses various roles within the nonprofit sector, including program development and evaluation, grant writing, and community economic development. Her research addresses the role of information literacy in graduate public administration curriculums, the role of nonprofit organizations in contemporary political economies, and the development and implementation of strategic management in the nonprofit sector.

As Executive Director of Trellis for Tomorrow, Jennifer works in the Phoenixville area to cultivate a better future through growth, community, and sustainable impact. For the past 30 years, Jennifer has led innovative organizations at the intersection of social impact and management, including co-founding DudenAnderson and Sustrana, where she has helped non-profits and businesses optimize strategies and sustainability efforts. With a background in healthcare, consulting, and sustainability and a Master of Public Health, Jennifer has consistently advanced impactful initiatives that improve communities and organizations alike. 

Tina has 15 years of comprehensive fundraising experience and has held leadership positions some well-known human service organizations including Habitat for Humanity, The United Way, The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, Esperanza, Inc., and Philabundance. She is currently Sr. Director of Development at SAGE USA. As a highly skilled individual giving strategist, Tina has been a key part of multi million-dollar capital campaign projects as well as boutique fundraising initiatives. In addition to her frontline experience, her expertise includes development and communications planning, annual giving, and special events management. She earned her BA in Political Science from Eastern University and her Masters in Public Administration from West Chester University She currently resides in West Deptford, NJ.

Kristen McGee is the Executive Director of Ann’s Heart, a Phoenixville-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit. After a career in the medical device industry, she came to Ann’s Heart as a volunteer Board member for the start-up nonprofit, recruited for her expertise in Marketing and Creative Services. She helped to develop the branding and early marketing for the organization while volunteering for the pilot season of the Code Blue Center at Ann’s Heart, a low-barrier emergency winter shelter. During her first year on the Board, she fell in love with the work of Ann’s Heart and wanted to take on a larger role within the organization. When the Board was ready to hire its first Executive Director in 2016, Kristen relinquished her seat and applied for the role. Now having served nine years as the Executive Director, Kristen is proud to work alongside 5 other full-time and 4 part-time staff members, serving the Phoenixville area community. 

Kristen is a resident of Phoenixville and loves volunteering alongside her husband and three children throughout the community. She is an active member of the Phoenixville Rotary Club and volunteers at several area nonprofits. 

Recently introduced as Haverford Trust Company’s Vice President, Philanthropic Advisor, Rosemary brings 25 years of experience in philanthropy services and nonprofit relationship management. She worked for the past 10 years at Glenmede Trust Company as an endowment and foundation advisor, team leader and managing director. Her prior experience includes roles at AmeriCorps as a grant management specialist, Bike & Build Inc., Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland, and work at the Public Policy Institute of Georgetown University. Rosemary holds an M.A. from Georgetown University and B.A. from Boston College. She volunteers her time to Villa Maria Academy high school’s Endowment Committee and to The Fund for Women and Girls Investment Committee. She is also a member of the Women in Investing Network of Philadelphia.