NPIHN Staff

 Our staff consists of talented professionals, consultants and interns. We also have 30 volunteer coordinators, one from each congregation, and approximately 1,200 volunteers. 

Rachel Falkove, M.B.A., Executive Director: Rachel served as an NPIHN Board member for five years before taking the Executive Director position, initially as a volunteer, in an organization that was depleted of funds in 2002. Partially salaried, Rachel has worked to support the Board of Directors in strategic planning, fundraising, and management of the agency. Rachel has overseen the development of the Network from a one-program congregational based emergency shelter to a holistic continuum, serving current guests and alumni with an array of supportive services, housing and advocacy programs. Before assuming this position, Rachel worked in health care management for twenty years.

 

Catherine Smith, B.S.W., Social Worker, Northeast Program:  
Cathy was employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare for 37 years beginning as a caseworker and working her way through positions of increasing responsibility. At the time she retired, Cathy had served as Director of Program Operations. She had oversight for 6 County Assistance Offices in Philadelphia County whose functions were to determine eligibility for public benefits including Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), General Assistance, Food Stamp Benefits and Medicaid.  Following her retirement from the Pa DPW position, Cathy served as NPIHN Social Worker from 2006 through 2008.   She joined the NPIHN Board briefly this past year before stepping in to her former role as Director of Family Services on an interim basis. We are delighted to work with Cathy once again!

 

Keyonnee graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2006 and a Masters of Social Work in 2012. Before joining the NPIHN staff, she worked as a research assistant at the Temple University College of Health Professionals and Social Work and also as an intern with the Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY). As a case-manager intern for United Communities, she helped design and implement after-school programming for youth in grades five through seven. She has volunteered for numerous programs serving people experiencing homelessness and has been actively involved in the Vote for Homes Coalition. She brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to her work with NPIHN families. Keyonnee began her work with NPIHN first as a volunteer from 2008-2009 and we are very excited to have her back with us!

 

Bob Byrne, Coordinator, Northeast Program: Bob was born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia. He initially became involved in our organization as a student field study student and continued on as a volunteer. We are delighted to add Bob to our staff team to launch our second network of caring congregations.

 

Inez Bruce, Early Childhood Specialist: NPIHN families participate in the 12 week NIM Parenting Education Program, parenting series  held four times each year, in addition to individual counseling and assessment with visiting parenting educators, pediatric nurses and doctors.

 

Philipp Diebold, ARSP Intern: Philipp joins us from Hermaringen, Germany for the year as part of a German organization called Action Reconciliation Service for Peace (ARSP). Philipp helps with moving families, processing donations and plenty of other taks as needed. We are happy to have him as an addition to our network.

 

Kellie Lyons, M.S., Mental Health Consultant: Kellie earned a Masters of Science in Clinical and Counseling Psychology with a focus on Trauma Studies from Chestnut Hill College. She has worked with NPIHN since 2009 and completed a clinical internship with us. For the past 10 years, Kellie has provided consultation services and mental health therapy for adults, children, adolescents and childcare professionals. She currently provides individual and group motivational life coaching sessions to NPIHN families as a Mental Health Consultant.

Elisha Sawyer, PR Assistant: Elisha graduated from Boston University in 2009 with a major in Mass Communication. For three years, Elisha worked with youth in the Education and Community Outreach department of the Huntington Theatre Company and John Hancock Financial’s Summer of Opportunity program. She specializes in social and new media and manages the content for the NPIHN website, blog and Facebook page. She also assists the NPIHN development team in fundraising efforts.

 

Shirlyn Swann, Banking Professional: Shirlyn served as the Vice President for Community Banking at PNC Bank and retired recently. Shirlyn has overseen our financial literacy modules for the past 8 years in a voluntary capacity, introducing an array of speakers and workshops, as well as  mentoring families individually.

Geoffrey T. Woodland, M.Ed., Volunteer and Career Developer/ Youth Engagement Counselor: Geoff has spent most of his 14-year career in the field of workforce development. He works with NPIHN heads of households and teens on developing career paths, finding immediate employment, and developing strategies for employment search. In his work with teens, Geoff focuses on identifying strengths and building volunteer, work, and college prep experience.