Carolyn Caprioni, RN, BSN
Quality Improvement Director
ccaprioni@yapinc.org
856.986.0473
Carolyn came to YAP in 2003 with 20 years of psychiatric-mental health nursing experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in the science of nursing with Registered Nurse and Registered Forensic Nurse licensures. Carolyn ensures that YAP's Mid-Atlantic Region programs adhere to federal, state and contractual regulations as well as Council on Accreditation standards of quality care. She has developed and implemented an exemplary QI program in NJ and was an integral part of getting YAP’s Integrity Compliance Program off the ground as well as the expansion of NJ’s Behavioral Health programs to now include 8 outpatient programs, 16 school sites and still growing.
In addition, she acts as the Mid-Atlantic Region liaison on YAP’s Integrity Compliance, Safety, and Employee Insurance committees. In addition to her work with YAP, Carolyn worked as a Forensic Nurse working with victims of sexual assault. In her spare time she enjoys a lifelong commitment to learning and is currently preparing to sit for the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality exam.
Lynette Connor
Executive Vice President - DC, DE, MD, NJ, Philadelphia
lconnor@yapinc.org
856.397.5757
Lynette has accumulated more than 25 years of working experience in the social services field and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker by the state of New Jersey. She is a Diplomate in Clinical Social Work and a Qualified Clinical Social Worker. Prior to joining YAP, Lynette worked for a variety of institutions, including: SJ Behavioral Health Resources, Rancocas Associates, Family Service of Burlington County, South Jersey Counseling Service, Family Preservation Services at Family Counseling Service, and the New Jersey Department of Corrections. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, as well as the Academy of Certified Social Workers. Lynette received BS and MSW degrees from Rutgers University.
Craig Jernigan
Regional Director - DC, MD
cjernigan@yapinc.org
443.248.4878
Coming Soon
Stephanie Moore
Regional Director - NJ
smoore@yapinc.org
856.630.1691
Coming Soon
Renise Welbon
Regional Director - DE/PHL
rwelbon@yapinc.org
Renise is the Regional Director for the Philadelphia/Delaware regions in the Mid-Atlantic Region. She comes to YAP with over 20 years of experience working in the fields of behavioral health and counseling, education and school-based services, and social services for children and adults. She graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish, and from the University of Delaware with a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Student Personnel Administration. She is certified as a trainer in Crisis Prevention & Intervention, and is also a Certified Investigator for the Intellectual DisAbility service system in Pennsylvania. Renise has 3 children and lives in Delaware County with her husband and 2 youngest daughters. She is a DIE-HARD Philadelphia Sports fan, but partial to the EAGLES, SIXERS, and UNION teams. She sings with an acapella gospel group and has written and produced several songs and CD's along with members of the group. She is very excited to be joining the YAP team as she believes she will be able to continue to make a positive impact on the lives of children and their families through her work here.
Jamaal Crawford
Regional Director - IN, KY, OH
jcrawford@yapinc.org
502.398.7889
Jamaal Crawford is a Kentucky native, born and raised in Louisville. Jamaal has 14 years experience working in residential and psychiatric facilities with high risk youth and youth involved with chemical dependency.
Jamaal came to YAP as an advocate in July 2017 when the program first started up and running. Jamaal was able to quickly transition into the Program Director of Louisville beginning December 2018. In this role, Jamaal continued to develop relationships with community resources, referring authorities, and youth/families. Jamaal then became the State Director of KY, overseeing programs in both Louisville and Lexington. Jamaal has recently been promoted into the Regional Director- Midwest Region. He oversees KY, IN, Cincinnati, and St. Louis.
David R. Williams
Chief Program Officer
drwilliams@yapinc.org
773.406.6239
Coming Soon
E'Ron Leveston
Regional Director - IA, WI, IL
eleveston@yapinc.org
Coming soon
Monique Robbins
Regional Director - IL - C2C
mrobbins@yapinc.org
Coming soon
Marlon Rucker
Regional Director - IL
mrucker@yapinc.org
Coming soon
Jessica Carlton
Vice President - PA
jcarlton@yapinc.org
412.215.5357
Jessica Carlton-Humenik is the Vice President of Pennsylvania programs for Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. Jessica began work with YAP in 1997 in Allegheny county as a Therapeutic Staff Support while attending graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh. Following receipt of her graduate degree, she continued her work with YAP as a Behavioral Specialist Consultant, focusing her time with children on the autism spectrum, and those with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. Jessica then continued her professional development toward leadership, accepting the position of Assistant Director in Allegheny county for several years, followed by the Director's position. In 2006, Jessica was promoted to the Director of Autism and Developmental Disabilities Program for Pennsylvania, supporting rapid development in behavioral health services across Pennsylvania. In 2012 Jessica was promoted to Vice President of Pennsylvania and Ohio programs.
Through her work with YAP, Jessica has collaborated with Allegheny County Office of Children, Youth and Families to initiate a Truancy Advocate Program which now offers services throughout the Pittsburgh public school system. In addition to her work at YAP, Jessica has worked as an outpatient therapist with both children and adults specializing in anxiety and depression. She also has served as a Field Instructor for the University of Pittsburgh, Carlow College, Millersville University & Waynesburg University.
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Elizabethtown College and earned her MSW at the University of Pittsburgh. She has been a licensed social worker since 1997.
Rhonda Green
Regional Director - NY
rgreen@yapinc.org
845.235.2486
Coming soon
Michelle Heim
Quality Improvement Director - PA
mheim@yapinc.org
610.655.5413
Michelle has been employed with Youth Advocate Programs since 2005. Prior to coming to YAP, she received an undergraduate degree from Kutztown University. While receiving her bachelor's degree, she started a new degree program that included receiving a paralegal degree from Lehigh Carbon Community College along with bachelor's in psychology. She then went on to receive her graduate degree in Counseling Psychology from Kutztown University. She has a background providing outpatient individual and group therapy and has facilitated workshops on the Autism Spectrum at conferences across the United States.
Her early work at YAP was doing behavioral consultations, mobile therapy, and training. Over the last 5 years, she has transitioned to Quality Improvement and will sit for her CPHQ exam in 2023. She is certified in Discovery, as a Communication Mentor, and is ODP certified in Quality Management. She is currently completing trauma trainings through Lakeside Global. Michelle works on our national reaccreditation with the Council on Accreditation. She also works closely with the YAP programs Australia to help further our international work.
Jennifer Hill
Regional Director - PA
jhill@yapinc.org
570.396.2600
Jennifer Hill has worked for YAP since 2000, beginning her work as an advocate and a TSS. Jennifer received her Master of Science in Counseling from Summit University in 2007. For the next twelve years Jennifer worked as an MT and a BSC, specializing in supporting individuals on the Autism Spectrum. In 2017 Jennifer became the Northeast Area Field Support Coordinator and Trainer for YAP. In 2010 Jennifer became a member of the NBCC and in 2014 became an LPC. In addition to her employment at YAP, Jennifer has worked in private practice and was the Clinical Supervisor of The Love Life Marriage and Family Center.
Dana LaCoss
Regional Director - NY
dlacoss@yapinc.org
315.854.2562
Dana LaCoss joined the YAP family in 2007 as an advocate. She quickly climbed the ladder to assistant director of our NY St. Lawrence County team in 2008. Shortly after that she was promoted to Program Director and then Executive Director until her Regional Director promotion in August of 2019. Dana was an active leader in creating and making the 0-5 parenting program such a success.
Dana grew up in St. Lawrence County NY and is raising her twin children there. She received her Bachelor of Arts and Masters degree from the local State University at Potsdam College. She was determined to become a local elementary teacher, but knew she needed to find a different career if she was going to make more of an impact on youth that she served in the classroom. She has obtained various certifications and training around the science of addiction, foster care and is part of a trauma informed team in her county.
Dana is part of the NY leadership team and oversees six counties in NY. She has hopes to continue expanding YAP all over the country and reaching as many families as YAP can to support their needs.
Casey Lane
Vice-President - MI, NH, NY, RI
cflane@yapinc.org
315.212.7338
Casey started his career at YAP in 2003 as an Advocate in Franklin County, NY. Shortly after starting as an Advocate he was promoted to Assistant Director of the Franklin County Family Resolutions Program, doing Family Group Conferencing. In 2004 he was promoted to Director of St. Lawrence County Family Resolutions Program. It is here that Casey refined his skills and soon became known as the “Reunification Specialist." He was called upon many times to work with others to teach those skills and help to bring many “kids” back home to their community. He has dedicated his career at YAP to reunifying youth and their families from out-of-home placements.
Casey currently is Regional Director (Since 2008) and oversees our YAP program in Marion County Indianapolis, IN, Providence, RI and the following counties in NY: Franklin, Clinton, Essex, St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Wayne, Ontario, Seneca, and Chemung.
Casey is an avid outdoorsman, and an avid fan of Syracuse basketball and football teams… Go “Cuse”! He is also trustee at his local church, in Malone NY.
Adam Santacroce
Regional Director - NY
asantacroce@yapinc.org
845.527.4967
Adam is a NY native and resides just outside of NYC with his wife Betsy, daughter Isabella, and son AJ. Adam attended SUNY Oneonta where he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree. He earned his Master of Counseling and Development Degree at L.I.U. CW Post. Adam is a former Guidance Counselor and holds a permanent certification in education.
In 2011 Adam became an Assistant Director for YAP’s OCFS Reunification Program. In 2013 he became NYS Regional Director and opened YAP’s Prevention/Reunification Program in Chemung County, which grew to include a school based advocate component and is part of a 5 state federal mentoring grant. Adam is an advocate for continuous training and has completed Child Abuse & Violence Workshops, Section 504 in NY: ‘A Closer Look’, Gang Intervention & Prevention, Advanced Youth Development, ADHD: Understanding and celebrating the gift, and Teen Suicide Prevention.
He is responsible for the over-sight of the South Bronx AIM Program, NYC Host Homes Project, as well as Ulster County and Schenectady County YAP programs. Adam is an active board member for the YAP Endowment Fund, which supports our youth and families in pursuing college or vocational schools to advance their skills and economic opportunities.
Regina Scarmack
Regional Director - PA
rscarmack@yapinc.org
Coming Soon
Bob Swanson
Regional Director - PA
rswanson@yapinc.org
717.514.3485
Bob joined YAP in 2000, first as an Advocate, then served as a program director in Lebanon County. From 2010-2014, he served as YAPs National Training coordinator. In his time at YAP, Bob has experience in leading juvenile justice, child welfare, behavioral health, developmental disability, and workforce development programs in addition to YAPs two community treatment centers for juvenile justice involved youth in Pennsylvania. Bob earned his Bachelor's degree from Clarion University.
Kasey Young
Regional Director - NY
kyoung@yapinc.org
Coming Soon
LaVeisha Cummings
Vice President - Southeast
lcummings@yapinc.org
312.433.6179
LaVeisha is the Vice President for YAP's Southeast region. LaVeisha joined YAP in 2011 as the Program Director for Chatham County-YAP located in Savannah, GA. In her current role, LaVeisha provides operational support and training to programs located in FL, GA, & SC.
LaVeisha received her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech & Theatre from Albany State University, her Master’s Degree in Counseling & Psychology from Troy University and her Doctorate Degree in Christian Counseling from Jacksonville Theological Seminary. LaVeisha is a published author and playwright. She brings to YAP a wealth of experience in both residential and community based programs working with youth considered at-risk.
Vivian Davis
Regional Director - FL
vdavis@yapinc.org
Coming Soon
Valerie Koeppel
Regional Director - NC, VA, WV
vkoeppel@yapinc.org
540.597.2247
Valerie Koeppel has worked with Youth Advocate Programs since 2009 when she began the operations for the first Virginia office in Roanoke. Through her work with YAP, Valerie has helped communities reduce their reliance out of home care. She has been involved in numerous strategic plans that have resulted in locality’s capacity to service children and families in their homes and communities. Valerie received her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and her Master’s in Counseling from Virginia Tech. Valerie received an executive certificate from Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy and is a fellow with their Center for Juvenile Justice Reform.
Felicia Wells
Regional Director - AL
fwells@yapinc.org
Coming Soon
Kimberly Brandon
Regional Director - AR, CA, LA, TN, TX
kbrandon@yapinc.org
817.905.3826
Coming Soon
Naomi Chargois Edwards
Southwest Regional BH Director
nchargois@yapinc.org
281.627.8364
Naomi Chargois Edwards is YAP’s Southwest Regional Director of Behavioral Health Services. She joined YAP as a Community Living Support in 2014, and has served as Assistant Director and Program Director of Behavioral Health Services. Naomi’s primary focus was to oversee the provision of intensive specialized services to children and youth with serious emotional disturbances in Fort Bend, Gulf Coast, and Harris County. She brings to YAP a diverse background of individual and group behavioral health services as well as a vision and purpose to empower youth and inspire future leaders.
In her current role, she is focused on ensuring quality behavioral health services are provided to children and youth, influencing teams, increasing collaboration, building leaders, and improving morale.
Naomi obtained her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Alabama State University and her Master’s in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy from Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi. In her spare time she enjoys creating memories with family, engaging in community outreach, and volunteering in her local Children’s Ministry.
Kevin Faulkner
Southwest Director of Business Operations - AZ, CO, KS, LA, NV, TX
kfaulkner@yapinc.org
214.883.2304
Kevin Faulkner joined the YAP team in 2001 and currently serves as YAP’s Southwest Director of Business Operations. In this capacity, he maintains oversight of financial, contractual and operational areas of the programs that provide a range of community-based services for children, youth and families throughout the Southwest region.
David Glenn
Regional Director - KS/CO/UT
dglenn@yapinc.org
216.260.5272
David Glenn is YAP's Southwest Regional Director for the states of Kansas, Colorado and Utah. David began working with YAP as a the first juvenile justice advocate when services began in Kansas. David became the Kansas Director in September of 2017.
David moved to Kansas from his home state of North Carolina and started college in Kansas City. He graduated in Tucson, Arizona with a degree in Administration of Justice. David's career began working for Victim Services Division of the Pima County Attorney's Office. David specialized in Mobile Crisis Intervention service and Domestic Violences. He decided to move back to Kansas to start a family and utilize his experiences to help Kansas youth and families.
David oversees training and quality improvement for the Southwest region. He is a certified Mandt Instructor and is Red Cross certified instructor for adult and pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED.
Talvin Paul
Vice President - AR, CA, LA, TN, TX
tpaul@yapinc.org
832.289.4622
Talvin Paul is YAP’s Southwest Vice President, responsible for the overall operations of programs in the Texas Gulf Coast Region and the state of Louisiana. Talvin has more than 26 years of experience in the field of social service in the Houston TX area. He developed a strong clinical background during his early years at MHMRA. He later blended that experience with 12 years of criminal justice experience. Talvin developed several programs for special needs offenders within the community supervision and corrections department. He was also recognized for his innovative approach to working with multi-needs, at-risk juvenile offenders through the Vital Issues Program (VIP). As a result of his success, he received the TCA State award. He has been active in community-led programs that focused on reducing crimes in high crime neighborhoods. He also taught Introduction to Mental Health Mental Retardation, Suicide Prevention and Cultural Diversity at the University of Houston's Corrections Academy.
Talvin’s professional history reflects his dedication to advocacy for children and special needs offenders. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Grambling State University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Prairie View A & M University. He is a Licensed Social Worker, a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, and a Licensed Child Care Administrator.
Nyeri Richards
Regional Director AZ/CA/NV
nrichards@yapinc.org
702.890.4721
Nyeri Richards, a native of Las Vegas, Nevada, has been with Youth Advocate Programs since 2012. Beginning with the agency as a Youth Advocate, she later served as a Program Director in a plethora of community-focused programming including Juvenile Justice, Child Welfare, Violence Reduction and Workforce Development. Nyeri might best be known for her knowledge and work around victims and survivors of Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) and currently works with survivors today. She formally served as the YAP SW Voice Coordinator, assisting in the collection, and recounting of client testimonials across the country and is a current member of the YAP International Peer Forum, partnering with our international chapters in global youth challenges. She has extensive experience as a national BAT Trainer, training YAP staff from the volunteer to the Senior Leadership level and has been a part of the planning for new office start-ups.
Nyeri enjoys raising her 15-year-old son and enjoys old classics and film noir in her spare time.
Patty Rosati
Chief Impact Officer
prosati@yapinc.org
717.599.8027
Patty Rosati is Southwest Vice President with YAP, currently presiding over Colorado, Kansas, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. In this capacity, she maintains oversight of numerous Juvenile Justice, Child Welfare Programs, Workforce Development and Violence Prevention programs serving children, youth, adults and families.
As Regional Training Coordinator, she travels the region providing training to staff and ensuring compliance with YAP and Referring Authority standards. Patty is an Informed Supervision Trainer, Teen Outreach Program (TOP) Trainer and Rutgers University Accredited Basic Advocacy Trainer. Patty is also President of YAP’s Tom Jeffers Youth Endowment Fund, which generates scholarships to current and former YAP youth and their families to support post-secondary vocational or educational programming.
Since joining YAP in 1989, Patty has held several leadership roles within the agency. She assumed the role of Program Director of Philadelphia YAP in 1992, with oversight of North East Philadelphia’s Day Treatment program. She served as Regional Director of Philadelphia YAP for 13 years, was promoted to Associate Vice-President of Employee & Program Development, and joined the Southwest team as Vice President in 2010.
Di Ann Rucker
Regional Director - TX
drucker@yapinc.org
817.559.1586
Di Ann Rucker, Division Director for Santa Fe Youth Services joined Youth Advocate Programs in 2015 when the two agencies merged. As Division Director, Di Ann is responsible for managing Santa Fe Youth Services Prevention and Counseling contracts and securing new contracts both in and outside of Tarrant County. Her other duties include staff management, quality assurance, and community outreach. Prior to merging with YAP, DiAnn spent 29 years working with adolescents, which included being the Director of a Residential Treatment and Foster Care Program, while actively being a Foster Parent. In addition, she worked as an Abuse Risk Management Specialist providing assessments and training to child-servicing organizations to minimize the risk of sexual abuse. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and intends to continue this work as long as possible.
Ann Branning
National Developmental Disabilities & Autism Training Coordinator
abranning@yapinc.org
717.413.2266
Ann Branning is the National Developmental Disabilities & Autism Training Coordinator for Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. Ann began work with YAP in 2001 in Lancaster county Pennsylvania as a Behavioral Specialist Consultant, focusing on serving individuals with autism.
Through her work with YAP and others, she worked closely with the consultants from Temple University to set the basis of YAP's autism training curriculum. She continues to support staff and train staff in autism and developmental disabilities. Ann holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Shippensburg University and an Maters in Social Work from Marywood University.
Lori Burrus
National Coordinator of Developmental Disabilities Programs
lburrus@yapinc.org
717.269.7969
Ms. Burrus has been working in various management positions in the developmental disability community for over 34 years. She has overseen licensed residential programs, life sharing and home and community services. In her time at YAP, she has developed programming for youth and adults with a disability funded through Medicaid waivers, mental health and employment systems. She attended Kutztown University and earned a degree in social welfare.
She loves her family and church family and a long term goal is to return to Southern Italy.
Shaneka Bynum
National Director of Employee Development
lburrus@yapinc.org
Shaneka attended Hollins University as a first-generation college student and majored in Women Studies. She started as a part-time advocate in 2009 in Roanoke, VA and grew with the agency over the years. She has held various leadership positions throughout her career, but her drive comes from her personal connection and passion of supporting youth and families involved in the juvenile justice and child welfare system. Shaneka has one son, Yaniv, and they reside in Durham, NC. She currently attends UNC-Wilmington in the Master's in Higher Education Administration program.
Jennifer Drake
National Director of Behavioral Health Services
jdrake@yapinc.org
973.670.7495
As the National Director of Behavioral Health Services at Youth Advocate Programs, Inc., Ms. Drake provides oversight of YAP’s behavioral health programs throughout the country. Ms. Drake worked at YAP as an advocate, outpatient therapist, and intensive in-home therapist before assuming the National Director role in 2013.
Ms. Drake has worked with youth in the mental health, juvenile justice and child welfare systems for over 15 years and has extensive training working with youth who have experienced child sexual abuse and other traumatic events. Ms. Drake has served as an expert witness for the State of New Jersey and has published articles in the Journal of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences and the New Jersey Journal of Professional Counseling.
Ms. Drake graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2003. She holds a Juris Doctor from Rutgers University School of Law, where she graduated cum laude in 2013. Ms. Drake is a Licensed Professional Counselor and attorney in the State of New Jersey.
Naomi Frazier, Chief People Officer, oversees the administration of Worker's Compensation, Unemployment, Benefits, Recruitment and Retention, and Personnel Policy and Procedures. She also provides internal training to YAP Directors and Administrative Managers on various HR subjects. Naomi works very closely with all field offices and YAP leadership to provide support and guidance. She also works with several outside consultants to ensure the infrastructure of YAP’s HR Department. Since receiving her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification, Naomi has taught several modules of the PHR manual.
Fred Fogg
National Director of Community-Based Safety Initiatives
ffogg@yapinc.org
973.454.3385
Coming Soon
Naomi Frazier
Chief People Officer
nfrazier@yapinc.org
717.232.7580 x1142
Naomi Frazier, Chief People Officer, oversees the administration of Worker's Compensation, Unemployment, Benefits, Recruitment and Retention, and Personnel Policy and Procedures. She also provides internal training to YAP Directors and Administrative Managers on various HR subjects. Naomi works very closely with all field offices and YAP leadership to provide support and guidance. She also works with several outside consultants to ensure the infrastructure of YAP’s HR Department. Since receiving her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification, Naomi has taught several modules of the PHR manual.
Naomi joined YAP in 1995 as a Payroll Manager. When she and her family moved to Philadelphia in 2001, she transitioned her role with YAP and provided fiscal support to YAP’s Cost Reimbursement Department for one year. In Philadelphia, Naomi was employed by a for-profit nursing agency as a Senior Payroll Coordinator and was promoted to Human Resource Representative. She also attended Villanova University where she received Certificates in Human Resource Management and Professionalism in Human Resources in 2004. She was then promoted to Benefits Administrator. In 2005, Naomi and her family returned to the Harrisburg area where she rejoined YAP as the Director of Human Resources.
Her professional memberships include: the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Human Resource Professionals of Central Pennsylvania. She is certified by the HR Certification Institute and as a Professional in Human Resources (2007) and received a BSM from the University of Phoenix in 2011.
Michael Garrigan
mgarrigan@yapinc.org
610.704.4620
Michael Garrigan has over 35 years of experience in social services. Mike joined YAP in 1992, serving first as Director and then Regional Director of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Ohio. Currently Executive Vice President, he develops and supports programs in six states as a member of YAP’s Southeast leadership team.
Before joining the YAP team, Mike worked extensively with at-risk youth in Northeastern Pennsylvania. His professional history includes positions as Educational Coordinator, Foster Care Manager, Independent Living Coordinator and Job Coach. He has served on the Board of Directors of YAP, the CAASP Advisory Board, PA Council of Children's Services, Northampton County Partnership, Northampton/Lehigh Counties Community Network, and the PA Community Provider's Association. Mike graduated from Kutztown University with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice/Social Work, and engages in continuing education in the fields of education and business administration.
Mike was a member of YAP’s original board of directors, and now sits on the Health Insurance Committee, National and Regional Leadership Teams, and the Endowment Board. He is active in his community, serving as a youth mentor and coaching high school basketball and softball for 16 years.
Michele Gutshall
Chief Compliance Officer
mgutshall@yapinc.org
717.232.7580 x1409
Coming Soon
Cliff Kubiak
Chief Information Officer
ckubiak@yapinc.org
717.232.7580 x1209
Cliff Kubiak joined YAP in 1992 as Program Director of the Philadelphia In-Home Detention Program. In Philadelphia, he implemented the Pre Hearing Intensive Supervision Program which still serves youth and families. He was also instrumental in opening other programs for at-risk youth in some of the most difficult high schools in Philadelphia.
Cliff moved to YAP’s Support Center in Harrisburg to help design and implement the company's internal auditing department. In 1999 he was given the additional responsibility of supervising YAP’s Monitoring, Reception and Information Technology (IT) departments. He led the team that installed the Microsoft network and e-mail systems that form the foundation of YAP's communications system. His department has also worked closely with the HR and Fiscal departments to implement software which has improved their ability to perform their daily responsibilities and reporting.
In 2006, Cliff was appointed Chief Information Officer and was named to the Senior Management team. In addition to his daily duties, Cliff serves as a member of the Health Insurance Committee, YAP Autism board, Integrity Compliance and PQI committees, senior management and as an advisor to the COA implementation group. Cliff has also coached his children's sports teams and served as a volunteer firefighter. He holds an Associate’s degree in Computer Science Community College of Philadelphia, and is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer--MCSE, LaSalle University, Business Management.
Diana Matteson
Director of International Programs & Development
dmatteson@yapinc.org
202.308.7508
Diana Matteson, Director of International Programs and Development for YAP, Inc., has over 20 years of experience in human services in direct practice, teaching and development. She holds a Masters in Art Therapy and a B.A. in Psychology from The George Washington University. Diana's graduate thesis focused on the role of art and storytelling in the grief process for young people living in street situations and adults living with HIV/AIDS. Diana served as a Peace Corps Volunteer and has devoted her career to social justice work.
Diana is bilingual - proficient in Spanish and English. She has represented YAP at international conferences and led educational workshops in nine different countries on clinical practice and effective interventions with marginalized youth and families. In her position as YAP Director of International Programs and Development, Diana coordinates training, technical assistance and consultation with YAP partners in Latin America, Europe, Australia, Africa and Asia and seeks new growth opportunities for YAP International. Committed to the value of VOICE and peer learning, Diana creates youth and professional exchanges for YAP youth and staff including leading youth delegations to international street soccer tournaments in Brazil and Argentina.
Ryanne Persinger
National Director of Communications
rpersinger@yapinc.org
Ryanne Persinger is a journalist with a broad range of communications experience. Prior to joining YAP in 2021, she was a marketing and communications coordinator at a technical college. She also worked in Harrisburg, Pa. as a media specialist for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Democratic Caucus and taught mass communications at a small private liberal arts college in South Carolina. Ryanne’s work has appeared in newspapers in Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Visalia and Tulare, communities in her home state of California. She is a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University and earned her master’s degree in journalism from Florida A&M University.
Carla Powell
Chief Growth & Development Officer
cpowell@yapinc.org
334.324.7510
Carla Powell serves as the Chief Growth & Development Officer for YAP. She leads a gifted fund development team that is working to expand the organization’s funding efforts.
Carla is a graduate of Auburn University and a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) with over 25 years of experience in nonprofit management, marketing and fund development. She began assisting YAP in the fall of 2007 as a marketing and fund development consultant and joined the organization full time two years later to lead private and corporate giving. Carla is an experienced federal, state and foundation grant professional.
Prior to joining YAP, she specialized in serving vulnerable and marginalized communities through her consulting firm where she raised millions of dollars for her clients at the local, state, national and international levels. She is a published author and speaker with articles appearing in state and national publications. Her book, Restorative Justice: A Ministry Resource Guide, calls the faith community to action. As a Regional Director for Prison Fellowship Ministries, Carla led efforts in nine states to develop and expand their crime victim assistance program. She served as the U.S. Communications Director of Hope Unlimited for Children, raising funds to rescue street children in Brazil, many of whom are justice system involved. Carla started her career as the Marketing and Consumer Information Director for the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association which gave her an opportunity to work extensively with the media and support nonprofits as a corporate donor. This unique perspective, as well as experience serving on numerous nonprofit boards, and support of child advocacy issues, has bolstered her ability to increase funding for YAP.
Dana Stottlemyer
Chief of Operational Support Services
dstottlemyer@yapinc.org
717.232.7580 x1109
Dana Stottlemyer, joined YAP in 1988 as an Assistant Program Manager. In that position, her management experience, dedication, and understanding led to success in increasingly responsible positions. With opportunity to further develop her skills, she became a leader in the support of program services and agency. Throughout her YAP career, she has demonstrated devotion to her coworkers and to the agency’s mission, She has a clear understanding of the challenges faced by the communities YAP serves and works closely with staff in the field and at the YAP Support Center to develop creative solutions in a challenging and ever-changing work environment.