Executive Leadership


  • Co-Executive Director

    Brian began his professional social work career at the Spirit of Gheel in 2000, where he became inspired by the ideals of a therapeutic community and its positive impact on the human spirit and potential. He later co-founded and served as a Board Member of Partners Creating Community (PCC) and as the Executive Director of Partners Foundation. While working for 16 years as the Founding Director of Adesha Village, Brian witnessed a scarcity of meaningful, inclusive, and artisan employment opportunities for adults with developmental differences, autism, and special mental health needs. This experience motivated him to help establish PCC. Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in cognitive neuroscience from Temple University and a master’s degree in social science from the Bryn Mawr School of Social Work. Additionally, he is a certified yoga instructor and a life-sharing householder. Brian transitioned from his role as Executive Director of Partners Foundation to Co-Executive Director of PCC in 2024, further dedicating his efforts to expanding inclusive and purposeful opportunities and support for adults of varying abilities.

  • Co-Executive Director

    Kristen’s journey into social work began with her early childhood education studies, where she saw firsthand the challenges of meeting the individual needs of students with differences. Experiencing one social worker shared across an entire school district highlighted this critical lack of support. Motivated to make a difference, Kristen switched her major to social work, driven by a passion for creating inclusive environments where all individuals can thrive. With over 18 years of experience working with adults with intellectual disabilities, autism, and mental health needs, Kristen's career has been dedicated to fostering independence and dignity. After earning a master’s degree in social work from West Chester University, she worked in various health care settings, including Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine Lancaster General. In 2016, Kristen co-founded Partners Creating Community (PCC). As Executive Director of PCC since 2020, Kristen has continued to drive the mission of empowerment and inclusion. She also co-founded Partners Foundation in 2019 to sustain PCC’s work. Kristen’s dedication to social work is rooted in her desire to improve the lives of those with special needs, ensuring everyone has the chance to lead a fulfilling life.

Operational Leadership

  • Director of Operations

    Olivia is the Director of Operations at Partners Creating Community’s (PCC) enterprises. She began her career in health care and financial administration before finding her passion in the non-profit sector. Olivia first joined PCC to manage farmers markets and wholesale accounts for Green Lion Breads, Heart Stone Pastry, Pear Tree Coffee Roasters, and Quiet Space, where she leveraged her organizational and entrepreneurial skills to forge lasting community connections. Olivia now oversees all accounts within the enterprises, driving economic development and inspiring both emotional and holistic growth among the PCC team. Her leadership has been instrumental in the continued success and expansion of PCC’s enterprises. Outside of work, Olivia is an avid trail runner, currently training for her next ultra marathon.

  • Human Resources Manager

    What truly inspires Eric at Partners Creating Community (PCC) is the opportunity to contribute to a mission that empowers individuals and enriches the community. He finds deep fulfillment in supporting a workplace that fosters growth, equity, and a positive impact on the lives of others. The ambitious, creative and heartfelt approach of PCC continues to amaze Eric, and he’s pleased to witness it. He has over 10 years of experience in Human Resources and was fortunate enough to join PCC in 2023. Eric enjoys working with his hands, often doing DIY projects in his spare time. 

  • Director of Development and Communications

    Amy came to Partners Creating Community (PCC) in 2022 with lived experience as a caregiver for a child with critical medical needs and disabilities. This perspective has allowed her to deeply understand the challenges and uncertainties faced by individuals with disabilities and their families. Before PCC, she spent about a decade and a half in public relations, marketing, and fundraising - spending most of that time on leadership teams that successfully turned around financially distressed hospitals and health systems. She spent five years baking professionally for a metropolitan coffeehouse before accepting her position at PCC. Amy was a student-athlete at Hofstra University, graduating with dual degrees in public relations and community health.

  • Finance Director

    Trey graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance from Temple University in 2018. He joined Partners Creating Community (PCC) that summer as the General Manager of Operations for Green Lion Breads and Heart Stone Coffee. Trey is now the Director of Finance for PCC. He always wanted to find the meeting point of philanthropic goals and economic sustainability, and PCC has always challenged him to do just that. When Trey isn’t working at PCC, he’s teaching yoga, hiking, reading, or snowboarding.

Clinical/Living Support Leadership

  • Residential Director/IT Director

    Joe started his career as the Director of Training and Development for a small telecom company, where he was responsible for creating and implementing a comprehensive training program. When Joe’s grandparents fell ill, he left his position to become their caregiver. After their passing, he sought more meaningful work and, serendipitously, met Co-Executive Directors Brian Dodd and Kristen Weber at a car show. Joe joined Partners Creating Community as a direct support staff member, progressed to residential program manager, and now serves as the residential director and information technology director.

  • Clinical Director

    Jason Kelley-Post loves to support, understand, and help individuals of all abilities thrive and become the best version of themselves, appreciating the differences and uniqueness of each person. He began substitute teaching with special needs individuals while pursuing a degree in education. Jason began working in residential settings with Brian’s House Enterprises over 20 years ago. He then moved into the school setting with Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health. While with Devereux, Jason earned his master’s degree in special education and graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, along with earning 2,000 supervised hours in pursuit of his Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification. Jason began as support staff at Devereux, worked into a teacher role, and finished as a lead teacher.

  • Residential Program Manager

    Laura received a bachelor's degree in biology from Bryn Athyn College and joined the Partners Creating Community team in 2023. For many years, she provided in-home support for elderly individuals. Laura also maintained ornamental and production gardens; managed a farmers' market; and taught Spanish to high school students for a year. She values every person's sense of purpose and loves variety, exploring, outdoor physical activities, learning, and bringing people together.

  • Residential Program Manager

    Gregory Straff brings a natural passion for caregiving to his role at Partners Creating Community. Inspired by personal experiences, Gregory has dedicated his career to supporting individuals with developmental differences and mental health needs. He finds profound reward in helping the individuals we serve achieve their personal goals while fostering meaningful connections built on trust and respect. With a leadership style rooted in compassion and understanding, Gregory views his work as an integral part of his life, not just a career. He takes pride in creating a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can thrive and grow. Outside of work, Gregory enjoys spending quality time with his partner, Brittany, and their dog, Murphy. Whether traveling with his partner, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, or playing music as a DJ at local venues throughout Phoenixville, Gregory’s zest for life extends beyond his professional endeavors.

  • Residential Program Manager

    Austin has a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University in recreation, parks, and tourism management. He spent time working with diverse populations across different states. After graduating, Austin moved to Hawaii to work at a wilderness therapy program. He moved back to Phoenixville to pursue a master’s degree in education and shifted from teaching to his role at Partners Creating Community. Austin enjoys hiking, surfing and yoga in his free time.

  • Residential Program Manager

    Rebecca graduated with a bachelor’s degree in applied psychology from Albright College and began providing case management services for individuals with Intellectual disabilities in 2004. She worked in the government and private sectors providing case management, direct services, as well as managing larger teams of employees. Rebecca’s goal has always been to provide as many people as possible with the tools and information needed to reach their own goals and receive services. Rebecca loves her job because it reminds her to remain humble, and it allows her to build valuable relationships with members, families, and the community.

Enterprise Leadership

  • Director of Agriculture

  • Executive Pastry Chef


    Sarah is both the Executive Pastry Chef and Founder of Heart Stone Pastry. With nearly a decade of experience in Los Angeles' competitive pastry scene, Sarah made a significant move to Phoenixville in 2020, driven by a profound desire to engage with the community through her culinary talents. Her journey with Heart Stone began during the pandemic, when she took charge of production at Heart Stone Coffee, swiftly assembling a dedicated team to bring pastries and a profound sense of purpose to the local community. Together, they embody a dedication to culinary excellence and community enrichment that defines Heart Stone Pastry's ethos. Outside the kitchen, Sarah enjoys traveling with her husband, Dane - Art Director of Quiet Space - and their Golden Retrievers, Norman and Derby. 

  • Executive Bread Baker

  • Art Director


    Dane received his master’s degree in fine arts from California State University - Long Beach in 2014. His previous work in Los Angeles includes set design for fashion photography and fabrication and scenic work for brands and agencies, including Netflix, Apple and Diageo. Upon moving to Phoenixville in 2020, he began cabinet-making for Tyler Donald Fine Furniture. He established Quiet Space in 2022. 

  • Agriculture & Farm Lead

  • Lead Coffee Production Manager

    Kelsey is the Lead Coffee Production Manager for Pear Tree Coffee Roasters. She began working for Partners Creating Community (PCC) in 2019 as a barista in the Franklin Commons location. With a degree in business management, Kelsey has greatly enjoyed the challenge of establishing Pear Tree Coffee Roasters in 2020 and growing it alongside the other enterprises within PCC. She dedicates her professional life to PCC's mission because it is truly fulfilling to work in such a diverse community, where everyone's talents and personalities come together to create something beautiful. Besides loving coffee, Kelsey also has a passion for the dairy industry, having been raised on a farm nearby. When she isn’t roasting coffee or making yogurt, you can find her outdoors or spending time with friends and family.

  • Front of House Manager, 260 Bridge Café

    Mandi has spent 13 years in food service, including 10 years in a variety of roles at Cake in Chestnut Hill. Through her career, she has farmed on small scale organic vegetable and flower farms in the area; has been a rock climbing and certified yoga instructor; and has traveled extensively.  Mandi is passionate about the joy the smallest interactions can bring involving food, coffee, and tea - believing that kindness and thoughtfulness can be woven into each interaction. She began working farmer’s markets with Partners Creating Community (PCC) in 2020 and is excited to be a part of the organization’s growth as Front of House Manager at 260 Bridge Café. Her goal in food service is to not only engender meaningful interactions while serving delicious products, but ultimately strive to be a part of closed loop economies by sourcing from local farmers and collaborating with local businesses as much as possible. The intersectionality of PCC’s enterprises has allowed her to pursue these goals and more. When Mandi is not at 260 Bridge Cafe or around town, she can be found at home with her precious cat, Lily, either writing or starting yet another book that is destined to be unfinished.

  • Assistant Front of House Manager, 260 Bridge Café

    From a young age, Jordan had always been interested in two things: culinary and social sciences. Having pursued their bachelor’s degree in sociology at the University of McGill, they sought to explore their other interest by working in the food industry and have been doing so since 2020. Since joining Partners Creating Community at 260 Bridge Café, Jordan has been able to combine their two loves by being the brains behind syrup and coffee recipes as well as shaping the cafe to be a welcoming and accessible environment.