Our Staff
Administration
Alison Brayton
Finance Manager
Brayton@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Alison Brayton is an experienced accountant and finance professional known for practical, detail-oriented approach and commitment to helping organizations operate efficiently and effectively. She brings strong financial knowledge, collaborative problem-solving skills, and a dedication to supporting both organizational goals and team success.
Areas of Focus
- Attention to detail
- Financial operations and organization
- Collaborative decision-making
- Process improvement and efficiency
- Team-oriented problem solving
Kelsea Ethell
Food Pantry Associate
Kelsea Ethell is a friendly and dependable front office professional who enjoys helping patients and creating a welcoming environment. She brings strong communication and organizational skills, along with experience assisting patients, scheduling appointments, answering phones, verifying insurance information, and supporting daily office operations.
Kelsea takes pride in providing excellent customer service while maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and attention to detail. She is committed to ensuring that every patient feels welcomed, supported, and treated with care.
Areas of Focus
• Patient assistance and customer service
• Appointment scheduling
• Front office operations
• Insurance verification
• Confidentiality and attention to detail
Kevin Keefer
President and CEO
kkeefer@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
A veteran of the United States Army during the Persian Gulf War, Kevin Keefer brings strong leadership and a commitment to service. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and previously worked with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the Pennsylvania Office of Long-Term Living. He also partnered with Highmark to establish a community resource center. He has been with JFS since 2024.
Areas of Focus
- Senior services expansion
- Food security
- Community partnerships
- Program leadership
Why I Do This Work
Kevin is committed to ensuring that all community members have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
Jill Olney
Operations Manager
jolney@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Jill Olney brings over 15 years of nonprofit and fundraising experience and over 30 years of special event planning and administrative support experience to JFS. She has been with JFS since 2023.
Areas of Focus
- Fundraising
- Special Events
- Administrative Expertise
Education & Credentials
- Bachelor’s Degree, Vanderbilt University
Why I Do This Work
Jill is proud to be part of an organization dedicated to strengthening and improving the lives of others. She is especially inspired by the immediate, meaningful impact JFS services has on individuals and families in the community.
Shante Plummer
Office Manager
splummer@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Shante serves as the Office Manager with JFS. She brings over 20 years in Healthcare Administration with a strong background in medical billing and provider credentialing.
Areas of Focus
- Leadership Focused
- Operations & Compliance
- Professional & Polished
Why I Do This Work
Shante is motivated by the opportunity to combine leadership, problem-solving, and healthcare service to make a real difference every day.
Marisol Rosario-Perez
Front Desk Receptionist
Marisol serves as our receptionist with experience in healthcare administration in a nonprofit setting.
Andrew Smith
Comptroller
asmith@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Andrew brings extensive finance experience to the JFS team. In previous roles, he led accounting operations for a large local council in the United Kingdom where he managed complex budgets and strengthened vendor relationships. He has a strong track record of leading teams through system implementations, audits, and financial close cycles. Andrew has also worked on finance teams for Children’s Services, which provided firsthand experience with the financial side of foster care and adoption programs.
Areas of Focus
- Financial leadership and strategy
- Budget oversight and reporting
- Vendor relations
- Audit and regulatory compliance
- Team leadership and development
Why I Do This Work
Andrew is passionate about applying his financial expertise in a way that directly supports
people and strengthens the local community
Child Welfare Services – Adoption and Foster Care
Elizabeth “Lizzie” Gross, MSW
Resource Family Coordinator
egross@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Elizabeth “Lizzie” has been with Jewish Family Service since Fall 2024 as a Resource Family Coordinator – Child Worker. She brings more than five years of experience in child welfare and previously served in a similar role.
Areas of Focus
- Foster care case management
- Youth support in licensed resource homes
- Permanency planning
Why I Do This Work
Lizzie is dedicated to supporting youth and families through compassionate, consistent care.
Tabitha Kincaid
Resource Family Coordinator
tkincaid@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Tabitha Kincaid serves as a Resource Family Coordinator – Family Worker at Jewish Family Service. She is also an active foster parent and brings both professional and personal experience to her work.
Areas of Focus
- Resource family support
- Family engagement
- Youth and children’s advocacy
Why I Do This Work
Tabitha is passionate about supporting families and children and is committed to helping them build strong, connected lives.
Rachel Kuhr,
LCSW
Director of Child Welfare Services
rkuhr@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Rachel Kuhr has been with Jewish Family Service since 2002 and has served in the Child Welfare Services program since 2005. Her social work career spans more than 40 years and includes experience in child abuse investigations, family preservation, and outpatient therapy. As Director, Rachel provides leadership and guidance to ensure high-quality services for children and families.
Areas of Focus
- Child welfare leadership and administration
- Foster Care and Adoption
- Adoption and trauma-focused clinical services
Why I Do This Work
Rachel is passionate about supporting children and families while helping her staff learn, grow, and succeed in their roles.
Nicollette Morton
Resource Family Coordinator
nmorton@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Nicollette Morton has been with the foster care program at Jewish Family Service since July 2025. She works with families to build on strengths, promote stability, and support long-term permanency for children.
Areas of Focus
- Family engagement
- Strengths-based casework
- Permanency support
Why I Do This Work
Nicollette values relationship-building and meeting families where they are to support meaningful, lasting change.
Samantha Stanley
Resource Family Coordinator
sstanley@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Samantha Stanley serves as a resource family coordinator- family worker. Samantha earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from York College of Pennsylvania in 2023. Samantha has previous experience as an adoption and permanency specialist as well as a Children and Youth Services Caseworker II.
Areas of Focus:
- Family approval documents
- Adoption Finalization
- Resource family recruitment and support
Why I Do This Work:
Samantha is dedicated to serving children, youth & families navigating the child welfare system and out of home care.
Heidi Storey, MA
Adoption & Foster Care Team Lead
hstorey@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Heidi Storey serves as JFS’s Adoption and Foster Care Team Lead, overseeing resource family recruitment, licensure, and placement as well as supervision of foster youth once placed in a resource home. Heidi earned her Master’s of Strategic Leadership from Messiah University and completed her undergraduate studies at Millersville University. Her professional practice is shaped by her lived experience as an adoptive parent to four children from the child welfare system.
Areas of Focus
- Resource family recruitment and support
- Child-centered practice
- Leadership development
- Trauma-informed care
Why I Do This Work
Heidi is dedicated to providing a high level of support to families and youth navigating the challenges of the child welfare system.
Brandi Waesche, MS
Resource Family Coordinator
bwaesche@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Brandi Waesche has been with Jewish Family Service since summer 2024 and serves as a Resource Family Coordinator, overseeing youth in foster care placed within foster homes. She brings more than 20 years of experience in human services.
Areas of Focus
- Foster care case management
- Resource family support
- Youth stability and permanency
Why I Do This Work
Brandi is passionate about helping families thrive and supporting children through stability and connection.
SWAN & Post-Permanency Services
Alia Husmann, MSW, LSW
SWAN Team Lead
ahusman@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Alia Husmann serves as the SWAN Team Lead, supervising staff who provide adoption and permanency-related services to youth in resource family homes and throughout the community. She earned her Master of Social Work from Millersville University and completed her undergraduate studies at Messiah College.
Areas of Focus
- Adoption and permanency services
- Resource family support
- Youth advocacy
- Creative permanency planning
Why I Do This Work
Alia is a passionate advocate for resource families and waiting youth and is committed to finding innovative, outside-the-box solutions to help children achieve permanency.
Caitlyn Kirkner
SWAN Permanency Coordinator
Professional Background
Caitlyn has over two years of completing SWAN permanency services and is excited to bring that knowledge with her to JFS. She particularly enjoys completing child preparation and child specific recruitment services with children to help them process what it means to be in foster care and to assist them in achieving permanency. Caitlyn completed her undergraduate degree at Moody Bible Institute and is set to graduate from Millersville University with her MSW in May of 2027.
Areas of Focus
- Adoption and permanency services
- Youth advocacy
- Lifebooks and child narratives
- Child recruitment
Why I Do This Work
Caitlyn is passionate about advocating for children and youth who need a voice, being a listening ear for them, and helping each child achieve permanency.
Kim Kupfer,MS
Post-Permanency Coordinator
kkupfer@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Kim Kupfer holds a master’s degree in counseling and has worked in the Post-Permanency Department at Jewish Family Service since 2019. She supports families after adoption through education, advocacy, and individualized guidance.
Areas of Focus
- Post-adoption support
- Trauma education
- Neurodiversity and nervous system regulation
- Parent education and advocacy
Why I Do This Work
Kim is passionate about empowering parents through trauma-informed education and brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work.
Bryna Sherr, MSW, ACSW, LCSW
SWAN Permanency Coordinator
bsherr@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Bryna Sherr earned her MSW from the University of Maryland and has been a social worker since 1994. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, an Academy of Certified Social Workers member, and a Certified Trauma-Competent Professional. Bryna has been with JFS as a SWAN affiliate since 2012. She concurrently works in outpatient therapy in MyndWorks Counseling Services.
Areas of Focus
- Trauma-informed care
- Foster and adopted youth
- Specializing in teen permanency
- Clinical therapy and assessment with teens and adults
Why I Do This Work
Bryna is passionate about supporting teens and helping them navigate the unique challenges of achieving permanency.
Kathleen Swain,
MSW
SWAN Permanency Coordinator
kswain@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Kathleen Swain previously worked with Jewish Family Service before moving to the University of Pittsburgh Child Welfare Resource Center, where she supported statewide child welfare improvement efforts. She returned to JFS part-time in 2021 as part of her retirement plans.
Areas of Focus
- Child welfare systems improvement
- Youth engagement and support
- Permanency advocacy
Why I Do This Work
Kathleen is deeply committed to supporting youth and brings creativity and care to her work, including coordinating a blanket project for older youth in foster care.
Mental Health Services - MyndWorks Counseling
Tricia Eganey,
MS
Director of Mental Health Services
teganey@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Tricia serves as the Director of Mental Health Services and brings over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and communities through comprehensive mental health and substance use programs. They provide leadership for community-based services that promote recovery, stability, and long-term wellness.
Areas of Focus
- Mental health program leadership
- Substance use and recovery services
- Community-based treatment models
- Long-term wellness and stability
Education & Credentials
- Master’s Degree in Human Services, Capella University
- Certified Drug and Alcohol Therapist, Anne Arundel Community College
Why I Do This Work
Tricia is committed to strengthening individuals and communities by expanding access to effective, compassionate mental health and substance use services.
Marjorie Koch, MWS, LCSW
Adult Mental Health Therapist (Virtual Sessions Only)
mkoch@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Marjorie is a therapist who is passionate about helping people create lives they enjoy. She works
with clients to explore how trauma and life experiences shape beliefs, patterns, and habits that
affect emotional and physical well-being. Marjorie uses both innovative and traditional
therapeutic techniques to help clients heal and move toward their goals.
Areas of Focus
• Trauma-informed therapy
• Belief and pattern exploration
• Emotional and mental health wellness
• Goal-oriented therapeutic work
Education and Credentials
• Master of Social Work, Temple University
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (PA)
Service Delivery
• Virtual therapy services only
Why I Do This Work
Marjorie believes that understanding and healing the root causes of pain is a powerful act and is
deeply committed to helping clients shift toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Mary Tarbell, LPC,
RPT-S
Outpatient Therapist
mtarbell@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Mary Tarbell works with children ages three and up and their caregivers to create a safe,
supportive environment where children can express themselves and feel understood. She
recognizes that behavioral and emotional changes are often a child’s way of communicating
experiences they do not yet have words for.
Areas of Focus
• Child and family therapy
• Trauma-informed care
• Anxiety, emotional, and behavioral challenges
• Adoption and foster care-related support
Education & Credentials
• Master’s Degree in Education, Shippensburg University
• Licensed Professional Counselor (PA)
• Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor (RPT-S)
Why I Do This Work
Mary is passionate about helping children and families build emotional safety, connection, and
understanding through developmentally appropriate, play-based approaches.
Mental Health Services - Family Based Mental Health
Danielle Eagleson, MS
Masters Level Family-Based Health Services Therapist
deagleson@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Danielle Eagleson is a mental health counselor who specializes in helping children, teens, and adults learn to cope with emotions and everyday life challenges. She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lebanon Valley College and continues to expand her practice by incorporating new techniques to meet the evolving needs of her clients.
Areas of Focus
- Play therapy
- Person-centered counseling
- Emotional regulation and coping skills
- Therapy for children, teens, and adults
Education & Credentials
- Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Lebanon Valley College
Why I Do This Work
Danielle believes in working collaboratively with each client to create an individualized treatment plan, using a warm, supportive approach that empowers clients to reach their goals both inside and outside the therapy room.
Joey Forster
Family-Based Mental Health Services Therapist
jforster@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Family-Based Therapist at Jewish Family Service, providing supportive, family-centered care to individuals and families. Since joining the organization in June 2025, Joey has been committed to delivering compassionate services that promote emotional wellness, stability, and healthy family functioning.
Areas of Focus
- Family-based therapy
- Strengths-based interventions
- Culturally responsive care
- Individual and family support
- Empowerment and resilience-building
Education & Credentials
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Minor in Anthropology – Southern Connecticut State University
Why I Do This Work
Joey is passionate about supporting individuals and families through a compassionate, strengths-based, and culturally responsive approach. He creates a safe, collaborative space where clients feel heard and empowered to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and achieve lasting growth.
Reagan Lightner
Family-Based Mental Health Services Therapist
rlightner@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Behavioral health professional with six years of experience serving individuals across the lifespan and from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Experienced in providing client-centered services that promote emotional wellness, stability, and growth. Skilled in building rapport, fostering trust, and supporting individuals and families through a collaborative and strengths-based approach.
Areas of Focus
- Family-Based Services
- Child and adolescent behavioral health
- Adult mental health support
- Collaborative, team-centered care
- Strengths-based and relationship-driven interventions
- Culturally responsive service delivery
Education & Credentials
- Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science
- Associate’s Degree in Psychology
Why I Do This Work
Reagan thrives in family-based services, supporting children and adults together to strengthen the entire family system. She is passionate about building meaningful connections and providing collaborative care that empowers families to grow, heal, and create lasting positive change.
Abbigail “Abbi” Linn, MS
Masters Level Family-Based Health Services Therapist
alinn@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Abbi Linn is a mental health professional with a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling who provides individualized, client-centered care to diverse populations. She has extensive experience supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, creating structured, strength-based plans tailored to each person’s goals. Through clinical and community-based work, Abbi helps individuals and families build practical skills that enhance communication, independence, and overall well-being.
Areas of Focus
- Autism spectrum support and individualized treatment planning
- Social skills development
- Emotional regulation and coping strategies
- Strength-based, evidence-informed interventions
- Community-based services promoting independence
- Family collaboration and support
Education & Credentials
- Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling
- Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
- Ongoing professional development in evidence-based practices and behavioral health interventions
Why I Do This Work
Abbi believes every individual deserves compassionate, personalized support to reach their full potential. She is passionate about helping clients recognize their strengths, build resilience, and grow in confidence and independence.
Christa Mainier,
LSW
Family-Based Mental Health Therapist
cmainier@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Christa holds a bachelor's degree in social work from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and a master's degree in social work from Temple University. She is a Licensed Social Worker, with over 18 years of experience in the field. Christa has worked with children and families as a Children and Youth Caseworker, Behavior Specialist/Mobile Therapist, Casework Specialist for a specialized setting, and a Family-Based Therapist.
Areas of Focus
- Children and families
- Behavior support
- Community based services
- Mobile therapy
Why I Do This Work
Christa is passionate about this work because it helps individuals enhance their quality of life, empowers clients to achieve greater independence, and offers the deeply rewarding experience of making a meaningful impact through service.
Kayla Whittington, MSW
Masters Level Family-Based Health Services Therapist
kwhittington@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Kayla Whittington is a Masters Level Family-Based Therapist dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families in building stronger, healthier connections. She provides comprehensive, family-centered services designed to address relational dynamics, communication patterns, and emotional regulation within the home environment. Kayla’s work is grounded in collaboration, empowerment, and creating safe spaces where families can grow together.
Areas of Focus
- Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Communication skill-building
- Emotional regulation and coping strategies
- Strengths-based and resilience-focused interventions
- Creative and expressive therapeutic techniques
Education & Credentials
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Specialized training in Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT)
- Training in DBT, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing
Why I Do This Work
Kayla is passionate about strengthening family bonds and helping individuals feel understood and empowered. She incorporates play, games, and art-based activities to encourage meaningful self-expression and connection. Her goal is to foster growth and resilience so families can thrive long after services conclude.
Senior Services
Jeff Baer
Pantry Associate
jbaer@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Jeff relocated to the Harrisburg area in 2023 after a distinguished career spanning more than 45 years in information technology. Throughout his career, he managed large-scale data center operations and led complex technology modernization initiatives for commercial organizations and federal agencies in the Washington, D.C. region.
In 2025, Jeff began volunteering with the JFS Food Pantry, where his commitment to serving the community and addressing food insecurity quickly made him a valued member of the team. He now serves as the Food Pantry Associate, supporting food procurement, inventory management, and the day-to-day operations of the pantry to help ensure individuals and families have access to nutritious food.
Areas of Focus
• Food procurement and pantry inventory
• Pantry operations and logistics
• Volunteer support
• Client food assistance
Why I Do This Work
Jeff is passionate about helping address food insecurity and believes that everyone deserves access to nutritious food. Through his work at JFS, he enjoys making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families while giving back to the community he now calls home.
John Jantos
Senior Services Support Specialist
jjantos@jfsofhbg.org
Jim Lawrence
Senior Transport Supervisor
jlawrence@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Jim has over 27 years of experience in public safety and the criminal justice system with the government, private, and academic sectors in both Pennsylvania and Nevada. Jim has worked with JFS since 2026.
Areas of Focus
- Door-to-door transportation
- Transportation coordination and scheduling
Education & Credentials
- Associate’s Degree
- Community Transportation Association of America Certification
Why I Do This Work
Jim is dedicated to serving in a community organization that makes a direct and meaningful impact on people’s well-being. Through his experience as a caregiver for his aging parents, he gained a deep understanding of how essential reliable transportation is for seniors. He knows that access to transportation does more than provide a ride – it enables older adults to remain independent, stay engaged in social activities, access medical care, and continue thriving in their own homes.
Kathy Russell
Director of Senior Services
krussell@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Kathy Russell is the Director of Senior Services who believes every older adult deserves to age with dignity, independence, and the right support system in place. With over 20 years of experience as a nursing home and personal care home administrator, she understands the complexities of senior care from both clinical and personal perspectives.
Areas of Focus
- Post-acute healthcare resources
- Individualized care plans tailored to each senior’s unique needs
- Aging-in-place strategies and connecting families with trusted community resources
Education & Credentials
- Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and Gerontology
Why I Do This Work
Kathy is driven by one simple goal: ensuring every senior has access to the care and services necessary to maintain a meaningful quality of life.
Emeli Sosa
Senior Services Program Coordinator
esosa@jfsofhbg.org
Professional Background
Emeli Sosa has dedicated her career to creating meaningful experiences that foster connection, creativity, and purpose for older adults. Her background includes developing recreational programs, coordinating events, and creating supportive environments where seniors feel valued, engaged, and empowered to maintain an active lifestyle.
Areas of Focus
- Person-centered programming
- Social engagement and connection
- Emotional well-being
- Lifelong learning
- Creative activities and recreation
- Supporting hobbies and personal interests
Education & Credentials
- Bachelor’s Degree in Commercial Music
Why I Do This Work
Emeli believes that every person deserves opportunities to experience joy, purpose, and meaningful connection at every stage of life. She is passionate about creating moments that enrich daily life and help older adults feel seen, heard, and celebrated.