National Staff

Edith Yoder

Chief Executive Officer edithy@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Edith Yoder, EdM, is the Chief Executive Officer of Bridge of Hope National. She authored the original church volunteer training manual for Bridge of Hope and developed many Bridge of Hope manuals on nonprofit management, fundraising, and board issues. Edith holds a master’s degree in Adult and Organizational Development from Temple University and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Eastern Mennonite University. After 30 years with Bridge of Hope, Edith is more passionate than ever about building neighborhoods of support for families facing homelessness.

Kathy Beiler

Grants and Governance Specialist kathyb@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Kathy joined our staff in November 2010. She is a former board member of Tel Hai Retirement Community and Bridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester Counties, where she chaired the Garden Brunch event for many years. Kathy’s prior experience was as development director for a Christian school, advertising director for a real estate company and a claims attorney for a major healthcare company. Kathy holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and English Literature from Franklin and Marshall College and a law degree from Villanova School of Law.

Kathy says, “I have a strong passion for both Bridge of Hope and development and am excited to be part of the staff and share the mission with others.”

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Anne Dunnenberger

Director of Outreach anned@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Anne joined the staff of Bridge of Hope National in 2012 after working for almost ten years as Special Events Coordinator and then Development Director for Bridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester Counties. She is an active member of Ascension Lutheran Church, has served on various school and community committees, and is married with three children. Anne holds a bachelor’s degree from Millersville University and has previous experience in social services, sales, and customer relations.

Anne has a deep passion for the work of Bridge of Hope. “Having been raised by a single mother, I can relate to the difficulties and hardships that mothers face when trying to balance work and family life alone. Add to that the fear of homelessness and those obstacles seem overwhelming. The Bridge of Hope program is a viable solution that empowers women experiencing homelessness to rise above those obstacles and calls the church to be in relationship with families facing homelessness. And isn’t being in relationship with one another how we all survive?”

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Dana Felder

Manager of Network Resources and Online Services danaf@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Dana Felder joined the Bridge of Hope National staff in January 2017 as Manager of Network Resources and Online Services (having served previously as Web & Database Administrator). She is a member of Sacred Heart Church and she has had a lifelong interest in seeing people stuck in tough situations be able to succeed with the support and encouragement of others.

“Most of us have had at least one person in our lives who believed in us,” says Dana. “That’s what I like about Bridge of Hope’s program. The help for mothers and children is not only monetary; it also includes Neighboring Volunteers – people who say, ‘You can do this!’”

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Jessica Henry

Communications Specialist jessicah@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Jessica joined our staff in October 2022 and serves as our Communications Specialist. She has spent her career working in nonprofit communications and development. She is passionate about storytelling and good communication in faith-based organizations. Jessica is excited about her role at Bridge of Hope because she considers it a privilege to tell the stories of families facing homelessness. She enthusiastically agrees with Bridge of Hope’s vision of “communities where no family is homeless.”

Jessica holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Messiah University. She and her husband live in the Lancaster area.

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Mary Beth Henry

Office Administrator marybethh@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Mary Beth joined the staff of Bridge of Hope National in November 2015. Mary Beth has a financial services background and most recently served as office manager for an investment management firm where she worked for 8 years. She has a B.A. in Communications from East Carolina University, in Greenville, NC. Mary Beth and her husband attend Calvary Chapel Chester Springs and they also actively participate in the ministry of the Christian Motorcyclists Association.

She says, “I feel as followers of Christ we are called to be His hands and feet and that’s what Bridge of Hope is doing through its church-based neighboring model. I am excited to be part of the Bridge of Hope National team and look forward to what God will do through the efforts of everyone involved with this mission.”

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Linda Homer-Hurley

Lancaster/Chester County Development Director lindahh@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Linda joined the staff of Bridge of Hope National in October 2019. She has a degree in Liberal Studies from West Chester University and spent years coordinating events at a liberal studies college and then at a social service nonprofit agency where she also worked in Advancement and Marketing. In addition, Linda has owned her own business as a Consultant and Director with The Pampered Chef for 26 years. She loves cooking and teaching others and believes that involving children and gathering around the table for mealtimes helps to strengthen family bonds.

Linda is excited to work at Bridge of Hope and to help share our mission with people both locally and throughout the country. As a single mother of three children, Linda understands first-hand the importance of helping mothers and their children who are struggling to make it through every day. “In the past I was the recipient of help from various people that included financial, physical and emotional support. All of these were crucial in helping me provide for my children and encouraging me to keep moving forward. The hope and desire for a better tomorrow was essential for me so I connect on a deep level with the mission and values of Bridge of Hope. We are truly helping families and investing in changing their lives—not just for today, but hopefully forever. I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to be here!”

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Kristi Kubicki

Director of Program Support kristik@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Kristi joined Bridge of Hope National in November 2016. Kristi has extensive experience of successfully implementing Bridge of Hope from serving as Neighborhood Resource Specialist for Bridge of Hope @ Hannah’s House (IN) for 4.5 years. Kristi’s M.S.W. degree from Arizona State includes a child-welfare specialization.

Kristi explains that: “Through my years working as a Bridge of Hope Neighborhood Resource Specialist, I witnessed the power of relationships. I experienced the power of people working together, supporting each other, and creating friendships resulting in a once-homeless family being fully empowered to achieve their own personal successes. Bridge of Hope is life-changing for all who are involved, and I’m truly grateful to be a part of it.”

Kristi and her husband have four children. The family worships at Church of Our Lady of Loretto in Notre Dame, IN.

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Holly Kwiatkowski

Database Assistant hollyk@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Holly Kwiatkowski serves as Database Assistant and brings over 15 years of administrative and customer service experience, with a keen attention to detail.  Holly has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She lived and worked in the Washington, DC area for 10 years before moving back to Pennsylvania with her husband and sons. The family attends Christ Community Church in West Chester, PA.

Holly is thrilled to be part of the team at Bride of Hope National and to support the mission to end family homelessness. She says, “I believe in Bridge of Hope because we can be the light of Christ in supporting, encouraging, and providing for families experiencing homelessness. As it says in Matthew 5:16, … Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

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Jonathan Matías

National Director of Development jonathanm@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Jonathan joined Bridge of Hope National in February 2022. Jonathan, a Guatemalan-American, is an ordained minister who planted and pastored a church in Northern Virginia for twelve years. He brings experience in sales and marketing, training in neurobehavioral conditions, and is a certified church consultant. Jonathan holds a Masters of Divinity Degree from Virginia Beach Theological Seminary and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.

Jonathan and his wife Christy treasure their two sons who joined their family via adoption. They enjoy hiking on trails, cheering at D.C. United and Washington Spirit soccer matches, and tasting good coffee. They are members of Second City Church in Harrisburg, PA.

“I have a lifelong passion to mobilize people to join God in caring for the marginalized, powerless, and hurting. I’m honored to serve in Development to support and spread Bridge of Hope’s effective neighboring model that is ending family homelessness in many communities.”

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Caitlyn Mellinger

Lancaster Neighborhood Resource Specialist caitlynm@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Caitlyn is a Neighborhood Resource Specialist with Bridge of Hope Lancaster. She graduated from Shippensburg University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and minor in Disability Studies. Caitlyn has four years of case management experience working with children in the foster care system and their families.

She believes that Bridge of Hope is the perfect fit for her, where her faith and career can intersect. Caitlyn is passionate about keeping families together and providing them with the support they need to succeed. She says, “The mission and values of Bridge of Hope can truly bring healing to people’s lives through ending homelessness and the power of neighboring relationships. We are called to love and serve our neighbors and I am so excited to work for an organization that puts that call to action!”

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Lisa Mohler

Lancaster Assistant Program Director lisam@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Lisa is the Assistant Program Director at Bridge of Hope Lancaster. She graduated from Bloomsburg University with a Bachelor’s of Social Work degree. She has over 20 years of professional experience within Bridge of Hope and the child welfare system as a case manager, and personally as a foster/adoptive parent. Lisa says, “Bridge of Hope to me is about loving your neighbor and walking with people as they are the hands and feet of Jesus to families facing homelessness. The relationships that are formed are life changing for everyone. I am excited to see hope begin for so many families in our community through the work of Bridge of Hope.”

Lisa and her husband have 5 children and attend Hopewell Church. She enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and attending sporting events.

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Rachelle Morgan

Director of Cultural Humility and Network Enrichment rachellem@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Rachelle joined the Bridge of Hope National team in 2021.  She is passionate about being a voice for the voiceless and letting God guide the work that she does.  Rachelle’s career has included work as both a crisis worker and, most recently, assistant director for Montgomery County Mobile Crisis in Plymouth Meeting, PA, where she was instrumental in the development of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion community at Access Services.   She credits that involvement for widening her lens around cultural humility and integrating diverse perspectives into the workplace. Rachelle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Professional Clinical Counseling from La Salle University.

Describing herself as a life-long learner, Rachelle invests a lot of her time reading about humility, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her professional work has deepened her understanding of the countless layers of exclusion that impact the lives of individuals facing homelessness and mental health issues, and her involvement with her church, Taylor Memorial Baptist Church, has provided the opportunity to see firsthand the trauma of homelessness and to appreciate how Church communities can intervene to help end the crisis.

Rachelle is a New York native and current Philadelphia resident.  In her spare time she enjoys traveling, spin class, and spending time with nieces and nephews.

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Melanie Palumbo

Chester County Neighborhood Resource Specialist melaniep@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Melanie is a Neighborhood Resource Specialist with Bridge of Hope Chester County. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelors Degree in Social Work and has over 7 years of experience in case management working with children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  As a service coordinator in an Early Intervention program in Philadelphia Melanie worked with children and their families to ensure they received necessary services to promote growth and development. She has also worked as a case manager for The Chester County Department of Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities where she helped individuals to thrive in their communities by connecting them with local resources and supports.

Melanie feels that Bridge of Hope is the perfect fit to link her faith and her work experience. “As Christians we are called to show God’s love to others, what better way to show that love than by serving and protecting His children that are in need. I am excited to work with an organization that puts this calling into action.” She lives in Chester Springs with her two children and in her free time she enjoys watching them play sports, spending time with friends and family and watching Alabama football!  (Roll Tide!)

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Andrea Popielski

Chief Mission Officer andreap@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Andrea joined our staff in October 2018 and brings over 30 years of experience as a nonprofit leader, in the mental health field, maternity services and workforce education.  She previously served as the Executive Director of a Bridge of Hope Program Site location.  Andrea is a strong collaborator, leader, and fundraiser. She has dedicated her life’s work to serving under-resourced individuals, primarily women and children.  Andrea has a Master of Science in Education, Counseling and Human Services from Indiana University South Bend.

Andrea is passionate about the work of Bridge of Hope in engaging Christian faith communities in ending family homelessness.  “I am an enthusiastic supporter of the Bridge of Hope model, which I believe incorporates all the elements necessary to end homelessness.  Now is the moment to spread the word more broadly and equip more communities to implement Bridge of Hope.”

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Lisa Savage

Director of Finance and Data Administration lisas@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Lisa Savage is the Director of Finance and Data Administration. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Temple University and has 3 decades of experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit worlds. She and her husband live in the Pottstown area and attend Emmanuel Lutheran Church.  They love the outdoors, and when they aren’t tending to their gardens, they spend their free time camping, hiking, kayaking and biking.

Lisa says, “I believe in the mission of Bridge of Hope which is giving families hope for a brighter future by connecting them to resources through our network ties and piecing it all together through faith to bring a family out of homelessness.  I am excited to be on the team at Bridge of Hope National and contribute to the mission.”

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Caleb Simmers

Lancaster Church Engagement and Housing Director calebs@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Caleb serves as Lancaster Church Engagement and Housing Director. He has spent his career in church ministry, primarily youth and family ministry. Within that role he has worked in communities that required the church to play an active role in meeting social, financial, and cultural needs in the community. He has coordinated collaborative efforts among various churches to meet those needs. He is a networker, connector, and organizer. Caleb has a bachelor’s degree in Youth and Family Ministry from Champion Christian College and has served as Associate Pastor of Family and Student Ministries at Oaklawn Baptist Church in Winston Salem, North Carolina, from 2016-2022. Caleb and his wife Ashley live in the Lititz area.

Caleb says, “I believe in Bridge of Hope because it provides the church an accessible blueprint to be an active participant in solving the real crisis of homelessness, which is not simply shelter, but also community. Homelessness is one of the last stops on a long route of losing community. Bridge Hope provides the model for churches to be the answer to solving this need in their own neighborhood.”

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Jessica Sisemore

Lancaster Program Director jessicas@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Jessica Sisemore is the Lancaster Program Director. Most recently Jessica served as the Director of Parent Empowerment Program at the YWCA, working with at-risk families involved with Children and Youth.

After working with many families in her previous position and observing the many obstacles they face, Jessica is excited to be at Bridge of Hope and walk alongside families in tackling homelessness and working to build a community of support for families. Jessica holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Millersville University, with a minor in English. Jessica lives in Lancaster with her husband and daughter.

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Rachel Thomas Steadman  

Chester County Program Director rachelts@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Rachel brings 15 years of experience in social work, supervision and housing. She has a Master’s degree in Social Services from Bryn Mawr College and a Bachelor of Arts from Eastern University.  She is a LCSW (licensed clinical social worker).  Most recently, she worked for 12 years at Eagleville Hospital in drug and alcohol recovery, facilitating group and individual therapy, developing treatment plans and providing case management. Rachel previously served as a Neighboring Volunteer with Bridge of Hope and is looking forward to help people pave a path to a better life in her new role with Bridge of Hope.  “Bridge of Hope is a perfect fit with my faith and my professional desire to create a safer world,” Rachel says.

Lila Stoeckle

Chief Development Officer lilas@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Lila joined the Bridge of Hope National staff in July, 2017. Her professional career has included ministry leadership at multiple churches and a denominational district office, as well as a variety of sales positions. As a pastor’s wife, she has served in the Christian & Missionary Alliance with her husband, John, for over 25 years. She holds a masters degree in Human Services Counseling from Regent University, Virginia and a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Nyack College, New York.

Lila says, “I’m so grateful to God and so excited for this opportunity to serve with the Bridge of Hope National team! The vision, mission, and values align with my heart for Kingdom life, especially the inclusive and holistic emphases – let’s be in this together, and let’s be all in! My desire is to facilitate an experience where ‘We choose hope by promoting transformation and positive changes which occur in [all of us] through [our] involvement in Bridge of Hope.’ (Bridge of Hope Values Statement)”

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Tyrone Williams

Chester County Church Engagement Director tyronew@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Tyrone (Ty) Williams is the Chester County Church Engagement Director, bringing over 16 years of experience serving as a leader in the church and para church community as well as serving as a suicide prevention speaker and a Crisis Community Liaison and Trainer at colleges, high schools and other organizations in Montgomery County, PA. Ty serves as a youth assistant with Swamp Mennonite Church and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Professional History and a Master of Arts in Christian Counseling and Discipleship from Lancaster Bible College. Ty and his family attend Victory Church.

Wendy Hoke Witmer

Chief Impact Officer wendyhw@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Wendy Hoke Witmer joined our staff in 2007. She has a master’s degree in Social Work and brings extensive experience in program development and leadership in the child welfare and disability fields. Wendy is also a foster/adoptive parent.

“Bridge of Hope intrigued me for years, even before I joined the staff,” says Wendy. “It gives feet to the Church and support systems for families who are often lacking these when social services exit their lives. I’m excited to be able to help Bridge of Hope locations fine-tune their programs and services to promote the best possible futures for families.”

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Michelle Wright

Event and Project Manager michellew@bridgeofhopeinc.org

Michelle served as Office Administrator at Bridge of Hope National from 2008 – 2015 and re-joined our team in 2017 as Event and Project Manager. She has a bachelor’s degree from Delaware Valley University in business administration. She and her husband, Mark, have 2 children, and attend Sandy Hill Community Church. Michelle says, “I believe in Bridge of Hope because Deuteronomy 15:11 says “For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’”