Samantha joined The Woodlands in 2020 with a background in non-profit management, programming, and community partnerships. She is passionate about creating barrier-free spaces for innovative programs and experiences. Prior to The Woodlands, she led Providence Connections, Inc. and oversaw educational programs and partnerships at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. She is currently on the Board of Directors at JAM Enterprises, Be The Kind Kid.

Denise has dedicated her career to fundraising and fund development in the not-for-profit arena. As Deputy Director of Advancement & Operations, she is responsible for developing strategies that will most effectively position the Woodlands for support from the private, corporate and government sectors.

Clarissa joined The Woodlands’ team after attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she obtained her degree in Disability Services. She previously served as a Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTA, was the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Westmoreland County Food Bank, and the Volunteer Coordinator for Gateway Hospice. Clarissa brings her unique perspective and understanding as a mother of a son with Spina Bifida.

Rachel helps to prepare materials and facilitates communications for the Board of Directors and its subcommittees. Additionally, she manages HR practices and compliance, facility rentals, and assists in resolving IT issues.

Mikayla has been working with The Woodlands since 2017. In her role, she is responsible for creating donor relationships and managing on campus events for The Woodlands.

Tom joined The Woodlands in 2018 with a background in IT services and datacenter management after retiring from 34 years at BNY Mellon as a Managing director and CAO of end user computing. He now sits on the Board of Directors of the Western PA International Harvesters Collectors and Board of Trustees for Greenwood Historical Cemetery in Conneaut Lake, PA.

Peggy plans and prepares meals for retreats, summer camps, volunteer groups and guest functions. She also coordinates staffing and provides instruction during cooking class at retreats or summer camp. In her spare time, she teaches Religious Education, works with the youth group, and is a choir member at St. Ferdinand Church in Cranberry Township.

Cole joined The Woodlands team in 2020 when she interned and instructed the Creative’s Collaborative virtual art course. Her time didn’t end there, and after graduating from Seton Hill with a BA in art therapy, Cole joined the staff as a counselor. She now takes the lead in other programs, such as virtual art, fun and friends, and weekend retreats, as well as works as a program assistant in the office.

While Ann Marie started her career in the non-profit sector, she has also worked the Medical Device and Utility industries.  She is excited to return to the non-profit arena and looks forward to supporting The Woodland’s Foundation mission.

Bio coming soon.

Frank returned to The Woodlands in 2014 after running his own landscaping business for 5 years. Frank cares for the grounds at The Woodlands. He is the proud father of two daughters, Allison and Kylie.

Kristen’s passion is making the arts more equitable. With an extensive background in performance, education, and disability culture, she is now thrilled to now serve as the Director of Music & Arts for The Woodlands.

Georgia obtained her nursing degree from Hartford Community College. Before joining The Woodlands, she worked as a nurse in a doctor’s office, an assisted living facility and in UPMC Passavant Hospital PCU. Georgia is proudly part of a military family with 3 beautiful daughters and has lived all over the world.

Leia graduated from Slippery Rock University, where she obtained her Master of Science in Adapted Physical Activity. She continued to work with the University’s Adapted Physical Activity program, helping to coordinate their “I Can Do It, You Can Do It” program – a national physical activity mentoring program for individuals with all types of disabilities.

Melissa graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Recreational Therapy. Before joining The Woodlands in 2017, she worked at The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh as a recreational therapist in the inpatient hospital. Melissa also serves as a Board Member for The Team Alex Fund, a nonprofit that provides grants for children with spinal cord injuries.

Kat joined The Woodlands in 2021. In 2020, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The Ohio State University. Her previous experience as a volunteer and counselor at The Woodlands makes her an enthusiastic advocate of the opportunities The Woodlands has to offer their staff and volunteers.

Laura Thomas joined The Woodlands in 2021 after 6 years of working in nonprofit development in the New York Metropolitan area and is experienced in event management, donor relationships, and community outreach. Her professional mission is to ensure accessible and engaging programming for individuals of all backgrounds.