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MEET THE WOODLANDS TEAM

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We love what we do! The Woodlands has a committed and passionate staff dedicated to doing the most impactful work every day for our participants. Our team has a thoughtful and professional appreciation for what it takes to do this work, and what it will take to play an even more powerful role in the lives of those with disability and chronic illness.

Denise Balkovec

Executive Director

Denise has dedicated her career to fundraising and operations in the not-for-profit arena. As Executive Director, she is responsible for developing strategies that will most effectively position The Woodlands for opportunities and growth.

Kristen Link

Senior Director of Operations

Kristen joined The Woodlands in 2021. With nearly 20 years nonprofit experience in the fields of arts, education, and disability, she is dedicated to the practice of making programming equitable and inclusive for all.

Michelle Cleary

Director of Major and Planned Gifts

As our major gifts officer, Michelle matches individual donors and their philanthropic dreams with the mission of The Woodlands to create value that enriches the lives of our participants. Her career spans more than 25 years in higher education, health care, and public libraries, where the focus of her work has been united in supporting missions that educate and empower individuals seeking to improve their quality of life in myriad ways.

Anthony Balouris

Director of Advancement Operations

Anthony aims to strengthen the operational and fundraising systems that help The Woodlands thrive. After spending years supporting the organization as both a volunteer and collaborator, he’s excited to now focus on his experience optimizing advancement operations and developing meaningful partnerships that support long-term sustainability. Anthony feels deeply connected to The Woodlands’ community and is grateful for the chance to contribute to a place that brings joy, confidence, and belonging to so many.

Kim Fecich

Associate Director of Annual Giving

Kim brings nearly two decades of experience in nonprofit fundraising to The Woodlands. Passionate about advancing our mission, she works to partner with leadership volunteers and corporate sponsors to produce exceptional fundraising events and inspire new donors with heartfelt stories of our mission.

Dale Kuntzman

Director of Facility Experiences

Dale joined The Woodlands in 2024 with a strong background in nonprofit camp facilities management. He’s passionate about designing inclusive, accessible environments for all guests. As Director of Facility Experiences, Dale oversees campus maintenance, capital projects, IT, and food service. His previous roles include leadership positions at YMCA camps in Ohio, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.

Headshot of Cole Hicks smiling

Cole Hicks

Recreational Program Manager

During her education at Seton Hill, Cole began at The Woodlands in the middle of 2020 as the virtual art therapy intern. After her graduation in 2021, her time at The Woodlands continued, where she fulfilled the roles of counselor, healthcare, and leadership. Her passion lies with making The Woodlands’ camp and retreat experience as fulfilling as possible for both participants and staff alike, and she could not be happier to be in the role of Recreational Program Manager

Ann Marie Klipa

Controller

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.

Kenyon Lewis

Programs Coordinator and Talent Recruiter

During his education at Slippery Rock University, Kenyon joined the Woodlands in January of 2024, where he completed his internship for Recreational Therapy. After graduating, Kenyon became a certified Recreational Therapist, and now serves as Programs Coordinator and Talent Recruiter here at the Woodlands.

Georgia Myers

Georgia Myers

Lead Nurse

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 Mortimer

Leia Patsilevas

Administrative Coordinator, Program Services

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 Pavlovsky

Melissa Pavlowsky

Programs Assistant

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.