Executive Leadership

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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

    Stacy Wright is a Program Manager dedicated to creating positive impact through community building. His commitment to this mission is rooted in his experience as a Social Coach, where he developed strong relationships with residents through care, consistency, and acceptance.

    With over 20 years of management experience, including roles as a chef, general manager, and in business logistics, Stacy brings strong operational leadership and strategic insight to PCC. He leverages this diverse background to support PCC’s mission and contribute to building a thriving and inclusive community.

  • Residential Program Manager

    Kylie joined PCC in 2023 as a Direct Support Professional, where she built a strong foundation supporting residents in their daily lives and community involvement. She later transitioned into Lifesharing, gaining further experience in individualized residential support and helping residents build independence and meaningful routines. In 2025, Kylie stepped into the role of Residential Program Manager, where she oversees residential programming, supports staff teams, and works closely with residents and families to ensure structured, supportive, and person-centered living environments. She is passionate about creating opportunities for residents to grow, connect with their communities, and live fulfilling lives.

    With over 20 years of management experience, including roles as a chef, general manager, and in business logistics, Stacy brings strong operational leadership and strategic insight to PCC. He leverages this diverse background to support PCC’s mission and contribute to building a thriving and inclusive community.

  • Residential Weekend Program Manager

    Angelina is the Weekend Manager at Partners Creating Community (PCC), where she plays a key role in organizing community events and fostering meaningful connections among residents and staff. She began her journey in the field as a Direct Support Professional and, through her dedication and leadership, worked her way into management.

    Angelina brings over 25 years of experience as a Correctional Officer with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. Her background has shaped her strong sense of responsibility, consistency, and commitment to supporting others.

    In 2024, Angelina joined PCC, bringing her experience, professionalism, and passion for community engagement to the organization. Outside of work, she enjoys connecting with others and contributing to the vibrant community she helps build every day.

Enterprise Leadership

  • Agriculture Team Member

  • Executive Bread Baker

  • Agriculture & Farm Lead

  • HeartStone Pastry Lead Pastry Chef

    Megan Benner Rodriguez has had a passion for pastry her entire life, which led her to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Baking and Pastry from Johnson & Wales University. After college, Megan spent several years working in luxury hotels and country clubs across Rhode Island, Colorado, and Virginia before returning home and joining PCC in 2025.

    In her role at PCC, Megan focuses on ongoing menu development with an emphasis on sustainability, innovative techniques, and creating meaningful tasks that engage and empower contributors. Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending time with her family and is often baking something at home.

  • LightSprire Art Director

    Judith Hokky is a devoted art educator and program director with nearly 30 years of experience. She holds a Master of Education and a Post-Baccalaureate in Visual Art from Cleveland State University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts from The Evergreen State College.

    Judith spent 12 years at Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, where she facilitated mosaic workshops for adults with developmental disabilities and coordinated several art exhibitions. As a K–8 art teacher, she developed and implemented visual art curricula in Cleveland-area schools with a strong emphasis on multicultural art education. She also co-founded a YMCA summer arts day camp and led after-school art programs at Vibe of Portland.

    Her dedication to accessible art education is reflected in her volunteer work at the Cleveland Museum of Art, where she supported youth and teen studio classes. Outside of work, Judith enjoys spending time with her husband and 24-year-old son. She loves being in nature, hiking, practicing tai chi, and traveling to Europe, especially England and Italy.

  • PearTree Coffee Lead Coffee Production Manager

    Avila Doberenz holds a Bachelor of Arts from Sarah Lawrence College, where she concentrated in studio arts and art history. She has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, including work with Circle of Support, Partners Creating Community, and the Camphill Communities in Bangalore, India; Copake, NY; and Kimberton Hills, PA.

    Avila has been a valued member of PCC for over four years, contributing to the residential program, the farm, and apothecary operations. She currently serves as Lead Coffee Production Manager, overseeing coffee production with a focus on quality, sustainability, and community-centered practices.