Employees Board of Directors
Ashley L. Coleman | Executive Director (she/her) was appointed by the Center's Board of Directors in January 2023. She has been a fixture in the LGBTQ+ community in Philadelphia for over ten years having previously served as Executive Director at galaei and Senior Events Manager at Mazzoni Center. She holds two degrees from Temple University (B.S., Education), and (B.A., History). Her activism and advocacy began as a youth in the Lehigh Valley, leading Queer youth initiatives while producing large scale events for nonprofits in Northeastern Pennsylvania. She went on to serve as the general conference coordinator of the world’s largest Transgender specific conference from 2016-2019, and she led galaei through the production of Philadelphia’s 50th Pride parade and festival in 2022. Ashley can be contacted at [email protected].
Krista V. Brown-Ly | Deputy Director (she/her) has a bachelor's degree in business administration with a specialization in human resources and brings over 20 years of experience to the center. She is a nonprofit leader with experience helping agencies gain efficiencies, improve outcomes, and operationalize their mission, vision and values. Krista has enjoyed serving youth and families experiencing homelessness, but bringing her authentic self to the center is a dream come true and serves her passion for equity and liberation inside and outside of the workplace. She lives in the Lehigh Valley with her wife and their GSD Greta. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking and celebrating the seasons after 20 years in southern California. Krista can be contacted at [email protected].
Kayla Simon, M.P.H. | Director of Programs (she/her) has a master of public health from the University of Tennessee with a graduate certification in healthcare policy and management from the Graduate School of Nursing. During her masters program she was a dual graduate teaching assistant and research assistant focusing on pregnant patients with gestational diabetes. She is an experienced public health professional and certified sexual health educator. In 2020 she received the Educator of the Year award from Planned Parenthood of Tennessee & Northern Mississippi. Most recently she was the executive director of ASAP of Anderson, a non-profit focused on youth substance use prevention and harm reduction for folks who use drugs. In her spare time Kayla enjoys whiskey, fantasy & sci-fi books, and spending time with her spouse and five cats. Kayla can be contacted at [email protected].
Brian Simao Rosa | Senior Manager of the LGBTQ+ Education Institute (he/they) has a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Secondary Education from West Chester University of PA as well as a Master of Arts in Education from Western Governors University. Brian has been an educator since 2015. He has experience teaching every age group from 7th -12th grade. He taught Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science and General Sciences. He decided to make the shift to Non-profit in order to better serve the queer community. As a teacher he enjoyed working with students and learning about what was important to them. Brian takes the legacy of his students with him everywhere he goes. His goal is to create a more equitable and just world for future generations. In his free time, Brian enjoys yoga, dancing and snuggling with his two cats, Timmy and Tommy. Brian is currently a member of Fusion Winterguard and has been in the colorguard activity since 2009. Brian can be contacted at [email protected].
Christian Orr | Senior Events Manager (he/they) attended West Chester University to pursue a degree in communications. There, they discovered and cultivated their love for events! As a member of the colorguard in the Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band, they were afforded opportunities to perform in large nationally televised parades such as the National Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington D.C.. It did not take long for them to make the switch from performing in to assisting on the production and coordination of these massive events. The highlight of their career, thus far, has been their role as Logistics Coordinator for the 50th anniversary of Philadelphia Pride in 2022. It was, by far, the largest and most inclusive Pride festival Philly has ever seen! In their free time, they enjoy cooking, taking care of their plant babies, doing jigsaw puzzles, and watching reruns of Schitt's Creek. Christian can be contacted at [email protected].
Chrystina Obleschuk, MPH | Senior Health Equity Programs Manager (she/her) earned her Bachelor’s at Muhlenberg College with a dual major in Biology and Public Health and her Master’s at Boston University with a focus on Epidemiology and Biostatistics & Maternal and Child Health. Her passion in the world of public health lies in the field of Reproductive Justice which ensures everyone has the resources necessary to make decisions about if, when, and how they wish to be a parent. At the center, Chrystina manages health programs that promote equity for the LGBTQ+ community throughout Pennsylvania. In her spare time, Chrystina enjoys reading books, baking and cooking, going for hikes, playing games with family and friends, and engaging in her newest Netflix binge on the couch with her dog Lance and a pint of Ben and Jerry’s. She also loves travelling as much as her schedule and wallet will allow. Chrystina can be contacted at [email protected].
Liz Keiser, MFA | Senior Communications & Marketing Manager (she/her) is both a digital and traditional artist. She earned her bachelor’s degree in fine arts, with a minor in art history, from Kutztown University and a master’s degree in digital media from Goucher College, MD. She was the former Creative Specialist at Lehigh Valley Zoo, developing their marketing department over the course of 7 years, and more recently a crafter and digital content creator for ArtSkills. In her free time, Liz enjoys spending time with her French bulldog, creating prop replicas from favorite films, and getting outdoors. Elizabeth can be contacted at [email protected].
Anastasia Shakhurina, B.A. | Healthcare Enrollment Coordinator (she/her) received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art and International Affairs from Lafayette College. Previously, she has worked in a refugee resettlement agency as a Case Manager, helping Ukrainian refugees in New Jersey. Anastasia’s passion is working with the community, and growing stronger together through mutual aid and community care. In her free time Anastasia loves making a cup of tea and watching a good show with her wife. Other than that, Anastasia is passionate about digital art, painting, photography and spending time outdoors. Anastasia can be contacted at [email protected].
Christina Graham, M.P.H. | Data & Evaluation Manager (she/her) is a public health researcher who is passionate about using data to inform evidence-based programming. Christina previously worked as a Research Technologist for Penn State University’s Administrative Data Accelerator. She holds a masters in public health from George Washington University and a bachelors of arts in Epidemiology from the University of Rochester. Christina is a member of the project team for the Pennsylvania LGBTQ Health Needs Assessment. Her interests include spoiling her cat Fennel and drinking an unreasonable amount of coffee. Christina can be contacted at [email protected].
David Celli | Healthcare Enrollment Coordinator (he/him) received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from Rowan University. Previously, he has served as a community outreach intern at the center, where he found his passion in advocacy and being able to serve his community. Outside of work, David explores his passions in visual art, creative writing, cooking, and exploring nature. David can be contacted at [email protected].
Emily Ortiz | Health Education Coordinator (they/she) graduated from Lafayette College with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology & Sociology, and Latin American & Caribbean Studies. Their interests include Caribbean/Caribbean American queer communities, intersectionality, transnational feminism, and advocating for queer youth populations. Emily enjoys reading, traveling, dancing, and most importantly creating community. Emily can be contacted at [email protected].
Gwenivere H. Towler | Group Facilitator (she/her) received her GED in 2015. Gwen discovered her passion for community by participating in Bradbury-Sullivan Center programs, attending the Trans Femme group for 3 years before assuming the role of facilitator. For more than a year, she has been organizing and overseeing a monthly art program at the Allentown Art Museum, providing a valuable opportunity for the local community to come together and participate. During her leisure hours, she loves to spend time with her friends, partners, and metamours playing various games and ttrpgs. She also adores doing various art projects in many mediums, from drawing and painting to woodworking and bug taxidermy. Gwen can be contacted at [email protected].
Kailyn Jones | Healthcare Enrollment and Public Policy Coordinator (she/her) is a graduate from Cedar Crest College with a bachelor's degree in Public Health. She has had many jobs from paintball referee to manager. Her main interest is in LGBTQ+ media and healthcare. In her spare time, Kailyn likes to watching Penn State football games, hang out with her two dogs Finn and Odie, and watching LGBTQ+ movies and shows. Kailyn can be contacted at [email protected].
Kim Ketterer | Community Center Specialist (Any Pronouns with Respect) has worked in the field of LGBTQ+ programming and advocacy for over 13 years. They look forward to helping the community find the resources and services they need to thrive. In their free time, they like to play board games, cuddle with their cat, and laugh with their partner. Kim can be contacted at [email protected]
Kiirstin (Kiir) Prokopowitz | Facilities Technician (they/them) is a visual artist, graphic designer, and musician; in addition to their work as the center's facilities technician, they previously worked in building maintenance at Hunterdon Art Museum. They earned a B.A. from Ramapo College of New Jersey with a focus on drawing and painting. In their free time, they enjoy working on creative projects and skateboarding.
Mary Frasier | Executive Assistant (she/her) graduated from Gettysburg College with bachelor's degrees in Political Science and in History, with minors in Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies and Peace & Justice Studies. Mary discovered her passion for nonprofit work in college when she worked for El Centro, an afterschool tutoring program for children K-5 in the local migrant community. Previously, she was a family worker for Lehigh Valley Families Together and worked closely with Northampton and Lehigh Counties' Children and Youth Services. Outside of work, Mary enjoys gardening, reading, drinking tons of coffee, and watching Mom. Mary can be contacted at [email protected].
Max Miller | Healthcare Enrollment Coordinator (he/him) is a graduate from Elizabethtown College with a degree in Sociology and Anthropology. He completed multiple research projects on public perceptions and treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. He has previously worked with the LGBTQ+ community in Central Pa, as well as working as an intensive mental health case manager. In his free time Max enjoys spending time with his husband and rescuing animals. Max can be contacted at [email protected].
Meredith McGee, B.S., B.A. | Grants and Funding Specialist (she/her) holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lafayette College. Currently pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at Yale University with a concentration in Social and Behavioral Sciences, Meredith is dedicated to addressing health disparities and enhancing positive health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals. As a Grants Writer at Bradbury-Sullivan, Meredith leverages her academic background and passion for LGBTQ+ advocacy to secure funding for the programs at the center and hopes to use this as a way to give back to the community that she loves. In her free time, Meredith enjoys embarking on adventures with her dog, honing her baking skills, and indulging in a good book. Meredith can be contacted at [email protected].
Owen Pudliner | Associate Communications & Marketing Coordinator (he/him) attended Lehigh Carbon Community College, transferring to Kutztown University pursuing a Computer Science degree. He has held a variety of jobs, from bartender to farmhand and always takes any opportunity to learn from others and their experiences. He is an avid runner, passionate musician, and lover of fermented foods and beverages. He spends most of his time with his dog/sidekick, Robin. Owen can be contacted at [email protected].
Peter Flood | Community Programs Coordinator (he/him) is a Gettysburg College graduate with a major in anthropology and minors in history and religious studies. He worked at the Da Vinci Science Center for five years, serving as a member of the STEAM Team and Outreach Education for three years. His interests include reading and writing fiction with a focus on including LGBTQ+ people in genres like fantasy and science fiction. He thinks there are few things more enjoyable than curling up in front of the fire with a good book. Peter can be contacted at [email protected].
Sharon Brotzman | Administrative Manager (she/her) is a dynamic administrative professional with more than 20 years of administrative experience at Lehigh Valley organizations including Ingersoll Rand, Synergetics, and Wolper Information Services. She is the parent of a teenager, two kittens, and a dog. A passionate supporter of animals, Sharon has taken in many litters of stray animals and helped them to find forever homes. When not at work, Sharon can be found taking care of animals, swimming, visiting family, and traveling to New York. Sharon can be contacted at [email protected].
Tiersa Curry | Digital Archives Coordinator (she/they) graduated from Kutztown University with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology with a minor in Spanish and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. The Temple, Pennsylvania native also has an associate’s degree in Social Sciences from Reading Area Community College. Her interest is in queer people of color (POC) communities, womanism, queer linguistics, and archives. Tiersa aspires to pursue a career in applied anthropology and hopes to travel for her work. She currently works as an assistant high school field hockey coach and, when she is not busy, Tiersa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, skateboarding, knitting, and listening to music. Tiersa can be contacted at [email protected].
Interns
Niko Kochel | Archival Intern (he/him) is a junior at Kutztown University. He is pursuing two bachelors, one in history and one in anthropology. Niko is a native of Lancaster, PA, but enjoys traveling around the country and world. While not writing his undergraduate thesis, he likes to go to museums, hockey games, and spend time with his cats. Niko is passionate about LGBTQ+ history and preserving it for present and future generations.