Robin Gow, MFA | Director of the Education Institute (fae/it/he & él y elle) is a trans and queer poet and educator from Kutztown. They earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Adelphi University where they also taught for two years as an adjunct professor of English. At their undergrad, Ursinus College, Robin served as the president of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance and the Coordinator of the Rainbow Resource Center, developing events and support services for LGBTQIA+ students and advocating for more inclusive policies. Robin has given trainings on creating more inclusive spaces for trans people to colleges, healthcare networks, and schools across the country. They are the author of three poetry collections, an essay collection, and a Young Adult novel, A Million Quiet Revolutions. As an autistic person, Robin feels passionate about celebrating neurodiversity in the queer community. They live in Allentown with their two spunky pugs, Gertrude and Eddie, and are always excited about a new poetry book they're reading. He enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons and board games with his friends and his partner. Robin can be contacted at [email protected].

Rain Black, M.P.H., CPH | Grants Manager (they/them) earned their bachelor's degrees in Biology, Public Health and Art from Cedar Crest College. They hold a Master of Public Health degree in epidemiology from the University of South Florida. They have worked previously as a public health professional and statistician working in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and other communicable diseases for the City of Allentown. In their spare time, they teach about native plants, forest conservation, and foraging on social media and at native plant nurseries. Rain 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]

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].

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].

Kim Ketterer | Youth Programs Manager (any pronouns with respect) is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ youth. Kim strives to empower youth to ask questions, fight for answers, and find their passions. For six years, Kim worked as the Coordinator for The Pride Center for Sexual Orientation & Gender Diversity at Lehigh University, where she also served as interim director for more than a year. In that role, she coordinated the Lehigh Valley LGBT Intercollegiate Conference for three years. She also has experience in healthcare settings, including at Banfield Pet Hospital and Valley Central Emergency Veterinary Hospital. Kim earned her B.S. in Media Communications with a concentration in graphic design at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania in 2004. Kim also has a certificate in HIV Prevention Counseling from Pennsylvania Department of Health and she volunteers on the Scholarship Committee for the LGBTQ Business Council of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. In her spare time she enjoys board games, live music, cooking, and spoiling her cats. Kim can be reached at [email protected].

Chrystina Obleschuk, MPH | 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].

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].

Ramona Flores | Healthcare Enrollment Coordinator (she/they) earned a bachelor’s degree in government and a bachelor’s degree in the study of women and gender from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. During her undergraduate studies, she wrote for Ms. Magazine as an editorial fellow, worked as a teaching assistant for the classes Transnational Feminist Movements and Introduction to the Study of Women and Gender, and did research focusing on non-western feminist movements and digital violence against marginalized communities. In her free time, she collects weird earrings, watches bad reality tv with her partner and roommate, and hunts for the best coffee in Pittsburgh. Ramona can be contacted at [email protected].

Mary Frasier | Health Education Coordinator (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].

Gabby Hochfeld | Arts and Culture Programs Coordinator (she/her) earned a bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in women's, gender, and sexuality studies from Moravian College in Bethlehem. Gabby has worked with the Feminist Majority Foundation as a student organizer, where she helped to promote candidates who supported an intersectional feminist agenda. She recently served as our health programs coordinator where she found a passion of public health education. Prior to her employment at the center, she served as a development intern here, where she found her passion for the center's mission. In her spare time, she enjoys attending local music shows, playing intense board games, struggling to roller-skate, and watching Golden Girls with her family. Gabby can be contacted at [email protected].

Braden Hudak, M.A. | Communications Coordinator (he/him) received a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from Lehigh University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Studies from Kutztown University. During his time at Kutztown, he engaged with the surrounding community through his volunteer efforts with Kutztown Community Partnership and his elections as Student Body President. Braden’s dream is to use his passion for advocacy, and policy knowledge to better his community by assisting in making it a more inclusive and equitable place for all people. In his free time, Braden enjoys spending time outdoors with his two Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, Benson and Harper. Braden can be contacted at [email protected].

Elizabeth Keiser, MFA | Visual Communications 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, Elizabeth (a.k.a. Liz) enjoys spending time with her French bulldog, creating prop replicas from favorite films, and getting outdoors. Elizabeth can be contacted at [email protected].

Owen Pudliner | Administrative Specialist (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 is also a proud dog dad to two mixed breed dogs. Owen can be contacted at [email protected].

Tiersa Curry | Digital Archives Assistant (she/her) 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].

Deirdre Van Walters | Healthcare Enrollment Coordinator (she/they) brings over 15 years experience in health insurance to include effective communication with the public concerning medical plan options and benefits. An alum of Rutgers University (Sociology), certified Grant Proposal Writing (University of Notre Dame), and a standing Resident Teaching Artist with Touchstone Theatre's Young Playwrights Program based in Bethlehem, PA where she/they work with elementary, middle and high school students. Deirdre is an animal whisperer, poet, playwright, loves kareoke, nature walks and spending time with any large body of water. She/they thrive on helping others. Deirdre can be contacted at [email protected].

Peter Flood | Community Center Specialist (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].

Meaghan Lawlor | Community Health Advocate (they/them) is a graduate from Cedar Crest College with bachelor's degrees in English Literature and Theatre with a minor in psychology. They are an actor and writer who is passionate about LGBTQ+ plays, literature, and history. Previously, they have interned and served as a Box Office Agent at Shawnee Playhouse, acting in a variety of shows there and at Northampton Community College Theatre. They have had a range of jobs, including as a lifeguard, warehouse member, and call center representative. They enjoy spending time with their sisters, their cats Isabelle and Jasmine. They love acting, writing and reading, baking and discussing LGBTQ+ shows and characters with their friends. Meaghan 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, Second Base Vintage, and the Five and Dime Skate Shop. They earned a B.A. from Ramapo College in New Jersey with a focus on drawing and painting. In their free time, they enjoy skateboarding and being online.

Jo Peters | Youth Programs Specialist (she/they) is a black, queer graduate and educator from Kutztown. Jo has earned their bachelor's in early childhood education Pre-k- 4. Jo went into education because she is passionate about advocating for LGBTQ+ youth. Jo strives to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ youth and allow their voices to be heard. She has had more than seven years of experience in education, teaching grades prek-middle school. Jo has had experience working with LGBTQ+ youth, POC youth, and all youth, providing resources to families and supporting them. Jo also has a certificate for mental health and suicide prevention for youth. Outside of work, Jo is a cat mom, a movie fanatic, friendly and bubbly, and likes to learn more about queer history. Jo can be contacted at [email protected].

Mary Foltz, Ph.D. | Collaborating Scholar (she/her) is an Associate Professor of English and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Lehigh University. She also serves currently as the Co-Director of South Side Initiative. Her research focuses upon contemporary U.S. literature with a specific emphasis on LGBTQ studies, queer theory, and environmental literary criticism. With a Scholars and Society Fellowship from ACLS, she served as the scholar-in-residence at Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center during the 2021-2022 academic year. Prior to receiving this fellowship, Foltz developed a number of arts and history programming in collaboration with community center staff. She worked with a team to create two Lehigh Valley LGBTQ+ history exhibitions, “Pride in Print: Moving Above Ground and Embracing our Gaydar” and “Pride Guides and the Early Years of Lehigh Valley Pride Festivals.” She also developed oral history projects to enhance the Lehigh Valley LGBT Community Archive’s collections.