Milena has 25+ years of experience working in nonprofits in Greater Philadelphia and has a passion for supporting children and families. Before becoming Executive Director in 2016, she was the lead on a research project at Home of the Sparrow on evidence-based strategies to address Adverse Childhood Experiences. During that time, she also served on the Board of MCHC. Between 2004 and 2012, she managed MCHC’s flagship Healthy Start program and rose to Senior Director of Healthy Start and Family Benefits. She previously worked at Congreso in Philadelphia for four years in the Women’s Wellness Division, overseeing domestic violence prevention and parent education programs.

Milena has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from La Universidad de Nueva Esparta in Venezuela and a Master’s in Public Health from West Chester University. She is certified as a Mental Health First Aid instructor. She is the Board President of PANO Standards for Excellence, Board Treasurer of Chester County Women's Commission, and on the Board of the Coatesville Center for Community Health.

Cecilia brings 25+ years of experience in early childhood education and program management to the team. Cecilia brings 25+ years of experience in early childhood education and program management to the team. In her role as Director of Program Evaluation, she ensures consistent and accurate data collection and reporting methods so that programs can continually improve and demonstrate their impact effectively. 

As a former director of a local community center, she developed program curriculum and data management procedures, managed grants, a staff team, and internal operations. She has also worked as a program specialist for the Head Start Program. She has a Bachelor of Arts and Mathematics from Albertus Magnus College, a Master’s in Education, International Teaching, from Framingham University, holds a Medical Interpreter Certificate, from Bridging the Gap Delaware program, and an Ascending Leadership Certificate from Bryn Mawr College.

Natalie joined the MCHC team in 2019. As the Director of Development and Communications, she develops and administers the organization’s fundraising efforts, driving the growth and sustainability of the $3 million annual budget dedicated to providing impactful family support and education programs for Chester County communities. She brings over 5 years of experience in capacity building for nonprofit organizations, including raising support for programs spanning health care, education, the arts, and other special projects to support Greater Philadelphia communities. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from West Chester University.

Linette brings a wealth of experience in business administration and case management to her role as Director of Programs. As a former Family Benefits Specialist, she has experience working with our community by providing public benefits application support to families in Phoenixville, Norristown, and Pottstown areas. She has 13 years of progressive experience in healthcare programs including Medicare and Medicaid in addition to experience working with families from her time as an elementary school volunteer for Great Valley School District. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences from the University of Puerto Rico and has a postgraduate education in Business Administration and Human Resources.

Alma joined MCHC in July 2015 as a frontline staff member for the Healthy Start Program and was promoted to a Director of Programs role in 2022.  She brings expertise in early childhood education and holds a Medical Interpretation Certificate from Bridging the Gap, a Strengths-Based Family Worker credential from Temple University and has completed the Ascending Leadership Program at the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute at Bryn Mawr College. She has a passion for helping others, her dream being that all children and families have access to health care and food stability regardless of their social or immigration status.

Karla joined MCHC in 2022. In her current role, she ensures that mothers and babies affected by substance use have a support system and resources that help them overcome challenges, build resiliency, and lead healthy lives. Karla has a Master’s Degree in Speech and Language Pathology and a Graduate Certificate in Developmental Deficiencies, Early Intervention from the University of San Juan in Puerto Rico. She has completed continuing education trainings and certifications in mental health first aid, safety planning for victims of domestic violence, overdose prevention, teaching methods for children with autism, and other areas of child cognitive development. Her professional experience prior to her current role was as an Early Intervention Supervisor at the Children’s Hospital of Guaynabo in Puerto Rico.

Maria joined the MCHC team in 2019 as a Family Benefits Specialist, helping families access health insurance, food benefits, and other public benefits programs. Prior to MCHC, she worked in the insurance sales industry and attributes this work to her insight into the professional world and her passion for helping others. Her transition to the nonprofit world has allowed her to help families in her community access important health care resources and build a foundation for good health and success.

Anabel started at MCHC in 2013 to pursue her career in social work following her graduation from West Chester University where she graduated with a Bachelor’s in Social Work. Born in Mexico and migrating to the U.S. at a young age, she has gained life experiences that allow her to deeply understand and support the growing immigrant community in Chester County. Her true passion and dedication lie in advocating for families like hers, helping them overcome barriers to success.

Alejandra was born and raised in Pennsylvania, with her parents having migrated to the United States in the early 1990s. Her family has deep roots in the mushroom industry, with both her grandfather and father working in it for many years. Alejandra earned her associate's degree in social work from Delaware County Community College in 2018 and completed an HR Management Certification there in 2020.

Since the age of 18, Alejandra has been dedicated to volunteering at a non-profit organization that helps Kennett High School students pursue higher education. She has extensive experience assisting with FAFSA applications, scholarship essays, and the college application process. Prior to joining MCHC, she worked at another non-profit, PathStone, supporting farmworkers with training, employment, rental assistance, and food pantry services. She also facilitated financial assistance for young adults to continue their college education. At MCHC, Alejandra aspires to continue supporting families and helping her team achieve their goals in serving the community.

Jorge joined MCHC in 2023 to help families involved in the child welfare system achieve stability and ensure child safety. He is certified in the evidence-based Positive Parenting Program (Triple P). He brings 20+ years of experience in human resources, management, and labor law.  He has worked in the pharmaceutical, mining, and manufacturing industries. He holds a Law Degree from the Universidad Catolica del Tachira (Venezuela -2000) and a Master's Degree in Business Management from the Universidad Jaume Primer (Spain 2003). He is passionate about working with communities and immigration issues.

Ronnie joined MCHC in 2024 as Development and Communications Associate. In her role, she supports fundraising and outreach efforts to enhance the visibility of MCHC’s mission and the impact of our programs through strategic communication initiatives. She is a dedicated professional with a robust background in education and nonprofit work. She holds a master's degree in English/Creative Writing from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where her thesis was recognized for its scholarship and creativity, and a bachelor's degree in education from Widener University, where she obtained the Ana Sokul Commencement award, given to one student displaying cultural competency and diversity within their teaching practices. With a decade of experience in the nonprofit and education sectors, Ronnie has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service and education. She has also served in AmeriCorps and City Year, contributing significantly to various community and educational initiatives.

Nayeli is an experienced educator and program coordinator with a strong background in community-focused initiatives. At Pathstone Corporation, a nonprofit organization, she managed an after-school program and offered literacy classes for adults, including citizenship, driver's education, and ESL courses. In addition, she served as a teacher assistant and driver's education instructor within the same organization. Nayeli also completed a three-year program in Childhood Education, where she assisted teachers in the Octorara School District, further honing her skills in educational support and child development.

Jackie joined MCHC in 2022 as a volunteer for the Kindergarten Transition Program and officially joined the staff team in 2023 to support children and families in the Kennett Square area. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Human Resources Management from West Chester University. She is passionate about helping families embrace positive lifestyle choices to support their well-being.

Sarahi joined MCHC in 2019. She brings experience in the business administration field and continuing education from Delaware County Community College. In her role, she provides logistic support for home-visiting programs including following up with participant referrals, event planning, and frontline staff team coordination.

Yessica joined MCHC in 2021. In her role, she provides parenting education and resources to caregivers of young children to ensure that they have access to all that they need to be healthy and well. Yessica brings years of experience in case management from the mental health field. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a focus on child and family studies from the University of Indiana in Pennsylvania.

Thalia has over a decade of experience working in roles that support community initiatives and seeing families happy is what adds shine to her day. Prior to joining MCHC in 2019, she received three awards for her voluntary public services from the Congressional Award Foundation. Thalia is a trained home-visitor in the Parents as Teachers curriculum, driven by her passion for helping families in her community.

Damaris joined MCHC in 2023, bringing her experience working in educational after-school programs. Motivated by a passion for helping kids grow their love for learning, she leverages her background to support and uplift her community.

Always striving to make a difference in her community, Sonia brings the compassion and care shown from her upbringing in Puerto Rico and the U.S. to serving her community in different ways. Before joining MCHC in 2000, she completed a Bilingual Clerical Training at West Chester University and worked at a rehabilitation/nursing center for 16 years in addition to raising a family of three as a single mom. She also previously served as both Co-Director of Saint Agnes Spanish Youth Group and a Choir Director. In 2016, she was given the Belinda Harrison Award by the numerous nonprofit organizers of the Chester County Single Mothers' Conference in recognition of her hard work and compassion. She dedicates much of her free time to helping families in her community through health and social service support. She lives by the principles and values taught by her grandparents – care for others, be compassionate, and help when you can help.

Maru joined MCHC’s home-visiting program staff in 2020, focusing on supporting pregnant and parenting women and young children in Chester and Montgomery County communities. Before moving to the U.S., she worked in bank administration in Venezuela and held roles as Director at TH Celular Movilnet and as a sales consultant for an international insurance company. Maru brings a wealth of experience and a passion for working with people and children.

Sofia started at MCHC as an intern from Temple University and then joined MCHC’s home-visiting staff team in 2022 while working toward her Bachelor of Science in Public Health. In her role, she ensures that families start healthy by connecting parents to resources that support their self-sufficiency. She is passionate about helping underserved communities through health education, outreach, and connecting families with needed health resources.

Emilio joined MCHC's Life Skills and Diversion Programs team in 2023 to support families involved in the child welfare system. Previously, Emilio was a criminal defense lawyer in his home country of Venezuela. He graduated from the Institute of Advanced Criminal Studies at the National School of Public Prosecutors with a master's degree, specializing in the Exercise of Fiscal Function.

In 2019, he entered the Public Ministry and was appointed Fifth Provisional Prosecutor with jurisdiction to act before the Supreme Court of Justice in Venezuela. He also taught classes as a professor at the National School of Prosecutors of the Public Ministry and served as Chair of ordinary criminal procedural law, special processes, and investigation seminars. In 2017, he founded the Civil Association for the Protection, Training and Education in Human Rights Non-Governmental Organization to educate those entering the human rights field.

Motivated to help families overcome challenges to achieving stability, Manuel joined MCHC in 2019. He previously worked at the Institute of Social Welfare and assisted personnel of the Ministry of Education, holding different positions focused on the welfare and social protection of educators in his native country of Venezuela for 29 years. He has served as Vice President of the Civil Association for the Protection, Training, and Education in Human Rights, a nonprofit organization of which he is also a co-founder. He holds a Law Degree from Central University in Venezuela, where he was born in the city of Caracas.

Ana is originally from Merida, Venezuela. She earned her degree in law from the University of Carabobo in Venezuela in 2002, specializing in social inclusion and labor law. Motivated by helping others, Ana first joined MCHC team in 2021 to help families connect to resources that support their well-being.

Shawn is a dedicated community advocate and business professional, holding an associate degree in Business Administration from Delaware County Community College. Passionate about giving back, Shawn is committed to helping individuals achieve happiness and health through his community-focused efforts.

Ariana "Ari" joined MCHC in 2023 to help families with young children overcome challenges to achieving stability. Previously, they completed an internship in the marketing department at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsyvlania. They hold a BA in Psychology from Penn State University.

At MCHC, Gloria works with families and youth who are involved in the child welfare system to achieve stability as a family and ensure child safety. She graduated from Lincoln University with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services and Spanish. She has a passion for learning, growth, and helping others overcome challenges to achieve a fulfilling life.

Debora first joined the MCHC team in 2023 as a Spanish and Portuguese interpreter for families referred for support who are involved in the child welfare system. Originally from Brazil, she moved to the United States with her family in 2007. In Brazil, she worked in marketing and event coordination. After coming to the U.S., she was inspired to help other Brazilian families navigate everyday tasks like enrolling their children in school, getting health insurance, and other important steps to establish a new life.

Walesca helps eligible individuals apply for health insurance, food stamps, cash assistance, and other public benefit programs. She brings many years of experience as a legal assistant for attorneys and financial institutions as well as in human resource functions. Her transition to the nonprofit sector has been a fulfilling one as it allows her to use her knowledge of public service, systems navigation, and her community to help those in need access the support that they need to stay healthy. Walesca holds a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from the Interamerican University in Puerto Rico.

Fran has over 20 years of experience in administration in addition to being a private business owner. She has been in her role of Program Data Coordinator for the Family Benefits Program since 2012 and for several years prior worked as an administrative assistant at MCHC. In her current role, she records Medical Assistance and CHIP applications, SNAP, and Cash Assistance application data completed by MCHC staff and completes monthly reporting requirements. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Accounting.

Margarita helps eligible individuals apply for health insurance, food stamps, cash assistance, and other public benefit programs. She is a graduate of West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a background in health. She enjoys serving her community, promoting health, and working with families to overcome obstacles to healthy living and success.

Itzamara joined the MCHC team in May of 2023. In her role, she helps individuals and families enroll into publicly subsidized health insurance and food benefits programs. She previously worked in the construction field and now uses her skills to give back to her community.