VOICE & VISION - Key Persons
Division Director of Satisfaction Services: Delaware and Chester Counties. Akua began working at Voice and Vision in March 2018 implementing the new Member/Family Satisfaction Team (M/FST) Program and supervising a team of Field Staff Specialists. In 2021, Akua became the Division Director of Satisfaction Services providing oversight to both the M/FST in Delaware County and the Consumer/Family Satisfaction Team in Chester County. Akua has made a personal commitment to improving the lives of marginalized individuals. Akua possesses a thorough understanding of diverse client populations, including those facing socioeconomic hardship, individuals with a history of incarceration, LGBTQ-identified persons, HIV-positive individuals, substance users, and other high-risk groups.
Akua has held diverse positions within the nonprofit sector as an Employment Specialist, Housing Coordinator, Community Integration Coordinator, HIV/Prison Linkages Coordinator, Team Leader and Training Director. Akua has worked directly with participants to get housing, health care, advocacy support, educational programs and linking HIV positive incarcerated individuals with the necessary outside services and supportive services upon release. Akua is a self-proclaimed "grower of things" has two children, enjoys creating meals and travel.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Treasurer of the Board
Barbara is a graduate of DeSales University with a BS in Accounting. She has been preparing income taxes for 30 years. Was trained and worked in several CPA firms landing in the PA Farm bureau. Working in business management services she enjoyed working with the farmers to manage the business of farming and agriculture forming many relationships that remain today. From there she built and has owned her own tax & bookkeeping practice for the past 15 years where she performs business management services, bookkeeping, and prepares a variety of income tax returns across several industries. Non-profits became of interest when serving on the board of an international ministry and founded her own non-profit where she and her husband traveled to foreign lands to teach and train up ministers; specifically, the Philippines, where she still has many friends and a standing invitation to return and teach.
She was raised in the Hatfield/Souderton area where she resides with her husband, daughter, and several grandchildren. A true multigenerational home where she wears many hats. Her heart thrives in becoming involved with others in sharing her faith, talents, gifts and being of service.
Untold Valor Podcast Co-host. Benjamin was born and raised in the Cobbs Creek section of southwest Philadelphia. He was raised by his grandparents with two older siblings. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Hospital Corpsman (medic) attached to a Marine Corps combat unit during the on-going Middle East conflict. He worked in insurance for several years as a successful retail sales manager. Benjamin also worked several years in a men's shelter and has various experiences with mental health and addictions recovery and support.
Benjamin, who goes by Ben, has endured some adversities in his life including a diagnosis of cancer. However, he was able to overcome as he strived to find God's purpose for his life. Following a new path, Ben received his Associate degree in Biblical science at Lancaster Bible College while he was battling cancer. He obtained a bachelor's degree in human services in 2019 and is on track for graduating with a master's degree in counseling in 2024. Ben is the Assistant Pastor and Outreach Coordinator of Philadelphia Baptist Church providing outreach and a food cupboard assisting 150-200 families weekly in West Philly with food and clothing. Ben was blessed with his wife Marcia, who works by his side in the ministry. Together they work with the outreach team of the church with the goal to help alleviate the suffering of others as they serve with the love of Christ.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- Project Manager
Daniel is a Project Manager for a regional distributor. He oversees the development and implementation of new processes in a distribution center setting. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Bob Jones University and a Six Sigma Green Belt from Villanova University. In the past, he has held various positions in operations management including Branch Manager, Operations Supervisor, and Director of Business Administration.
He resides in Montgomery County with his new bride and enjoys mountain biking and playing tennis in his spare time.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
David started his education in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, graduating from Germantown High School and completing his undergraduate degree at Cheyney University in Industrial Education specializing in electronics. After teaching for a while in the Philadelphia School District, he went to work in private industry doing a stint at Texas Instruments and the Xerox Company.
Feeling the need to serve his country, David enlisted in the United States Army and served two tours as a Behavioral Specialist with the 82 nd Airborne. While in the Army, he was the noncommissioned officer in charge of Division Mental Health at Fort Bragg and served as the mental health, drug and alcohol coordinator for the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in the Middle East and Granada.
Upon his discharge, David took a position at Northwest Community Services serving as a mental health emergency intake specialist. He completed his master's in counseling psychology at Chestnut Hill College and continued to work in mental health and substance abuse field for over forty years at the Philadelphia Veterans Administration Hospital, Impact Services, Warren E Smith Centers and finally at Gaudenzia Incorporated where he retired as Division Director of Chester County Outpatient Programs.
Bucks County Consumer/Family Satisfaction Team (C/FST) Coordinator. Julie came to Voice and Vision in the spring of 2022 as a Field Staff Specialist and expanded her role as a Team Lead to support IM4Q (Independent Monitoring for Quality). Now as Coordinator, she oversees a passionate team of Field Staff Specialists who conduct interviews with people receiving mental health and/or substance use treatment or support services to learn about their recovery journey. Reports developed from these interviews are presented to various stakeholders to help ensure the quality of behavioral health services in Bucks County. Advocating for policies that promote each person's strengths and reducing mental health stigma is Julie's passion. Julie brings a strong background in project management and 25 years of personal experience with the behavioral health system to Voice and Vision. In her spare time, Julie enjoys reading, the outdoors, and sharing her love of music with her two amazing children.
Associate Director/IM4Q Coordinator. Karen has worked at Voice and Vision since 2003. She's worked in all departments as well as developed and implemented the Family and Youth Connection initiatives, which were both focused on peer support and education. She created the Family Advisory Committee to engage the voice of families and young adults so that the child-serving systems would better understand their needs and wants. She is the Project Manager of the series of Help and Hope Guides distributed to thousands throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. Karen was educated in England where her focus was Business. She lived overseas and traveled extensively. In 2021, Karen was appointed by Governor Wolf representing a non-profit on the PA Developmental Disabilities Council.
Currently, she lives with her husband and has three children and 12 grandchildren. Her desire is to see that all people are accepted as people first and that their voice be the driving force in the development of their futures and the supports necessary to live a fulfilling life. She wants to see communities embrace this need and be part of the solution in creating support and acceptance.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Secretary of the Board
Karlita was raised in Bucks County and is an alumnus of the Central Bucks School District. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Cinema and Photography with a minor in Gender Studies from Ithaca College; Karlita nearly completed a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology but faced a stretch of depression that suspended her academic career.
After graduating from college, Karlita returned to the Philadelphia area volunteering for City Year AmeriCorps serving in a middle school in NW Philly with the goal of helping students struggling with social, emotional, and academic difficulties by working to create a positive and welcoming learning environment. After spending a few years in education, Karlita found her way to customer service work and is currently a Personal Banker for Univest Bank and Trust Co., working at the Line Lexington Financial Center.
As a survivor of depression, Karlita has firsthand experience dealing with mental health issues and brings a new perspective to the board. She resides in Bucks County and enjoys traveling in her spare time, especially to try new and exciting restaurants in the Bucks and Berks County areas.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
It was while she was studying Political Science at George Washington University in Washington DC, that Lauren realized that she did not want to pursue a career in politics. Under the guidance of a professor, she started an internship in the Development Department at The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command. This position developed her interest in marketing and passion for working for organizations that strive to make a difference.
After graduating from college, Lauren returned back home and began working in marketing at her father's business, Telikin. After a few years of growing her marketing skills, she took another marketing position with Thomson Reuters. In 2018, Lauren left her position to start her own marketing consulting business, Marketing to Mission. Focusing her efforts on local businesses, Lauren enjoys working with talented and passionate individuals who start their ventures to help others.
Lauren has been very active in her local church, serving on Council, on the praise team, and leading Bible Studies. She married her husband Chris in 2020, and they now reside in Hatfield.
Job Titles:
- Leader
- Program Director of Compeer of Suburban Philadelphia
Program Director of Compeer of Suburban Philadelphia. Olga is a talented leader with vast experience spearheading social service programs with a passion for changing the lives of others. Prior to serving as the Program Director of Compeer of Suburban Philadelphia for over a decade, Olga served on the program's Advisory Board. Olga and the Compeer program joined Voice and Vision in 2014. As the Program Director, Olga manages the 120+ member, evidence-based Compeer and CompeerCORPS programs by recruiting, interviewing, and training all volunteers, and matching each volunteer with an individual referred to the program in a one-on-one, co-equal supportive friendship. In addition, she speaks to groups throughout Delaware County to recruit and raise awareness of the need for friendship to support good mental health.
In June of 2021, Olga was recognized by the Delaware County Community Support Program with the Community Partnership Recognition Award for being a vital influence in inspiring DELCO CSP to grow virtually through the COVID pandemic.
Olga holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Marketing from Pennsylvania State University. She also has certificates in Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, Adaptive Leadership for System Change, and Coach Approach to Adaptive Leadership.
CompeerCORPS Coordinator. Rob, a U.S. Navy Submarine Veteran, has a history of service and formerly served as the Vice-President of council, and is the current Mayor of Eddystone Borough. Rob has served in the non-profit sector as a board member of "Grand's Stepping Up", an organization who provides resources to Grandparent's who, through various circumstances, have taken on a parental role for their Grandchildren. He is also a founding member of the "Society for Suicide Prevention" a non-profit dedicated to suicide prevention, providing resources to those who have suffered, training for local police departments, and mental health advocacy. Previously serving in various political campaign roles, Rob pivoted to a government role as a Constituent Service Advisor to Pennsylvania State Representative Jennifer O'Mara and Senior Constituent Advisor and Chief of Staff/District Office Director to Pennsylvania State Representative David M. Delloso.
Rob is most proud of his Service in the U.S. Navy as a Submarine Sailor, where he served as a Missile Technician and worked on all aspects, including targeting and operation of the submarine-launched nuclear weapons in the U.S. Navy's arsenal. During his time underway on a nuclear submarine, Rob was able to obtain his associate degree by correspondence through Coastline College. He is attending Thomas Edison State University to obtain his bachelor's degree and is attending training for Cybersecurity Certifications through the VA's Vet Tec Program. Rob understands firsthand the challenges Veterans face after transitioning to civilian life and proudly serves the Veteran's community in all aspects of his public service.
Business Office and Human Resources Manager. Sheri joined Voice and Vision, Inc. in January 2012. She oversees the various day-to-day business office operations and is involved in all aspects of Human Resources for the three offices, including hiring, payroll administration, employee policy training, and maintaining employee and business files. She also provides computer training/end-user assistance and is the IT liaison. She brings strong, valued gifts of administration and organization. Sheri has a master's degree in Biopsychology and comes from a background working in pharmaceutical clinical research. In addition to her work at Voice and Vision, Sheri enjoys volunteering. Each week, she co-facilitates a bible study at her church and teaches an English as a Second Language class for a local literacy agency.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Vice - Chair of the Board
Sir Guy Epps is a graduate of Temple University with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership. His 25-year career has primarily focused on Credit and Receivables Management and has taken him across the globe working for Top 250 companies. Sir Guy is an innovative and seasoned Senior Executive with over 18 years of Operations and Management Consulting experience. His career accomplishments encompass success in consumer finance, turnarounds, start-up situations, joint ventures, and acquisition integration. Currently, he serves on the Telecommunication Risk Management Association (TRMA) board and is an active participant in local community-based associations and charities.
Director of Data, Research and Design. Susan led the Consumer and Family Satisfaction Team (CFST) in Bucks County since 2003, while using the Appreciative Inquiry philosophy of Quality Management. Currently, as Director of Data Research and Design, she provides support and mentoring to the Coordinators of Bucks, Chester, and Delaware County C/MFSTs. She is also responsible for analysis and trending of data gathered across all three Counties. Sue is the mother of five children and has lived in many areas of the country and overseas. As a licensed Social Worker, Sue brings both professional and personal experience with the behavioral health system to Voice and Vision. Her vision is to see that services and supports are truly "strengths-based" and "consumer and family driven".
Regional InReach (RIR) Team Leader. Susan initially joined Voice and Vision on the Consumer Satisfaction Team in 2007. While working at Voice and Vision, she is proud to say she now drives on her own and has obtained her Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Certification training. As a Regional InReach (RIR) Team Peer Mentor since 2010, she has been co-leading peer support groups and education at Norristown State Hospital (NSH). Given Susan had been a patient at NSH for 11 years, she provides a unique perspective while sharing her story of hope. Susan is a Certified Peer Specialist and uses what she learned in that training to help support others with their recovery. After living in a supported living program with eight other individuals for about 20 years, Susan reached her goal to move out on her own in 2019. She enjoys life, helping people, spending time with her family and friends, playing games and playing the piano. She also is quite an artist. Susan says Voice and Vision has changed her life, and she believes in the work we do.
Chester County Consumer/Family Satisfaction (C/FST) Coordinator. Turquoise oversees a team of Field Staff Specialists who conduct approximately 450 interviews each year with people receiving mental health and/or substance use treatment or support services to find out if those services are meeting peoples' needs and to obtain recommendations for change. Over the past 15 years, Turquoise has worked under the umbrella of Human Services, mostly directly working in the behavioral health section serving the young adult population. She has worked as an Intake Coordinator, Program Specialist, Staff Assistant, and Residential Counselor. Turquoise also has an associate degree in Business. In her free time, she likes to read, listen to music, and spend time with her family and close friends.
The Co-founder (1997) and Chief Executive Officer of Voice and Vision, Inc. Valerie's work in human services began at Norristown State Hospital in 1975. The call of God, love of people, and desire to see justice and freedom compelled her into advocacy and opened doors to various places in the USA and in many countries. As a social entrepreneur, Valerie developed and implemented unique and creative tools and programs that address the needs of youth, adults, and families. A Bachelor of Ministry Degree and a Master of Human Service Degree from Lincoln University helped to prepare her to serve others and persevere through the triumphs and trials of operating a non-profit organization. Valerie enjoys gardening, traveling, and especially loves to spend time with her family including playing with her 17 grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors