Staff
Christine A. Brown
Executive Director
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Melinda Izzo
Community Engagement & STARS Manager
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Maria Manogue
Director of Programs
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Tayla Porter
Case Manager
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Courtney Chapman
Case Manager
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LaVeana McCoy
Receptionist
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Robin Wunder
Bookkeeper
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Vickie Clark
LGL Specialist
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Thalia Dafermos
Office Assistant
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Christine A. Brown
Executive Director
Christine is a longtime member of the Phoenixville community, and brings to Orion a unique combination of nonprofit expertise, educational leadership, and a deep commitment to building meaningful connections that strengthen individuals and communities.
Prior to joining Orion, Christine served as Program Director for Citizen Advocacy of Chester County. She has held leadership roles with Soroptimist International of Phoenixville and the North Atlantic Region of Soroptimist International, Communities That Care, Changemaker, the Phoenixville Rotary, and other community organizations. She has served as a principal and assistant principal in Pennsylvania schools, including Renaissance Academy Charter School in Phoenixville, Cocalico School District, and the School District of Lancaster. She has been a volunteer with Orion for years, giving her a longstanding connection to the organization and its mission. Christine’s commitment to service and community involvement has been recognized through numerous honors, including being named the Phoenixville Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 2026. Christine holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Wilmington University and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from West Chester University.
Throughout her career, Christine has demonstrated a consistent commitment to service, collaboration, education, and creating opportunities for individuals and organizations to thrive. As Executive Director, Christine looks forward to bringing her experience in nonprofit leadership, community partnership, fundraising, and strategic planning to Orion Communities and continuing its mission through strong relationships, thoughtful leadership, and meaningful community impact.
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Melinda Izzo
Manager: Community Engagement & STARS
After volunteering for four years, Melinda joined Orion in December 2018 as Program Coordinator for the STARS and GLAD programs. She has a B.S. in counseling from Geneva College and has a background in children’s mental health and early childhood education with an emphasis in autism. Melinda loves children’s literature and guiding children in acquiring new skills and overcoming challenges. She comes to Orion with a can-do attitude and an ability to network and identify resources for the children and families in our programs. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading and perennial gardening.
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Maria Manogue
Manager: Bridge Case Management
For as long as she can remember, Maria has had a passion for helping others. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Shippensburg University. She began her career in child welfare with Montgomery County where she spent several years working with at risk children and youth. Maria has experience in various settings in the social service field including Child Protective Services, Case Management and Supports Coordination for individuals with IDD and Autism. With a passion for planning and coordinating events, Maria spent 8 years as the Organizer of Connect the Tots, a group dedicated to bringing together families for social opportunities and support in the Berks County region. In her spare time, Maria enjoys being a spectator at her children’s sporting events, hiking, paddle boarding, thrifting, DIYing, singing, and cooking.
Maria is thrilled to be a part of the Orion Communities Team.
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Yolanda Durante
Manager: Community Programs
Yolanda Durante is originally from the artistic Williamsburg section of New York City but Pennsylvania has been her home for 30 years. She now cheers for the Eagles and loves visiting the countryside in Lancaster County. Her passion is to equip leaders and develop the giftings and skills that each person possesses regardless of the challenges they face. She has served Churches in Montgomery, Chester, and Berks County, and Virginia in the capacity of Senior/Solo pastor. She has worked with impoverished children and families and pre-natal mothers as an Early Head Start Health Coordinator in Montgomery County. She taught Humanity courses to inner city students as an Adjunct Professor at Esperanza College of Eastern University in both English and Spanish. Her educational experience includes an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary with a concentration in Counseling, BA in Sociology from Hunter College, and some doctoral work at the University of Virginia. In her spare time, she loves taking walks with her Bichon Frise dog and doing research.
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Tayla Porter
Case Manager
Graduating with honors from Millersville University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, Tayla embarked on a career journey driven by her commitment to serving others. Starting as an office manager, she quickly transitioned into the role of a victim advocate, where she provided vital support and resources to those in need.
Currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Social Work at West Chester University, Tayla is expanding her knowledge and skills to further empower individuals and communities. As a lifelong resident of Chester County, she deeply values her connection to her community and is committed to making a positive impact on its residents.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Tayla finds joy in spending quality time with her loved ones and exploring new destinations through travel. Her dedication to both her personal and professional growth exemplifies her unwavering commitment to creating a brighter future for those around her. Tayla’s favorite quote and life mantra is “ Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” Hellen Keller.
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Courtney Chapman
Case Manager
Courtney joined the Orion team in May of 2025. She earned her Bachelor of Criminology and Gender Studies at Lycoming College. Courtney has a background working at a nonprofit camp for children in the greater Philadelphia area and volunteering in her community.
She started her career supporting at-risk youth and their families in Montgomery County. Courtney is currently completing her Master of Social Research and Data Analysis at Montclair State University, where she is expanding her knowledge on social issues and how to enact change through research. Courtney is passionate about social justice and is excited to join Orion’s Team!
Outside of work, Courtney enjoys reading, painting, and spending time with friends and family.
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LaVeana McCoy
Receptionist
LaVeana joined the Orion team in December of 2019. She brings with her over 20 years of Business Administration experience. LaVeana feels comfortable problem solving, managing information databases and supporting senior employees. While currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, LaVeana has already achieved her Associate of Science degree in Business Administration and Human Resource Management. She loves helping others and comes to Orion eager and ready to support clients in need. In her free time, LaVeana enjoys sewing, listening to opera, playing tennis, and spending time with her grandchildren.
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Robin Wunder
Bookkeeper
Robin has been employed as a bookkeeper for over 40 years with a focus on non-profits for 18 of those years. She is a native of Royersford, Montgomery County. She is married to her high school flame. She has 2 adult children. In her spare time she loves to travel and go antiquing.
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Thalia Dafermos
Office Assistant
Thalia is an old timer residing at Camphill Soltane for the past 25 years. She got to know Orion when she was working in a local restaurant. Thalia was interested in office work and started as a volunteer. Over time, she showed increased comfort, confidence, and independence that resulted in her being hired as a part time employee.
Thalia keeps busy in the office with filing, shredding, and organizing donations of food and personal care items. She has many interests but two of them are annual trips home to Greece and painting her feelings with water colors. She also likes weaving in the textile training studio on the Soltane property.
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Vickie Clark
LGL Specialist
Vickie is a Chester County native, mother of four, and grandmother of eight. She brings more than 20 years of experience in accounts payable and receivable, database management, tax preparation, and data entry. With a natural love for numbers and a passion for helping others, Vickie is knowledgeable, resourceful, and always willing to lend a hand. She values independence, staying organized, and using her skills to make a positive difference for those around her.
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