Home > About > Our Staff
ORION COMMUNITIES has a dedicated staff here to assist our neighbors in need.

Kris Keller
Executive Director
It came as a surprise to Kris late in her career that she had a real love for non-profit work!

Melinda Izzo
Operations Manager
After volunteering for four years, Melinda joined Orion in December 2018 as Program Coordinator for our STARS and GLAD programs.

Ava King
Development and Outreach Manager
Ava has always had a passion for helping those in need and has worked within the Human Services field for almost 30 years.

Yolanda Durante
Case Management Supervisor
Yolanda’s passion is to equip leaders and develop the giftings and skills that each person possesses regardless of the challenges they face.

Dynesha Alston
Lead Case Manager
New to the Orion Team, Dynesha has a master’s Degree in Social Work from West Chester University.

Wendy Gaynor
ROOFS Program Coordinator
Wendy is a native of Chester County who spent many years in Philadelphia where she served in the life of Broad Street Ministry.

Sarah Batista
Case Manager
Sarah Batista, bilingual case manager, is a native of New York City and moved to Pennsylvania during her teenage years.

Lori Heath
Case Manager
Lori is a graduate from Chestnut Hill College. and began her career in child welfare with foster care.

Kaitlynn Johnson
Case Manager
Kaitlynn was our intern during her senior year at Cabrini University of 2021 and now has joined the team as a case manager.

Kari Burdeau
Admin Tech Specialist
Kari has worked for a variety of non-profit and for profit businesses, gaining experience in office management, advocacy, and customer service.

Dottie Bellissimo
Administrative Assistant
Previously employed with civil engineering firms, Dottie has an eye for detail, and supportive administrative and organizational skills.

LaVeana McCoy
Receptionist
LaVeana joined the Orion team in December of 2019. She brings with her over 20 years of Business Administration experience.

Robin Wunder
Bookkeeper
Robin has been a bookkeeper with 40 years of experience and has focused on non-profits for 18 years.

Katie Price
Operations Assistant
Katie has served the Chester County community for the past two decades.

Anika Hedderick
Development Assistant
Anika has over 20 years of experience in customer service and volunteer work with Chester County Crime Victim Center.

Thalia Dafermos
Office Assistant
Thalia is an old timer residing at Camphill Soltane for the past 25 years.

James Fisher
Maintenance
James is a long-time friend of Orion and recently joined our staff.