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
Community Relations & STARS
After volunteering for four years, Melinda joined Orion in December 2018 as Program Coordinator for our STARS and GLAD programs.

Ava King
Development 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.

Wendy Gaynor
Operations Manager
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
ROOFS Program Specialist
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.

Laurie Richardson
Case Manager
Laurie has many years of experience in housing, mental health and has worked with folks experiencing addiction and disabilities.

Maria Manogue
Case Manager
Maria has experience in the social service field including Child Protective Services, Case Management and Supports Coordination for individuals with IDD and Autism.

Sam Ahola
Case Management Intern
Sam is currently a student at Alvernia University getting his master’s in social work. Sam is dedicated to helping others and chose to intern at Orion to fulfill that passion.

Guilherme Gardel
Case Management Intern
Gui hopes to use this opportunity to earn his social work degree from Valley Forge University, as well as learning and growing to further help people with Orion’s same drive and mission for their neighbors.

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.

Vickie Clark
Development Assistant
Vickie, a former client, is known for helping many in the community.

Katie Price
Program Specialist
Katie has served the Chester County community for the past two decades.

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

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