The Annual Chefs for Gemma Benefit a Success!

board of directors

OFFICERS

Nina V. Rogers
(Chair)

Real Estate
President, Legalty

Clifford P. Haugen
(Treasurer)

Finance
Principal & Financial Advisor, President, BLB&B Advisors, LLC

Polly M. Shaffer
(Secretary)

Legal-retired

Kristen E.M. Gay, Ph.D.

President & CEO
Gemma Services


Christopher Holland

Nonprofit/Ministry
Executive Director, The Common Place

Yardly R. Jenkins

Philanthropy
Community Volunteer

C. Andrew Krepps, Jr.

Finance
Investment Planner, Geneos Wealth Management

Aurora Kripa

Health & Human Services
Chief Operating Officer, KenCrest

Colleen M. Lelli, Ed.D.

Education
Professor of Education, Cabrini University

Connie L. Murphy

Fundraising
Director of Strategic Relationships, Alliance for Decision Education

Elisabeth S. Slate, Ph.D.

Psychology
Licensed Psychologist, Private Practice

Robena Spangler

Health & Human Services
Sr. Director, Leadership & Organizational Development,
Social Current

Nancy B. Wolcott

Finance-Retired

executive leadership

Kristen E.M. Gay, Ph.D., President/CEO

Kristen Gay serves as President & CEO of Gemma Services. She has devoted her career to accompanying children, youth, families, and individuals, previously at Silver Springs - Martin Luther School prior to its merger with the Village to become one organization now known as Gemma Services. After receiving a B.A. in Psychology from Franklin and Marshall College, and an M. Ed. in Psychological Services and a Ph.D. in School, Community and Clinical Child Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, Kristen joined the Silver Springs staff in 1999. Kristen worked in various roles throughout the organization, including Clinical Intern, Foster Family Care Caseworker, Independent Consultant, Performance Improvement/Family Resource Services Director, Development Director, and Vice President. In addition, Kristen has clinical experience in Counseling and School Psychology and has served as an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Pennsylvania. Kristen has served on task forces at the city and state levels. Her diverse experience working within the programs and administration at Gemma, as well as within the broader behavioral health system, informs her strong and passionate vision for the future of the organization, and the myriad ways through which Gemma Services assists people who are navigating life’s challenges. A proven collaborator and decisive leader, Kristen is honored to lead Gemma Services and its many programs that accompany people of all ages so they know they matter.

Joan Plump, ESQ, MA, Chief of Staff

Joan Plump joined Silver Springs - Martin Luther School in 2008 after working for many years as a civil defense attorney in the Philadelphia region. When Joan first arrived, she served as a Development Officer, later Development Director, Administrative Services Director, then Vice President, and now Chief of Staff. In her various roles at Gemma Services, Joan has overseen Martin Luther School, the Residential Treatment Program, human resources, operations, compliance, and information management. She currently supports other leaders and staff, oversees commercial insurance, contracts, and legal matters, and provides strategic counsel to the CEO. Joan is passionate about the organization's mission to help everyone know they matter and reach their full potential. Joan has a B.A. from Bucknell University, a master’s in education from La Salle University, and a J.D. from Fordham University. She is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and has served as a volunteer lawyer for The Support Center for Child Advocates in Philadelphia.

Omar Mateo, MSW, Chief Operating Officer

Omar Mateo joined Gemma in June 2023 as Chief Operating Officer. He oversees Community Based Programs, Martin Luther School, and the Residential Treatment Program, as well as IT and Operations, which includes security, buildings and grounds, and food services. Omar has more than 20 years of experience in the social services sector with organizations serving children and families. Before coming to Gemma, Omar held a leadership role with an unaccompanied minors program providing transitional residential and home study/post-release services to ensure children's safety and well-being. Omar is committed to improving and streamlining processes through evidence-based practices and data-driven management. Omar is passionate about supporting people of all ages and developing leaders, especially those from the most marginalized and underserved communities. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Penn State and a Master of Social Work from Stockton University.

Jamie Fenstermaker, LPC, Chief Integrity Officer

As Chief Integrity Officer, Jamie Fenstermaker is responsible for the oversight of aspects of the organization related to quality improvement, compliance, and ensuring high standards of care for all services. Prior to the merger with Silver Springs, Jamie served as Chief Operating Officer at theVillage, and also served there as Senior Director of Residential Programs and Director of Quality Improvement. Jamie joined theVillage following more than 16 years of service at St. Mary’s Villa for Children and Families, another local non-profit program providing residential and clinical care for youth who are at-risk. Jamie has experience leading multifaceted programs, a background as a Licensed Professional Counselor, and certification in Lean Six Sigma. Jamie earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and master's degree in counseling from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her mission of helping those most in need started when she began volunteering in homeless shelters and outreach programs in Pittsburgh and continues in her work today through improving services for individuals and families through Gemma’s programs.

Julie Goodin, MBA, CHFP, Chief Financial Officer

Julie Goodin is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Gemma Services. She joined Gemma in January 2024 with more than 20 years of experience working within in the behavioral health sector. Julie has brought her financial expertise to roles in inpatient psychiatric care, detox/rehab, partial hospitalization, children’s residential treatment, therapeutic foster care, and children and adult outpatient programs. She has held a wide range of finance positions, including staff accountant, Revenue Manager, Assistant Director of CBO, Director of Revenue Cycle Management, and Director of Finance. At Gemma, Julie provides leadership for the Finance team, which includes accounts receivable, accounts payable, budgeting and reporting, and financial modeling in support of Gemma’s vision. Julie earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting, her MBA from Western International University, is a Certified Professional Coder (CPC), and is a Certified Healthcare Finance Professional (CHFP). Gemma’s mission is extremely close to Ms. Goodin’s heart. She has witnessed the passionate enthusiasm at Gemma and is excited to partner with the leadership team to advance Gemma’s mission.

Lynn Unipan, MSW, CFRE, Chief Development and Communications Officer

Lynn Unipan serves as Chief Development and Communications Officer at Gemma. She provides leadership for all fundraising and external communications initiatives. This includes individual, corporate, foundation giving, volunteer engagement, and branding and marketing. Lynn arrived at Silver Springs in 2008, prior to the merger with theVillage, after many years working in nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and communications roles. She received her BA from Bowdoin College, MA in Education from Claremont Graduate University, and MSW from the University of Southern California. Early in her career, Lynn worked as a clinical social worker in residential and outpatient mental health settings. A Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE), Lynn is a proud member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Philadelphia Chapter (AFP) and is passionate about advancing opportunities for people experiencing significant challenges in their lives.

Neil Clark, Vice President of Operations

Neil Clark is Vice President of Operations and oversees buildings, grounds, major building projects, food services, energy management, purchasing, contract agreements, and safety and security of Gemma Services' three locations. Neil brings a unique perspective to his work as he has held supervisory positions in both the Residential Treatment Program and Martin Luther School. Neil previously served as Operations Director with the Wallingford/Swarthmore School District, supervising major construction and the Facilities and Transportation Departments. He has served on public and non-profit boards and associations, including as Chair of the Montgomery County Office of Children and of Youth Advisory Committee, Lower Merion Youth Aid Panel, Plymouth Township Shade Tree and Recreation Committee (current), and Silver Springs - Martin Luther School Foundation Board (2013-2019). Neil graduated from DeSales University, Center Valley, PA with BA in Psychology.

Melissa Harvey, MSW, LSW, Vice President of Community Based Programs

Melissa Harvey arrived at Silver Springs in November 2016, prior to the merger with theVillage, with more than 15 years of supervisory and leadership experience in the non-profit behavioral health and social service sector. Melissa has served as Director of Operations for all Youth Behavioral Health Services at NorthEast Treatment Centers (NET). Melissa, a Licensed Social Worker in PA, received her master’s degree from Temple University. She began her career working with medically complex children and children with developmental delays. In her administrative roles, Melissa has created and organized numerous systems to ensure that people receive the best quality care and services. Melissa brings to Gemma a passion for and dedication to serving families and their children in all aspects of care. In her current role, Melissa oversees all Community Based Programs including Adoption and Permanency, Family Based Mental Health Services, a Family Support Program, Foster Family Care, Intensive Behavioral Health Rehabilitative Services, Outpatient Mental Health Services, and a Family Empowerment Center.

Sarah Kline, MSW, LCSW, Vice President of Residential Services

Sarah Kline is the Vice President of Residential Services, providing leadership and oversight for Gemma's residential program. Sarah arrived in 2012 with experience working in the child welfare system as well as alternative school and in-home settings. Sarah received her MSW from Widener University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Prior to the merger with theVillage, at Silver Springs, Sarah served as a social worker and trauma therapist in the Residential Treatment Program, the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Supervisor, and most recently, as the Senior Residential Program Director for the Plymouth Meeting Residential Treatment Program. Sarah is committed to excellence and innovation in the services we provide, and to ensuring that evidence based practices are implemented and family-driven care is at the forefront of the residential programs.

Dean Martella, Vice President of Information Management

In his role as Vice President of Information Management, Dean Martella provides leadership for the overall technology vision for the organization. He is responsible for the management of all hardware, software, workflows, and information security at Gemma Services. Dean has more than 17 years of experience in the technology field, including work as a consultant to non-profit and for-profit organizations of various sizes. Dean has an associate’s degree and many industry certifications, most notably from Microsoft and VMware.

Eva Morrison, M.A., Vice President of Educational Services

As Vice President of Educational Services, Eva Morrison provides leadership and oversight for the educational services that Gemma provides, which includes leading Martin Luther School. Eva arrived in 2019 with more than 25 years of experience as an educator and educational leader. Eva has served in various roles throughout her career, most recently before arriving at Gemma, as Director of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment and Professional Development for the Upper Dublin School District. Eva is passionate about teaching and learning and committed to facilitating a collegial, student-centered learning environment where both students and staff leave school each day feeling fulfilled. Eva has a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and teaching from Carlow University, K-12 Principal Certification (Pennsylvania) from Delaware Valley University, and a master’s degree in secondary education and teaching from LaSalle University. Eva is a life-long learner who is creative, authentic, and genuinely cares about the educators and students with whom she works.