Staff

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Hillary Kane is the Director for the Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development (PHENND). PHENND is a consortium of over 25 institutions of higher education in the Greater Philadelphia region that seeks to help campuses connect to their communities through mutually beneficial service and service-learning partnerships. Since Ms. Kane joined PHENND in 1999, the organization has increased its membership, developed new multi-university programs and partnerships, and become a leader in the field of service-learning. Under her leadership, PHENND has developed particular expertise in K-16 Partnerships, with an emphasis on college readiness and success. PHENND has partnered with the School District of Philadelphia for over 15 years on all of its GEAR UP grants as well as the K-16 VISTA project which places 20 full-time AmeriCorps VISTAs in public schools and District offices. PHENND also manages the Next Steps AmeriCorps program, which enrolls low-income college students as part-time AmeriCorps members. Last year, PHENND acquired PHENND Fellows, another full-time VISTA project that places members at nonprofit organizations for a variety of capacity-building projects. Hillary is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies. She is also member of the Greater Philadelphia Corporate Volunteer Council, is active in local politics, and is a proud School District parent.

Eden Kainer is the VISTA Program Manager at PHENND. Eden began with PHENND in 2012 as part of the planning team for the VISTA Community Partnerships project, helping build the systems and processes for recruiting, training and placing VISTAs in schools to serve as Community Partnerships Coordinators as well building relationships with hosting principals. Prior to PHENND, she served three years as a Parent and Community Ombudsman with the School District of Philadelphia, and is to this day an active Philadelphia public school parent. A graduate of Bryn Mawr College with a degree in sociology, Ms. Kainer also received a PhD in Musicology from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. For her dissertation, she examined the intersections of popular vocal performance with aural markers of race. Other interests include violin teaching and orchestral performance.

Janine Wright joined PHENND as the K-16 Partnerships Manager in the summer of 2020. Prior to PHENND she spent over twenty-five years in the nonprofit sector focused primarily on college access and success, community-based education and engagement and professional development. She served as the Assistant Director for Minority Recruitment at the University of Pennsylvania and was part of the inaugural staff of the Philadelphia Education Fund’s College Access Program (later serving twice as its director). Janine also managed the E3 Centers project at the Philadelphia Youth Network and directed the agency’s professional development initiatives for network members.

Janine received both her bachelor’s degree in communications and her master’s degree in urban education from Temple University. She is a proud Philadelphian who remains eternally convinced that the Eagles can do it again.

Robin Hall joined PHENND as the NEXT STEPS Program Manager in March 2023.  Prior to PHENND she spent eleven years as the Operations Manager for the Penn Program for Mindfulness at Penn Medicine.  In addition to managing all phases of the program’s public mindfulness courses, she was also a mindfulness facilitator.

Robin received her bachelor’s degree in communications from Temple University and her Certificate in Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Training from The Penn Program for Mindfulness.

Robin is passionate about increasing the implementation of innovative health and wellness protocols like mindfulness into the professional and higher education space with the hope of demystifying the practice and making it more accessible to as diverse an audience as possible.

Roslynn Blount joined PHENND in January 2022 and serves as the VISTA Operations Coordinator with the PHENND Fellows program. Prior to joining PHENND, she worked in Workforce Development, assisting professionals, new and experienced, with their journeys of personal and professional growth. Roslynn is particularly passionate about helping young professionals navigate and succeed in their workplace of choice.

Originally from Springfield, Illinois, Roslynn moved to Philadelphia to pursue her Masters of Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice. Prior to graduate school, Roslynn attended Washington University in St. Louis. There she earned her Bachelor’s in Urban Studies and Educational Studies. Roslynn is also an AmeriCorps alum, serving with City Year, Washington, D.C. during the 2014-2015 school year. City Year was her introduction to AmeriCorps and she is very excited to be returning and supporting members during their time of service.

Addie Boccuzzi joined PHENND as the Promise Corps Program Coordinator in August 2024. She first became involved with PHENND during her AmeriCorps term with the Next Steps Program, where she served as the Team Leader at Temple University. In that role, she offered individualized support to first-generation undergraduates as they completed 300 hours of service.

Originally from Tennessee, Addie moved to Philadelphia to attend Temple University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and History. She is passionate about expanding education access, empowering young people, and coordinating service initiatives that build stronger communities. Addie is dedicated to supporting the efforts of AmeriCorps members and the students they serve in West Philadelphia.

Lane Frazee is the PHENND Sustainability Coordinator. Prior to joining PHENND, she served two years as the Community Partnerships Coordinator for Walter B. Saul High School in Roxborough. She grew up in Oreland, Pennsylvania, and has lived in and around Montgomery and Philadelphia County for most of her life. Lane is a recent graduate with a B.A. in Peace Studies from Goucher College. Before PHENND, she has worked with an advocacy organization for incarcerated women and girls, and as a bartender at a local brewery.  She is interested in learning about relationships between communities and schools, and how she can help those connections grow stronger. She is especially excited to be working on sustainability because she enjoys gardening, food, and all things animals in her free time. In the future, Lane hopes to work towards building self-sustaining communities.

Amelia McCloy is an AmeriCorps VISTA serving with Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts, focusing on advancing rightful access to justice. Originally from Lock Haven, Central Pennsylvania, she earned her BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) from Ohio State University, where she also competed as a high jumper on the track and field team. Amelia holds minors in Legal Foundations of Society and Women, Gender, and Public Policy and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certificate.

During college, Amelia was deeply involved in civic engagement, working on alternatives to incarceration, building prison coalitions in Ohio, and researching deliberative democracy. Her efforts earned her honors, such as the PPE Outstanding Citizenship Award and the Big Ten’s Distinguished Scholar Award.

After completing her VISTA service, she plans to pursue a master’s in public administration. In her free time, Amelia enjoys exploring new cities, visiting flea markets, and hosting house shows.

Originally from North Alabama, Arlowe is delighted to be a PHENND Fellow. He earned his Linguistics degree with a minor in Visual Studies from Bryn Mawr College in May 2024. This year he is excited to be working with the Philadelphia Education Fund to further their project goals. Outside of work, he enjoys creative writing, community theater, and game design.

Born and raised in PA, Avery studied professional studies at Westchester University with dual minors in Business Law and Business Geography Information Systems. He is currently pursuing his masters at American University in Washington, D.C. in Education Policy and Leadership. In addition to his VISTA service, Avery also serves as Director of Junior Youth Action, a Philly based non profit underneath Philadelphia Youth Action. He enjoys working with the youth and paying it forward with mentorship that others have bestowed onto him. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, traveling, music, and being in nature.

Caden went to Camden County College in South Jersey where he began to volunteer with the Petey Greene program. Caden is excited to take on this new role with the program and continue to advance equity in education. 

Emily was born and raised in Northwest Ohio. She studied International Business and minored in Spanish at John Carroll University. She earned a master’s in cultural anthropology and development from KU Leuven in Belgium, where her thesis centered on rural livelihoods, access to outdoor spaces, and engagement with the environmental movement. In addition to her work at the Rail Park, Emily works as a contractor in community development research. She enjoys collaborating with community-based organizations and is eager to explore best practices in creative placemaking and equitable development. In her free time, Emily teaches yoga, loves dancing, and enjoys reading and cooking new vegan recipes.

Erica grew up in Chaddsford, PA and attended West Chester University, where she got her Bachelors in Environmental Planning and her Masters in Geography. At West Chester University, Erica worked with the campus gardens, where she helped grow food to donate to food banks. She also served with The Sustainable Business Network, where she worked with local businesses to help reduce food waste. Now, Erica is continuing to work with them at the same site in her new capacity as a VISTA! She is excited to continue working with the Philly Tree Plan, helping make cities greener and more sustainable. Erica is passionate about sustainability, not only in the environment, but also in the economy with the promotion of social equity, and looks forward to bringing this passion to her year of service!

In her free time, she loves to do yoga to relax and is currently learning to play the ukulele.

Gabby Cepeda is a child, older sibling, friend to loved ones living in South Texas and Philadelphia. They majored in Educational Studies from Swarthmore College, which served as a site of exploration for their identity, language, and carework. They’re currently a VISTA with Key School in South Philadelphia, nurturing a years-long relationship that continues to bring excitement, challenge, joy, etc.

Outside of work, they enjoy video games, trying out food spots, and taking naps everywhere and anywhere.

Ivy-yon Jackson is a recent graduate from La Salle University with a double major in Psychology and Sociology and Criminal Justice minor. As a Philadelphia native, Ivy-yon has a passion for mental health and serving her community. She will be serving at the La Salle Nonprofit Center as a Community Program Developer. Ivy-yon is a digital and fiber arts artist. At age sixteen, Ivy-yon co-founded The Young Artist Program, an arts and social justice program for queer and transgender youth of color, ages 14-25, in Philadelphia. During her year of service, she will continue working with youth at this program. After her service, she has plans of becoming a therapist and continuing to help her community. 

John Carr graduated from Lewis & Clark College with a double major in Biology and Studio Art. He has worked in labs and is moving towards community development. He has since worked with several volunteer organizations around Philadelphia to better immerse himself in the needs of the community. He is excited to engage with the PRISE program and the possibilities in developing the community it may offer.

Lianna attended Stockton University as a Sustainability Major with a Concentration in Management. She has a passion for fine arts, culinary arts, and systems change. Using her restaurant experience and education on sustainability, Lianna aims to work with Montgomery County Community College’s culinary program and Wellness Center to reduce food waste and alleviate hunger on campus. She will do this by educating the community about sustainability topics, making meals from excess ingredients produced by the culinary program, and then supplying those meals to the Wellness Center’s food pantry that is accessible to students of MontCo. She aims to build systems that will ensure the continuity of sustainable practices at MontCo after she’s gone. She also looks forward to experimenting with sustainable food packaging solutions

After growing up in Richmond, California, Miriam went on to study Animation and Conservation Ecology at Sarah Lawrence College in New York. During school, she interned and worked at the Greenburgh Nature Center as an educator and helped expand their Home Compost Bin sustainability program. Miriam then moved to Philadelphia to explore new opportunities in her field and be closer to family. She began working at the Philadelphia Zoo as an educator while also volunteering with West Powelton RCO performing civic engagement duties. She is now continuing her work at the Philadelphia Zoo through the PHENND Fellows AmeriCorps VISTA program. Miriam hopes this opportunity will allow her to build new partnerships within the zoo and Philadelphia communities. Some of Miriam’s hobbies include visual art/painting, sculpting, animation, and kayaking.

Ona Nwabueze was born and raised in Macon, Georgia. She moved to Philadelphia to serve at Pennsylvanians For Modern Courts, as the Law Education Coordinator. Prior to moving, she graduated from Oglethorpe University with a degree in communications and  a minor in political science. During her time at Oglethorpe University, she worked as a Marketing Coordinator and Legal Assistant. Ona has an interest in pursuing a career in law and plans to go to law school after her year of service. In her free time, she enjoys going on walks in the park and exploring the city. With a passion for helping others and enriching communities, Ona is more than excited to make an impact as a PHENND Fellow.

Hi, I’m Quenzel Matthewson from Philadelphia, currently working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services. I’ve taken this position to work with youth, as I believe they are the key to shaping our future. Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I’m passionate about boxing and anything cardio, which keeps me energized and focused. Excited to combine my interests and skills to make a positive impact!

And here’s a little joke to kick things off: Why did the scarecrow become a successful neurosurgeon? Because he was outstanding in his field!

Originally from West Philadelphia, Sakinah is committed to making a positive impact on the students in her community at KIPP Charter School as part of her AmeriCorps VISTA service. Before VISTA, Sakinah began her educational journey at The Community College of Philadelphia, where she earned an Associate’s degree in Behavioral Health and Human Services. She is now in her final year of a Bachelor’s program in Social Work at West Chester University.

Sakinah’s inspiration to pursue social work stems from the social workers who have made an impact in her life. She is determined to follow in their footsteps, planning to continue her education by rotating into the Master’s program for Social Work at West Chester University. As a first-generation graduate, Sakinah is particularly motivated to achieve her academic and professional goals.

In her free time, Sakinah enjoys knitting and crocheting, often creating handmade items for her children, even if they are sometimes reluctant to wear them!

Sam Popoola is a Nigerian-American first generation immigrant from Dallas, Texas. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She moved on to get a Masters in Social Data Analytics from the University College of Dublin and is currently working on her PhD in Population Health with a focus on childhood adversity from New Castle University in England. She will be supporting Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable and decided to join because she is passionate about access to education. In her free time, she mentors youth, teaches psychology/sociology part time at universities, and loves to travel. Her current favorite travel destination is the Canary Islands.

Sophie is an AmeriCorps VISTA serving the Philadelphia School District as its Sustainability Coordinator. She grew up in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, and is looking forward to her year of service in Philadelphia. In her role, she will be supporting sustainability programs within schools and developing outreach materials with the overall goal of making schools healthier and reducing their environmental footprint. Sophie is a recent graduate with a B.A. in International Studies from Macalester College, and she is eager to apply what she learned in school to her new role. 

Before joining the PHENND Fellows VISTA program, Susan J. Feathers served as the Assistant Dean of Public Interest and pro bono, where she spearheaded the development of service-learning projects addressing the legal needs of low-income individuals. Notable projects she initiated include the N J. International Refugee Assistance Project and the Honorable Stern Bankruptcy Assistance Project. While at Rutgers, she received the Community Leader of the Year Award from the Rutgers Black Association of Law Students (2016).      While at Penn, her community-based research was in collaboration with the Rutgers School of Business; she is an author of the legal framework for disparity studies for Rutgers University, N J. Economic and Development Authority,  and the Jersey City.   

Before joining Rutgers, Susan was the founding Executive Director of the Stanford Law School Levin Center Public Service, directing the school’s pro bono and externship program.  She also worked as the public service program director at Penn Law for nine years.   In that role,  she
collaborated with students and community partners to develop service-learning projects to mobilize students to expand the bandwidth of non-profits.   The projects she assisted in designing and launching include the  LGBTQ Legal Advocacy Project,  Prisoners’ Legal Education Project, and a Reproductive Justice ProjeProjectect.t e’s her program received a ten million endowment to expand the public interest scholars program and became the first law school to receive the American Bar Association’s Pro Bono Publico Award. 
Her other legal experience includes serving as a Clinical Fellow for Hofstra Law School’s Constitutional Litigation, Criminal Defense, and Housing Rights Clinics. 

Susan began her career as a criminal appellate lawyer, litigating excessive police force cases and serving as co-counsel with the Center for Constitutional Rights in Saleh v. Titan I, a case brought on behalf of tortured detainees at Abu Ghraib.

Meet Suzy! Suzy is a PHENND Fellow VISTA at Feast of Justice. She graduated from Saint Joseph’s University in 2019 and previously worked at Philadelphia Legal Assistance in their medical legal community partnership department. In her role, Suzy worked in help centers around the city, when a doctor had a patient in need of legal assistance they were referred to Philadelphia Legal Assistance.

After a brief hiatus in the service field, Suzy joined the AmeriCorps team to get back into the world of public service. She is eager to work with Feast of Justice as they focus on the whole person, not just their food insecurity, implementing a more human and service learning approach to food insecure populations. 

In her free time, Suzy enjoys thrifting and learning new hobbies such as sewing and of course spending time with her cat!

Taya is a photojournalist and has a brand called Everlasting Lens! She’s also had the opportunity to travel to different countries and states. Prior to her VISTA year, she lived in New York before living in Philly to serve with YESPhilly. She is excited to see how she can build connections and partnerships beyond her VISTA year.

After recently graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and a minor in Data Analytics from Arcadia University, Venicio is ready to spread his wings and embark on a new adventure. His pursuit for new horizons has led him to a role as a Youth Engagement Coordinator at Mitzvah Circle, a non-profit serving impoverished members of the Norristown community. Mitzvah Circle provides care packages to individuals, families, and children in need that mostly include clothing, but also household items, toiletries, and occasionally food and toys. As the Youth Engagement Coordinator, Venicio’s role includes working with High School students to engage them in volunteer activities for Mitzvah Circle. Furthermore, Venicio is piloting a junior program in a similar vein for students in 8th grade. Additionally, as part of his role at Mitzvah Circle, he is spearheading a period supply program. He looks forward to using his data analytics skills in order to make a pertinent difference in his community.

In North Philadelphia born and raised on the playground was where I spent most of my days chillin’ out, reading, relaxin’, all cool and all shootin’ some knowledge outside of the school when a couple of guys who were up to no good, started making trouble in my neighborhood I got in one little fight and my mom got scared she said, ‘You’re movin’ with your auntie and uncle in Bel-Air’”

This is just a reference from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air but instead of moving to Bel-Air, Zierra stayed in Philadelphia so she could contribute to community growth and development. Zierra studied economics, focusing especially on zoning, development, and community partnerships within Philadelphia. When PHENND found Zierra, she knew being a School Community Partnership Coordinator would be her focus for the 2024-2025 school year.