2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BrianH

Brian Holtzhafer, MEd

 

Board President

Brian Holtzhafer

Educational Background / Experience
MS Science Education, Montana State University
MEd Curriculum, Kutztown University
BS Env Sci/Geology, Kutztown University

Occupation
Science teacher, Parkland School District

How does your background relate to your involvement as a TKP Board Member?
Being a teacher allows me to build relationships with many students from a variety of backgrounds. One of my greatest accomplishments has been guiding students to become productive members of our society. The Kindness Project is a way to further this mission.

What makes you passionate about TKP's mission?
I am fortunate to be able to adequately provide for my children and family and want to be a part of allowing all children to have the opportunities that my children have.

"For we live by faith, not by sight."

E-mail
brian@mykindnessproject.org

Brittany

Brittany Karoly, Esq.

Board Vice President

Brittany W. Karoly, Esq.

Educational Background / Experience
Juris Doctorate at University of Louisville, Brandeis School of Law
BA in Business Administration and Economics at Bellarmine University

Occupation
Attorney, Stutman Law

How does your background relate to your involvement as a TKP Board Member?
I have been practicing law since 2007 and have lived in the Lehigh Valley since 2010.  A few years ago, I volunteered as a legal advocate in Dilley, Texas, assisting women and children seeking asylum in the United States. When I returned from that trip, I knew it was well past time that I got more involved in serving vulnerable populations closer to home.  I first learned of TKP around that time, and its mission really resonated with my desire to make a tangible impact in our community.  

What makes you passionate about TKP's mission?
Having my own kids completely opened my eyes to the needs of children in a new way. I became much more aware of the resources required to provide children with a stable foundation to grow and thrive. Assisting foster families in meeting the needs of the children in their care, and helping the kids to thrive, is central to everything that TKP does.  I am honored to support that mission as part of TKP's Board.

"Nothing will work, unless you do." - Maya Angelou

E-mail
brittany@mykindnessproject.org

Michelle

Michelle Bitner

Board Treasurer

Michelle Bitner

Educational Background / Experience
BS in Business Administration, Accounting
20 Years of Experience in Public Accounting

Occupation
Manager, Campbell, Rappold & Yurasits LLP

How does your background relate to your involvement as a TKP Board Member?
A large part of our practice includes providing accounting services to many area Not-for-Profit Organizations. I love to see what they've accomplished when I see them each year and all the wonderful services that they provide for our community.

What makes you passionate about TKP's mission?
As a mother myself, I know how very important it is for children to be safe, nurtured and have the basic life essentials to thrive and do their best. Children are our future and foster parents are such wonderful individuals who dedicate their lives to helping others. Joining The Kindness Project board and helping foster children and families is an honor.

"To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world." - Dr. Seuss

E-mail
michelle@mykindnessproject.org

Ian

Ian Dollman, MPH

Ian Dollman

Educational Background / Experience
Master of Public Health, University of South Florida
BS Biology, Messiah University

Occupation
Owner, Queen of the Valley Farm a Pet Resort

How does your background relate to your involvement as a TKP Board Member?
I've always been a helper and am drawn to those who are most vulnerable and are in their current situation through no fault of their own. I've taught kids who didn't have a teacher in Zambia, done research regarding underutilization of healthcare in refugee populations in an effort to implement programs for better health outcomes, and completed needs assessments in rural Uganda regarding health and agriculture to properly tailor policy. I was naturally drawn to The Kindness Project right in my back yard to continue helping where I can.

What makes you passionate about TKP's mission?
I love that TKP helps to provide some of the basics the families and kids need so they can focus more on their relationships and moving forward. I'm excited for the future of more programs becoming available to guide kids into their futures with more resources.

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

E-mail
ian@mykindnessproject.org

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Gabby Toedter, MSW

Gabby Toedter

Educational Background / Experience
Master of Social Work, New York University
BA Psychology, Moravian College

Occupation
Director of Admissions & Casework Supervisor, The Children's Home of Easton

How does your background relate to your involvement as a TKP Board Member?
I have always had a desire to help others. I have been working in the social services and child welfare world for over 15 years. I have experienced a variety of internships, jobs and volunteer opportunities focusing on children in foster care. This is my passion!

I was introduced to TKP while working in my current position. I was able to utilize their amazing services for our foster families and kiddos. Their dedication and outreach to the community was so impactful that I needed to get involved. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute my time and expertise in the field to this organization.

What makes you passionate about TKP's mission?
TKP's focus on making the foster care experience "normal" for the youth is what I love most about the mission. Offering the ability to be a kid with no judgement or barriers is so impactful for all of us experiencing this world of foster care.

"All the good times and the bad ones, all the beautiful mistakes, all together, tell the story of how strong we're made to be, meant to be." - Twiddle

E-mail
gabby@mykindnessproject.org

Greg Wollenhaupt - Board Member (1)

Greg Wollenhaupt

Greg Wollenhaupt

Educational Background / Experience
Masters of Arts in Counseling

Occupation
Care Director at Faith Church

How does your background relate to your involvement as a TKP Board Member?
I have been on staff at Faith Church for 28 years. We have an emphasis on fostering and adopting children, and I would like to help move that vision forward, and TKP is an important part of meeting those needs in the community.

What makes you passionate about TKP's mission?
I see the needs of foster children in the community, and I want to be a part of meeting those needs

"Have fun storming the castle!" - Miracle Max in Princess Bride

E-mail
greg@mykindnessproject.org

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Courtney Angle

Courtney Angle

Educational Background / Experience
BA in Communications, Kutztown University
MBA candidate, Moravian University.

Occupation
Corporate Affairs Specialist, Just Born Quality Confections

How does your background relate to your involvement as a TKP Board Member?
I have professional experience in fundraising, events, and community engagement. I am passionate about lending a helping hand to those in need. I've spent time in Haiti, helping kids with after school programs, feeding programs & showing them love and basic care. I have been blessed so that I can be a blessing. I'm excited to give back in my community to those in foster care!

What makes you passionate about TKP's mission?
I would love to see a world where children do not feel different from others because of their circumstances. I love TKP's mission, and that they are giving kids in foster care dignity. I am so excited to have a small role in this!

"Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure."

E-mail
courtney@mykindnessproject.org

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Indu Bulbul Berman, MBA, MPH

Indu Bulbul Berman

Educational Background / Experience
MBA, Columbia Business School
MPH, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
BA in Public Health, Johns Hopkins University

Occupation
Administrator, Strategic Transformation at Lehigh Valley Physician Group

How does your background relate to your involvement as a TKP Board Member?
In my current role with Lehigh Valley Physician Group, I am dedicated to championing continuous improvement and innovation through executing strategic and transformative initiatives. In my previous position, I was involved in strategic planning and business development, community benefit reporting, and program managed a diversity, equity and inclusion initiative. Additionally, I have experience with project management and financial planning and analysis.

Outside of work, I have always engaged in my community through collaborating with or in service of people who are underserved. In college, I helped the unhoused write their resumes and organized a college-wide day of service at a variety of local organizations.

Since then, I have tutored English Language Learners (ELL), drafted a patient handbook for a federally qualified health center, served on the board of a nonprofit that supports the sustained well-being and self-advocacy of underserved immigrant communities and served on another board focused on families volunteering together.

What makes you passionate about TKP's mission?
Children should be able to take advantage of all of the opportunities available to them so they can thrive and succeed. I love that TKP is focused on supporting the entire foster family and child(ren) -- from meeting immediate needs for clothing, shoes and other essential items to offering a longer-term community of support. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve on the TKP Board.

"Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud." - Maya Angelou

E-mail
bulbul@mykindnessproject.org

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Dr. Mark Koch

Dr. Mark Koch

Educational Background / Experience
BS in Occupational Therapy, University of Missouri

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate, Saint Louis University.

Occupation
Cedar Crest College - Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program

How does your background relate to your involvement as a TKP Board Member?
I am an occupational therapist, advocate, and lifelong learner whose interests include trauma-informed approaches to community-based practice and occupational in/justice. I have spent most of my career working in the field of crime victim-survivor advocacy.

As an Occupational Therapy educator and TKP Board Member, I am interested in understanding and promoting evidence-informed, relationship-centered approaches to empowerment, healing, and advocacy.

What makes you passionate about TKP's mission?
Working toward positive social change at the individual, family, and community levels is the primary driver of my motivation to serve on TKP's Board of Directors.

"We become what we practice."

E-mail
mark@mykindnessproject.org