Along with over 50 volunteer coordinators, one from each congregation, and approximately 1,500 individual volunteers, PIHN is run by talented professionals, consultants and interns.
Core Staff
Rachel served as a PIHN Board member for five years before taking the Executive Director position, initially as a volunteer, in an organization that was depleted of funds in 2002. Partially salaried, Rachel has worked to support the Board of Directors in strategic planning, fundraising, and management of the agency. Rachel has overseen the development of the Network from a one-program congregational based emergency shelter to a holistic continuum, serving current guests and alumni with an array of supportive services, housing and advocacy programs. Before assuming this position, Rachel worked in health care management for twenty years.
Bob was born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University in 2006, he decided to pursue a career in human services. Bob initially became involved at PIHN as a field study student while earning a certificate in Human Services from Community College of Philadelphia. Bob then joined our staff team in 2012 to open our second network of caring congregations. In 2015, Bob earned his certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Nonprofit Center at LaSalle University’s School of Business. We are delighted to have Bob helping us continue to grow our program!
She graduated with a Bachelors in Psychology and Masters in Social work from Temple University. She worked for 20 years at the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), first as an assessment worker and later as a resource developer and care manager for the Fomiciliary Care program. Prior to working at PCA, she was one of the founding mothers of Women Against Rape of Montgomery County (now Victim Services of Montgomery County) and served as the Executive Director for 4 years. She began volunteering for PIHN through her church, The Unitarian Society of Germantown. Later, she completed her internship here and served on the Board of Directors for several years. Deborah has volunteered at her church, served as the chair of the religious education as well as the chair of the Service Auction and Member of the Board of Trustees.
Keyonnee Thalia, M.S.W., L.S.W., Director of Family Services
Keyonnee graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2006 and a Masters of Social Work in 2012. Before joining the PIHN staff, she worked as a research assistant at the Temple University College of Health Professionals and Social Work and also as an intern with the Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY). As a case-manager intern for United Communities, she helped design and implement after-school programming for youth in grades five through seven. She has volunteered for numerous programs serving people experiencing homelessness and has been actively involved in the Vote for Homes Coalition. She brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to her work with PIHN families. Keyonnee began her work with PIHN first as a volunteer from 2008-2009 and we are very excited to have her back with us!
Support Staff
Pesha Leichter (Bookkeeper, part-time)
Pesha is an active PIHN volunteer at her congregation and has worked with PIHN on a part time basis for the past 10 years.
Christian is a graduate from Arcadia University (’16) with a Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Arts, who designs our various marketing material.
