Uplift Team
Keri Salerno
Executive Director
Keri Salerno brings over 20 years of experience working in the non-profit, public, and political sectors. Prior to joining Uplift in March of 2023, Keri spent almost seven years at Public Health Management Corporation in two different senior director roles where she oversaw the departments focusing on nutrition, traffic safety, sexual health, workforce development, and built environment as well raised an estimated $30M, created three new business lines, and generated several opportunities for organizational exposure. Before PHMC, Ms. Salerno spent almost eight years in the public sector serving under New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter. Much of this time was spent creating programs and policies to aid vulnerable populations specifically those who have been justice involved and/or affected by gun violence. In the early part of her career, she spent over six years as a fundraiser and grassroots organizer for local, state, federal, and issue based and electoral campaigns.
In addition to her professional experience, Ms. Salerno has been civically engaged in Philadelphia by being a Committeeperson in Philadelphia’s 2nd Ward 9th Division; serving on the board of directors of Philadelphia250 (currently) and Philadelphia Young Non-profit Leaders (formerly); being a publisher, editor, manager of volunteer writers and writer for the Philadelphia Social Innovations Journal; and a former member of of Young Involved Philadelphia and Young America PAC. Lastly, she is an award-winning gardener having placed in Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Gardening and Greening Contest in 2013.
Ms. Salerno holds a Masters in Government Administration and Certificate in Non-profit Management from the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania. She received a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Tulane University. While at Tulane, Ms. Salerno spent her junior year abroad studying modern Greek history and international relations at College Year in Athens.
What Uplifts You? I find happiness when my infant daughter smiles and my German Shepherd dog perks her ears up.
Email: keri@upliftphilly.org
TEL: 267-237-3123
Crystal Wortham,
MSW, LCSW
Director of Clinical & Education Services
Known for her empathy, optimism and strong work ethic, Crystal has a passion and genuine concern for others. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychological & Social Sciences from the Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2). Crystal has since been working diligently in the field of loss and grief. She has also presented at the Association of Death Education and Counseling conference, and received a special recognition award from the Philadelphia Coalition for Victim Advocacy.
What Uplifts You? Faith, family, friends, love and laughter.
Email: crystal@upliftphilly.org
TEL: 267-367-4574
Kevin Peter,
M.Ed.
Director of Development
Kevin Peter joined Uplift in 2021 as Director of Development, guiding our development and communications program. He brings experience working with Philadelphia-based organizations focused on formal and informal education for children, youth, and adults. As a development professional, he is excited by the growing discussion and practice of community centric fundraising. Kevin earned a Master of Education in Adult and Organizational Development from Temple University, and a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Parks from Texas A&M University. He earned graduate a certificate in Conflict Process and another in Training and Organizational Development. He completed basic mediation training at Good Shepherd Mediation Program.
What Uplifts you? Connecting people who care with organizations that make a difference, a well-crafted sentence, listening to great music through old-school headphones, successful experiments with sourdough, running the trails of the Wissahickon.
Email: kpeter@upliftphilly.org
TEL: 267-281-1585 x 1016
Teresa MĂ©ndez-Quigley, MSW
Associate Director of Family Services & Innovative Practices
Teresa supports the team of clinicians, interns, volunteers, and medical students who facilitate the evening Family Services grief groups. These include virtual groups via Zoom and in-person services and events to support families in their grief journeys. Our innovative practices include using a family model for specialty groups, increased offerings to LGBTQIA+ youth, and enhancing Spanish-language services. In addition, Teresa guides the Philly HopeLine operations and processes to ensure families have easy access to grief and emotional support, grief groups, and community resources.
Teresa joined Uplift in 2015. She has served as the lead clinician for Uplift’s Northeast site and supported South Philly grief groups. As Special Populations Coordinator, she provided grief support and workshops to immigrant communities.
Teresa brings extensive experience to Uplift – she has worked in healthcare settings with terminally ill families, launched innovative programming around environmental health advocacy, led a program at NJ State Department of Education, and served in social service organizations throughout the region. Teresa earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Temple University and a Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University. She has completed fellowships with the Hispanic Women’s Leadership Institute at Rutgers, the Environmental Leadership Program, and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) Climate Stewards Education Project. Her family hails from Puerto Rico.
What Uplifts you? The light in children’s eyes – including my son’s. I have enjoyed making 25 international trips in 3 continents, sampling new foods, practicing different languages, and interacting with many cultures. I enjoy reading historical fiction, learning new skills, and eating dark chocolate (Equal Exchange Raspberry) and ice cream all year long (current favorite is Alden’s Organic Midnight Cherry Chip).
Email: teresa@upliftphilly.org
TEL: 267-437-3123 x 18
Katherine Streit,
MSW, LCSW, M.S. Ed
Associate Director of School Services & Professional Trainings
Katherine Streit, MSW, LSW, M.S.Ed. is a Licensed Social Worker who received both a Master’s of Social Work and Master’s of Science in Education at the University of Pennsylvania. Katherine has extensive experience working with children in behavioral health and violence prevention roles in Philadelphia schools, as well as coaching and consulting with educators, school leadership, and climate staff. Katherine serves as one of the Associate Directors at Uplift Center for Grieving Children, where she develops and implements the Center’s training and Professional Development opportunities with educators & school staff, mental health professionals, and caregivers around the city, as well as Uplift’s training program for grief group volunteer facilitators. She also has the privilege of being the clinician for several of Uplift’s School & Community grief groups, and supports the Family Services grief groups at our East Falls location.
What Uplifts you? Reading, writing, hiking, yoga, biking, spending time in nature with my spouse, being an Auntie, my book club, witnessing the power of young people, children’s literature & picture books, and devouring Trevor Noah’s latest comedy clips (with embarrassing frequency).
Email: katherine@upliftphilly.org
TEL: 267-437-3123 x 1001
CJ Roseberry,
MSW
Family Care Clinical Coordinator
CJ Roseberry, MSW is a social worker who received their Master’s Degree from Florida Gulf Coast University in Social Work and their undergraduate degree, also from FGCU in Philosophy minoring in Gender Studies. Upon graduation CJ has worked with bereaved youth and their families in both hospice and grief center settings in Southwest Florida. CJ recently moved to Philadelphia to work at Uplift Center for Grieving Children, where they work as Uplift’s Family Care Clinical Coordinator. CJ’s professional interests include working with LGBTQIA+ youth, use of meditation in a support group setting and the function of ambiguous loss in relation to mental health status. CJ has aspirations to obtain a PhD in Human Sexuality specializing in Transgender Health.
What Uplifts you? A good nap, eating vegan comfort food, and practicing yoga.
Email: cj@upliftphilly.org
TEL: 267-437-3123 x 1002
Darcie Rudolf,
MA, LPC, NCC
Family Access Clinical Coordinator
Darcie Rudolf, MA, LPC, NCC NCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received her MA in Counseling Psychology from Arcadia University, and B.A. in English from the University of Scranton. She is a former marketing professional who made a career change to support students as they navigate the complexities of adolescence and young adulthood. Her clinical work includes supporting grieving children and their caregivers in school and community settings, as well as individuals on the Autism Spectrum. She now works as a Family Access Clinical Coordinator at Uplift Center for Grieving Children in Philadelphia, PA. Through her work at Uplift over the past five years, Darcie has recognized the need to connect families to services and support even when it was beyond the scope of what Uplift could provide. In her new role, she is responsible for increasing access to all Uplift services by managing logistics, processes and training for the Philly HopeLine including intakes and enrollments. She is also developing a resource database to strengthen the referral network for the organization, ensuring warm handoffs to direct points of contact with current and credible resources for all who need them. Darcie’s goal is to make whatever is available, also accessible to all.
What Uplifts you? Connecting with family, friends, and neighbors in creative activities including, building props and painting set pieces for local community theatre. The smell of the ocean, baking, singing in the car, and making art in the form of short notes and cards.
Email: darcier@upliftphilly.org
TEL: 267-437-3123 x 20
Tiffana Mclean, MSW
Healthy Families Clinical Coordinator
Tiffana Mclean holds a Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in Advanced Clinical Practice from Walden University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Lincoln University. Tiffana has worked in the social services field for several years supporting children, adults and families in mental and behavioral health. Tiffana has supported individuals who have a history of emotional challenges, traumatic experiences, homelessness, and substance abuse. Tiffana’s goal is to empower the individuals she serves while displaying empathy and providing tools to support them manage their day-to-day challenges.
What Uplifts you? Tiffana is uplifted by God, spending time with family and friends, the sunshine, music, and naps.
Email: tiffana@upliftphilly.org
TEL: 267-281-1586
Joy Mosley, MSW
Part Time GRIT Clinician
Joy Mosley earned her Bachelor’s degree from Eastern University in Psychology in 2000. She worked in the social services field for ten years before attending Temple University and obtaining her Masters’ Degree in Social Work in 2014. Joy’s greatest passion is to help those who are deemed forgotten, always remembering where she came from and the lessons learned along the way. Her greatest qualities are her love and ability to motivate others to achieve their goals by encouraging them to never give up.
What Uplifts you? Crafting, singing, all things music and musical.
Email: joy@upliftphilly.org
TEL: 267-237-3123 ext. 1004
Samantha Anthony,
MS, LPC, NCC
Senior Uplift Clinician
Samantha comes to us from Malawi. She has lived in the US for 10 years and has been a Philadelphia resident for all 10 of them. She graduated from Chestnut Hill College with a BS in Human Services in 2018 and pursued an MS in Clinical and Counseling Psychology, with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Therapy from Chestnut Hill College as well, graduating in 2020. 
Samantha has 7 years’ experience with the School District of Philadelphia working as a classroom assistant and 2 years’ experience working as a pre-school teacher. She has a year’s experience as an Uplift intern and is now excited to be an official Uplift employee! Her internship experience with Uplift provided her with the opportunity to work with different youth populations, including justice involved youth. The lessons she learned while working with these youth only served to fuel her passion for social justice. During her internship, Samantha also discovered a passion for research and studying data trends. She is excited to see where this new interest will take her and how it can be used in her work with the families and youth of Philadelphia.  
What Uplifts you? Family, friends, fruit, sunshine (at the beach), flowers and my faith 
Email: samantha@upliftphilly.org
TEL: 267-961-5586 ext 1009 
Lamya Broussard,
LSW, MSS, MLSP
Senior Uplift Clinician
Lamya Broussard, LSW, MSS, MLSP is a Licensed Social Worker and dedicated Uplift Senior Clinician whose been in the field for over a decade. She’s honored to have worked with various populations including youth aging out of foster care, LGBTQ and homeless youth, youth with co-occurring disorders, underserved communities and schools impacted by compounded grief and loss, opioid laden communities, and more. Lamya earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Tuskegee University and her Masters in Social Services & Masters in Law & Social Policy from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work & Social Research with a specialization in Child and Family Wellbeing. Prior to earning such degrees and specialization, Lamya always believed behaviors have a root cause. She finds joy and her life purpose in helping others navigate through their healing process.
As a Senior Clinician in the schools and community, Lamya facilitates weekly grief groups for Philadelphia students grieving, which she greatly enjoys. She has also co-developed and implemented Uplift’s curriculum and activities for Justice Involved Youth and loves representing her students and Uplift on radio stations, national symposiums, panels, and school district trainings.
What Uplifts You? Eating BBQ chicken & spending quality time with loved ones!
Email: lamya@upliftphilly.org
TEL: 267-437-3123 x 16
Michelle Gonzalez,
MS
Senior Uplift Clinician
Michelle Gonzalez, M.S., graduated from Montclair State University with a major in Psychology and minor in Sociology. She completed her master’s at Thomas Jefferson University in Community Trauma Counseling in 2019 while experiencing a traumatic loss of a loved one. During her master’s program, Michelle interned at a high school in the Philadelphia School District where she was able to connect with students with different traumas and grief and found a passion in working with youth.
Michelle identifies as a first-generation Ecuadorian American. Michelle works with grieving students as a bilingual Senior Uplift Clinician. She also partners with bilingual/bicultural clinicians at Uplift to provide support and connections with Spanish-speaking children and families. Michelle has worked on a National Alliance for Children’s Grief committee, collaborating and using her voice with professionals all over the country to raise awareness in grief.
What Uplifts you? Traveling, taking road trips, spending time with loved ones, coffee, homemade everything and anything, exercising, waterfalls, Wonton soup!
Email: michelle@upliftphilly.org
TEL: 267-437-3123
Sam Middleton,
MS
Senior Uplift Clinician
Originally from Wilkes-Barre, PA, Sam Middleton moved to Philadelphia to attend college in 2014. Sam received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree from Arcadia University in 2018. She then went on to receive her Master of Clinical and Counseling Psychology, with a specialization in trauma, from Chestnut Hill College, graduating in 2020. Sam gained experience through several internships, including in a funeral home and other non-profit organizations where she determined that she wanted to pursue a career in psychology and bereavement.
While starting her time at Uplift Center for Grieving Children as an intern, Sam gained experience and expertise in support group facilitation, eventually becoming a member of Uplift’s staff where she utilizes her knowledge in trauma-informed care and grief and loss support. She now focuses on the LGBTQIA+ Youth Community and works to make engagement and support available for this community. She has special interest in using a decolonized framework and anti-racist theory in her work with youth and families throughout Philadelphia specifically working with Queer and Trans Youth to cultivate beyond inclusive groups, curriculum and care.
What Uplifts you? Playing video games with friends, crockpot meals, dyeing my hair, and long naps with the windows open
Email: sam@upliftphilly.org
TEL: 267-437-3123 ext. 1010
Yaa Allen,
MA, E-RYT, SEP
Uplift Clinician
Yaa Allen is a Philadelphia native who received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Temple University and her Masters of Arts in Education Policy from Columbia University. She is also a certified trauma informed yoga instructor and a somatic experiencing practitioner in training. Yaa specializes in making the yoga practice accessible, inclusive, and healing focused. Yaa brings her expertise in somatics and mindfulness into her role as Uplift Clinician. She is grateful to be back in her hometown supporting youth and families through their grieving journey.
What Uplifts you? Fresh air, long hot showers, hugs and kisses from my children, and a delicious meal I didn’t have to cook.
Email: yaa@upliftphilly.org
TEL: (267) 245-0449 ext. 1004
Chabeli Angeline Noval, MSW, LSW
Uplift Clinician
Chabeli Angeline Noval, MSW, LSW, volunteered at Uplift in 2016 and ever since, she became passionate about implementing a trauma-informed approach with children and families. Chabeli received a degree in Psychology at Temple University in 2017 and her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania in 2021, amidst a global pandemic. During her master’s program, Chabeli interned at Uplift and received a plethora of clinical experience and training regarding grief. Given her clinical and personal experiences, Chabeli holds a caring and empathic approach with the children and families she works with. Chabeli identifies as a first-generation Dominican and Panamanian American.
Chabeli joined Uplift in 2021 in the Family Services program working with children, teens, and caregivers, as well as facilitating the Español grief group for Spanish-speaking families. She also collaborates with bilingual/bicultural clinicians at Uplift to provide support and services to Spanish-speaking children and families.
What Uplifts you? I love to spend time in my home with my family, cats and plants. Watching reality tv, crafting, eating Ethiopian food, and drinking juice, specifically Very berry hibiscus tea with light ice, light water and extra berries. Finally, I enjoy visiting friends and family in the Dominican Republic and Panama.
Email: chabeli@upliftphilly.org
TEL: 267-961-5586 ext 1011
Sherrie Rucker, MSW
Uplift Clinician
I was born and raised in the City of Philadelphia. I received my undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. I went on to receive my Masters degree in Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania.
I have worked with kids all my life. As a child, I volunteered at my community recreation center. When I was old enough for Philadelphia’s Work Ready Program, I worked as a camp counselor at that same recreation center. That is where my love for children developed. Now I sit on the board of that center in hopes of
bringing more resources to the community.
I have worked with children in a multitude of settings and I’m proud to say that I am excellent at building and maintaining trustworthy relationships with them. I am glad to be at Uplift to continue this same journey, just on a different path. I have many social work interests and I believe I am in a place that will allow
me to connect and explore them all.
I believe my backgrounds in criminal justice & social work, and my strong community ties will be huge assets to Uplift. I am looking forward to learning and growing with this wonderful organization.
What Uplifts you? My son uplifts me. Basketball uplifts me. Achieving my goals is what uplifts me. Being able to create safe spaces for youth in a city where safety is does not feel attainable, to anyone, is what uplifts me. Love uplifts me. Love will always win.
Email: sherrie@upliftphilly.org
TEL: 1-267-609-6826
Kristan Vaughn, MHS
Uplift Clinician
Kristan has been in the social services field for over 10 years. She has the privilege to say that she graduated from two separate HBCU’s. Kristan received her undergrad degree from Delaware State University and her master’s from Lincoln University. With her education Kristan was able to serve the mental health, forensics, homeless, and aging populations. She has been an Emotional Support teacher, BSC, Clinician, Case Manager, and RTF Supervisor. Kristan’s been known to be very optimistic as well as very empathetic for those she serves. Kristan came to Uplift after seeing her now colleague host a group. Kristan knew with her personality and work ethics, Uplift was where she belongs. She is a Family Service clinician who is also the lovely mother of three.
What Uplifts you? GOD, hanging with family and friends, listening to old school music, dining out, traveling, laughing, being silly, and watching shows (Western, Black and White, Crime, Horror).
Email: kristan@upliftphilly.org
TEL: 267-609-6821 ext.1019
Roberto MejĂa
Part-Time Bilingual Philly HopeLine Clinician
Roberto comes to Uplift with a decade of social service experience and a love and passion for working with children and families. Born and raised in Chester County, he earned his B.A in Spanish with a minor in Latin American and Latinx Studies from West Chester University, and will complete his Masters in Social Work from Widener University in Summer 2023. Roberto’s personal and professional experiences have led him to a life-long journey of working to expand access to trauma-informed community care for all individuals and families.
What Uplifts You? Family, friends, the wonderful people that I meet in my career (clients and coworkers!), food, being in nature, dancing, music, books, resting, and a great cup of coffee!
Email: roberto@upliftphilly.org
TEL: 267-961-5585
Dominique Downes, MHRM
Human Resources Manager
My name is Dominique and I am the oldest child of five siblings so I’ve always been the caring leader I am today. Being the oldest sibling gave me skills I never knew I needed such as communication, understanding and compassion. I am a people person so Human Resources was always my plan! I love helping people whether with resume building, interviewing tips or compensation. I believe everyone deserves fair and relevant pay. We learn and grow each and every day and I want to be able to help you reach your highest potential professionally and personally. I am a person you can come to for anything you can think of. I am a great listener who wants everyone to feel seen, heard and cared for.
Being a Human Resources Manager has been the goal and now that I have achieved this, I feel comfortable representing you as an employee and advocating anyway I know how. Use me as a resource!
What Uplifts You? My family and friends uplift me. I cant believe how blessed I am to be surrounded by the best support system. We always look out for each other and I couldn’t ask for more. I feel supported and I love to return the favor when I can.
Email: dominique@upliftphilly.org
TEL: 267-422-9877
Bethany Wagner
Grants Manager
Bethany has been working in the nonprofit world for 15 years, after studying English and Communications at The George Washington University in Washington, DC. She moved to Philly in 2007 and comes to Uplift by way of The Pew Charitable Trusts and The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, where her work in grantmaking focused on health and human services, as well as civic engagement.
What Uplifts you? My daughter, baking, almost every single animal, poems, autumn, making art, sounds of nature, and Christmas lights.
Email: bwagner@upliftphilly.org
TEL: 267-437-3123
Katherine DiPierro
Development and Communications Associate
Katherine DiPierro offers more than a decades’ experience in nonprofit marketing, communications, and development, and has worked at organizations including Eyebeam, the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, 1Berkshire, and the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia. At Uplift, Katherine manages all aspects of marketing and communications, including branding, advertising, social media, and public relations, and also produces graphics, videos, and other marketing collateral.
Katherine received a BA in Psychology and Studio Art and graduated magna cum laude from Muhlenberg College in 2011. Katherine is also an alumnus of the Berkshire Hills Internship Program (B-HIP), an arts management internship at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
What uplifts you? My chosen family, play of all kinds, making art or simply finding the art in the everyday, exploring the city, and the euphoria of solving a puzzle.
Email: katherined@upliftphilly.org
TEL: 267-536-0616