Our goal is to develop cultural awareness in the community by providing practical ideas and information for working with different cultures and abilities through amazing local providers and experts.
We want you to meet new people, learn more about local services and initiate the development of a local resource network.
Engagement and conversations in our community fuel a wider range of ideas, expertise, and life experience, helping evolve our world's collective knowledge and overall mindset.
River Crossing Playback Theatre is an ensemble in the lower Susquehanna Valley building community through the dramatic portrayal of real-life stories since 2008. Playback Theatre is a practice and performance structure developed in New York in the 1970s, now practiced by more than 50 groups in the United States and hundreds more worldwide. In Playback Theatre, audiences tell, watch and learn from their own stories, honoring each story in a ritual practice and participating in a new common story that honors both their differences and common ground. The River Crossing ensemble draws from members in Dauphin, Cumberland, Lancaster, York and Baltimore counties. See more at www.rivercrossingplayback.org.
Session: Afternoon Keynote, Getting to Know You
Director of Strategic Initiatives, Advoz
Chris worked and studied in conflict resolution, program management, and fund development for 25 years and now leads strategic partnerships, training and business development for Advoz. He began with the organization in 2014 as the Center for Community Peacemaking’s executive director before its merger with Conflict Resolution Services (formerly Lancaster Mediation Center) in 2017. Previously, he founded two campus-based mediation programs and has studied and worked in community-based conflict transformation efforts in the US, Northern Ireland and Croatia, earning his M.A. at the Universitat Jaume I (Castellon, Spain). More recently he nurtured interest in arts-based approaches to transforming conflict with improvisation and applied theatre. Chris shares a bustling bilingual and musical household in Marietta, PA with his wife and two teenagers.
Session: Afternoon Keynote, Getting to Know You
Director for Restorative Conferencing, Advoz
Krista got involved with Advoz training and volunteering in Restorative Justice Conferencing in 2019. But she went beyond the call of duty by successfully reaching dozens of case participants on the phone. Now the director for restorative conferencing, she coordinates and coaches facilitators on 150+ cases of harm each year. Krista graduated from Eastern Mennonite University in 2014, studying peacebuilding, development and Spanish, with an interest in restorative justice. She comes to Advoz with a range of experience in social services, mission work and retail management. Krista is excited to help people heal relationships and invest in Lancaster city youth. She is an avid runner and loves rock climbing, board games, and sharing food with friends.
Session: Afternoon Keynote, Getting to Know You
WellSpan Health
Jessica Grier brings over 25 years of experience in community-based behavioral health, with a strong foundation in both clinical care and leadership. She holds a Master’s in Clinical Counseling, an MBA in Healthcare Administration, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Jessica currently oversees eight behavioral health programs across four counties, guiding a broad team of professionals. Her leadership centers on developing strong, effective leaders who drive lasting change in their communities.
She is also a dedicated community advocate, serving on the board of the Lebanon Community Health Council, co-chairing the Annual Cultural Diversity Conference, and contributing to several local coalitions, including the Better Together Behavioral Health Committee and the United Way Community Impact Committee.
Facilitator: Morning Keynote, Who is my neighbor?
Executive Director, Community Health Council
Nicole Maurer Gray is the Executive Director of the Community Health Council of Lebanon County. Nicole believes that access to quality healthcare and free or low-cost resources that support whole-person health are critical to a thriving, healthy community.
Nicole currently sits on the Community Action Partnership Advisory Board and Clarence Shock Memorial Park Trails Committee. She began her career as a mountain bike tour guide in the desert southwest and later ran a small wellness business offering customized wellness solutions to individuals and businesses in Central Pennsylvania. Her passion for outdoor recreation, health equity, and lifelong wellness make her role at the Community Health Council a dream job.
Nicole holds a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from Penn State University.
Session: Morning Keynote, Who is my neighbor? A deeper dive.
Community Education Advisor, IU 13
Mrs. Byler is a student advisor and cultural navigator with the IU13. Mrs. Byler is passionate about welcoming new Americans (former refugees) who have resettled in her city. She advocates for culturally relevant education, trauma healing, accessible housing, employment, and community building. She has participated in advocacy for an office for new Americans at the state capital, and with senators, state representatives, and local leaders' offices.
Session: Snapshot into the Classroom
Wellbeing Program Coordinator, WellSpan Health
Dr. Michael Diller is a Licensed Psychologist and has more than 30 years of clinical experience. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Loyola College in Maryland and a Doctor of Psychology Degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Hartford. He spent nineteen years in clinical practice, fifteen of those years at WellSpan Behavioral Health (WBH), now known as WellSpan Philhaven. He was the Director of WellSpan EAP from 2016 to 2024 and is now the Wellbeing Program Administrator, part of a dyad leadership team, responsible for the system-wide Wellbeing strategy. He remains passionate about finding better ways to support our fellow coworkers, raising awareness of mental health issues in the workplace, and offering ways we can provide a culture of caring to support overall Wellbeing. Dr. Diller has presented on these topics at the local, state, and national levels and was a past recipient of Central Penn Business Journal’s Health Care Heroes award in the Mental Health Caregiver Hero category.
Session: Fatigue to Fortitude: Strategies for Sustaining Advocacy and Compassion
VP of Talent Sustainability and Talent Acquisition, Armstrong World Industries
Salena is the VP Talent Sustainability & Talent Acquisition, at Armstrong World Industries.
Salena is responsible for development and execution of talent acquisition, learning and development
and programs that support the company’s talent sustainability (People Pillar).
Before joining AWI, Salena worked for ExpressJet Airlines for 22 years where her last role was as
Director of Employee Relations, Engagement and Culture.
While at ExpressJet, she served as board president of WINGS, When in Need Get Support, the
companies non-profit foundation and now serves as board president of the AWI Foundation. Since
moving to Lancaster County in April 2021, Salena has become an active part of the Lancaster County
community and serves as a board member of the Lancaster County Community Foundation, Lancaster
United Way, Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic, Brightside Opportunity Center, Lancaster County Workforce
Development, facilitator for Career Ready Lancaster, and committee advisory member LancasterMakes
(STEM promotion organization), Habitat for Humanity and both the Lancaster Chamber Excellence
Exchange and Women in Business.
Salena studied English and Vocal and Performing Arts at the University of Texas at Arlington and later
transferred to the University of Houston. She enjoys life to the fullest enjoying her family, traveling,
cooking, and as a fitness enthusiast.
Session: Fatigue to Fortitude: Strategies for Sustaining Advocacy and Compassion
Union Community Care
Union Community Care
Jen Koppel, MHA has over 30 years in government, non-profit, and healthcare systems, which provides her with a unique perspective on delivering services successfully within the community. She has been recognized at the White House for transforming homelessness systems in Lancaster County. In 2018 she was appointed to the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency by the governor of Pennsylvania where she still currently serves. She is a founding board member of the Friends of Donegal and has served on several other local non-profit boards. Jen has been invited as a presenter at various conferences and has served as a consultant on homeless services to communities across the country. She also guest lectures on poverty, homelessness, and social determinants of health both locally and nationally.
Session: Barriers to Bridges: Exploring Healthcare for Newcomers and Asylum Seekers
Mend Solutions, LLC
Hattie B. McCarter (also known as Hattie B.) is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, with over 18 years dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers and fostering belonging. Hailing from Enterprise, Alabama, she brings the warmth and resilience of her roots into every space she enters. After earning her master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from Alabama State University, Hattie embarked on a mission to transform workplaces, starting at the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, where she championed DEI and recruitment efforts for over a decade as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and VR Specialist in Diversity and Recruitment. In 2023, driven by a deep commitment to justice and humanity, Hattie founded MEND Solutions, LLC, a consulting firm devoted to weaving equity into the fabric of organizational culture. Her work is guided by the belief that true leadership begins with compassionate listening and courageous action. Recognized as a Trendsetter and Trailblazer by Penn Live and honored with the DEI Trailblazer Award by The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Hattie’s journey is a testament to the power of purpose. She lives by Shirley Chisholm's words: “If you don’t have a seat at the table, bring a folding chair,” and she’s committed to ensuring that everyone has a place at the table.
Session: Unmuted: The Allyship We Need, The Change We Deserve
Founder/President, Chestnut Street Community Center
Laurie grew up in a small Massachusetts town. She ventured to Syracuse University where she met her husband Dave, and then to Rensselaer Polytech for biomedical engineering degrees. Medical research took her to Joslin Diabetes Center, Geisinger Medical Center, Penn State Hershey, and New England Medical Center. She telecommuted to NEMC in Boston long before remote work was a thing. When the kids approached middle school, she took a turn into youth ministry. She served at Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church and earned another master’s degree before landing at Lebanon Valley Youth for Christ. Coaching Girls on the Run and operating a coffee shop at Lebanon Farmers Market that focused on providing young people with a worthwhile job experience ignited her passion for developing community.
In 2021 Laurie and Dave founded Chestnut Street Community Center. The initial motivation was to partner with Lebanon County Christian Ministries to establish a 24/7 location for LCCM’s Fresh Start Emergency Shelter. With Laurie as President and full-time volunteer, CSCC now boasts Fresh Start, IU-13 Community Education, three churches, a community garden, and community refrigerator. Her favorite self-care activities are biking and reading.
Panelist: Morning Keynote, Who is my neighbor? A deeper dive.
VP of Communications and Education, Lebanon Family Health Services
Maggie Progin is the VP, Communications & Education at Lebanon Family Health Services. Maggie has been with Lebanon Family Health Services since August 2020. Her job as VP, Communications & Education includes planning and execution of social media campaigns and advertising, managing and coordinating Community Health Education, researching and writing content for LFHS’s various media platforms, and developing programs, materials, and events to facilitate community education about health-related topics. Maggie is part of the executive team of the Lebanon County Council of Human Services Agencies, is part of the Commission for Women, serves of the Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania’s Clinical Advisory Committee, and the Lebanon County Substance Use Coalition. She lives in Cornwall with her husband and daughter and enjoys being part of an organization that is a partner and leader within the community.
Panelist: Who is my neighbor?
Corps Officer/ Administrator, Salvation Army
Richard Mahida currently serves at The Salvation Army in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He holds a Master of Science in International Development from University College Dublin, Ireland.
Previously, he served as the Territorial Projects Officer for The Salvation Army's Eastern Europe Territory and as an Impact Officer with the Global Shapers Chisinau Hub under the World Economic Forum. With a strong background in project design, community development, and public speaking, Richard brings a thoughtful and globally informed perspective to development work. He is a former Erasmus Mundus EMINTE Scholar and Linnaeus-Palme Scholar, reflecting his international academic and professional experience. Richard is deeply committed to serving both God and the community, and he is passionate about advancing inclusive, transformative change through collaboration and cultural understanding.
Panelist: Morning Keynote, Who is my neighbor? A deeper dive.
Director of Student Services and English Language Development, Lebanon School District
Amber Abreu serves as the Director of Student Services and English Language Development in the Lebanon School District. She has 18 years of experience in urban education with a focus in student service, instruction and educational leadership. She began her career in the School District of Lancaster as an ELD teacher, a Coordinator of ELD and World Language for the high school and finally, districtwide. She holds a PA teaching certificate in Secondary English, K-12 ESL and K-12 Principal, a Masters in Educational Leadership and is a doctoral candidate in an Educational Leadership program.
Panelist: Morning Keynote, Who is my neighbor? A deeper dive.
Founder, Juntos de Lebanon
Guadalupe is the Founder and Director of Juntos de Lebanon, an organization that provides educational and cultural services and support to immigrants in the Lebanon community. Juntos de Lebanon equips immigrants with referrals for health, social and educational services that help families and individual prepare for a new life in a new country.
Guadalupe is actively involved with Dreamers Movement, is a fierce advocate for Immigration Reform, and she collaborates closely with the Mexican Consulate on various community activities and events.
She serves a board member of the American Mexican Association and has served The Institute for Mexicans Abroad as a member of their Advisory Council. In her country, she is currently collaborating with the Department of Special Education on a project for academic integration of individual with special needs. Guadalupe holds a Bachelor's in Special Education, a Master's in Neurologic Rehabilitation and a Master's in Mental Health and Cultural Process with Immigrants. She is Specialist in International Immigration and the Mexico-United States Border.
Guadalupe enjoys dancing and working with children. She is a migrant women, a wife, and a mother. She was finalist for Remarkable Women in 2022, and has received the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce Community Builder Award two times. Guadalupe works to build bridges between services and the voices of those advocating for the rights of Immigrants.
Panelist: Who is my neighbor?
Vice President of Impact and Policy, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
Zach Zook is the Vice President of Impact and Policy at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, where he leads the Policy Research, Impact, and Government Relations teams. Zach and his team are focused on developing and applying neighbor-centered research, data, and analysis to policies, programs, and strategy at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and across its 1,100 partners in 27 counties. His team is also focused on anti-poverty policy advocacy work at the local, state, and federal level. Prior to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Zach worked in Beirut, Lebanon with Mennonite Central Committee where he managed more than 50 humanitarian relief projects in Lebanon and Syria, including major food security projects as part of the Syria Crisis Response. Zach was formerly a Graduate Fellow in the New Jersey Governor’s Policy Office, and has a Master’s in Public Affairs in Domestic Policy from Princeton University.
Session: Culturally Familiar Foods in the Charitable Food System through Evidence-Based Practices
Manager of Behavioral Health Recovery Programs, WellSpan Health
Kate Barlup, LSW (she/her), is the Manager of Behavioral Health Recovery Programs at WellSpan Philhaven, where she oversees a range of recovery-focused services for individuals living with serious mental illness. With a background as a social worker and therapist, she is passionate about helping people build meaningful, self-directed lives in the community. She holds an undergraduate degree in social work from Millersville University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Social Work from Temple University. Her education and lived commitment to recovery values have shaped her work leading programs like peer support, assertive community treatment, and independent living/housing services—all designed to support personal empowerment, housing stability, and long-term recovery. At WellSpan, she works closely with staff and community partners to deliver person-centered supports that help individuals maintain housing, build life skills, and stay engaged in their recovery journeys. She also brings expertise in clinical operations and process improvement, using tools like Lean for Healthcare to improve service delivery, strengthen systems and outcomes.
Session: Collaborative Housing Solutions: A Path to Empowerment & Sustainability
Behavioral Health Community Housing Specialist, WellSpan Health
Jennifer Blackwell, BSW (she/her) is a Behavioral Health Community Housing Case Manager at WellSpan Philhaven in Lebanon County, PA with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Messiah College. She is deeply passionate about serving individuals with serious and persistent mental illness, offering them compassionate, non-judgmental care every day. In her role, she provides comprehensive case management, assisting clients with all areas of independent living, including housing stability, financial management, healthcare access, and life skills development.
Known for her dedication, Jennifer goes above and beyond to ensure that each client receives personalized support, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their goals. A strong advocate for the individuals she serves, she works tirelessly to remove barriers to success and create a path toward self-sufficiency. Her unwavering commitment to community work drives her to make a lasting, positive impact on both the individuals she supports and the community at large.
Session: Collaborative Housing Solutions: A Path to Empowerment & Sustainability
Behavioral Health Community Housing Specialist, WellSpan Health
Marc Palmer, BA, CPSS, CPS, CRS, CRFS (he/him) is a Behavioral Health Housing Specialist at WellSpan Philhaven in Lebanon County, PA with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. In addition to his academic background, he is certified as a Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS), Certified Recovery Family Specialist (CRFS), Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), and Certified Peer Specialist Supervisor (CPSS). With lived experience and a deep passion for serving the community, he brings a unique and empathetic perspective to his work.
Marc is known for meeting individuals where they are, offering support to those in both behavioral health and addiction recovery. He assists clients with housing stability, while also providing guidance and resources in areas such as psychiatric rehabilitation and life skills development. Through his compassionate approach, he empowers individuals to overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and find lasting success in their recovery journey. Dedicated to his work, he is committed to helping individuals navigate the complexities of life after treatment and thrive in their communities.
Session: Collaborative Housing Solutions: A Path to Empowerment & Sustainability
Rainbow Rose Center
Mary Grew up in a small suburb of Pittsburgh. Her life’s journey included time as a Military Police Officer, a civilian Law enforcement Officer and a Mission Co-worker serving for 14 years in Africa. Mary Is married to an ordained minister of the PCUSA (Presbyterian Church USA). They have been married for 40 years, her wife is one of her staunchest supporters and cheer leader. Since her Transition Mary has been active in a variety of LGBTQ organizations and has worked as a big sister for other Transgender women and their spouses. Mary was awarded the BULGQA (Bloomsburg University Lesbian, Gay, Queer Alliance) 2018 Community Advocacy award. Mary is a strong advocate for the Transgender community where she has worked as a peer mentor, educational speaker and on various boards and Transgender organizations, she is currently serving on the board of the Rainbow rose Center, York County’s LGBTQIA Support organization. Mary is also a Transgender Womxn of faith, whose desire is to build bridges and heal hurts between the LGBT community especially the Transgender community and the Church. Mary is currently living in south central Pa. with her wife, dog and two cats.
Session: Being a Neighbor in an Agnostic Society
Join us for a meaningful conversation with local faith leaders as we explore how the concept of neighbor is understood across diverse religious traditions. This session will focus on how these teachings are put into practice right here in our neighborhoods. Discover the shared values that unite us and the unique ways each tradition brings compassion to life.
Session: Exploring the Concept of Neighbor Across Faith Traditions
You could earn up to 5.5 CE Credits for this event. WellSpan Philhaven is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists, Pennsylvania Licensed Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Licensed Professional Counselors.
Click on MORNING or AFTERNOON circles to your right to see the schedules.
Please join us for check-in and networking.
Jess Grier, MS, MBA, LPC (she/her)
The keynote will kick off the conference and frame our central question: Who is My Neighbor? It will provide a high-level overview of Lebanon County’s current population and demographics, and include insights from grassroots community leaders. Together, we’ll explore practical ways to connect with and support our neighbors.
Moderator: Jess Grier
Content expert: Nicole Gray
Panelists: Laurie Funk, Maggie Progin, Guadalupe Barba, Richard Mahida, Amber Abreyu
Thirty minute break for coffee, stretching, brain breaks.
Michael Diller, PsyD.
Our presentation, titled "Fatigue to Fortitude: Strategies for Sustaining Advocacy and Compassion," will explore various aspects of wellbeing and mindfulness. We will discuss the definition of wellbeing, the importance of mindfulness, and the benefits it brings, specifically for one who is an advocate for self and others and addressing the fatigue that follows. Mindfulness has so many benefits, such as reduced blood pressure, decreased cortisol levels, and improved immune function. Additionally, we will highlight the significance of self-compassion, positive self-talk, and human connection in maintaining mental and physical health. The presentation will also include insights from landmark studies and practical tools for fostering a path from Fatigue to Fortitude.
Speakers: Mike Diller and Selena Coachman
Loice Byler
This presentation invites participants to reimagine what it means to truly say "Welcome Home" to New Americans—individuals and families who have arrived in our communities as refugees, fleeing war, persecution, and displacement. Drawing from compelling narratives, including the films The Gods Must Be Crazy and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, the story of Tanitoluwa "Tani" Adewumi, and the parable of the elephant and the giraffe, we will examine how cultural misperceptions, system design, and empowerment intersect in the process of integration.
Speaker: Loice Byler
Zack Zook, MPA
This seminar will describe the distribution of culturally familiar foods to food insecure neighbors in food pantries and the feedback pathways focused on continuous improvement.
Speaker: Zack Zook
Mary Almy
To discuss how members of a minority segment of society can relate to and create a less volatile atmosphere in a society that can be confrontational.
Speaker: Mary Alma, Rainbow Rose
River Crossing Playback Theatre
An improvisational theatre experience with River Crossing Playback Theatre with facilitated audience engagement through Advoz to transform personal and structural conflicts into constructive actions and resilient relationships.
Presenters: River Crossing Playback Theater and Advoz
Enjoy a fifteen minute brain break.
Hattie B McCarter, MS, CEIP, ECDHE
Step into a courageous conversation where lived experience meets leadership. This powerful session will explore what real allyship looks like when silence is broken and change begins.
Speaker: Hattie B. McCarter, MS, CEIP, ECDHE
Andrea Murray, MPH
This seminar aims to delve into the myriad challenges faced by newcomers and asylum seekers when accessing healthcare services. Participants will explore key barriers such as language differences, cultural misunderstandings, and systemic obstacles within healthcare systems. We will discuss the importance of culturally competent care, the need for accurate health information, and the role of community organizations in supporting these populations. By highlighting successful initiatives and strategies, we aim to foster collaboration among healthcare providers, policymakers and community advocates to transform barriers into bridges, ensuring equitable access to essential healthcare services for all.
Speakers: Andrea Murray, MPH and Jen Kopple, MHA
Ruthann Dwyer
Join us for a meaningful conversation with local faith leaders as we explore how the concept of neighbor is understood across diverse religious traditions. This session will focus on how these teachings are put into practice right here in our neighborhoods. Discover the shared values that unite us and the unique ways each tradition brings compassion to life.
Speaker: Chaplain Ruthann Dwyer
Kate Barlup, LSW
Our systems and community continue to experience financial constraints along with a growing need for housing opportunities. Lebanon County MH/ID/EI and WellSpan Philhaven have developed several innovative recovery-based supportive housing programs to assist adults ages 18 and older who are on their recovery journey while navigating the challenges associated with serious and persistent mental health conditions, substance use concerns, and involvement with the justice system. This method is team-based and contains collaborative members such as County Administrators, Case Management, Housing Authority, Behavioral Health Professionals, Probation, Drug and Alcohol Professionals and Peer Support Professionals. This original approach has experienced positive outcomes including a more financially viable model along with individuals who are experiencing improved quality of life. During this presentation, we will review the background of the model and share stories of hope, healing and wholeness.
Speakers: Kate Barlup, Jennifer Blackwell, Marc Palmer
From Lebanon: Take 422 West to Annville.
From Lancaster: Take 72 North to 422 West to Annville.
From Harrisburg: Take 422 East to Annville
The Cultural Diversity Conference is an event of the Community Health Council of Lebanon County.
