Brie Anderson, BS
Executive Director
Brie earned a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University. As an undergraduate student, she completed a legislative fellowship with the PA House of Representatives in the Aging and Older Adult Services Committee. This experience inspired her interest in pursuing a Master of Public Administration from Penn State University. Brie began her professional experience in direct service but transitioned to macro-focused work as a medical advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and as an executive director of a non-profit senior community center.
What do I envision for the future of ECHOS?
As ECHOS continues to grow, I envision an organization that addresses the holistic needs of individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness. Our future will include a balance of stabilizing our existing programs and expanding our community partnerships and services to encompass the complexities of creating a stable, thriving community.
Heather Zuppa, BS
Resource Director
Heather obtained two bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and psychology from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and is currently enrolled at Fitchburg State University in the Master of Business Administration in Management program. Heather’s passion is conducting assessments and gathering data to ensure optimal delivery of agency-wide services. Heather joined the ECHOS team in 2018, focusing on sustainable housing programs and has since been promoted to Resource Director, focusing on the management and development of preventative programming.
What is the most rewarding part of my job?
Collaborating with community partners to identity service gaps and to create opportunities for growth within the agency.
Wendy Stivers, MA, LPC
Clinical Director
Wendy earned an M.A. in Professional Counseling from Liberty University, and a B.A. in Communications from Shippensburg University. Wendy has a passion to help all people see their intrinsic value and to empower people to own their unique journeys of growth and recovery. She previously managed programs that serve people experiencing homelessness in Lancaster County.
Why did I choose to work at ECHOS?
I wanted to be a part of a team that works to strengthen communities by providing strategic resources and support. This position allows me to support our ever-growing team while serving as a representative for the organization’s important mission.
Chrissie Raffensperger, MSW, LSW
Community Housing and Shelter Coordinator
Chrissie earned degrees in Psychology and German from Messiah College, a MSW from Millersville University and is a Licensed Social Work Professional (LSW). Chrissie has a passion and heart for the homeless population. She is the Winter Shelter Coordinator and works with the permanent supportive housing program.
What led me to ECHOS?
I desired to work in a place which not only addresses immediate needs but also implements long term solutions to alleviate poverty. ECHOS embodies this mission.
Corrie-Laryssa Agim, Social Services AA
Intake Coordinator
Corrie comes with experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. She is working towards completing her Bachelor of Social Work at Lancaster Bible College. She reminds us that it is never too late to learn, it is never the time to give up, and there is never a wrong time to help someone become the best version of their greatness.
Why do I work for ECHOS?
I work for ECHOS because I am excited to be part of a team that exhibits dedication to addressing and eradicating homelessness and applies efforts to better the community!
Kristin Kurjiaka, MSW, LSW
Enrichment Center Coordinator
Kristin received her BSW from Elizabethtown College, her MSW from Columbia University and is a Licensed Social Work Professional (LSW). She interned with ECHOS and then joined the team as a full-time social worker in September 2019. She is passionate about creating social change and advocating on behalf of her clients.
What do I love most about working at ECHOS?
I enjoy the opportunity to help on a variety of levels, from case managing families to leading group sessions as well as working at a macro level to engage the community.
Suzanne Petersen, BS
Campus Housing Coordinator
Suzanne earned her BS in Human Services from Elizabethtown College. She has experience working in case management and behavioral health. Sue has been a great advocate for children, families, and those with disabilities. She believes that with individualized resources and support, anyone can reach their full potential and achieve their goals.
What inspired you to apply for this position with ECHOS?
ECHOS is an organization that was developed as result of people wanting to help people within their own community, recognizing a need, and finding solutions. I am excited to be a part of an organization that values the importance of community.
Kayla Gower, BS
Prevention Coordinator
Kayla has worked in social services since graduating with her Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice and Minor in Psychology from Penn State Harrisburg Campus in 2015. She has worked in the housing field on many levels from shelter support, programs operations, and continuum of care coordination. Kayla is passionate about women’s rights, trauma informed care and client center advocacy. She like many homeless organizations and collaborators believes that homelessness should be rare, brief, and non-recurring when possible.
Why did I choose to work at ECHOS?
I value working for an agency that sees individuals experiencing homelessness as human beings and treats them with dignity and value in our community. I’m excited to work for an agency that includes offering services to prevent households from EVER entering homelessness. If I can prevent any person/s from having to face a night on the streets, that’s a huge victory!
Rachel Barnhart, MA, LPC
Crisis Response Counselor
Rachel earned her Masters in Professional Counseling from Lancaster Bible College and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Rachel previously worked in outpatient settings and York County Prison as a mental health and drug and alcohol therapist. Rachel’s passion is to work with individuals deemed as the forgotten, broken, and “too much” by society.
What drew me to apply for this position in the Elizabethtown Middle and High Schools?
This position allows me to be a part of the students’ journey in the midst of helplessness and hopelessness. It’s an honor to have the opportunity in partnering with the Elizabethtown Area School District to provide these services to the youth.
Natalie Dixon, BA
Development Coordinator
Natalie earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Millersville University. With a background in education, special events and marketing, she is excited for her new role with ECHOS where she can combine her past experiences to help develop and support our organization and in turn, our community. Natalie’s passion is to serve the under-represented by helping them find stability and providing resources to help them thrive.
Why do I work for ECHOS?
As a long-time resident of Elizabethtown, I have always had an interest in serving the town I live in. I’ve heard nothing but positive things about the ECHOS team and the services they provide. I’m looking forward to joining them in advocating for individuals and families that can benefit from the resources ECHOS offers.
Theresa Schlaybach
Volunteer Coordinator
Theresa joined ECHOS as the Volunteer Coordinator with a desire to mobilize passionate community partners to help further ECHOS’ mission. Theresa has volunteered in various capacities in her life, at one time doing missionary work in Fortaleza, Brazil. She is pursuing an Associates in Applied Science at Harrisburg Area Community College.
What inspired you to apply for this position with ECHOS?
I personally believe in serving others who have experienced undue hardships in their life. Volunteers are a unique asset to organizations, as they are driven by contributing to the greater good. I am excited to be a part of that and the ECHOS team.
Beth Dreyer-DeGoede, MS
Operations Coordinator
After being a stay-at-home mom and community volunteer, Beth joined the ECHOS team in September 2018 working part-time as an administrative assistant. She has a passion for helping others behind the scenes. Beth uses her problem solving and organizational skills to help her coworkers.
Why do I work for ECHOS?
ECHOS case workers are amazing people! They go above and beyond to help the people in our community gain stability.
Tana Parrett, BS
Bookkeeper
Tana Parrett joined ECHOS in late 2017 as part-time administrative bookkeeper. She is a graduate of Elizabethtown College with degrees in both elementary education and business administration. She taught math, worked in banking and ultimately retired from Elizabethtown College as Director of Business Operations.
What do I appreciate when I come in to the ECHOS Office to do my ‘numbers’ thing?
I value being greeted with a smiling welcome, collaborating with a team of caring, dedicated folks and using my love of spreadsheets in support of the ECHOS mission.
Frances Rubis, MSW
Pathways to MyHome Advocate
Frances earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Elizabethtown College and Master of Social Work degree from Temple University. Fran joined the shelter team in August 2018. She enjoys working with the volunteers and serving the guests with dignity and compassion.
What’s the best thing about working at ECHOS?
As an employee of ECHOS I count it a privilege to come together with others to serve my community with dignity and compassion. The best thing is the people.
Jenna Foltz
MSW Intern
We are excited to have Jenna with us during the 2021-2022 academic year! Jenna earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Kutztown University. She is interning at ECHOS as she goes towards obtaining her master’s degree from Millersville University.
Why did I choose ECHOS?
I choose to intern at ECHOS, because I like what the ECHOS team stand for and I look forward to advocating and connecting individuals and families to community resources in the Elizabethtown Area.
Our Board of Directors
Chair: Chris Rich, LCSW
Vice Chair: Jim McCurdy
Secretary: Jan Wells-Davis
Treasurer: Richard Keesey
Members: Deb Brockman, Rev. A. J. Domines, Kevin Dolan, Esq, James Harkness, Peggy McFarland, Ph.D., LCSW, Tracy Miller, Joe Murphy, Jenn Fields, MSW, LSW, Brie Anderson, Ex-Officio Member