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Staff

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Kait Gillis-Hanna

Executive Director

Kait provides strategic direction and oversight to BHA: its mission, vision and programs. She is also responsible for financial and property management for the organization. Kait has a B.A. in Corporate Communications from Susquehanna University and an M.B.A. from Villanova University. Kait lives in Mechanicsburg with her husband, four kids and their two dogs.

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Marilyn Bellesfield

Director of Program Policy and Development

Marilyn oversees the development of BHA housing program policies and procedures, community outreach and collaboration efforts, and implementation of best practices for housing programs working with families experiencing homelessness. Her other responsibilities include implementing staff training and growth opportunities as well as monitoring program goals and data outcome measurements. Marilyn has a B.A. in Family Studies from Messiah College and over 34 years of experience serving families experiencing homelessness in the Harrisburg area. She has been with BHA for over 11 years. Marilyn, her husband Mark, and their three adult children live in the Etters area and love to vacation in Maine each year.

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Jessica Vinton

Director of Development

Jessica oversees fundraising and communication efforts to support BHA's programs, mission, and vision. She graduated from Kutztown University with a BA in Theater and minors in Women’s Studies and Public Relations; she later completed her Secondary Education certification in English. Jessica has over a decade of fundraising experience, including working in this same role at BHA from 2018-2021. Jessica loves spending time with her family, including her husband, four-year-old daughter, three rescue pups, and two turtles.

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Sofia Malone

Program Director

Sofia works with families in the Transitions program. She has an associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Harrisburg Area Community College, and many years of experience working in property management, subsidized housing, and Rapid Rehousing programs, and case management.

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Vanessa Foltz

Family Advocate

Vanessa leads the weekly youth program that fosters resiliency, emotional regulation, and growth, while also working with families in the Transitions program. She has her bachelor’s degree in Social Services from Geneva College, located in Beaver Falls, PA, and has previous experience providing housing stability to young adults in the Dauphin County area. Vanessa has lived in Harrisburg her whole life but loves to experience the world through travel.

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Shaka Easter

Family Advocate

Shaka works with families in the Transitions program. She has over 20 years of experience in the human service field. She is a Certified Family Recovery Specialist and a Prevention Specialist. She has served her community by teaching Life Skills, Drug and Alcohol treatment/prevention curriculum to families and youth in schools, as well as counseling and support to Domestic Violence/Trafficking survivors. Shaka lives in the community that she loves so much to serve here in Harrisburg. 

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Abigail King

Director of Operations

Abigail brings a wealth of experience and dedication to BHA as the Director of Operations. She has a desire to foster positive change and a proven track record in organizational management. Abigail is responsible for optimizing internal processes and infrastructures by streamlining operations, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing solutions that align with BHA’s goals and fulfill our mission. She has over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector. When she is not at the office, Abigail enjoys hanging out at home with her family, including their dog and two cats; playing trivia or cooking with her husband; and donning her “dance mom” hat while supporting her daughter at classes and competitions.    

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Dennis Saylor

Property Manager

Dennis oversees the general maintenance of BHA's current properties in use, as well as the renovations of new properties being developed. His entire career has been spent in the construction and carpentry trades. Dennis, his wife Ann, and their children reside in Manheim and attend BHA member church, West Greentree Church of the Brethren.

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Blair Grove

Volunteer Engagement & Youth Program Coordinator 

Blair leads the weekly Youth Program that focuses on fostering resiliency, emotional regulation, and growth with all the children and youth of BHA's families; she also coordinates volunteers for BHA’s various programs and events. Blair received a B.A. in Human Development and Family Science from Messiah University and she is excited to bring her plethora of experience in outreach coordination and youth programming to BHA. Blair is originally from Maryland but now resides here in Lemoyne, PA. She enjoys experiencing and learning from people around her and is always ready for an adventure!

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