Meet CHC's Student Mentors:
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Victoria Alercia-CasellaVictoria joined CHC in August 2026. She has been a licensed professional counselor since 2012 and has been working in the mental health field since 2006 with experience in residential, partial programs, in home therapy, as well as private practice. She has always considered her career to be a passion and purpose for her with helping others through their healing journeys by providing a safe environment to be vulnerable, and to feel seen and heard. Over the last few years, Victoria was felt led to learn more natural and holistic approaches and became certified in Ecotherapy in 2024, offering groups in nature. Last year, she enrolled with Oasis Ministries and is currently obtaining her certification in spiritual direction to offer support to those with faith. Along with nature and spirituality, Victoria also believes that art, music, movement, and animals have the ability to calm our nervous system and guide us in healing. Victoria has offered other tools for the community through her published books on Amazon, her monthly column with the Lehigh Valley Ledger, podcast episodes on her YouTube channel, and meditation recordings on the Insight Timer app. Victoria has also offered in person and virtual groups with Easton area elementary schools, the boys and girls club, girl scout troops, and the Palmer library with topics on developing a positive mindset and personal growth. Victoria volunteers and offers support in the community specifically with Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley to serve those impacted by domestic violence. Victoria considers herself to be a lifelong student and enjoys an opportunity to be creative, try new experiences, and work with a team.
Email: valerciacasella.thechc@gmail.com -
Barbara Connolly
(Photo coming soon.)
Barb joined CHC in July 2023 as part-time Prevention Specialist, and added Student Mentor to her role in August 2026.
Email: blconnolly2@gmail.com -
Tracey FenstermakerTracey joined CHC in August 2026. She recently retired after 35 years as a kindergarten teacher with the Allentown School District. "I love helping children learn, grow and build confidence, and I am excited to continue making a positive difference as a mentor. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, staying active, and working on home renovation projects.”
Email: tfenstermakerchc@gmail.com -
Lawrence Glueck"Grit is living life like it's a marathon not a sprint."- Angela Duckworth
Larry joined CHC in August 2023. He describes himself as "a believer, husband, father, friend, coach, mentor, imperfect, philosophical, outdoorsy, capable, hard on myself, outgoing AND introverted." After retiring from teaching and coaching in the Bethlehem School District for over 35 years, Larry decided he wanted to get back to helping young people believe in themselves and the future, so that they may create a life path that not only makes them better but makes the world around them better. Email: Lglueckchc@gmail.com -
Candace "Ace" Moody"Ace" joined CHC in August 2024. They are a local Racial Equity Consultant, grassroots Community Organizer, Holistic Sexual Health Coach, and Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor. Ace graduated from Old Dominion University with a bachelor’s in psychology and a focus on African-American Studies and Human Sexuality. They have since garnered over 7 years of diverse teaching roles from student teaching while studying abroad in Jamaica, teaching English as a Second Language in South Korea, and acting as a lead facilitator for the local Generation Next Program—a free college readiness course for low-income Lehigh Valley high school students. Ace serves on various boards within the Lehigh Valley community, including the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s LGBTQ Business Council, its Str8 Talk Committee, and the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center.
Email: cmoodychc@gmail.com -
Erin MooreErin worked for CHC previously as a prevention contractor from 2016-2023, and returned in August 2026 as a SAP Liaison and Student Mentor. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Delaware Valley University. She is also a Certified Mindful Practitioner and enjoys incorporating mindful movement, breathwork and other practical MBCT techniques to her classes. Erin’s background includes community outreach, nonprofit work, and almost 15 years experience in student support services (K-12).
Email: emoore@thechc.org -
Megan MooreMegan joined CHC in August 2023. She graduated in May 2023 from Penn State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Rehabilitation and Human Services. “I have a passion for serving and helping others. My hope is to attend graduate school in the next year to begin my journey of becoming a licensed school counselor. I love to spend time with my family, 3 dogs, and 12 cats in my free time. I also work for the greeting card company, Hallmark, in my spare time for fun.
Email: memoorechc@gmail.com -
Debra Pickens, M.Ed., Ed.D.Deb began her journey with CHC as a contracted facilitator, then in 2023 joined staff as a part-time Prevention Specialist. In August 2025 she became part of CHC's Student Mentor team. Deb is an educational leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for children and families with extensive experience in early childhood education, trauma-informed care, and program management. She has served as a school-based mental health counselor, preschool director, and early childhood leader, and has spent 27 years in administrative leadership at the University of Chicago. She received her Doctorate in Transformational Leadership in Education from Moravian University. Deb is the founder of Yardley’s Weekend Childcare Services L.L.C., dedicated to providing inclusive, weekend childcare for children with social and emotional needs. "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." ~Harriet Tubman / Email: dpickenschc@gmail.com
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Moriah RogersMoriah joined CHC in August 2024 as a Student Mentor, and in August 2026 became full-time adding SAP Liaison to her role. Email: mrogers@thechc.org
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Jen StaibThis year’s motto: “A healthy future requires these things: love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.”
Jen is a wife and mother to two wonderful daughters. She treasures time spent with family and believes in the power of eating dinner together! Jen started with CHC in the fall of 2017. She has served and cared for youth in multiple capacities throughout her career: athletic trainer, basketball coach, behavior specialist, Christian youth group advisor, facilitator and school mentor. She believes that every child has a unique story. She wants to journey with her students as they discover their potential and help them develop a roadmap for a healthy future. Email: jenniferstaib52@gmail.com -
Kenneth Walchinsky
(Photo coming soon.)
Ken joined CHC in August 2026.
Email: kenmentorchc@gmail.com
Check back to see additional Student Mentors as they are added.
