A CHILD’S LIGHT PODCAST INTERVIEWS
Lisa Slawinski
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Harini Balachandar
I believe in the power of skills-based volunteering to drive meaningful change, and my dedication to service earned me the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
Beyond my volunteer work, I am a senior program manager at a software company and the host of Voices of Introspection, a podcast focused on self-discovery and personal growth. Through my business, Nexus Diaries, I help small businesses and startups gain the public recognition they deserve, amplifying their voices and impact.”
Jacqueline Hemmer
As the founder and CEO of FitKitty Culture™, Jacqueline has built a brand that not only inspires confidence through sustainable athleisure but also commits 100% of its proceeds to humanitarian and environmental causes. Her commitment to giving back extends beyond her professional life, as she actively supports initiatives that provide safety and healing to children affected by trauma.
A mother of two, Jacqueline brings a nurturing perspective to her work with A Child’s Light, driven by her belief that every child deserves a safe, loving environment and the opportunity to thrive. Her unwavering dedication, compassionate spirit, and visionary leadership make her a vital force in advancing the mission of A Child’s Light.
Tina Ayala
Tina Ayala witnessed firsthand how challenging life can be for children facing hardships. Her own childhood was filled with moments of uncertainty, but despite the obstacles, she worked hard to create a better future and learned the true value of resilience along the way. Through it all, her faith in God gave her strength and hope. Leaning on Him during the toughest moments reminded her that she was never alone and helped guide her to a brighter path.
Her commitment to public service began early in her career, assisting individuals with financial challenges and investments. Tina has always been passionate about empowering others, whether it’s advocating for individuals striving to achieve the American Dream of homeownership, supporting efforts to build generational wealth, or volunteering in her community. As a coach for youth lacrosse and soccer, and an active volunteer at her children’s schools, she dedicates her time to helping young people grow and succeed. Tina also fundraises for and supports youth-focused charities, knowing that investing in the current generation will help build a brighter tomorrow.
As a mother, Tina’s greatest joy is raising her children in a home filled with love and support. She has always believed that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, to feel safe, and to be heard—no matter the challenges they face. This belief is deeply personal to Tina, rooted in her own experiences and an understanding that even small acts of kindness can change the course of someone’s life.
When Tina met Leslie and heard her personal story, she was deeply moved. Learning about A Child’s Light and their mission to provide expedited mental health support for children and adolescents who have endured severe trauma resonated with her in a profound way. Their work aligns closely with Tina’s heart—ensuring that no child has to face the darkness of their struggles alone.
Tina is proud to join A Child’s Light as a board member, where she can contribute her time, energy, and passion to support their mission. She is honored to be part of a team dedicated to bringing hope and healing to children in need and looks forward to making a meaningful difference in their lives.
Daisy Lara
Daisy Lara is a double board-certified nurse practitioner who serves the community as an ambassador for mental health services in her community. She has a passion for serving the underserved and marginalized communities. Daisy is the President/founder of Resilio Mental Health Solutions LLC in Downingtown, Pa, one of the only nurse practitioner led Spanish speaking private practices, in Chester County. Resilio focuses on patient centered care and providing a safe environment where her clients receive compassionate support. Their mission is to assist individuals in overcoming adversities. Services include initial psychiatric evaluations and medication management when necessary.
Niko Cook
Niko’s Career spans more than 30 years of Executive Human Resources Management, and Foundation and Non-Profit Leadership.
“I’m passionate about advocating for the rights and privileges of Children. We owe them the very best of what we have.”
Shelby Troy
Shelby Troy, an Attorney for the Federal Reserve Bank, is passionate about access to mental health treatment and its significant impact on a person’s life. Her passion was sparked first by her brother’s own mental health struggles and the severe misunderstanding there is surrounding mental health, even in today’s age. Her interest in mental health and its relation to the criminal justice system ultimately led Shelby to major in Criminal Justice at West Chester University. While earning her bachelor’s degree, she participated in an internship at the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, where she met the founder/CEO of A Child’s Light, Leslie Holt. This internship ultimately steered Shelby to enroll at Widener University Commonwealth Law School in Harrisburg, Pa., where she graduated in 2021 and became barred in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In law school, she focused on criminal justice and eventually interned with the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.
Brian Paul
Brian is a dedicated father of two with a career built on supporting the life sciences industry. He is deeply committed to giving back to his local community and actively seeks out opportunities to make a positive impact. With a keen awareness of the challenges surrounding mental health services, especially for children and those facing severe trauma, Brian advocates for better access and funding in this critical area. He is proud to serve as a board member for A Child’s Light, to help drive initiatives that support the mental and emotional well-being of children in need.
Valerie Connors
Val Connors, Administrative Manager for Chester County United Way, is constantly seeking opportunities to serve her community to help make it a kinder, happier and healthier place to live. She is especially passionate about supporting and engaging in work that helps empower youth, promotes mental health and wellness, and protects our natural environment.
Val is a social entrepreneur who has created and chaired an award-winning STEM program for middle and high school girls at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee in Sarasota, Florida. She also founded and operated a business for eight years that offered sustainable beauty and wellness products. She donated 1% of her profits to local and national environmental conservation charities.
A mother to Kaitlin and Declan, Val became very involved in their schools by serving on the PTO, volunteering her time to help children learn to read, and coordinating school activities and fundraisers. She also created a No Trash Tuesdays program to help create awareness about single-use plastics and to help reduce waste in students’ lunches. She has served on the Borough of Downingtown’s Sustainability Advisory Committee and Communities that Care of Greater Downingtown’s Development Committee.
“I am very excited to serve on A Child’s Light Board because I want to be a part of an organization that puts children’s mental health and wellness at the center of its mission. The work that ACL is doing in our community is so desperately needed and so often overlooked.”
Samantha Simmons
With over 15 years of experience in customer service and a successful real estate career spanning Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, Samantha Simmons is more than just a trusted Realtor—she’s a dedicated advocate for her community. As the leader of The Homegirls Group, her passion for service extends beyond real estate, driven by a deep commitment to helping others.
Samantha is honored to join the board of A Child’s Light, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mental health services to children who have experienced trauma and sexual abuse. Having personally faced similar challenges in her own childhood, she understands firsthand the critical need for accessible support and resources for young survivors. Her dedication to giving back aligns perfectly with the mission of A Child’s Light, and she is eager to contribute to its continued impact and growth.
Marissa Britton
A legal marketing and business development specialist for a large Philadelphia law firm, Marissa also runs Britton Marketing which provides marketing and event consulting to small businesses and nonprofits.
“My passion for justice and protecting others led to my interest in the law, and my creative mindset led to legal marketing. When not event planning or spending time with family and friends, I volunteer at a local animal shelter to walk dogs. I love motivational podcasts, my day planner, Bossa Nova music, lavender and my cat, Sushi.”
Teresa Holt
With a background as a certified medical assistant and lead endoscopy technician, Teresa has a nurturing side and a love for science. Now a dedicated wife and a mother of two young children, she loves being involved with their schools and volunteering for activities.
“In addition to my interest in health care, I also have a deep love of art and fashion. I am a vintage clothing purveyor with my own shop online, and I draw and paint as a hobby. With a deep compassion for children, I am very passionate about helping children in need. I want to support A Child’s Light’s mission to help children heal from the trauma they’ve experienced.”
Holly Bostwick
Anagha Gopi Vallabha
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