To get to know our team! Each team member was asked to answer the question: What’s something you do to recharge or refresh your spirit? Click on the “About” tab under each team member to learn more.

Meet the CAAP Staff

  • To recharge, I gravitate toward the simple joys that bring me peace and laughter—spending quality time with my kids, who always keep life in perspective, and my three goofy dogs, whose antics never fail to make me smile. Whether I’m casting a line out while fishing, getting lost in writing, or just being outside surrounded by nature, these moments help me reset, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most. None of it would be as meaningful without the love and support of my amazing wife, who grounds and inspires me every day.

  • I like to keep myself grounded by finding time to curl up with a good book and a warm cup of tea. There's nothing quite like getting totally absorbed in a cozy mystery, some historical fiction, or an inspiring memoir, especially when I'm outside as the sun rises or sets.

    To recharge, I find joy in working in my gardens, spending quality time with my husband, dog, and extended family, hitting the gym for some weightlifting, tackling logic and word puzzles like nanograms, logic grids, or crosswords, or occasionally just enjoying a random nap on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

    When I need a major reset, you'll find me at one of my two favorite getaway spots. For a quick boost, I love heading to Cedar Point for a few days of roller coaster fun with my sisters, nieces, or nephews. But if I'm craving a more laid-back vibe, a week at the shore with my husband and dog is just the ticket.

  • To recharge, I either venture to the mountains for a hike or sip a strong coffee —nature and caffeine work wonders for my soul! I also love spending time with my husband, daughter and dog! Between the fresh air, good coffee, and family time, I'm reminded to slow down and appreciate the simple joys in life. 

  • To recharge my spirit, I find enjoyment the sparkling lights of fun the world offers – walks along the Susquehanna River with my dogs, watching sci-fi shows with my husband, playing games with friends, singing in the local LGBT+ treble chorus, getting my nails done with unique designs, and creating art through cross stitch, miniature painting, and cooking.  Profound bliss come in the form of service to what is right, both for our community and for ourselves.

  • Going for a walk or squeezing in a quick workout always helps me reset and clear my mind. It’s my favorite way to recharge! I also find that stepping away from technology for a bit really helps me feel more grounded and refreshed.

  • To recharge my spirit, I love going out with friends or spending quality time with the people closest to me. Sometimes it’s as simple as getting my favorite takeout, watching a comfort movie, and doing my self-care routines. Whatever helps me feel grounded, relaxed, and the best version of myself.

  • Being outside in nature is the best way for me to refresh and reset. Whether it's gardening barefoot (grounding is key!), trail running, or just being outside with my kiddos, natural light and breathing outside air is so good for my spirit. 

    Keys to a successful remote work day for me include enjoying my coffee outside (sometimes it's at the bus stop, but that counts), taking time out of my day for lunch and eating outside at the picnic table in our yard (if it is nice), and spending at least 30 minutes a day in my garden, surrounded by my chickens and my goose, Kennebec. Even in the rain, enjoying the outdoors is key to maintaining my clarity and real peace of mind.

  • Live music and dance events are Alixandra's go-to spirit refresh activities. Feeling the energy of the artists or DJ, and the movement of an energetic audience is a powerful and tangible reminder of the ways community can exist.

Meet the PA Navigate Team

  • Outside of work, Kat finds energy and balance through time with her favorite people: her four kids—Joss, Kit, Jules, and Kye—and her wonderful husband, Jesse. Her days often involve cheering from the sidelines at soccer games, shuttling kids to activities, and soaking up fresh air in the garden. She enjoys caring for the family’s backyard chickens, trying out new recipes, and unwinding with a good book. Whether it's chasing kids, digging in the dirt, or diving into a novel, everything is better with a strong cup of coffee in hand.

  • To refresh or recharge my spirit, I connect with my family. My relationships with my nieces are important, and I enjoying playing with them any chance that I get. I also enjoy checking out a new yoga studio or listening to a new guided meditation. I have been practicing yoga and meditation for 10 years and find that they both allow me to remain balanced through the ups and downs of life. 

  • Outside of her advocacy work, Kiesha is hitting the gym, managing her household like a Proverbs 31 woman, resilient , wise, and resourceful, or dreaming up ways to build generational blessings. One of her greatest hopes is to one day open a Christ-centered community youth center that serves as a safe haven and launching pad for future leaders. Kiesha’s walk is led by faith, her work is fueled by love, and her impact is lasting.

    “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5 (NIV)

  • Outside of work to refresh and recharge my spirit, I enjoy all things, food and the outdoors. I enjoy going to local markets, farms and restaurants to find the best small-town spots. I enjoy this because it allows me to connect on a deeper level with local communities and where my food comes from. I also enjoy visiting local hiking trails, State and National Parks and really anywhere I can be immersed in nature. When I am out in nature, I love to bird watch and look for and identify local plant species. These things are even better enjoyed with friends and family by my side! 

  • One of the most meaningful ways I refresh or recharge my spirit is leaning into the roles that mean the most to me-being a wife and mom to three awesome kids. Spending time with my family helps me stay grounded and reminds me of what really matters. Whether we are sharing a meal, running around to activities, or even just spending time together doing nothing, those everyday moments help me remember what really matters.  I also really value taking time to quiet my mind; this could mean going for walks, listening to a podcast, or reading a really good book. These simple things bring me balance and help me show up as my best self.

“Community Action Agencies have a unique understanding of our communities; we can make connections between private and public resources and people who are working toward self-reliance. These connections build community and lead to mutually beneficial results. For more than five decades, that’s the work that Community Action Agencies have done – mobilizing community resources to build opportunities."

— Darlene J. Bigler, Former Chief Executive Officer of Blueprints

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