Meet Our Community

Education Lead

Caroline has worked with kids and community organizations for over 25 years. She has a Masters degree in School Counseling from Slippery Rock University. Caroline’s love of yoga started during a summer job in Cape Cod, MA in 1998 when she found a book of poses. Combining her experience in working with kids who’ve experienced trauma, those with disabilities and mental health disorders, and her love of movement has been an active way of offering support and understanding. It led her to Open Up’s 200 hour YTT training where she gained her certification. Caroline loves running Pittsburgh’s city steps, urban hiking, traveling and eating her way through new places with her husband. She loves returning home to her cat and BFF, Lulu.

Education Lead

Chandler is a versatile performance artist with a Bachelor's in Dance from Point Park University. She specializes in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Contemporary Ballet and collaborates with Staycee Pearl Dance Project & Soy Sos. Chandler, also a teaching artist and choreographer in Pittsburgh, initially joined Open Up as a movement-based instructor and discovered the inclusive nature of Yoga and Mindfulness Movement in their programs. Inspired by Open Up's community-oriented approach, she became a Certified Yoga Instructor through Open Up.

Accountant

Brian co-founded North Star Consulting Services in September 2021, focusing on part-time bookkeeping for nonprofits and small businesses. With a background in audit, tax, and consulting for nonprofits and more, he brings extensive experience. Brian holds bachelor's degrees in accounting and finance from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Besides work, he enjoys travel, co-ed softball, and woodworking.

Fundraising Coordinator

Sarah holds a BA in History and Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as a M.Ed in Secondary Education from Carlow University. She brings over 15 years of educational, marketing and advertising and IT project management experience to Open Up. She founded Aplomb Cove, a marketing services company to help clients and nonprofits realize and reach their unique goals in an ever changing marketplace. When she’s not working you can find her reading, exercising, cooking fresh foods and hanging ten with her pup, Trixie.

Education Lead

On the lifelong path of yoga, Danielle draws on twenty-five years of personal yoga practice, twelve years as a yoga teacher, and a commitment to equity and inclusion. As an experiential, community-based educator with an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois-Chicago, Danielle is a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance and an Advanced Teacher of Therapeutic Yoga through the Kripalu School of Integrative Yoga Therapy. She facilitates virtual and in-person classes in Pittsburgh-area studios, community spaces, and outdoor natural areas. Inspired by yoga practitioners of all ages and experiences, Danielle fosters welcoming and accessible spaces for individuals to connect with themselves and the collective. As a facilitator, she strives to stay open and present with each student, supporting their exploration of how yoga reminds them of their wholeness in the present moment and their belonging to the world around them.

Engagement Coordinator,
Public Allies Intern

Lorena is a recent graduate from Miami University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Communication Design. Lorena joined Open Up as an Engagement Coordinator Apprentice with Public Allies Pittsburgh. They bring lived experience navigating the world as a neurodivergent individual and prioritize accessibility in design. Lorena practices mindfulness by crocheting, walking outside, and befriending cats.

Advocacy Specialist

April has 20+ years fo experience in education and leadership and holds a BA in History from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She pursued graduate studies in education administration and leadership at California State University, Dominguez Hills, and the University of California, Los Angeles. As a 500 RYT yoga teacher and certified mindfulness practitioner, April combines her expertise with an ICF executive leadership coaching certification. She prioritizes mindfulness, equity, and empowering individuals to navigate their personal and professional spaces autonomously.

Director of Advocacy + Community, Co-Founder

Tessa holds a Master's in Language Literacy and Sociocultural Studies from the University of New Mexico. She's also a certified K-12 Special Education teacher from the University of Pittsburgh. With over 9 years of experience in designing tailored learning and emotional/behavioral support interventions, she contributes her expertise to Open Up's program development and staff support. Tessa is a 200-hour RYT graduate from South Hills Power Yoga (2015), Kidding Around Yoga, as well as several Mindfulness and Somatic Awareness programs, and brings humor and lightheartedness to her yoga and improv classes, influenced by her founding of the Penny Arcade Family Comedy Show at the Arcade Comedy Theater. See her perform with Irony City every month at the Arcade Comedy Theater!

Education Lead

Ashley is a certified peer specialist and also works for the Department of Defense. Ashley volunteers with Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania, an organization that links families of children and adults with disabilities or special needs to a volunteer peer support parent for support and information. She started meditation and yoga when she was young, and graduated from Open Up's Yoga Teacher Training program. Ashley loves helping others and believes that pets can also provide wonderful therapeutic support.

Operations Coordinator

Karryn’s background in education, Ed Tech support services, and writing and editing aids in strengthening Open Up’s organizational effectiveness, administrative tasks, and overall coordination processes. Karryn holds a Master’s degree in English from Miami University of Ohio, a Bachelor’s in both English Literature and Writing from the University of Pittsburgh, and a teaching certificate in secondary English education from the University of Pittsburgh. She has experience working one-on-one with individuals with disabilities and has personally benefitted immeasurably from a variety of movement and mindfulness practices.

Education Lead

Anna has a background working as a Recreation Therapist in a variety of settings to bring the joy of movement and activity to everyone. She found yoga as a personal practice before wanting to further her knowledge to bring yoga to the populations she served. Anna is a RYT - 200 registered with Yoga Alliance and holds certifications in Adaptive Yoga and Trauma-Informed Yoga.

Advocacy Lead

Anea brings over a decade of experience as an accessible yoga teacher, doula, writer, and educator. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing from Texas State University. Anea holds numerous certifications, including being a 500 RYT yoga teacher, an accessibility lead trainer, and a specialist in sound healing and mindfulness.

With a deep passion for helping individuals find their yoga and mindfulness practice, Anea meets her students right where they are, encouraging them to move in ways that honor and listen to their bodies. She is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for everyone and building strong, supportive communities. As an Advocacy Lead, Anea bridges the gap between diverse populations, ensuring that yoga and mindfulness are accessible to all.

Digital Consultant

With a background inspired by her mother's childcare business, Abbey established re:Bloom, a nonprofit assisting women and minority-owned small businesses in grasping the significance of an online presence. She offers guidance on building, editing, and maintaining online solutions. Since 2020, re:Bloom has partnered with numerous economic development organizations, aiding 75+ small businesses. Recognized for her contributions, Abbey received the YWCA Emerging Leader Award in 2021 and the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce Community Champion Award in 2020.

Education Lead

Emily is not only a dedicated instructor leading weekly yoga classes at our studio, but she also co-teaches yoga classes for the Down Syndrome Association. Her journey with Open Up began when, at the age of 20, she expressed a strong desire to enroll in our Yoga Teacher Training program. Working collaboratively with her school district, Hampton, Open Up became integral members of her Individualized Education Program (IEP) team, ensuring comprehensive support and encouragement throughout her training.

Non-Profit Attorney

Susan specializes in Tax, Nonprofit, Business, Estates, and Health Law, offering consulting in Resource Development and Grantsmanship. She works with Owen Law Group, LLC, and previously with UPMC. She's taught at the University of Pittsburgh and Community College of Allegheny County. Susan's also a former Hospital and Research Administrator. She's involved with the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, and Bar Associations.

Communications Coordinator

Jennifer has over 10 years of experience in non-profit communications, community outreach, and fundraising. She is a lifelong advocate for her teenage son who has autism, intellectual disability, and epilepsy.

Community Specialist, Co-Founder

Megan is a graduate of The University of Pittsburgh with a BA Marketing and a BA in Creative Writing. Megan is a 500 hour RYT and the lead teacher of Open Up’s Inclusive Yoga Teacher Training which empowers participants with and without disabilities by teaching them to become yoga facilitators and leaders in wellness spaces. She is Accessible Yoga certified, a certified Personal Trainer and Crossfit Coach, and holds several certifications in mindfulness. Her passion and ability to connect with people by meeting them where they are is her superpower.

HR Consultant

Jeesoo has a background in talent development, recruiting, and all things HR. She has focused on organizational design projects with the Open Up team. She works remotely from Seattle, but used to live in Pittsburgh (and loved it!). In her spare time she enjoys sitting on the couch with her corgi, Loaf, and a good thriller book.

Chief Finance Officer

Nicole has 20+ years of accounting experience, most of those focused on the nonprofit industry. In 2021 she co-founded North Star Consulting Services and uses her CFO-level knowledge to guide clients through growing pains and unique situations. She is a wife, a mom to three humans and four dogs, and enjoys gardening, cooking, and crafts.

Education Lead

He teaches improv and co-teaches yoga for the Down Syndrome Association. He's studied with City Theater and was part of Duquesne University's theater program. Colton's work includes bridging the gap between disability and wellness through content creation. His mindful communication has transformed how Open Up operates and communicates.

Director of Operations + Fundraising, Co-Founder

She has a background in education, project management in public health, small business operations, and curriculum development. She's presented her research internationally through Harvard University's 'Project Zero' and is dedicated to supporting populations with disabilities at Open Up. Marissa is also the recipient of the 2023 Lawrenceville Neighbor of the Year and 2023 Woman of Achievement awards.

Board Member

Astrid is mom to an adult son with multiple disabilities for whom she currently works as a Person Directed Supports (PDS) provider. Her experience as a parent advocate began when her son Kai transitioned to public school kindergarten following an early intervention preschool program. She served as a Parent Mentor for the PEAL Center from 2008 – 2011 and is a graduate of several of the organization’s training programs, the PEACE Project, and Family Leadership: Serving on Groups. Astrid is also an alumnus of the LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and Related Disorders) Family Trainee program (2019 – 2020) and C2P2 –Competence and Confidence: Partners in Policymaking (2021). Additionally, Astrid was the Chair for the Allegheny Task Force (2010 – 2012) and ran an Autism Parent Support Group in Pittsburgh’s North Hills area for 6 years.

Cristina Robles Bahm started her career as a Database Administrator for a large Washington DC based nonprofit where she learned how fulfilling and fun data management for nonprofits can be. When she left her job to pursue a Masters of Information Management at the University of Maryland she started a nonprofit consulting company focused on data and evaluation. She then went on to earn her PhD in Information Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh and eventually became a professor of Information Systems and Technology at La Roche University, all the while working with nonprofits on their data and analytics decisions. While she was at La Roche, she was approached by MonkeyPod.io to become their Head of Community and Learning, she said yes and this is where she has landed today. She loves teaching people how to best use MonkeyPod to meet their goals. It is from here that she shares her love of data management and all things tech with Open Up. She recently moved back home to San Diego where she enjoys spending time with her two kiddos, pupperoni, and her husband David.

Finance Committee Volunteer

Paul brings over 40 years of experience as a CPA, specializing in nonprofit taxation for two decades. He holds a BS in economics/mathematics from Allegheny College, an MS in Taxation from RMU, and an MBA and JD from Duquesne University School of Law. Paul is a member of various professional organizations, including the American Institute and PA Institute of CPAs, and actively serves on multiple boards, including Chatham Baroque, Service Coordination Unlimited, The Pittsburgh Schweitzer Fellows Program, The Three Rivers Business Alliance, POWER, and The Allies for Health and Well Being.

Board President

Richard currently serves as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director at Employ Inc. and owns Coachrtb Coaching and Leadership Group. For 17 years, he has been an adjunct professor at Robert Morris University, teaching courses in Leadership, Organizational Ethics, Diversity in the Workplace, and more. Richard has a strong background in diversity initiatives, having served on various committees and as an advisor for organizations like USRowing, USA Ultimate Frisbee, and the City of Pittsburgh.

Fundraising Committee Chair

Ryan is an information professional who works at the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned his Masters in Library and Information Science. He studied interdisciplinary collaboration and memory practices in scholarship and carries forward that training by acting as a connector and boundary spanner in his role as Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations. Ryan is a proud LGBTQ+ community member, enjoys sharing food with friends, and values transparency, mutual respect and graciousness.

Finance Committee Chair

Erin is the Director of Marketing at Fern Health, a healthcare start-up focused on chronic pain. She shares a personal connection to our organization's mission and brings years of experience in government/non-profit management, healthcare, marketing and public relations, and technology to the Open Up team. Erin earned her MBA from Boston University with a special focus in marketing and entrepreneurship.

Board Member

Mallory Hudson is the Disability Justice Program Director at Keystone Progress Education Fund. Mallory is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied psychology, studio arts, social work, and public health. Over the last decade, Mallory has worked in the disability community across a wide range of settings including health care, research, community mental health, home and community-based services, and civic engagement. Mallory's favorite forms of mindfulness and movement include running and painting.

Board Member

Dylan (they/them) is a queer, trans, autistic sex educator. They are currently writing their dissertation about why the autistic community needs sex education that is built specifically around their needs and what that should look like. Dylan also leads workshops and professional development on autistic sex education and LGBTQ+ inclusion in the classroom for educators across the country. When they are not writing their dissertation, they enjoy snuggling with their cat and seeing Broadway shows. You can get involved with their autistic advocacy by following them at @transteachertales on Instagram!

Board Member

Destiny is a nursing student at Duquesne University and is very connected in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community. She brings her experience with the Pittsburgh Association of the Deaf, and her expertise in Advocacy/ public policy, fundraising, and social media to the Board of Open Up.

Governance Committee Chair

Amanda brings her expertise in Law and her community connections in the sectors of Corporate, Government and Politics, Health Care, Media, Philanthropy, Political, Small Business, Social Services to Open Up's team.

Board Member

Julie brings her experience in amplifying strategic missions through communications, driving high-priority initiatives for global brands, and leading developmental programming designed to help people achieve their highest potential. She is currently a Director at BNY and holds a B.A. in Communications from Grove City College. Julie lives in Pittsburgh with her husband, two children, and two cats.