Meet Our Community

Education Lead

Maryellen has a background in education and served in the Peace Corps as an English teacher and curriculum creator in Indonesia. Her passion for yoga blossomed during this time, and she now brings over seven years of teaching experience, holding a 500-hour yoga teacher and trainer certification. Maryellen's educational approach enriches every class, workshop, and training she leads.

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.

HR Consultant

Tiffany is the CEO & Founder of CEPHR, LLC, a Pittsburgh-based HR Consulting Firm. She's dedicated to creating equitable workplaces and communities. Tiffany is also a Co-Author of a children's book, "Can a Zebra Change Its Stripes?", emphasizing diversity and acceptance. She received a Jefferson Award for her outstanding volunteerism and community service.

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.

Education Lead

Carley holds a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University. She's an RYT-200 registered with Yoga Alliance and a certified kids yoga teacher. She graduated from the Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh teaching program in 2023, focusing on mindfulness for addiction recovery. With a decade of experience in education and autism support, she excels in teaching and connecting with the autism community, emphasizing inclusivity and fun.

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!

Development Consultant

Maureen is a Principal at Advancement Advisors. With extensive experience, she holds the title of Master Trainer with AFP and is actively involved in the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of AFP and the Pittsburgh Planned Giving Council. Maureen serves on the Executive Committee of APC, holds a Bachelor of Science from Pennsylvania State University, and a Master of Science from the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work.

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 65+ 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.

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.

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

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.

Fundraising Committee Volunteer

Jessica has 12 years of experience in fundraising, database management, event planning, marketing, and volunteer management. She has raised more than $16 million to meet the missions of Pittsburgh area, national, and international non-profits since 2011. She is a member of the management team at The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh as the Corporate, Foundation, and Government Relations Director, where she raised more than $5.5 million to support the organization’s efforts to provide the highest quality care and services to amazing kids and their families.

Equity Review Board Committee Chair

With over two decades in healthcare data and analytics, Mahesh boasts a global view from leadership roles in the U.S. and overseas. He's a driving force behind data-driven decision-making, deploying innovative solutions that improve patient care, cut costs, and boost operational efficiency. Mahesh earned a BA from the University of Michigan and an MBA from CMU's Tepper School of Business.

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.