About Us
Resilience Resource Center is a community-centered organization that focuses its work on programs that foster and build resilience skills in marginalized communities. We believe that resilience skills empower and uplift individuals, families, and communities by providing them with the tools they need to "bounce back" when faced with adversity. Accessible mental health services, fostering safe-space community and educational environments, and teaching career skills are just some of the ways we work to improve the quality of life for marginalized individuals and families. We look to the community to identify needed programs and for support!
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower our community with the tools they need to take care of themselves. Our programs, focused on building resilience, offer valuable support and skills to help individuals create a fulfilling life, even in a world that may not always offer safety, support, or acceptance.
Our Vision
Our vision is for a world where everyone can be themselves and have access to resources to thrive and overcome adversity. We believe that healing and growth happen in community, and we imagine a world where all individuals feel safe, connected, and empowered.
We believe resilience is:
Being comfortable in our own skin, believing in the beauty of our uniqueness, knowing and accepting who we are.
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IDENTITY
Knowing and believing in our strengths. Having the ability to challenge negative thoughts and having the confidence that you can do this.
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SELF WORTH
Finding a purpose that draws us forward in life. Purpose can be work, family, or just curiosity about the possibility of tomorrow.
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PURPOSE
We are meant to be connected to each other. Finding our community that enriches and supports us empowers us to take action.
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COMMUNITY
Taking care of ourselves mentally and physically. Recognizing that we need to take care of ourselves before we can help others.
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WELLNESS
Meet Our Board
Kai Howard
Administrative Director (he, him)
Email: Kai@ResilienceRC.org
Kai is the Chief Information Officer and Accreditation Liaison Officer at a small college and loves to lead teams to accomplish amazing things. He came out very late in life and is a passionate advocate, especially for the trans community. Kai grew up living in Illinois, Arizona, California and KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa but is happily settled in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He loves to travel and experience differing cultures. When not working you will find Kai happily walking the beach and listening to podcasts.
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Jacqueline Harrison
Program Director (she, her)
Email: Jacqueline@ResilienceRC.org
Jacqueline "Jackie" Harrison (she/her) is a pre-licensed professional counselor. Jackie divides her working time between her roles as a research coordinator in Neurology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and working as a mental health counselor with Elliot Counseling, a Pittsburgh-based private practice providing trauma-focused therapy to LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients.
Dana Amber Newman
Communication Director (they,them)
Email: Dana@ResilienceRC.org
Dana (they/them) currently identifies as trans femme, after spending a lifetime in denial. A Data enthusiast by day, and a parent/partner all the time, Dana is driven by helping people solve problems. Dana enjoys playing music and sitting by a fire.
LaTanya E. Jones
Director (she, her)
Email: LaTanya@ResilienceRC.org
LaTanya is a pre-licensed professional with a Master of Social Work and Master of Education in Human Sexuality Studies from Widener University. She also holds a Trauma Practice Certificate from Widener University. She provides LGBT+ knowledgeable, trauma-focused psychotherapy and Brainspotting services to individuals over 18. She is a problem gambling counselor and a nationally certified sign language interpreter.
Darrel Suarez-White
Director (he, they)
Email: Darrel@ResilienceRC.org
Darrel received his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Villanova University, where he developed an additional passion for fine arts. Upon graduation, Darrel worked in fashion retail before changing gears to work in adolescent psychiatry. At the RRC, Darrel is excited to explore the intersections of adolescent play fine arts, and crafting by encouraging youths to engage in the arts in any capacity they choose.
Theresa Katalinas
Director (she, her)
Email: theresa@ResilienceRC.org
Theresa has operated her own public relations and marketing company since 2014, after working for more than a decade as a multimedia reporter and editor. Her various roles assisting nonprofit clients with fundraising, grant submissions, sponsorship and event promotion well position her as a board member. She is a passionate ally who adamantly believes in the mission of the Resilience Resource Center and strives to further it.
Joseph Torre
Finance Director (he, him).
Email: Joesph@ResilienceRC.org
Meet Joseph Torre, an experienced and compassionate therapist who is part of the LGBTQ+ community. With a Master's in Counseling Psychology and a certificate in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies, Joseph is well-equipped to serve our diverse community. He works in our Positive Therapy Program, helping individuals overcome social obstacles and achieve their therapeutic goals.
Tyler and Hunter
Directors of Puppy Services (they, them)
Email: info@ResilienceRC.org
Hunter and Tyler hold a Doctoral Degree in Puppy Play with a minor in Barking and Jumping. They enjoy spending time at the park, a day at the puppy spa, and savoring as many treats a day as possible. Their true specialty is bringing joy and love to all they meet.