Executive steering coMMITTEE (ESC)

Jenn Boland is honored to represent the Hope Beyond Hurt Trauma Informed Coalition by serving on HEAL PA’s Executive Steering Council.  She is passionate about advancing trauma-informed work that promotes healing and resilience across Pennsylvania communities and is committed to helping individuals, families, and systems better understand the impact of trauma and the power of supportive relationships in fostering hope and long-term wellbeing.

Jenn holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology and has spent the past fifteen years implementing evidence-based programs for children, youth, and families throughout the Laurel Highlands. In this work, she has partnered with schools, community organizations, and service providers to expand trauma-informed education and strengthen supports for families.

She serves on the steering committee for the Hope Beyond Hurt Trauma-Informed Coalition and chairs its Education and Training Action Team, helping equip communities with practical tools to respond to trauma and promote resilience. As a foster and adoptive parent, Jenn’s commitment to this work is both professional and deeply personal.

As a dedicated advocate for coordinated, trauma-informed systems, Diana is honored to serve on the HEAL PA Executive Steering Council. Throughout her career, Diana has worked to minimize systemic trauma and transform how organizations respond to those impacted by adversity.  She is committed to addressing the root causes of adverse childhood experiences and believes that by intentionally increasing protective factors within our communities, we can ensure long-term resilience and positive outcomes for all Pennsylvanians.  

Currently, Diana serves as the Founding Executive Director of the Circle of Support Child Advocacy Center in Johnstown, where she leads a multidisciplinary team in providing trauma-informed responses to child abuse. Diana has spent over two decades advocating for children at the intersection of child welfare and the criminal justice system.  She has seen firsthand how systemic trauma impacts our communities and more importantly, how trauma-informed collaboration can foster resilience and healing. Diana serves on the steering committee for the Hope Beyond Hurt Trauma-Informed Coalition and chairs its Criminal Justice Action Team. Beyond her professional work, Diana enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, listening to live music, and exploring new places.  She finds balance and inspiration in the beauty and small-town charm of the Laurel Highlands region that she calls home.  

My name is Jesse Kohler and I serve on HEAL PA’s ESC as the Founder & President of The Change Campaign, which serves as HEAL PA’s fiscal agent. As a native Pennsylvanian working at the intersection of trauma-informed care and public policy, I believe in HEAL PA’s promise.

The first part of my career was dedicated to serving communities in Philadelphia, working in a public high school and serving as Director of Development for a community center. After a few years of volunteering with the organization, I became the first executive director (on loan) for the Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy & Practice (CTIPP) and worked primarily on federal policy and national movement building. I started The Change Campaign to be able to serve CTIPP in an on loan capacity, and grew to develop a specific agenda called The Full Press. I will transition out of my role with CTIPP come April and graduate from University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Institute of Government in May to focus more on my work with The Change Campaign. 

Growing up in Montgomery County, I was supported to work through the traumas I experienced and through my work, I have realized how many people experience far more adversity than I did with far fewer opportunities and supports to heal. We can and must do better.

Tim Knoster has a distinguished career dedicated to trauma-informed practice for youth in both school and community settings. He is an Emeritus Professor at the McDowell Institute at Commonwealth University and Executive Director Emeritus of the Association for Positive Behavior Support. In addition to his expertise in trauma-informed practices, Tim brings extensive experience in non-profit operations, system design, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to the Executive Steering Committee. While his primary work in the Commonwealth has focused on youth, his impact spans the entire life cycle. Outside of his professional work, Tim is an avid hiker and snowshoer who enjoys exploring the mountains with his wife, Marsha; together, they are on a mission to visit as many national parks as possible.

Cristina Mejia is grateful for the opportunity to serve on HEAL PA’s Executive Steering Council, where she brings her passion for trauma-informed and healing-centered work. She believes deeply that every person deserves to feel seen, supported, and empowered, and she strives to meet people where they are while honoring the experiences that shape them. Cristina is dedicated to elevating voices across Pennsylvania and helping build systems that foster healing, equity, resilience, and a true sense of belonging.

Cristina is the Director of Justice Related Services at Access Services Inc., where she oversees programs in Montgomery, Bucks, and Northampton counties. In this role, she helps bridge the gap between mental health services and the criminal justice system, supporting individuals living with severe mental illness as they navigate reentry and community integration. She works closely with the JRS team, community partners, providers, and natural supports to ensure people have what they need to succeed. With a decade of experience in social services, Cristina brings a creative, trauma-informed approach to integrating care and strengthening pathways to healing.

Having worked through my own healing, I understand firsthand why this work matters. I’m committed to paying that forward by making a meaningful impact wherever I can.

Mae Reale is proud to serve on HEAL PA’s Executive Steering Council. She is excited to help advance work that brings healing, safety, and dignity to every community in Pennsylvania. She seeks to ensure that trauma-informed support reaches all corners of the state. She is especially passionate about helping people move from intention to sustainable, meaningful action.

Mae is the Senior Health Education Specialist at the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. In this role, she works with community-based domestic violence programs and healthcare providers across Pennsylvania to strengthen responses to survivors by building and sustaining meaningful collaborations. With fifteen years of experience at the intersection of domestic violence, healthcare, and community education, she brings expertise in translating trauma-informed ideas into practical, tangible steps. 

Mae grew up in rural Pennsylvania, where she learned firsthand how resilience and community support can transform lives. She loves libraries, hiking trails, road trips, and coffee shops. Her favorite place to stay in PA is The Nature’s Inn at Bald Eagle State Park. Knoebel’s amusement park is on her PA bucket list.