Rebecca leads our communications initiatives, supporting statewide outreach efforts and providing platforms to raise awareness about the life-changing work of CACs in Pennsylvania.
Having volunteered as a pet therapy team with her dog at the Adams County CAC, she understands the day-to-day efforts of CACs and MDTs to serve child victims of abuse.
Drawn to a service-driven mission, Rebecca brings a diverse professional background from over ten years in educational and advocacy nonprofit organizations.
She loves a classroom environment and has taught in both the Johns Hopkins Program in Expository Writing and the First-Year Seminar and General Education programs at Messiah College.
In addition to teaching, she has provided writing, editing, and creative design for several local campaigns and grassroots efforts in the Harrisburg area.
Most recently, she worked as the Development Coordinator for Paxton Ministries, where she led key communications and fundraising initiatives to benefit adults challenged by poverty, intellectual disability, and mental illness.
Rebecca earned her Master’s Degree in English from Villanova University and her Bachelor’s Degree from Messiah College.
A Conversation with Rebecca
What led you to this work?
I was unhappy in a Ph.D. program, feeling drained personally and disconnected from social problems. When I resigned, I knew I wanted to spend more time with my dog, get out of my head and into my heart. So, my dog and I became a registered pet therapy team and began visiting with kids who came to our local Children’s Advocacy Center. I saw the difference it made for the child or parent who could love a dog for a little while in the middle of their crisis.
What do you find the most challenging about your work?
Managing many projects all at the same time! But I would rather feel a little stressed out by my work than bored with it.
What is the most rewarding thing about your work with PennCAC?
I love the opportunity to think big-picture about messaging and purpose, but also work to improve small-scale functionality such as how to set up a donation form.
Have you never not wanted to go to work in the morning?
I’m glad for a break on the weekend, but eager to get back to my projects on Monday.
What’s your favorite quote—one that inspires you to keep doing what you do?
When I feel like I’m not doing enough–or not doing enough good enough–my husband likes to remind me of this bit from the Tao Te Ching: “Do your work. Then step back.”
Do you have a personal dream?
Someday I want to hike the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim!