2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Brittany Karoly, Esq.
Board President
Brittany W. Karoly, Esq.
Educational Background / Experience
Juris Doctorate at University of Louisville, Brandeis School of Law
BA in Business Administration and Economics at Bellarmine University
Occupation
Attorney, Stutman Law
How does your background relate to your involvement as a TKP Board Member?
I have been practicing law since 2007 and have lived in the Lehigh Valley since 2010. A few years ago, I volunteered as a legal advocate in Dilley, Texas, assisting women and children seeking asylum in the United States. When I returned from that trip, I knew it was well past time that I got more involved in serving vulnerable populations closer to home. I first learned of TKP around that time, and its mission really resonated with my desire to make a tangible impact in our community.
What makes you passionate about TKP's mission?
Having my own kids completely opened my eyes to the needs of children in a new way. I became much more aware of the resources required to provide children with a stable foundation to grow and thrive. Assisting foster families in meeting the needs of the children in their care, and helping the kids to thrive, is central to everything that TKP does. I am honored to support that mission as part of TKP's Board.
"Nothing will work, unless you do." - Maya Angelou
Brian Holtzhafer, MEd
Board Vice President
Brian Holtzhafer
Educational Background / Experience
MS Science Education, Montana State University
MEd Curriculum, Kutztown University
BS Env Sci/Geology, Kutztown University
Occupation
Science teacher, Parkland School District
How does your background relate to your involvement as a TKP Board Member?
Being a teacher allows me to build relationships with many students from a variety of backgrounds. One of my greatest accomplishments has been guiding students to become productive members of our society. The Kindness Project is a way to further this mission.
What makes you passionate about TKP's mission?
I am fortunate to be able to adequately provide for my children and family and want to be a part of allowing all children to have the opportunities that my children have.
"For we live by faith, not by sight."
Michelle Bitner
Board Treasurer
Michelle Bitner
Educational Background / Experience
BS in Business Administration, Accounting
20 Years of Experience in Public Accounting
Occupation
Manager, Campbell, Rappold & Yurasits LLP
How does your background relate to your involvement as a TKP Board Member?
A large part of our practice includes providing accounting services to many area Not-for-Profit Organizations. I love to see what they've accomplished when I see them each year and all the wonderful services that they provide for our community.
What makes you passionate about TKP's mission?
As a mother myself, I know how very important it is for children to be safe, nurtured and have the basic life essentials to thrive and do their best. Children are our future and foster parents are such wonderful individuals who dedicate their lives to helping others. Joining The Kindness Project board and helping foster children and families is an honor.
"To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world." - Dr. Seuss
Amber Daniels Hatz
Board Secretary
Amber Hatz
Educational Background/Experience
BA in Spanish and a BA in Political Science, Albright College
Occupation
Nonprofit Consulting, Self-Employed
What makes you passionate about TKP’s mission?
I've spent nearly 20 years in nonprofit financial and operational leadership, most recently serving as the Chief Operating Officer for OneGoal, a national education nonprofit headquartered in Chicago. In this role, I established and grew the Business Operations function as OneGoal grew from $12M to $39M in revenue over 7.5 years. I now manage my own consulting business where I profit nonprofit leadership and coaching to growing organizations. Personally, I've enjoyed volunteering with TKP since its inception, serving as the volunteer coordinator before it was a paid position.
How does your background relate to your involvement as a TKP Board Member?
Amber is passionate about equitable opportunities that support children academically and holistically. She holds two bachelors degrees from Albright College and is on hiatus from completing her masters in business administration with a concentration in data analytics. In addition to serving on the board of The Kindness Project, Amber coaches nonprofit executives through her consulting firm, CGM Consulting Services, is a birth and postpartum doula, and is a Junior Girl Scout Leader in her spare time.
Lynn Zeiner
Kindness Connections Coordinator
Lynn Zeiner
Educational Background/Experience
Over 20 years in Human Resources and Employee Benefits Consulting
Occupation
Senior Consultant, EVHC
How does your background relate to your involvement as a TKP Board Member?
I have many ties to the businesses of the Lehigh Valley due to my career in employee benefits and it helps me move the goals of TKP forward with their support.
What makes you passionate about TKP’s mission?
I hold strong pro-life views and believe it is my responsibility to help children and teens who are marginalized and vulnerable and support those families that chose life even in difficult circumstances. All children deserve love and stability and an opportunity for a good life and future. The Kindness Project provides these young people dignity and respect and I am proud to be a part of it.
Quote
“God is good all the time; all the time God is good!”
Greg Wollenhaupt
Greg Wollenhaupt
Educational Background / Experience
Masters of Arts in Counseling
Occupation
Care Director at Faith Church
How does your background relate to your involvement as a TKP Board Member?
I have been on staff at Faith Church for 28 years. We have an emphasis on fostering and adopting children, and I would like to help move that vision forward, and TKP is an important part of meeting those needs in the community.
What makes you passionate about TKP's mission?
I see the needs of foster children in the community, and I want to be a part of meeting those needs
"Have fun storming the castle!" - Miracle Max in Princess Bride
Joe Flannery
Joe Flannery
Educational Background/Experience
BA of Arts in American Studies, Lafayette College
Occupation
Financial Advisor, Raymond James, Allentown
What makes you passionate about TKP’s mission?
Personally, after seeing TKP's video at Boyle Construction's anniversary event, my wife and I wanted to get more involved. We are both from families with adopted siblings or parents, and while not the same, we just felt a want to help this community however we could.
E-mail
joe@mykindnessproject.org
Joyce Riche
Joyce Riche
Educational Background/Experience
BA in Social Work, Muhlenberg College
MBA in Counseling Psychology, Kutztown University
Occupation
Director of Adoption and Foster Care, Diakon
How does your background relate to your involvement as a TKP Board Member?
I have worked in child welfare all my life, including Lehigh County Children and Youth, Catholic Charities, and Diakon, where I have been the Director of Adoption and Foster Care for 10 years. I am also an adoptive mother of two.
What makes you passionate about TKP’s mission?
Adoption and Foster Care has been my life's work. Our families do so much for our youth, any help we can provide is both needed and appreciated.
Quote
When a plant is struggling, you do not pull it out, but rather, treat the soil.
Jay Valentin
Jay Valentin
Educational Background/Experience
BS in Media and Communication, University of Valley Forge
Occupation
Marketing Professional & Entrepreneur, Custom Apparel & Promotional Products
What makes you passionate about TKP’s mission?
My wife Debbie and I were foster parents for over 6 years and have fostered 7 children in our home. Fostering has been a foundational part of our family make up and has resulted in the adoption of our two daughters. While we don't foster currently, we want to continue to support the foster community.