Interim CEO

Michelle Rassler serves as the interim CEO at Peaceful Living.  She has more than 25 years of leadership experience in senior living and non-profit, faith-based organizations.  Michelle is passionate about organizational sustainability and resilience.  She enjoys growing and supporting teams so they can provide the highest quality services and programs for whom they support.

Michelle is married, has two children, three grandchildren, and one cat.  She loves reading, being in nature and spending time with loved ones.  She is grateful for the journey God has provided and appreciates serving in organizations that do meaningful work.

COO

Matt Ricci is Peaceful Living’s Chief Operating Officer.  His passion for working with adults with disabilities started at Peaceful Living as a Direct Support Professional in one of its residential homes.  In over 10 years of experience and growth in the agency, Matt has worked as a Case Manager supporting our in-home staff and helped manage and direct the day programs and community groups.   In his current role as the COO, he is responsible for ensuring the people we serve live a life of choice, meaning, and belonging in their community while maintaining regulatory compliance.  Matt’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Design from Philadelphia University (Jefferson), kindergarten through middle school education Post-Baccalaureate Certificates from West Chester University, and soon a Masters of Science degree in Nonprofit Leadership from La Salle University. His professional journey traveled from graphic design at a marketing firm to public education and finally to serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Director of Accounting

Karen Cinelli is the Director of Accounting at Peaceful Living. Karen has been married for 25 years and is an avid animal lover. She shares her home with 3 adorable cats. In her role she is responsible for the daily operations of the Accounting Department. Karen’s career in accounting and Finance spans Thirty-Seven years. She began her training in her senior year of high school. She began working actively in an accounting roll in 1987 at a manufacturing company. She attended Temple University where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration. She spent 17 years in the Education industry as the Director of Fiscal Service before joining Peaceful Living in 2018 as the Director of Accounting. In Karen’s first year at Peaceful Living, she advocated for Pet Assisted Therapy, her LEAD project, that was later implemented and still offered today.

Director of Development

Luke Smith is the Director of Development at Peaceful Living. In his role, he is responsible for advancing Peaceful Living’s mission and vision by cultivating generous support for its programs from the organization’s various constituent groups. Luke’s career in development spans nearly ten years. He began this work at his alma mater in the annual fund, progressively moved into major gifts, and last was named the Director of Development at Moravian University. Before his work in development, he spent four years in banking as a credit analyst. Luke holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in business management from Moravian University.

Director of IT

Glen Leatherman is the Director of IT at Peaceful Living, where he plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission. His responsibilities include:

·        Providing Technology Solutions: Glen ensures that employees and individuals have access to efficient and effective technology tools, so that they may thrive in their roles.

·        Data Security: He prioritizes data security, safeguarding sensitive medical records and maintaining privacy.

·        Problem Solving: Glen leverages technology to solve complex challenges faced by Peaceful Living and the ID/A provider community.

With over 20 years of professional experience in technology, Glen’s journey began as a hobby. Before joining Peaceful Living, he worked with IT systems in educational and healthcare settings. Glen holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Network Administration from Strayer University.

Director of Residential Services

Tenika Christian is the Director of Residential Services at Peaceful Living.  In her role she leads the development and management of residential programs, ensuring a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tenika possesses over 15 years of hands-on experience in the ID/A field. She began her career as a direct support professional and has progressed in a variety of roles including in-home supervisor, manager, assistant director and where she sits today. Tenika’s passion for caring for people just doesn’t end at work, she regularly feeds and clothes the unhoused in local communities.

Director of Community Based Services

Michelle Welman is the Director of Community Based Services for Peaceful Living. In her role, she oversees Peaceful Living’s three Day Programs and two 100% community-based programs. In Peaceful Living’s community-based programs, individuals spend their days exploring social and recreational activities. Individuals are provided opportunities to explore their unique interests and talents. Michelle has worked in the IDD field for 10 years, beginning her career at an advocacy organization as the Social Recreation coordinator. She then moved into working in Supported Employment before becoming the Site Manager at one of Peaceful Living’s Day Programs. Since starting at Peaceful Living, Michelle became the Assistant Director of Community Based Services before being promoted to her current role. Michelle was an Elementary School Teacher and Director of two Day Cares before her career in the IDD field. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.

Director of Human Resources

Leslie Barkley is the Director of Human Resources at Peaceful Living. In her role, she oversees all aspects of Human Resource functions, including employment, recruitment, employee relations, equal employment opportunity (EEO), and organizational development. With a strategic focus on aligning HR practices with organizational goals, Leslie leads the planning, development, implementation, and administration of key HR initiatives to foster a supportive and compliant workplace environment. Leslie’s career in Human Resources spans nearly 15 years. Leslie holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and development from Widener University and a Master's degree in Human Resource Management from Penn State University. With a strong educational foundation and hands-on expertise, Leslie is passionate about building inclusive, dynamic work environments that empower employees to thrive.