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KACS

Meet

The Team

Julie Bensen

Chief Executive Officer

Julie brings nearly two decades of leadership experience, most recently overseeing global operations across manufacturing and research facilities. Guided by the belief that people thrive when they feel respected and supported, she is known for creating clarity in complex situations and helping teams grow through times of change. Now, Julie is excited to bring that commitment home to southern Chester County, leading KACS into its next chapter and working alongside staff, volunteers, and neighbors to strengthen the community they share.

Cheri Dill

Chief Financial Officer

Cheri brings more than 25 years of financial leadership in the nonprofit sector, most recently serving as the Chief Financial Officer for an independent preschool–Grade 8 school in Delaware. Her background includes over a decade with the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, along with many years of dedicated volunteer service across multiple community organizations. Cheri is passionate about working alongside staff and volunteers to strengthen programs, expand impact, and help build a thriving, resilient community.

Cheryl R. Miles

Community Housing Development Director

Cheryl R. Miles MSW joined the KACS Team in Oct 2022. As the Community Housing Development Director, she assists the management team in developing, planning, organizing, and directing activities associated with KACS’s CHDO (Community Housing Development Organization). Cheryl has worked in the social service field at different levels for many years serving the most vulnerable population. She also serves on The Fund for Women and Girls of Chester County Board of Directors, Chester County Community Collaborative Board of Directors, Chester County Bridging Coalition, and Black Women of Chester County in Action.

Kecia Crowl

Communications & Engagement Director

Kecia Crowl joined the KACS Team in June 2022. As the Communications & Engagement Director, she is responsible for developing and executing clear marketing, communication, and community engagement strategies to increase KACS visibility.

Looking forward to working with you - together we will strengthen our community!

Clark Davis

Community Education Director

Clark joined KACS February of 2023 as the Bridges out of Poverty Program Director. He is responsible for overseeing and facilitating programs under the Bridges out of Poverty model like Getting Ahead, Staying Ahead and Financial Empowerment. Before working at KACS, he worked for four years as a bilingual caseworker and program coordinator in Southern Chester County and taught high school Spanish for seven years in Delaware. Clark has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Spanish Language and Literatures from the University of Delaware.

Elizabeth Flores

Program Director

Elizabeth joined the KACS team in October 2017 as the Housing Stability Case Manager. She then transitioned to conducting intakes and working with individuals and families who are experiencing early stages of instability, assisting with rental, utility, and other types of assistance that may be needed. In January, 2024, she was promoted to Program Director. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor’s of Social Work from LaSalle University and has experience in supporting families and individuals in crisis, with a concentration on immigrant families.

Loren Lynch

Food Cupboard Director

Loren joined the KACS team in 2024 and serves as the Food Cupboard Director. With a passion for logistics and a heart for community, Loren leads food distribution, warehouse operations, and partnerships that help keep the shelves, and the community, full. Before joining KACS, Loren spent eight years as a manager at Trader Joe’s, where she opened two new stores, dove into store design and merchandising, and made warehouses hum with efficiency, always with plenty of coffee and oldies tunes to keep the crew buzzing.

Sheila Eames

Controller

Sheila joined KACS in April 2021 as the Bookkeeper. Sheila has 20+ years of experience in all functions of bookkeeping and accounting. Sheila will make sure KACS maintains its tax-exempt status, keep track of funding and make sure we’re compliant with ever-changing regulations. She is committed to helping KACS use the donations we receive to make the biggest possible impact.

Nancy Tapia

Participant Advocate Administrator

Nancy joined the KACS staff in 2017 and is bilingual. As Participant Advocate in the Food Cupboard, Nancy is responsible for participant registrations and communications, as well as data collection and the assessment of participant needs. Nancy also assists the Emergency Assistance Program through referrals and support as well as KACS public relations efforts.

Yajayra Nunez

HR and Grant Administrator

Before joining KACS, Yajayra worked as a Case Manager at YoungMoms, and as the HR Assistant at LCH Health and Community Services. Her role is focused on supporting the operations, people, and overall mission of KACS as they serve the needs of the community. She attended Kutztown University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Management.

Lily Rodriguez

Systems Administrator

Lily joined KACS in October of 2020 in a temporary, part-time role. In August 2021 she became the Information Management Specialist and in 2023 she was promoted to Systems Administrator. Lily's work focuses on data across various software solutions. She studied Information Technology at Pierce College and is currently pursuing an Accounting Degree at Wilmington University.

Dean Kelly

Office Manager

Dean joined the KACS team in March 2025 as our Office Manager. He brings a genuine passion for serving others and is excited to make a positive impact both inside and outside of Kennett Area Community Service. Before coming to KACS, Dean spent many years in the shipping industry, including 10 years living and working in Denmark, France, and the U.S. as a General Manager of Global Operations. After retiring in 2022, he felt called to a new chapter and began working toward a degree in Biblical Studies at Luther Rice University. Dean’s heart for the community and his dedication to service make him a great fit for the KACS family!

Gonzalo Cano

Emergency Assistance Advocate

Gonzalo joined KACS in December 2017 as a bilingual Emergency Assistance Case Manager. Gonzalo works with individuals and families who are experiencing early stages of instability, assisting with rental, utility and other types of assistance that may be needed.

Rebecca Villanueva

Housing Stability Advocate

Rebecca joined the KACS team in August 2024 as the Housing Stability Advocate. Rebecca provides case management to families and individuals to prevent housing instability. Rebecca earned a Bachelor of Social Work from New Mexico State University.

Johana Perez

Emergency Assistance Advocate

Johana joined KACS in August, 2024 as an Emergency Assistance Advocate. She has been working with community members for the past 7 years, supporting people and providing assistance with housing emergencies including support with rent, utility, as well as homeless prevention services and providing resources.

Yvonne Rodriguez

Data Entry Clerk

Yvonne joined KACS in June of 2022 as a fulltime data entry clerk. She spent 24 years in social work, although she took a hiatus to pursue personal goals, her heart remains in the service of community.

Mariana Calderon

Front Office Coordinator

Mariana Calderon first came to KACS as a participant and joined the Getting Ahead programs in 2021. She then became a paid facilitator of Getting Ahead in 2022. The following year, she took part in KACS Financial Empowerment workshop and qualified for the Savings Match Program. In April 2024 she joined the KACS staff full-time as the Front Office Coordinator.

Delaney Marin-Tapia

Resource Navigator

Delaney joined KACS as a volunteer and then an intern via the Garage Community and Youth Center's Career Compass program in March 2020. Delaney has assisted the Food Cupboard and began working with the Emergency Assistance team as a bilingual administrative assistant, providing support with the multitude of weekly requests KACS receives. Delaney is a 2020 graduate of Kennett High School and is currently enrolled at West Chester University.