To celebrate 35 years, we will be posting staff memories each week in February. Come back to read more!
Kelly Raggazino
President/CEO | 27 Years at Open Hearth
Favorite Memory – It’s impossible to choose just one memory as I approach my 27th year at Open Hearth. I am so proud of the work that we do and the evolution of our programs to meet the needs we see in our community. That being said, I am extremely proud of Open Hearth and all of those involved with helping the survivors of the Ashwood fire find a new place to call home.
On July 30, 2020, fire devastated the Ashwood Apartment building in North Coventry, Chester County completely destroying 45 homes, displacing 50 families and leaving 100 men, woman, and children with only the clothes on their backs.
It was during the pandemic, and Open Hearth was already stretched thin by helping Chester County distribute Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds to keep people housed. It was also our first time coordinating an emergency response effort. The fire happened on a Thursday and by Sunday afternoon, Open Hearth coordinated a call of over 30 non-profit, government, and faith organizations. The goal was to rehouse these families as soon as possible and we had so many people who helped us accomplish this goal!
Christina Wheeler Towne
Chief Financial Officer | 4 Years at Open Hearth
Favorite Memory – Every year, our staff comes together for a Thanksgiving potluck, and it has become one of my favorite traditions. Everyone brings a variety of dishes to share, creating a warm, welcoming table that reflects the diversity and generosity of our team. We play games, chat, laugh, and take time to reflect on all the positive impact we have made throughout the year.
This potluck isn’t just a meal—it’s an opportunity to strengthen our relationships and reconnect with one another outside the day‑to‑day work environment. Team building activities like this remind us that we are not just co‑workers; we are a community working toward a shared mission. When we build trust, communicate openly, and celebrate together, it directly enhances the quality of our work. The stronger our team bond, the more effectively we collaborate, solve challenges, and support the individuals and families we serve. By nurturing these connections, we reinforce the heart of our mission: creating meaningful, positive change. Our teamwork is the foundation of that impact, and traditions like the Thanksgiving potluck help us stay united, motivated, and inspired for the year ahead.
Cory Lovera
Housing and Community Resource Manager | 2 Years at Open Hearth
Favorite Memory – My favorite memory of Open Hearth is from when I was working as a Critical Time Intervention Case Manager back in 2017. I met with an Open Hearth employee at our office in West Chester for one of my clients who we had just obtained housing for as he was actively homeless and staying in an emergency shelter at Safe Harbor. This client had gone through so much trauma, and it took a while for me to get him to truly trust me. We found him a place to live, with supports, and he needed items for his new room. I referred him to HCF for funding so that we could go shopping for his household needs. As we were meeting with the Open Hearth HCF employee at my office, the client turned to me and said something like “so wait… they will pay for my bedsheets?” I told him, “Yes, and some new pillows, towels, and other things.” He just shook his head, but I could tell that he was shocked this resource was out there and that he was being approved for it. He was so excited when we went shopping, and so was I..
Being able to connect my clients to the Open Hearth services, when I was a front line Case Manager, made my job so much easier and so worthwhile. Connecting people to something that supports their basic needs is so important and truly brings a sense of support and community that very few other job tasks can bring.
I fell in love with Open Hearth while doing that work and have continued to truly appreciate the critical assistance we give to our neighbors every day. What we do matters – not only for our vulnerable neighbors but also for our fellow professionals. 
Briana Siegfried
Housing Program Coordinator | 1 Years at Open Hearth
My favorite memory working at Open Hearth was getting two households into rental units right before the holidays.
Carla Fletcher
Housing Services | 2 Years at Open Hearth
I have so many wonderful memories during my time at Open Hearth. The first one was from my second interview. The meeting went very well, and then Kelly began speaking passionately and emotionally about her role and why this work is so important. It was at that moment that I knew I found my new work home. With that said, any time staff are together and able to discuss current client scenarios, the passion and dedication we share for these clients and improving their quality-of-life shines through. It’s what stands out to me most when I look back on these last few years.
Danielle Birkhead
Housing Program Coordinator | 2 Years at Open Hearth
My favorite memory is from the Staff Retreat in 2024. I had so much fun going to the escape room and having lunch at Bistro on Bridge. I work with a great group of people, and it was a wonderful opportunity to spend the day with them and get to know them better away from the office.
Marcia Hodges
Housing Services Coordinator | 3 Years at Open Hearth
One of my favorite memories at Open Hearth would have to be when we went to the escape room. It was such a great time! I loved working alongside my group—we laughed so much trying to figure our way out of those rooms. But most importantly, we worked together, stayed focused, and WE ESCAPED!!
Sarah Davis
Housing Program Coordinator | 3 Years at Open Hearth
My favorite memory is when the team joins together for a communal feast at Thanksgiving. We get to rejoice and share our gratitude for one another.
Ashley Thornton
Financial Program Manager | 14 Years at Open Hearth
Kicking off my 14 years with Open Hearth, the thing that continues to pop in my head is more of a feeling than a memory. I think about when the pandemic arrived at our door. I remember the first time Kelly brought us all on Zoom and spoke about the unknown and the next steps. I remember the team was just genuinely happy to see one another. And I realized (not for the first time, but really sunk in) how much Kelly appreciates, values, and is dedicated to her staff. I realized during that Zoom how lucky I was to work for Open Hearth and how Open Hearth wasn’t just my employer, but my second home. I was valued for not only my work ethic and job duties, but also as a mom now doing virtual school while trying to adapt to a new way of work from home life. I remember how many times our kiddos jumped into our Zoom calls and how kind everyone was. We could all breathe and give ourselves some grace. I think about how hard Kelly worked to ensure our stress levels were down and to make sure we all knew we were resilient, strong, and all was going to be okay. I value this memory because it reinforces why I’ve been with Open Hearth since 2012.
Brad Pisarcik
Financial Navigator | 4 Years at Open Hearth
One of my favorite memories with Open Hearth was the Open House celebrating the official opening of our new Phoenixville location. It was a meaningful day filled with funders, partners, and community members who came through the space, toured the building, and learned more about our mission and services.
During the event, a married couple came in with their adult daughter simply because they were curious about what Open Hearth does. I had the pleasure of giving them a tour and walking them through the programs and services we offer. As we talked, they shared that they were long-time Phoenixville residents and were especially grateful for the work Open Hearth provides in the community.
They explained that the building and property we now occupy had previously been slated for high-density housing, and that they had voted against those plans because they believed it would have negatively impacted rent rates and housing costs in the area. They told me how relieved they were that the project was ultimately abandoned and that an organization like Open Hearth was able to take its place instead.
What stood out most to me was how they described that moment as a full-circle experience. They felt that their decision not only helped prevent a potential community challenge but ultimately contributed to an even greater community benefit. Hearing that connection made so tangible was incredibly rewarding and reaffirmed the importance of the work we do every day.
Heidi Saltsman
Financial Navigator | 4 Years at Open Hearth
At a staff retreat, we did a button craft, and I loved laughing and trading for the best buttons with my Financial Navigation team.
Lauren Clouser
Financial Navigator | 4 Years at Open Hearth
One of my favorite memories was taking a field trip with Heidi on our way back to the office after an outreach event. We were looking to take our break and get a coffee at a fun coffee shop. Instead, we got lost, kept finding places that sold coffee for use at home in stores, and ended up having to rush to get some Dunkin before heading back to the office to continue with the rest of our day. The after-outreach excursion was not successful because we can have Dunkin’ any old time, but the laughs were memorable!
Taryn Alexander
Family Savings Partner Program Coordinator | 7 Years at Open Hearth
My favorite memory was from the staff retreat in 2023. It was a relaxed day where staff were able to engage in self care activities, team building, and crafts. The highlight of the day was the chair massage that I received.
It was an opportunity for staff to learn new things about each other and connect with each other to show why we are all important to the OH family.
Kate Hylan
Director of Development | 3 Months at Open Hearth
My favorite memory actually is from before I started at Open Hearth. I was invited to a staff picnic to meet everyone and given a t-shirt. People asked me questions, included me in conversations and I knew right away this wouldn’t feel like a job with coworkers, but would be like a second home.
Lynzie Marchesani
Social Media Coordinator | 3 Years at Open Hearth
My favorite memory of Open Hearth is realizing just how deeply this team cares, not only for one another but for the people we serve. After Hurricane Helene left my apartment without power for several days, I let the team know I’d be offline briefly. A week later, I received a handwritten card with a thoughtful message, a small gesture that reminded me of the heart at the center of Open Hearth.
The moment reinforced the impact our work has on the clients we serve. Every day, we have the privilege of walking alongside people as they take steps toward stability and hope. Knowing that the care, guidance, and support we offer can change someone’s life is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.
Nettie Wolfe Silva
Development Manager | 11 Years at Open Hearth
My favorite memory is having the opportunity to interview a Continuum of Care Permanent Supportive Housing program client who was an artist with a long history of community involvement. One aspect of his work included organizing spaces for his peers to showcase their original artwork.
