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The SpeakUp! Team
Martie Gillin Bernicker
Executive Director
Martie Gillin Bernicker has been with SpeakUp! since its founding in 2000 and became Executive Director in 2015. She is passionate about the strengths of this generation. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its reach and impact. With a background in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector, her previous roles include positions at The Pew Charitable Trusts, Preferred Real Estate Investments, and People’s Emergency Center. Martie has also consulted for the William Penn Foundation and GlaxoSmithKline. She holds a BA in Public Policy from Duke University and certifications in Youth Mental Health First Aid, QPR Suicide Prevention, and Trauma-Informed Care. Martie and her husband, Chuck, have four sons.
[email protected]
(610) 519-9600 ext. 101
Kim Bullock
Director of Finance and Administration
Kim brings 25 years of leadership and management experience from the business and not-for-profit settings to her role at SpeakUp!. Reporting to the Executive Director,she is part of the Senior Management Team and oversees operations including accounting, finance, project management, resource utilization and reporting.
Passionate about supporting young adults in their transition to adulthood, Kim believes in the power of open and honest communication to build and strengthen relationships.
[email protected]
(610) 519-9600 ext. 105
Erica Talley
Program Director
Erica Talley is an experienced educator and non-profit leader with an unwavering belief in the power of relationships to change lives! As Program Director, Erica uses her inspirational leadership, management, and training skills to drive SpeakUp!’s vital programming in partnership with school leaders, parenting adults, and SpeakUp!’s dedicated program specialists. Erica’s goal of providing outstanding support to school and families caused her to become certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid and expand SpeakUp!’s program to include SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) groups for educators, administrators, counselors, and volunteers. For Erica, conversations about parenting and young people are personal as well as professional.
[email protected]
(610) 519-9600 ext. 104
Tyla Heleniak
Program & Systems Coordinator
Tyla has been with SpeakUp! since 2020 and has a background in school social work and community mental health with a focus on child and family-based services. She has spent the past 14 years of her career in the non-profit sector using her skills to develop community-based programming and has also worked as a swim coach within her community for over 7 years.
Tyla holds a BSW in Social Work, BA in Psychology, and MSW in Social Work with a Home and School Visitor Certification from Widener University. She is also certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid. Outside of work, Tyla enjoys spending time with her husband, 3 children, and Newfoundland pup, Maisie. She also appreciates a good meal and is the official SpeakUp! office foodie.
[email protected]
(610) 519-9600 ext. 110
Eunice Yoo
Program Administration Specialist
Eunice is the Program Administration Specialist at SpeakUp!, where she provides administrative and operational support to the program team. She began her SpeakUp! journey in 2021 as a Program Specialist, training and coaching school adults in the SpeakUp! model, before transitioning into her current role. With nearly a decade of experience in education and several years of nonprofit volunteer work with teens, Eunice has developed a strong passion for supporting youth and families. She brings skills in organization, communication, and collaboration to help advance SpeakUp!’s mission of empowering school communities. Outside of work, she enjoys going on stroller walks with her son, cooking, watching documentaries, and learning to become an Eagles fan – GO SPORTS!
[email protected]
(610) 519-9600 ext. 109
Elizabeth Lennox
Program Specialist
Elizabeth’s role as Program Specialist involves training, coaching, and supporting school communities in the SpeakUp! model. She has over 15 years of experience in education as a teacher, literacy specialist, and curriculum director. Elizabeth has always been a proponent of student voice and brings this passion to SpeakUp! She has been a member of the team since 2021.
[email protected]
(610) 519-9600 ext. 107
Hassan Gomes
Program Specialist
Hassan has been involved with SpeakUp! since 2013, initially joining as a student leader and now serving as a Program Specialist. In his current role, he is responsible for training, coaching, and supporting school staff in the SpeakUp! model. Hassan’s deep passion for advocacy, his resourcefulness in community building, and his commitment to empowerment have all drawn him back to SpeakUp!.
Hassan holds a BA in Communication Studies and an MS in Higher Education Policy & Student Affairs from West Chester University. His professional experience includes roles as a Retention Specialist at Delaware County Community College, an Academic Advisor at Bowie State University, and Associate Director of Affinity Engagement at American University.
[email protected]
(610) 519-9600 ext. 102
Kianna Caiby
Program Specialist
Kianna brings a diverse background in crisis response, educational mental health programming, training & development, and student support services. Previously, Kianna has held multiple roles within higher education. In her role as a Crisis Intervention Specialist, Kianna has supported individuals in high-acuity situations and connected them to appropriate resources. Growing up in a large family and as one of the eldest siblings, Kianna developed an early sense of responsibility, mentorship, and advocacy for youth. This personal experience has shaped her professional commitment to supporting young people’s growth, well-being, and advancement. Kianna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Neumann University and a Master of Education in Human Resource Development from Drexel University. Additionally, Kianna has certifications in ASIST, CPR, and QPR.
[email protected]
(610) 519-9600 ext. 108
Shaunyé Burton
Program Specialist
Shaunyé is a student advocate from Southampton County, Virginia, with six years of experience in education. His background includes roles as a College Adviser with AmeriCorps, Academic Coordinator at Virginia Union University, Career Counselor at Philadelphia Job Corps, and Resident Tutor with Radnor’s A Better Chance (ABC) Program. Shaunyé is passionate about creating people-first solutions that center student well-being while remaining aligned with organizational values and goals. He joined the SpeakUp! Team in Fall 2025 as a Program Specialist, where he also earned his Youth Mental Health First Aid certification. In his free time, Shaunyé enjoys reconnecting with nature, playing video games, and occasionally reminding people of what Ben Simmons could have been. Trust the Process.
[email protected]
(610) 519-9600 ext. 102
Kate Coppola
Strategic Project Manager
Kate is the Strategic Project Manager at SpeakUp! with a strong background in marketing and brand strategy. She has extensive experience working with companies like Unisys, TiVo, and Comcast, where she developed and managed brand and digital marketing strategies, driving results across various media channels. Kate’s practical approach to marketing, combined with her expertise in campaign management, brand development, and strategic planning, allows her to effectively support SpeakUp! in expanding its reach and impact.
[email protected]
(610) 519-9600 ext. 106
Clarissa Cheung
Donor Engagement Manager
Clarissa joins SpeakUp! through her belief that our relationships with one another are the foundation for a better world. As Donor Engagement Manager, she embodies a people-centered approach to development and fundraising, with her nonprofit background spanning across community-based art initiatives, trauma-informed and survivor-centered education, and student mentorship and empowerment. Outside of work, Clarissa finds joy in spending time outdoors, sharing meals with her loved ones, and re-learning instruments and other art practices.
[email protected]
(610) 519-9600 ext. 103