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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 comes to SpeakUp! with a background in school social work and community mental health with a focus on child and family-based services. Tyla has spent the past several years in the non-profit sector using her skills to develop community-based programming. She also works as a swim coach within her community. Tyla is certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid and has been a member of the SpeakUp! staff since 2020.

[email protected]
(610) 519-9600 ext. 110

Eunice Yoo
Program Specialist

Eunice’s role as a Program Specialist entails training, coaching, and supporting school adults in the SpeakUp! model. She has been involved in the education field for almost a decade teaching young children and has non-profit volunteer experience working with teens for several years. Her passion for working with the youth and families has grown, which led her into the SpeakUp! organization. She is certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid, Seeking Education Equity & Diversity (SEED) Training, and Coach Approach Adaptive Leadership. She also enjoys cooking, watching documentaries and is a huge dog lover. She has been a member of the SpeakUp! staff since 2021.

[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

Tyrone Love
Program Specialist

Tyrone brings a wealth of experience as a Student Behavior Modification Specialist, former college athlete, and successful business owner. His deep involvement in sports and community activities has shaped his strong leadership skills and commitment to teamwork. Through mentoring, workshops, and community outreach, Tyrone has made a meaningful impact on the lives of countless students, guiding them in their educational and personal growth.

[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