Our Team

Click on each staff member to learn more about their roles at SpeakUp!

Martie Bernicker, Executive Director

Martie has been actively involved with SpeakUp! since its inception and became the Executive Director in 2015. Martie has over 20 years of experience providing strategic advisory services to individuals, nonprofits and foundations including The Pew Charitable Trusts, the William Penn Foundation, Glaxo Smith Kline, and others. As a member of the Gillin family, Martie is personally and professionally passionate about the mission.

Erica Johnson, Program Specialist

Erica role as Program Specialist entails training, coaching, and supporting educators to facilitate the SpeakUp! model with students, families, and fellow educators. Erica comes to SpeakUp! with several years of experience in education along with programming and cultivating relationships in the non-profit sector where youth have been the recipients. Erica is certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid and has been a member of the SpeakUp! Staff since 2018.

Kim Bullock – Director of Finance and Administration

Kim is responsible for SpeakUp!’s daily operations including finance, administration, technology and human resources. Kim has been a member of the SpeakUp! staff since 2007.

Carissa Casey, Program Specialist

Carissa’s role as Program Specialist entails training, coaching, and supporting educators to facilitate the SpeakUp! model with students, families, and fellow educators. Carissa comes to SpeakUp! with a background in leading and supporting student support services and diversity, equity, and inclusion work in independent schools. She also comes with experiences in the non-profit sector, specifically in professional development and education. She is very excited to be part of a team that is changing lives one conversation at a time.

Ann Bernicker, Program Director

Ann joined SpeakUp!’s staff in 2010 and is currently SpeakUp!’s Program Director. In her role, Ann uses her expertise in SpeakUp!’s innovative program design to lead all aspects SpeakUp!’s programming as well as manages program staff and school partnerships. Ann ensures consistent, superior program delivery and helps develop and deliver SpeakUp!’s high-impact training with our school partners. Ann works closely with school administrators, program moderators and other school adults building capacity through her strength-based approach to training and coaching. Ann is certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid, the QPR Gatekeeper Program and the Sanctuary Model.

Kassy Giunta, Program Coordinator

Kassy is an important member of the program team with her role in the planning and execution of our SpeakUp! Events. Her organization skills and attention to detail aid her in the coordination and logistics of our events, workshops & meetings. She enjoys working closely with our SpeakUp! Facilitators, Volunteers & Student Advisory Group members, and is also on our internal impact measurement team. Kassy is certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid & the QPR Gatekeeper Program. She has been a member of the SpeakUp! staff since 2017.