Staff
Kim McDevitt, Executive Director
Kim McDevitt brings over 20 years of executive-level leadership and management experience to MHA. Through her leadership, Kim has built partnerships with donors that have significantly advanced the goals of non-profits in Lancaster, Lebanon and York Counties. Her background in psychology and education has been used to transform organizations. Kim most recently served as Chief Operations Officer with Lancaster Housing Opportunities Partnership, where she brought about substantial systems changes. Prior to that, she was the Executive Director of Power Packs Project, where she succeeded the founder and grew the organization to three surrounding counties.
Kim has returned to her roots in behavioral health to assist in the growth at MHA Lancaster County. She is driven to empower, motivate and strengthen individuals and families, as well as bring public awareness to the issues that prevent people them from achieving success. Her studies and career experiences have allowed her to gain an understanding of the barriers that families face, both socio-economically and psychologically, and has ardently followed this knowledge in building services with strategies and programs that help others to overcome those barriers.
Kim immigrated to the U.S. at age 7 and has always believed in empowering others, just as she was empowered. “I have always believed in leaving a legacy. My greatest accomplishment is instilling, to my four children, the message of using your talents to help others. I am most proud that my oldest daughters are both teachers in inner city Philadelphia, and my sons, despite their vigorous sports and academic schedule in high school, are highly dedicated to volunteering for various organizations”.
Shelby Witmer, Family and Child Services Coordinator
Shelby has a background in education and a passion for supporting families struggling with mental health issues. She hopes to use her life experiences to empower other families to get the help and support they need: “I want them to know they aren’t alone!” She will also be providing IEP Advocacy support to help foster positive supports between home and school.
I maintain my mental health by: Practicing physical and mental fitness, self-care, meditation, and lots of laughter.
Interesting fact about me: Despite being named Shelby, I was named after a character in a book my mom was reading, not the car.
In my spare time, I like to: Spend time with family and friends, travel and read. My happy place is any beach!
My passion: To end the stigma of mental health and provide support and
compassion for those who are struggling with it. Nobody is alone and we all struggle with something so let’s support each other.
Carol Bowman, Peer Educator and Advocate
What I like about working for MHALC is: The mission of helping individuals and families to experience lives that are mentally healthy, and of supporting people who struggle with mental illness, is one that has been close to my heart for many years. I like being a part of the great team of people here who are working to provide resources to assist that mission in the Lancaster community.
I maintain my mental health by: Maintaining a daily meditation practice, journaling, and getting outside to breathe the fresh air and enjoy the natural world.
Interesting fact about me: Wherever I travel, I like to bring home rocks and stones to remember the places I’ve been.
In my spare time I like to: Read, write, paint, make jewelry, cook – doing anything creative makes me happy!
Lauren Straub, Compeer Coordinator
What I like about working for MHALC is: Although my background is not in social services, per se, I am enrolled at Millersville University and am studying social work. I am very interested in social entrepreneurship and hope to one day open a restaurant which provides job opportunities for those overcoming mental health hurdles.
I maintain my mental health by: maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, taking time to myself, and attending therapy regularly.
Interesting fact about me: I was a professional chef for twenty years – both in Baltimore and more recently in Lancaster.
In my spare time I like to: spend time with my wife and three dogs.
My passion: educating and advocating for those who need it most, and doing the most that I can to create change through social justice on both a micro and macro level.
Frank Letoski, Prison Advocate
My background: I worked over 25 years with the state prison system, specializing in mental health
Why MHA: I am dedicated to helping individuals having mental health issues. I take pride in my work and have compassion for those in need. I’m excited to continue with my purpose in life.
Liz Grubb, Education Coordinator
What I like about working for MHALC is: I so appreciate the vision of Mental Health America of Lancaster County and how the organization is striving to serve the needs of those in our community. I’m looking forward to diving into mental health education and awareness through this role as the Education Coordinator. My hope is that those who receive the trainings we provide are empowered to do something different in their day to day, with a better knowledge of mental health and wellness and the tools to advocate for themselves and their mental health.
I maintain my mental health by: swimming regularly, spending time with my family and friends, having bonfires, and eating tacos!
In my spare time I like to: spend time with my family, be outside, take walks, play board games
Cynthia Jones, Accountant
Kim and I have had the pleasure of working together at a previous non-profit, Power Packs. She coined my favorite description of my thought process… Intuitive. I am thrilled to be able to join the MHA team.
Elaine Gilbert, Administrative Assistant
What I like about working for MHALC is: The culture of caring that we all strive to demonstrate. I love that my coworkers and I all share the passion that is our community, and we all hope that we can help advocate and expand mental health awareness to decrease the stigma.
I maintain my mental health by: spending time with the ones I care about the most. I also like to do shadow work journals to help process and regulate my emotions.
Interesting fact about me: I’m a walking Sagittarius stereotype – I love to travel and have lived in all corners of the USA except the Midwest! My dream is to visit all 50 states and at least 100 countries (I still have a very long way to go)!
In my spare time I like to: do a variety of outdoor activities – from fishing to camping and everything in between! I also enjoy baking, karaoke, and grilling as well as gardening, painting, and antique hunting.
My passion: connecting with people from all walks of life!