Our Staff
Macie serves as Executive Director of Project Purpose. Marcie began volunteering with Project Purpose over 7 years ago and served on the Board of Directors for 4 years. In her role, she oversees the growth and programs of the organization, supports staff, and develops relationships with our students and their families. She has her Master's in Education and Special Ed. Cert. Marcie is a mother to 2 and loves serving the families of Project Purpose.
Sara serves as Project Purpose's Assistant Director. Sara began volunteering with Project Purpose 6 years ago and served on the Board of Directors for 4 years. In her role, she co-leads the educational programs of Project Purpose and supports our volunteers. As a veteran volunteer, Sara understands the unique challenges of our volunteers. She has her BS in Cross Cultural Studies. Sara has 1 child and enjoys working in the garden.
The Project Purpose Team would like to welcome Martha Shick as our Director of Giving and Finance. Martha oversees our fundraising campaigns, grant writing, and finances. Martha has experience working with children through various church ministries. She has 10+ years of running her own business. She is looking forward to working with our students and supporting the mission of Project Purpose.
Our Volunteers
Over 100 indviduals serve by tutoring, mentoring, preparing our Wednesday meal, and helping in the garden. Volunteers come from over 10 local churches, all with the same mission: to share Christ's love with the students and families of Project Purpose. They desire to see their students find hope in their education, while coming to know Christ.
Volunteers who serve as homework helpers work with the same student each week, giving them the opportunity to mentor their student and his or her family.
Volunteers serve out of their love for God and obedience to His command to love their neighbors.
Our Board
Brandy Smale- President
Member since 2016
Owner and Vice President of Sales & Marketing at ColorWorks
B.S. Economics, Lock Haven University
Other Memberships
Member at Chesmont Church of Christ
History with Project Purpose
Brandy began serving as a volunteer in 2011. From the start, she found joy in encouraging the middle school girls of the program. She has worked with the same family of girls since she began serving! Brandy's children served as tutors when they were in high school.
Andrew Van Cott- Vice President
Member since 2016
Associate Pastor at Connections Church
B.A. Pastoral Ministry from the University of Valley Forge
Masters in Divinity from Biblical Seminary
Other Memberships
Spring Valley Community Church Elder
History with Project Purpose
“I started serving with Project Purpose in 2011 as a tutor along with my wife. We got connected with a boy and girl from the same family and tutored them for about 4 years. We loved our experience and felt like God was able to use us in the whole families life.”
Erin Wade- Secretary
Member since 2016
Coventry Christian School, Art Teacher
Assoc. Degree Reading Community College
B.A. Fine Arts Kutztown University
Post Bacc. Teaching Certificate Kutztown University
Other Memberships
Journey 53 and Trinity EC Church Boyertown
History with Project Purpose
8+ years serving as a tutor.
“I was drawn to the program after working in the Reading School District and seeing the emotional and educational needs of students in that area. I wanted to help those students in my local community, PP was the perfect opportunity to connect with local students.”
Tammy Young- Treasurer
Member since 2021
Preschool teacher for Pre-K Counts with the MCIU
BA in Liberal Arts and PA Early Childhood Certification
Other Memberships
Calvery Chapel of Chester Springs
History with Project Purpose
I serve at Project Purpose to help the children and families that are part of my community and to be a light for our Lord.
Mark Niehls
Member since 2016
Director of Advancement for Coventry Christian Schools, Inc.
BS Biochemistry, Albright College
Graduate work in Education at Temple, Cairn, and Harding Universities
Other Memberships
Elder for the Chesmont Church of Christ
Chair, Board of Directors Wheeler Care Centers
History with Project Purpose
Mark served first as a volunteer in the basketball program and as a tutor since tutoring began in the 2011-2012 academic year.
"I believe volunteer service is the natural response or outgrowth of my conviction and belief that Christians are called to serve their fellow man expecting nothing in return. If you want to change the world, teach a child."
Maria Benedict
Member Since 2018
Full-Day Kindergarten teacher, Ringing Rocks Elementary School; Pottsgrove School District
BS in Education from Baker University MS in Education from Walden University
Other Memberships
New Hanover United Methodist Church; Women’s Ministry Leader
History with Project Purpose
I have seen the positive impact of Project Purpose on my students and the excitement they get in taking part in the program. I have seen parent relationships strengthened with the school because their child is a part of Project Purpose. I believe in the mission of Project Purpose and am thankful to be a part of this program and a part of spreading God's word.
Jarret Diettrich
Member Since 2022
Owner/President/Commercial Division Manager K.J. Door Services, Inc.
BS Mechanical Engineering Penn State University
Other Memberships
Journey Church; JRNY Kids Teammate; Home-group Leader; Financial Peace University Coordinator
History with Project Purpose
Our church hosted a leadership night where they encouraged us to sign up with a volunteer organization of our choice, as a way to go out in the world and share the love of Jesus. Project purpose was one of the options that stood out to me because I liked working with kids. Over the years I’ve grown to love the mission and the kids.
Roberto Calderon
Member Since 2022
Chief Engineer, Lockheed Martin
B.S. Engineering, Electrical & Computer Science, Stevens Institute of Technology
M.S. Systems Engineering, University of Pennsylvania
Other Memberships
Member of Hope Community Church, Gilbertsville PA
History with Project Purpose
Roberto has served with us a tutor since 2014. My prayer is that God can use me in some small way to lead or point the children of our community to our Savior by serving Him in this ministry.
Kymm Steliga
Member Since 2022
Project Purpose is financially supported by the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation. The Foundation began supporting us with a $20,000 grant in 2011 and has been faithfully supporting us ever since. We are honored to be a recipient of their grant making.