Advisory Committee

Francee Mercandante

Francee resides in Montgomery County and is employed by Danella, where she provides high-level administrative, operational, and strategic support to the President. In this capacity, she manages complex scheduling, coordinates meetings and travel, and serves as a key liaison between leadership and internal and external stakeholders. She plays an integral role in maintaining organizational efficiency by preparing and managing correspondence, reports, and presentations, while handling sensitive information with the utmost discretion. Known for her ability to anticipate needs and streamline processes, Francee helps ensure seamless day-to-day operations and supports the execution of key initiatives.

Francee is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She is especially passionate about supporting survivors of domestic violence and consistently demonstrates a hands-on, compassionate approach—always ready to step in and make a meaningful impact wherever needed.

Cheryle Mehr - Committee Chair

Cheryle recently retired as an Executive Broker Manager in the insurance industry, bringing over 30 years of experience across retail, wholesale, and carrier environments. Her extensive background has given her a unique skill set and a broad perspective within the commercial insurance market.

Throughout her career, she built a strong national network of trusted relationships with local, regional, and national agents and brokers—many at the senior management level—earning a reputation for credibility, collaboration, and integrity.

Beyond her professional achievements, Cheryle is deeply committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence, helping them transform their lives and thrive. She cherishes time with her family, adores her dog Harley, and is known for her warm, vibrant personality and love of entertaining friends.

Dr. Nora Lin

Dr. Lin is a board certified senior physician at Allergy & Asthma Specialists ,Main Line Today's 2025 & 2027 Top Doctor, Philadelphia magazine (2017-2018); University of Michigan – allergy research and teaching awards; works on numerous research studies; and is a published author. She completed her education at Cornell, NY Medical College, & University of Michigan.
Member: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Pennsylvania Allergy and Asthma Association, Philadelphia Allergy Society. She lived in Taiwan during her middle school years, speaks fluent Mandarin, loves mysteries, and has killer Mah Jong skills.

Taka Agawa

Taka is co-owner of Grace & Glow MD, and Founder of Springhouse Men's Wellness . He is also well respected as a strategic advisor, building innovative strategies for emerging ventures. Partnering with start-ups and small businesses to craft and execute strategic data-driven initiatives, ensuring operational success through tailored leadership and self-awareness coaching. Current and past collaborations include: Medical Aesthetics Practice in Philadelphi,a Local Specialty Food Catering, Business, Global IoT Start-up Global Maritime Tech Start-up, Cryptocurrency Fund, NextGen Payment & POS Start-up, Social Media Start-up (Accepted to Ben Franklin Institute Technology Accelerator Program), Philadelphia-Based Healthy Lifestyle Start-up, Philadelphia-Based Educational Organization, & Legendary Hawaii-Based Food Truck.

Christian Badalni

Christian has over 26 years experience in family and matrimonial law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey Courts. His areas of practice include: divorce, custody, alimony, alimony pendente lite, spousal support, child support, equitable distribution and protection from abuse.

He has authored numerous articles for the Legal Intelligencer and the PA Law Weekly on issues involving family law. He has also authored case notes for the Pennsylvania Family Lawyer, a publication of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

Previously a professor of Sociology and Law courses at Rosemont College in the Graduate and Undergraduate programs as an adjunct professor, he also created and presented a successful continuing legal education seminar for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute on Family Law in the Internet Age dealing with the ever-burgeoning impact of social media on divorce and custody actions.

Also a certified family mediator, he received his certification from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1998. Christian holds an "AV" Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been voted by his peers into the Pennsylvania edition of Super Lawyers since 2014.

Mary Sclafani

Mary is a dedicated real estate professional and community-focused leader currently serving as a Portfolio Community Manager at Danella Realty. With a strong background spanning both residential & commercial real estate, she brings a wealth of experience in customer service, problem solving, contract negotiation, marketing, team building, design, financial reporting, and tenant retention. Mary is known for her ability to foster positive relationships and deliver thoughtful, results-driven solutions.

Mary was previously the owner of Simply Elegant Catering & Event Planning for 15+ years. Through this venture, she developed a passion for organizing events, building meaningful connections, and bringing people together—skills she continues to use today, particularly in supporting fundraising efforts and cultivating relationships with sponsors and donors.

Mary enjoys spending time with her 4 children & loving husband,cooking, biking, reading, and skiing. She is proud to be part of Miko’s Place and is committed to supporting its mission, offering her time, experience, and enthusiasm to help make a meaningful impact.

Lauren Mehr

Lauren is a certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) II. She is Level 1 certified in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and has completed S.A.F.E EMDR training (somatic and attachment focused) .

She is a certified provider of the Safe & Sound Protocol, HeartMath Biofeedback and remote Neurofeedback. As a lifelong lover of learing, Lauren has received extensive training in psychodrama, dialectical behavioral therapy, TF-CBT, TANT (Trauma Art Narrative Therapy), NARM, internal family systems as well as other somatic and trauma- focused therapies. She has co-presented at two National Conferences (the American Society for Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama (ASGPP) & the national Internal Family Systems conference.

With over a decade of experience, she is passionate about creating a safe environment to promote the healing of painful past experiences and trauma. Lauren has extensive work experience facilitating experiential group therapy and workshops.

Miriah Rutledge

Miriah is the owner of Choosing Change Counseling. She believes that life is entirely relational, and that working within the context of relationships helps ensure long-term treatment success.

She works with individuals, families and couples that are working on healthy communication, divorce recovery, dating, infidelity recovery, domestic violence, self-esteem, & recovering from narcissistic or sociopathic abuse. Her approach is direct, empathetic, & empowering. She uses a combination of theories in her approach to best support her clients which include: Contextual Family Therapy & Narrative Therapy, as well as techniques from the Gottman Method, the work of Ester Perel, CBT, and Somatic Therapy.

She is also certified in personality disorder treatment to better support her clients who are recovering from narcissistic or sociopathic abuse. She also worked as an adjunct professor at Temple University.

Kathleen Albertson

Kathleen is a passionate author with a rich background that deeply informs their writing. They have lived through significant challenges, which inspired a desire to share personal experiences and insights to help others. The author explores themes of endurance, connection, and healing through their compelling narratives, offering readers a glimpse into their journey and the lessons learned.

With a background in psychology and counseling, they have a unique understanding of the complexities of human emotions and relationships. This expertise allows them to address complex subjects with sensitivity and clarity, making their work relatable and impactful.

In addition to writing, the author conducts workshops and engages with communities, promoting the importance of sharing experiences and building supportive networks. Kathleen continues to inspire many through their heartfelt storytelling and dedication to uplifting others.

Ying Wang

Ying is a finance director at J & J, who graduated from both Rutgers University & University of llinois. Ying ensures compliance with regulations and internal controls and often leads critical cross functional projects - a blend of analyst, advisor, and leader within the organization.

Ying is fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese, and her hobbies include traveling , hiking, and she loves spending time with her family & friends. She is passionate about giving back and helping others whenever and wherever she can. One of her faviorit quotes is, "When life hands you lemons, ask for tequila and salt and call me over!!"

Shannon Weller

Shannon has 20 years of experience in the legal field, graduating from University of Tampa & Keystone College.She recently joined Sher & Associates as paralegal and handles business, estate, and real estate law matters.

She has served as a child advocate for the 20th Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program from 2015-2025 and is passionate about helping others. She consistently volunteered with the Junior League of Boca Raton, Florence Fuller Centers, Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Becca’s Closet, Make a Wish Southern Florida, George Snow Scholar Closet ,Sweet Dream Makers, Joe Dimaggio's Children's Hospital, and many other groups.

Name:

Description

Volunteers

Mary Naggy

My name is Mary. I was so inspired after receiving Tina’s letter in the mail explaining her
journey and passion to help other’s by creating Miko’s place. I have experienced the pain that
childhood sexual and emotional abuse causes. I am so grateful that my journey has guided me
to healing through mental, emotional and spiritual pathways helping me to not be defined from
my past, but to continue to bring back the pieces of me that felt broken and learn to Love them
back into Wholeness. My heart felt called to reach out and offer to hold space for anyone who
has been on a similar journey. No judgement or opinions…. just holding space so you can be
heard, held and feel safe in however way you choose. May you be filled with hope and love as
you walk your healing journey.

Molly Khounxay

Molly is the inspiring owner of Salon Manivanh who built a thriving business in the beauty and hair industry and received her Cosmetology license from Empire Beauty School in 1994 and teaching license in 1996. She is a tiny yet dynamic powerhouse who fled Laos, in a death-defying journey that led her to America, the land of opportunity! She is a talented artist in her field, and has been an an successful business owner since 2002, who always greets her customers with her adorable laugh and warm smile!

Molly is dedicated to giving back to the community for a variety of causes, including Locks of Love, South Philadelphia's Lao Temple, North Philadelphia's Buddhist Temple, Jai Lao Foundation, Aatapei Relief Fund, Hatboro-Horsham & Upper Moreland High School Marching Bands.
One of her favorite quotes is, " How wonderful it is that nobody need wat a single moment before starting to improve the world - Anne Frank.

Ahmed Islam

With over 2 decades of sales & marketing experience, Ahmed has developed an extensive network of connections from c-suite executives in large corporations to neighborhood small business owners & entrepreneurs. Prior to venturing into Real Estate, Ahmed became one of the youngest Business Development Managers for TwinMOS Technologies in Dubai, UAE. He graduated from York College and spent 5 years at JP Morgan Chase as a Licensed Banker, where he continuously won awards for performance achievement. Ahmed decided to leave the corporate world and venture out on his own to pursue his passion in real estate. Ahmed believes that every Real Estate transaction is unique in its own exclusive way. His mission is to understand the challenges & deliver quick, effective solutions. Ahmed speaks English, Hindi, Bengali and Urdu fluently, which enables him to work with a wide range of clientele. Real Estate has continued to be his passion and hobby for the last few years. Due to this, Ahmed truly finds happiness in helping his clients find creative solutions to buying and selling their Commercial Real Estate. He loves to travel, go hiking, and spend time with his family when he’s not working.

Tina Lai Thomas

Tina works as an EMS for DHS/FEMA with over 25 years of expertise in radiological emergency preparedness, homeland security, and government operations.Her team has strengthened emergency response strategies and contributed meaningfully to FEMA's critical mission. Tina participates in scenario planning meetings as a trusted agent has bolstered organizational resilience and operational effectiveness. Her efforts demonstrate a commitment to advancing FEMA's emergency management objectives while maintaining readiness to address evolving public safety and security challenges.

Tina enjoys traveling, spending time with her family , skiing, cooking, and volunteering her time to help others!