Mariann Bernlohr »
Director of Affiliate Support
As director of the affiliate support team, Mariann provides strategic and programmatic support to affiliates, particularly in the areas of certification and resource development. Mariann joined Horizons National after being the Executive Director of Horizons at St. Richard's Episcopal School in Indianapolis, IN for almost 4 years. Mariann developed and managed educational and community programming with AmeriCorps, YMCAs, and the Indiana Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives for ten years prior to joining Horizons. She has a B.S. in Public Affairs and Nonprofit Management from Indiana University and a M.A. in Teaching with an emphasis on urban education from Hamline University.
Deana Darling »
Director of Program Support and Innovation
Deana provides programmatic support to affiliates in the areas of professional development, curricular design, instructional resources, and assessment. While an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Inclusive Childhood Education at Nazareth College, she became involved with Horizons and summer learning, serving as the Executive Director of the Horizons at Nazareth program. Her work with various national, state, and local initiatives reflects her commitment to student-centered learning, urban education, and strengthening the teaching profession. Deana taught at the elementary level for six years in the Rochester City School District. She holds a B.A. from the University of Rochester and an M.S. in elementary education from Nazareth College.
Steve Ehrman »
Director of Quality Assurance
Steve, who comes to Horizons National after serving as Director of Programs at Horizons Greater Washington, helps Horizons use data to drive performance and provide on-going support and resources to our network. Steve's STEAM and Makerspace programming has brought considerable attention in DC and prior to his time at Horizons Greater Washington, he spent seven years as Special Educator in Baltimore Public Schools -- and as an Aquatics leader for Headfirst Summer Camps. Steve has drawn on his programmatic experience to present at field conferences, and has been involved in out of school time system building efforts both in DC and at the state level (MD). He received his B.A. from The University of Toledo and Certificate in Secondary Special Education from Notre Dame of Maryland University. He resides in Washington, DC with his wife and two children.
Philippe-Emmanuel Harding »
Data & Technology Associate Manager
Philippe-Emmanuel manages Horizons National’s data and technical needs. This includes but is not limited to desktop support, management of communication platforms, training, and data processing/reporting. Philippe-Emmanuel holds a B.S. in Applied Accounting and Finance from Fordham University and has multiple years of experience in both User Support and Python.
Martha Holley-Miers »
Senior Director of Institutional Giving
Martha advances Horizons National’s sustainability strategies for current and expanding operations. She brings her extensive fundraising experience in the sector to identify, cultivate, and secure corporate and foundation investments. Prior to joining Horizons National, Martha served as National Director of Development for Higher Achievement -- as the organization’s budget and footprint quadrupled -- and secured and stewarded a $12 million Investing in Innovation grant from the U.S. Department of Education (the first of its kind for a summer and afterschool organization). Martha earned her B.A. in History from Kenyon College and Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University. She lives in Washington, DC with her wife and two children, where she serves on the Board of Directors of the Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.
Kate Hurlock »
Senior Director of Expansion
Kate brings Horizons to new communities. Previously, she supported Horizons National’s CEO in the areas of communications, planning, and project management. Her professional experience includes news production for ABC World News Tonight, and logistics/production with NBC Networks during coverage of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Most recently, she was a principal of a successful small business. Kate holds a B.A. from Dartmouth College and is a certified teacher.
Cam Hutchins »
Senior Writer
Cam supports the Horizons National team, writing and editing a wide range of communications. His professional experience encompasses digital, print, direct, promotional, and editorial writing on both the agency (Ogilvy, Publicis, Y&R) and client (Citibank) sides. Cam holds a B.A. in American Studies from Amherst College and earned his M.A. at the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg School for Communication.
Kylie Lyman »
Expansion and Communications Coordinator
Kylie supports Horizons National's expansion efforts through research, outreach, and prospect tracking activities. Additionally, she is responsible for maintaining HN's social media presence, tracking engagement and other analytics, aiding in the development of affiliate resources, and assisting affiliates with website development. Kylie received a B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Redlands.
Kelly Mattox »
Senior Director of Marketing & Digital Strategy
Kelly leads marketing and digital strategy for the Horizons network. A member of the Horizons National team since 2010, Kelly led the creation of “Horizons Giving Day” – Horizons’ annual digital fundraiser powered by the more than 50 affiliates in the Horizons network and she works closely with Horizons Ambassador, Allison Williams, and others to significantly increase awareness of Horizons. Kelly is responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of all marketing strategies, communications, and public relations activities for Horizons National and oversees external and internal communications, plus marketing and fundraising resources, for affiliates.
Katie Nazar »
Vice President, Finance & Operations
Katie leads finance, data, and continuous improvement efforts at Horizons National. Having led domestic program evaluation and technology initiatives for Save the Children for over a decade, and Knowledge Management activities for Teach for America’s national office, Katie has extensive systems-building experience that supports both programmatic and operational excellence. Katie holds a B.A. from Fairfield University and an MBA from Sacred Heart University.
Jose Oromi »
Executive Vice President
Leading strategic initiatives and expansion efforts at Horizons National, Jose brings several years of experience in global and domestic operations and programming, having worked with Save the Children and AmeriCorps, in addition to extensive teaching and community support services. Prior to joining Horizons National, he was the Executive Director of a highly successful Horizons Affiliate for five years. Jose holds a B.A. from the University of Florida.
Nicole Penniman »
Director of HR and Development Operations
Nicole heads Horizons National’s Human Resources department, serves as the organization’s Salesforce Administrator, and provides support in the areas of finance and grants management. She also manages the Development Team’s data and operations. Nicole has an extensive background in both business and the not-for-profit field, having worked with various constituents and demographics. Nicole earned a B.A. in Business with a double minor in Sociology/Anthropology and Music from Manhattanville College and a Masters of Business Administration, concentrating in Human Resources, from Fairfield University.
Elizabeth Reed »
Operations Manager
Elizabeth is a hands-on team member and responsible for affiliate onboarding, collection and reporting of data, and annual affiliate based projects. In addition to coordinating work with affiliate board members, she is the liaison between the Horizons National Affiliate Committee and the Horizons National staff. Elizabeth received a B.S. in Communication Disorders with a minor concentration in Spanish from the University of New Hampshire.
Dara Rose »
Senior Vice President, Strategy & Programs
Working primarily with our Affiliate Services and Data Systems teams, Dara focuses on organization-wide alignment, efficiency, and impact. Before joining Horizons National, she managed and developed strategy for after school, summer learning, and community-school partnership investments for over a decade at The Wallace Foundation. Prior to that, Dara spent over 15 years as a youth worker, program coordinator, and manager at several New York City-based non-profits, including the Partnership for Afterschool Education and Citizens Committee for NYC – both of which offer professional development, peer learning, small grants, and other resources to service providers and grassroots groups. Dara earned an M.A. in Public Administration at New York University’s Wagner School and a B.A. in Sociology and Latin American / Caribbean Studies at SUNY Binghamton.
Christina Sielert »
Administrative Assistant
Christina assists with the day-to-day office operations of Horizons National and provides administrative support for the Development Team. She has a long history of non-profit involvement, and most recently worked on the staff of a local AmeriCorps program. Christina received her B.A. in English from the University of Connecticut with a minor concentration in Women’s Studies.
Lauren Singer »
Director of Development, Research and Grants
Lauren is responsible for conducting prospect research for individuals and institutional donors, and establishing a new pipeline for prospective donors. Lauren also prepares grant proposals and reports for new and existing institutional funders. Prior to joining Horizons National, Lauren worked at HK Consulting Group, where she managed all aspects of the grant process for non-profit organizations, and was Counsel in the Corporate Law Department of Citigroup. Lauren received her B.A. from the University of Vermont and her J.D. from Catholic University, Columbus School of Law.
Lorna Smith »
Chief Executive Officer
Lorna joined Horizons National in 2004 and became CEO in 2007. Under her leadership, the organization has grown from 13 sites to more than 60 in 19 states. By developing a strong organizational identity, financial stability, and systems that foster program quality and innovation, she has helped Horizons National become a vital resource for the Horizons Network of affiliates. Her professional experience combines market research expertise with extensive client service in several industries, and she has co-owned two businesses, both of which experienced substantial growth and earned excellent reputations under her management. Lorna holds a B.A. from Wellesley College, an M.B.A. from Cornell University, and completed a fellowship at Stanford University’s Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders. She was a founding board member for the National Network of Schools in Partnership, and is currently a member of NationSwell Council, IMPACT Fairfield County, and Social Venture Partners of CT.
Morgan Smith »
Resource Manager
Morgan provides administrative and scheduling support for the CEO, staff, and board of directors of Horizons National. She oversees day-to-day office operations, assists the CEO with calendar management, and facilitates communication as the liaison between the board and staff members. Morgan was a senior level corporate event and project manager until 2005, when she followed her heart into the field of educational access and the nonprofit sector. She holds a B.A. in Behavioral Science with a concentration in Leadership and Human Development from Lesley University, and is a longtime certified Election Moderator for the State of Connecticut.
Valeria G. Wells »
Senior Vice President, Development
A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Valeria is Senior Vice President, Development, at Horizons National, leading Development strategy and working collaboratively with the CEO as lead fundraiser. Valeria directs the overall efforts for the HN Development team which includes the Senior Director of Institutional Giving, Director of Development Individual Giving, Director of Development Research and Grants, by implementing strategies, processes, and materials that enable relationship management and fundraising success. Responsible for the design and implementation of strategic development communications including institutional advancement, cases for support, messaging, and promotion, she also manages Horizons National’s current Campaign for Growth. Valeria leads the campaign and development teams, acting as the national board relationship liaison, building philanthropic identity and affinity to further align resources and development strategy for Horizons National.
Kaitlyn Winterbottom »
Director of Development, Major Gifts
Kaitlyn strengthens Horizons National’s relationship with philanthropic individuals. She specializes in identifying constituents and connecting them to an organization through visits, written outreach, and events. Prior to joining Horizons National, Kaitlyn spent 12 years in higher education fundraising, in both institutional and individual giving. She has experience in grant writing, securing a $600,000 gift for scholarship to Fairfield University’s School of Nursing. In addition, she has conceptualized and launched targeted campaigns, raising $40,000 to provide stethoscopes for all members of the Temple School of Medicine’s class of 2018. Most recently, she was a member of the development department at Yale University, her alma mater, where she raised over $4 million from individual donors. Kaitlyn holds a B.A. in English from Yale and an M.A. in American Studies from Fairfield University.