Chesco LIFE Team

Chrissy Gilliam

Chrissy has attended both Northern College in Ontario, Canada and Harcum College in Pennsylvania, in which she has earned credits towards an Early Childhood Education degree. Chrissy has many years of experience in a childcare setting and enjoys helping others. Chrissy understands the struggle with raising a child with special needs, and uses her own personal experience to help families who are overwhelmed and need help finding resources in the county. She currently lives in Chester County with her husband, son and their two cats.

Mabel Gall, MS

Mabel has a MS in School Counseling certification from Kutztown University. She has extensive experience working with at-risk youth and families. She has worked for different nonprofit organizations in Lehigh County area such as Valley Youth House, Northwestern Human Services and Access Services. She currently resides in Chester County and has been working for the Chesco LIFE program since October 2016. Mabel is fluent in Spanish and she enjoys assisting families in need.

Michaela Smith

Michaela oversees the family support programs since 2014 and has worked within different programs at Access Services, Inc. since 1998 including IBHS, respite and recruitment, and foster care. Michaela is involved in various family support state initiatives, including holding credentials as a trainer for the FREDLA parent peer support and supervisor curriculum model.

Sarah Navarrete

Sarah graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Sarah is involved with volunteering for crisis hotlines for youths in her spare time. She enjoys hiking, art and practicing yoga. Growing up, she has been through a lot. Which is why she has become a Youth Peer Specialist, so she can help the youth in their times of need.  She believes everyone deserves a chance to feel supported.

Julianne Shewman

Julie Shewman has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has worked 30+ years in mental health services across all types of settings and services. She also has an adult son on the autism spectrum. As a LBGTQ advocate and parent, she is dedicated to creating awareness and breaking down barriers for people experiencing mental health challenges. She finds joy and hope in supporting individuals and families with navigating treatment and collaborating with providers to create a community of support. She has lived in West Chester for 20 years with her husband and three kids and enjoys traveling and hiking with her 2 dogs.

Sandra DeCicco