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Meet Our Board of Directors!
We're Looking For Board Members!
We're looking for new Board Members! If you have nonprofit experience and want to assist the LGBTQ+ community in and around Berks County, consider filling out the application below!
Submit the application to programs@lgbtcenterofreading.com!
Kai Fawn Miller (she/her) - President
As a proud ally of the LGBT community, Kai has served on the board of directors since 2020 and brings her extensive experience in leadership, communication, and outreach to the LGBT Center. She is the Chief Experience Officer of Emerald One, a leadership consulting firm, the owner of Graystone Farm, a local welcoming wedding venue focused on providing couples with the intimate experience they want on the budget they have, and the head coach of the Schuylkill Valley Junior High Girls soccer team. Kai lives on a 270-year-old farm in Ontelaunee Township with her partner, David Diaz, and her two amazing daughters.
Charles Corbit III (he/him) - Treasurer
Charles Corbit is an outspoken and staunch ally of the LGBTQ+ community. Charles has over 25 years of experience in senior management positions with global responsibilities. He is currently a partner at ERM, a global sustainability consultancy, where he provides strategic and advisory support for Fortune 100 companies on their environmental, social, and transformation journeys.
Over 18 years ago, a personal turning point occurred for Charles when he became aware that some of his family and friends did not have the same rights as he did due to who they loved. Since then, he spends a significant amount of his time working for equality and economic justice. Charles lives with his wife, Bernice Hines Corbit, in Exeter Township, who share the same passion for social and political activism. Oh, and they have four really cool cats.
Jennifer Basanavage (she/her)- Vice President of Operations
Jennifer Basanavage has been a long time advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Jennifer is a chef and restaurateur at Bella Trattoria in Spring City PA. She provides a welcoming space to work for community youth as well as a welcoming space for community guests.
With over 20 years of hospitality experience, Jennifer brings her expertise in party and event planning to the center. She is excited to head the events committee in bringing fantastic events to support and raise much needed funds for the center. With so much gravity in the world, we need to continue to celebrate who we are and what we do.
Jennifer lives in Pottstown with longtime partner Philip, daughter Zofia, pups Wolfgang, Aloyisious, Josie, and countless foster dogs.
Ryan Hassler, PH.D (he/him)-
Vice President of Growth
Ryan Hassler, PH.D, is a lifelong educator and community leader with nearly two decades of experience serving students in Berks County. He holds advanced degrees from Temple University, Villanova University, and Clarion University of Pennsylvania. He currently serves as a Teaching Professor of Mathematics at Penn State Berks.
Dr. Hassler is committed to expanding educational access and supporting historically underserved students. He is passionate about making Berks County a more welcoming and affirming place to live.
Ryan lives with his husband Patrick and their 4 pups. Together they own Studio West Hair Salon in West Reading. They also co-own The CollegeScape, and educational consulting company focused on student access and success.
Isaac Gonzalez-Perez (he/him) Secretary
Isaac Gonzalez-Perez is a veteran of The United States Navy, Owner and Executive Director of The Greater Reading Academy for Culinary Education, Executive Chef and Social Entrepreneur from the Greater Reading area.
With over 25 years of continued service in the Restaurant and Hospitality industry, Chef Isaac has lead kitchen teams in top performing restaurants in Philadelphia, The Greater Baltimore area and right here in his hometown of Reading.
Now, as the Founder of The Greater Reading Academy for Culinary Education, he strives for the betterment of humanity through acts of service, a commitment to excellence and by fostering a culture of growth and responsibility to Community.
Isaac also serves on the Board of Directors for The Forge of Reading, a local 501 (c)(3) that works towards the betterment of men in the community through positive imagery, fellowship and acts of service.
Claire Cummings (she/her)
For more than 17 years, Claire has worked in operations leadership, where she loves turning challenges into opportunities for growth. She believes in building strong systems that support people, and in leading with both empathy and clear direction. In her current role as Vice President of Operations for Photogenic Inc., Claire has guided the company through national growth while keeping teams connected and supported.
She looks forward to using her experience to help the Center run smoothly, grow thoughtfully, and make an even greater difference in the community.
Johnathan Rodriguez-Baez (he/him)
Johnathan Rodríguez-Báez is the Manager of Bilingual Education & Programs Access at Planned Parenthood Keystone, with over five years of experience advancing inclusive and affirming sexual and reproductive health education. Based in Reading, PA, he brings extensive experience working with LGBTQ+ communities through programming focused on safer sex, consent, healthy relationships, and equitable access to care.
Johnathan holds a BA in Education from the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work at Widener University, with additional graduate-level coursework in Human Sexuality. His professional and volunteer experiences reflect a strong commitment to equity, access, and community-centered leadership.
Outside of his professional work, Johnathan lives in Reading with his husband and their two cats, enjoys movies and series, and values thoughtful conversations that foster connection and understanding.
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Melissa Medina (she/her)
Melissa Medina is a longtime LGBTQ+ ally with over ten years of nonprofit experience, including serving as Congregational Administrator of the Unitarian Universalist Church. She lives in Leesport, Pennsylvania with her husband and two children and is the parent of a transgender child, which has given her firsthand insight into the importance of affirmation and resources for LGBTQ+ youth and families. Melissa is honored to bring her experience, perspective, and commitment to the LGBTQ+ Center’s Board of Directors.
Tom McDermitt (he/him)
Tom is an accomplished healthcare operations and business development leader for Caron Treatment Centers. His 35 years of experiences spans behavioral healthcare, business development, operations, project management, and customer engagement. His community impact is undeniable and we are ecstatic to have him on our board.
Since joining Caron Treatment Centers in 2004, Tom has served in multiple leadership roles, including Senior Director of Clinical Administration where he developed a deep understanding of addiction treatment, clinical operations, and patient care.
Tom has been in recovery since 1995. His own recovery journey has profoundly shaped his professional mission. After attending recovery retreats at Caron, he discovered a calling to help others find hope and healing through compassionate, evidence based treatment. His lived experience, combined with his professional expertise. allows him to connect authentically with individuals and families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
Kirby Gordon (any/all)
Kirby is an Associate Attorney at Kitay Law Offices with a deep background in public service. Before joining the firm, they spent years in the public defender's office across Montgomery, Berks and Lehigh counties, in addition to Eastern District of Pennsylvania Capital Habeas Unit. Kirby holds a B.S. in Psychology from Marwood University and a Juris Doctor from Roger Williams University School of Law. They are a member of the Berks County Bar Association and the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association and Foundation.
Off the clock, Kirby plays rugby, crochets, paints, cooks, reads and runs a Dungeon and Dragons campaign. They've also kept a Duolingo streak alive for two and a half years without a single freeze, which tells you the kind of commitment they bring to everything they do.