Behind every success story at STRIVE is a team of passionate professionals dedicated to empowering transformation and second chances. Our staff brings together a wide range of expertise from case management and workforce development to housing support, mentoring, family reunification and life skills education. More than just service providers, our team members are mentors, advocates, and trusted allies committed to walking alongside our participants every step of the way. Together, we create a supportive, respectful, and empowering environment where individuals can rebuild, grow, and thrive. Meet the people making change happen every day.

Danielle Leist

Chief Executive Officer

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As the CEO of STRIVE, Danielle drives the vision and strategy behind programs that empower individuals returning from incarceration to rebuild their lives. Her role centers on securing funding, fostering community partnerships, and designing impactful services that address the root causes of recidivism. She believes in creating solutions that are both practical and transformative making collaborations and delivering real outcomes for the individuals and communities the organization serves.

Emily Balmer

Program Director

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Emily serves as Program Director at STRIVE, where she oversees daily operations and ensures participants receive the support and resources needed for successful reentry. She works closely with staff and partners to deliver impactful programming that promotes stability, employment, and long-term success.

giovani herman

Fatherhood Reentry Coordinator

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As Fatherhood Reentry Coordinator at STRIVE, Giovani works with participants to strengthen family connections and build positive parenting skills. He provides guidance, resources, and support to help individuals successfully navigate reentry while fostering healthy relationships with their children and families.

simone davis

Workforce Development Case Manager

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In her role as Workforce Development Case Manager at STRIVE, Simone serves York, Dauphin, and Lancaster counties, helping participants navigate the path to employment. She provides hands-on support with job readiness, connects individuals to resources, and works to ensure each person is positioned for sustainable success.

yvonne kline

Workforce Development Case Manager

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Yvonne is a Workforce Development Case Manager at STRIVE, serving Cumberland and York counties, where she supports participants in building the skills and confidence needed to secure and maintain employment. She works closely with individuals to identify career goals, connect them to opportunities, and remove barriers to long-term success.

leeann witman

Workforce Development Case Manager

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LeeAnn is a Workforce Development Case Manager at STRIVE, serving Lancaster County, where she helps participants take meaningful steps toward employment. She works one-on-one with individuals to build job readiness skills, connect them to opportunities, and navigate challenges along the way to help individuals achieve long-term stability.