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Young Professionals Group (YPG)
Join our group of promising young professionals dedicated to ending child abuse. Members actively support Mission Kids through education, advocacy, fundraising, and partnerships.
Mission Kids YPG Executive Committee
Gabriella Lacitignola
YPG Vice Chair
Family Law Attorney, Materese Family Law, PC
Member Since 2024
Kate Durham
YPG Secretary
Senior Consultant, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
Member Since 2024
Eric Hertrich, CPA/CFF, CFE, CAMS
YPG Treasurer
Sr. Manager - Forensic Consulting Group, CBIZ
Member Since 2024
Tayza Shavon Hill
YPG Fundraising & Events Chair
Graduate Support Associate, St. James School
Member Since 2024
Katie Murphy, LCSW
Volunteer & Outreach Chair
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Childhood Solutions PC
Member Since 2025
Mission Kids YPG Members
Kaity Andrey
Mission Kids Staff Liaison
Director of Marketing and Communications
Member Since 2023
Carli Ducko
School Safety Specialist (Department of Public Safety), Montgomery County, PA
Member Since 2024
Caroline Goldstein, Esq.
Associate Attorney, Baldante & Rubenstein, P.C.
Member Since 2025
Michelle McDyre
Mission Kids Staff Liaison
Director of Prevention Education and Outreach
Member Since 2024
Melanie McGill
Behavioral Health Technician, Achieve Behavior Partners, LLC
Member Since 2025
Nikki Merrill
Creative Content & Marketing Coordinator, Fred's Footsteps
Member Since 2024
Carly Morris, MA
Mission Kids Staff Liaison
Community Prevention Educator
Member Since 2024
M. Stewart Ryan, Esq.
Mission Kids Board of Trustees Liaison
Partner, Laffey Bucci D'Andrea Reich & Ryan
Founding Member
Kathleen Colgan Vodzak, Esq.
Mission Kids Board of Trustees Liaison
Title IX Coordinator, Thomas Jefferson University
Founding Member
Thursday, 12/4, 5-7PM
The Fort Kitchen & Bar | Fort Washington, PA
Entry is simple: bring a gift card to support the YPG Mission Fund* and your food + drinks are on us! Grocery stores, Target, Amazon, Walmart, Wawa, and gas cards are especially helpful. If grabbing a card isn’t doable, donations can be made at the door or online.
Whether you’re familiar with our work or joining us for the first time, our Holiday Happy Hour is a great way to learn more about YPG and network with people who care about making a difference.
*The YPG Mission Fund allows our advocates to respond quickly when a family is navigating trauma, therapy appointments, medical exams, lost work hours, transportation, or urgent essentials.
Upcoming Virtual Meeting
Tuesday, 3/11/25 | 6:30 – 7:30PM
Join us for our next YPG virtual meeting as we set expectations for annual membership, discuss leadership opportunities, and plan for the year ahead. If you’re interested in taking on a leadership role or getting more involved, this is the perfect meeting to attend!
Know someone who might be a great fit for YPG? Invite them to join us by sharing the link below!
About YPG
The Ideal Candidate
Mission Kids seeks candidates aged 21-40 residing or working in Montgomery County. Ideal candidates possess diverse skill sets, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. Previous leadership experience and marketing/networking skills are advantageous.
Benefits of Joining
- Access to a network of community leaders
- Professional development and mentorship opportunities
- Contribution to local impact
- Leadership opportunities within the council
- Fun networking events
- Recognition on Mission Kids’ website
- Fulfilling work impacting the lives of children
Membership Requirements
- Annual suggested donation of $100
- Regular attendance at quarterly meetings
- Participation in social, fundraising, educational, and advocacy events
- Utilization of personal/professional networks
- Act as ambassadors for the organization
- Recruit and engage young volunteers and donors
- Introduce new technology for organizational efficiency
- Support social media marketing efforts
- Participate in required training on recognizing and preventing child abuse
Financial Expectations
While members pay an annual suggested donation of $100 which benefits our Mission Fund, we also encourage members to help leverage their networks to help support Mission Kids financially. An important part of the Young Professionals Group is reaching out to your networks to invite others to events and spread the word about Mission Kids. We do ask that members are comfortable reaching out to and making “asks” of their networks.
What does my suggested donation go towards?
Your annual suggested donation goes toward The Mission Kids Mission Fund. This is a dedicated fund aimed at providing essential support for child abuse victims by covering their basic needs expenses. This fund recognizes the critical importance of addressing the immediate needs of these vulnerable children, ensuring their safety and well-being. By covering expenses such as food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, and education, the mission fund aims to alleviate the burdens faced by child abuse victims and enable them to rebuild their lives with a sense of stability and hope.
Learn about other services available through Mission Kids