Afterschool Impact Awards - PSAYDN website

On Feb. 27, PSAYDN honored 10 individuals and five organizations with the 2025 Afterschool Impact Awards for exemplifying outstanding work in developing, supporting and promoting meaningful high-quality afterschool/out-of-school time programs to benefit children, youth and families across Pennsylvania.

Meet our 2025 Afterschool Impact Award Winners!

Outstanding Policymaker Award

Steven Grier Williams

Policy and Legislative Director for Lieutenant Governor Austin A. Davis, Harrisburg

Steven is the policy and legislative director for Lieutenant Governor Austin A. Davis. As the policy director, Steven has worked on and led several initiatives on behalf of the Lieutenant Governor, including the creation of the Building Opportunity through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) Program.

Steven was also integral in re-establishing the Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency which is Chaired by the Lieutenant Governor. A 2012 graduate from Shippensburg University and a 2018 graduate from Northwestern University, Steven lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with his wife Danielle and son Malcolm.

Outstanding Individual Sustainability Award

Michelle Reed

Program Director, 21st Century Community Learning Center at the Chester County Intermediate Unit, Downingtown

Michelle Reed is a passionate educator and program director dedicated to creating impactful learning opportunities for students and families. As the Program Director for the 21st Century Community Learning Center at the Chester County Intermediate Unit, she leads initiatives that provide meaningful academic enrichment and community engagement for students in the Avon Grove and Oxford Area School Districts.

With a strong focus on inclusivity and opportunity, Michelle collaborates with educators, families, and community partners to ensure that students receive the resources and support they need to thrive. She has played a key role in developing innovative programming, fostering meaningful community collaborations, and creating inclusive learning environments.

Michelle is passionate about empowering students through engaging educational experiences that promote curiosity, creativity, and confidence. With over a decade of experience fostering collaborative partnerships across various sectors to address complex community issues, she has made a lasting impact as both a program director for 21st Century and Migrant Education. Through her leadership, she has helped serve thousands of students and families, ensuring they have access to quality afterschool educational opportunities and essential support services.

Melvina Banti

Director of OST and Youth Programs at Episcopal Community Services, Philadelphia

Melvina S. Banti, Director of OST and Youth Programs at Episcopal Community Services, brings nearly 20 years of experience in program management and supervision. A proud Philadelphia native, she holds a Bachelor’s in English Education, a Master’s in English, and a Master’s in Non-profit Management. Melvina is a National Afterschool Matters Fellow, a certified coach, and a participant in the 2024 Forum of Executive Women’s Mentoring Program.

She played a key role in launching and managing six academic support centers during the COVID-19 pandemic and has secured continuous funding for OST programs. Passionate about OST’s role in children’s development, she believes these programs provide children with engaging activities and caring supervision while supporting working parents. Melvina advocates for work-life integration and the importance of mental health policies in the OST sector. She is dedicated to championing high-quality OST programs through collaboration with Pennsylvania leaders.

Outstanding Individual Quality Award

Jen Danziesen

Director of OST and Youth Programs at Episcopal Community Services, Philadelphia

Jennifer is a business and technology teacher at Palmerton Area High School for the last 34 years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Bloomsburg University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Kutztown University. At Palmerton High School, she teaches Entrepreneurship, Office Applications, and Career Education classes.

In addition to teaching, she’s the Future Business Leaders of American chapter co-advisor and the Region 21 co-adviser, the mock trial team advisor, and the tennis coach. As an advisor, she has organized over 20 conferences and workshops for over 200 FBLA members, led the mock trial team to district and invitational wins, and managed over 100 students participating in public speaking events and technology tests. She lives in Drums, Pennsylvania, and has two adult children, Julia and Kittrick.

Leah O’Reilly

Director of Programs at the Human Services Center Mon Valley (HSCMV), Turtle Creek

Leah O’Reilly Director of Programs at the Human Services Center Mon Valley (HSCMV) in Turtle Creek, PA. She began her journey with HSCMV as an intern in 2003, later serving as an AmeriCorps*VISTA focused on poverty reduction in the Mon Valley.

She held various leadership roles, becoming Youth Programs Director in 2005 and advancing to Director of Programs in 2017, overseeing all HSCMV services.

Leah also serves as Board President of the Pantry Network of Eastern Suburbs and is on the board of Allegheny Partners for Out of School Time (APOST). She is also a proud mom to her son, Wesley.

Outstanding Youth Award

Vicky Dong

The Academy at Palumbo, Philadelphia

A senior at The Academy at Palumbo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is an active member of Women in Natural Sciences (WINS), where she has deepened her passion for STEM and community engagement.

Through WINS, she has explored science beyond the classroom and strengthened her commitment to supporting underrepresented communities.

As a four-year member of Students Run Philly Style, she has completed three marathons, building perseverance and personal growth. Vicky plans to pursue a degree in engineering or business in college.

Jonah Smith Posner

Masterman High School, Philadelphia

Jonah Smith Posner, a senior at Masterman High School in Philadelphia, is the co-founder of SLAMbassadors, a mentorship program where high school robotics team members coach middle school students. His passion for robotics began at a summer camp, eventually leading him to join—and later mentor—his middle school robotics club.

As Chief Engineer of SLAM Robotics, Jonah oversees and mentors five high school teams while guiding younger students to develop problem-solving skills.

His leadership in SLAMbassadors and SLAM Robotics has strengthened his ability to teach, inspire, and support future engineers. Winning the Outstanding Youth Award recognizes Jonah’s commitment to STEM education and mentorship, ensuring students at all levels have the tools to innovate and succeed.

Outstanding Individual Advocacy Award

Jessica Neely

Program Coordinator for YWCA Greater Pittsburgh’s Opportunity Pathways Program, Pittsburgh

Jessica Neely is a Program Coordinator for YWCA Greater Pittsburgh’s Opportunity Pathways Program and a dedicated STEM specialist, mentor, and youth advocate. With over a decade of experience in Pittsburgh’s nonprofit sector, she is passionate about quality out-of-school-time (OST) programs that empower youth beyond the school day.

Jessica holds dual certifications in elementary and special education from Slippery Rock University and enjoys mentoring future educators. She is committed to integrating diverse STEM literature, promoting social justice, and connecting families with career resources. Outside of work, Jessica loves to read and travel with her husband.

Dawnise Kozen

Dawnise is a dedicated advocate committed to closing the opportunity gap and addressing systemic inequities in the Pittsburgh region. With expertise in networking, stakeholder relationship building, and program implementation, she focuses on creating quality out-of-school-time (OST) programs that serve underserved populations.

Dawnise is passionate about justice, equity, and inclusion, ensuring all young people have the opportunity to reach their life goals. She strongly believes in the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh’s mission of Empowering Women and Eliminating Racism, particularly for women and girls of color.

Her work is driven by a deep commitment to providing equitable resources for student learning, family development, and community growth. Dawnise also advocates for youth voice in program development, having gained valuable insights as a PSAYDN Afterschool Ambassador. Outside of her work, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends.

Amanda Peretin

Tutor & To Go Coordinator and Online Science Instructor at The Learning Lamp & Ignite Education Solutions, Johnstown

Amanda Peretin is the Tutor & To Go Coordinator and Online Science Instructor at The Learning Lamp & Ignite Education Solutions. With a degree in Biology and Secondary Education, she is a PA Certified Biology and General Science teacher, as well as a National Geographic Certified Educator.

Passionate about out-of-school-time (OST) programs, Amanda believes they offer students opportunities to form meaningful connections with supportive adults and succeed outside traditional classrooms.

Amanda hopes to increase financial support for OST programs through advocacy. She is committed to integrating STEAM and S.E.L. practices into OST spaces. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, reading, and supporting her local fire department and church.

Outstanding Organization/Program Award

ACLAMO

Since 1977, ACLAMO has provided bilingual, bicultural support to individuals in Norristown, Pottstown, and Lansdale, serving 16,000 households annually. Key programs include early learning for children, after-school support, and the ADELANTE program, which focuses on STEAM and career readiness for youth.

The organization also offers mentoring, digital literacy, and wellness programs for students in grades 1-8, as well as a Summer Bridge program that emphasizes STEM.

Additionally, ACLAMO provides adult education through ESL classes and digital navigation services for seniors. With a commitment to compassion, equity, and justice, ACLAMO works to create a stronger, more inclusive community.

All You Can Leadership Academy (AYCLA)

The All You Can Leadership Academy (AYCLA) is a transformative after-school program empowering middle school students with life skills, mentorship, and career pathways. In partnership with the Steelton/Highspire School District, we provide a safe and enriching space twice a week, blending creative expression, guest speakers, and hands-on certification courses.

Students gain valuable experiences in trades like plumbing, fishing, CPR/AED, and even window installation, thanks to partnerships with industry leaders.

Our Junior Mentor system offers leadership opportunities, allowing graduates to return as paid summer employees. Community service is at our core, from organizing Thanksgiving dinners to supporting Toys for Tots and hosting Central Pennsylvania’s largest holiday relief event. Through education, mentorship, and service, we’re breaking barriers and building bright futures.

WTS Philadelphia’s Student Outreach TransportationYOU

WTS Philadelphia’s Student Outreach Program inspires and supports girls and gender-minority students in Pennsylvania to explore transportation-related careers. The program consists of three key components: TransportationYOU (TrYOU) for ages 13-18, a college-based Student Chapter, and a Scholarship program for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students.

Our Circle of Continuity philosophy ensures students stay engaged from middle school through college and into the professional workforce.

In 2024, we awarded a record-breaking $25,000 in scholarships to 14 students across Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey. Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability, we empower future transportation leaders through mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (BGCWPA)

Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (BGCWPA) has been empowering youth since 1888, providing safe spaces, mentors, and programs that help kids reach their full potential. As one of the region’s largest out-of-school-time providers, we serve over 7,500 children annually across 18 locations in Allegheny and Somerset counties.

Our programs span preschool, afterschool, summer camp, teen mentoring, workforce development, STEAM, and sports, ensuring every child has access to opportunities. With a foundation of safety, fun, and inclusion, we foster academic success, career readiness, leadership, and healthy lifestyles. At BGCWPA, we do whatever it takes to support kids and families, adapting to meet their needs and build brighter futures.

State YMCA of Pennsylvania Youth and Government

For nearly 80 years, the State YMCA of Pennsylvania Youth and Government has provided quality, hands-on civics education through a complex simulation of the Pennsylvania state government.

Teens from dozens of communities around the Commonwealth meet weekly for student-run meetings to prepare for the Model Convention held at the Pennsylvania State Capitol each year. Delegates meet their peers from around the state, form life-long friendships and learn to respect the views and opinions of others.

As YMCA Youth & Government participants experience what it is like to run the state of Pennsylvania for a few days, they also learn a great deal about themselves – their abilities, their interests, and their responsibilities as citizens in a participatory democracy.