Patricia Kindermann, Board President
Embracing the Child began as a simple, privately funded web site in May 1997 developed by Pat Kindermann. A turning point in her professional career led to the founding and development of Embracing the Child in direct response to the needs she found as a volunteer member of a non profit strategic planning committee for a school-to-career mentoring program in Philadelphia. Throughout her three year participation in this program and diversity workshops for inner-city teens, Pat observed the desperate need for a strong foundation in reading and writing skills that would permit every child an opportunity to succeed and experience a meaningful life. Embracing the Child became a non-profit organization in 2001.

For more information about our Outreach Program.

Daniel Thomer, Board Treasurer
Dan is the father of three and President of a Redevelopment Consulting Firm in the Philadelphia area providing input to business owners regarding all aspects of their redevelopment projects such as cost projection, analysis, budgets and tracking; project scope of work, management and administration, contractor selection, contract writing and administration; construction scheduling; quality assurance on construction projects; constructible analysis and value engineering on projects under development.

Katherine Krzyzanowski, Board Secretary
Katie is a former events planner and is now a stay-at-home mother of two toddlers.

Cari De Santis
Cari is the mother of two and former Cabinet Secretary for the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth & Their Families, which encompasses child protective services, children and family services, child mental health and juvenile justice services, as well as community-based prevention and early intervention services (as in school-based anti-drug and anti-violence programming), after school programs, etc.

Francis A. Heljenek
Frank is the father of two grown children and an expert in limited self-funding, employee benefits, Section 125 Plans, 401(k) programs and managed care.

Sheila Findiesen
Sheila is the mother of two, a tutor and retired high school science teacher.

Jean Magargee
Jean is the mother of two and Director of Client Development for Cura Hospitality, Inc., a regional healthcare food services company providing dining services for senior living communities.

Christine Petersen
Chris is a retired pediatric nurse and mother of three grown children. Long time volunteer for Embracing the Child, Chris joins the Board in 2008.