Brian Dodd, M.S.S.
President & Treasurer
Brian started his professional social work career at the Spirit of Gheel in 2000 where he became inspired by the ideals of therapeutic community and its positive impact on the human spirit and potential. He would later become a co-founder and Board Member of Partners Creating Community, Inc. (PCC) and co-founder and Executive Director of Partners Foundation. Brian would start PCC from his vantage while working for sixteen years as co-founder and Founding Director of Adesha Village, where he experienced a scarcity of meaningful, inclusive and artisan employment opportunities for adults with developmental differences, autism and special mental health needs. His academic experience includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a minor in cognitive neuroscience from Temple University and a master’s of social science degree from the Bryn Mawr School of Social Work. He is a certified yoga instructor and a life-sharing householder. Brian was elected to the Board of Directors in March 2022.
Sherman T. Brewer, Esquire
Vice-President
A retired attorney in New Jersey with a professional background as a legislative and regulatory policy advocate in both the private and public sectors, Ted directed a global financial services firm’s state government relations program prior to his retirement. In his corporate position, he represented his firm in several key trade associations and had a leading role in determining the association’s advocacy positions and strategies. From 2005 through 2013 he taught law and American Government as a lecturer at a major university. Ted has served in leadership positions and on the governance boards of numerous nonprofit service and civic organizations, including NAMI New Jersey.
Mary Beth Hyatt, M.S.
Secretary
Mary Beth lives and works in Chester County, PA. She has worked in the field of disabilities for over 30 years, which has included holding a variety of positions from Case Manager to Program Specialist with Chester County Department of Mental Health/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She is currently Program Coordinator for The Arc of Chester County. Mary Beth also volunteers at People’s Light and Theatre. She was elected to the Board of Directors in March 2022.
Jenny M.
Jenny is a family member of a former much beloved and respected long-term Spirit of Gheel resident. For reasons of confidentiality, Jenny prefers not to disseminate professional or personal information on a public platform.
Jenny has served on the Board of Directors for Spirit of Gheel since 2017.
Ashley Grosman, M.S.W, LSW
Ashley is a Licensed Medical Social Worker in PA and previous employee of The Spirit of Gheel. Prior to receiving her Master’s degree from Marywood University, she studied Philosophy at The University of West Chester. Following her seven years working as therapeutic support staff with Gheel, Ashley went on to work in the outpatient setting as a psychotherapist to hone her mental health skills. Thereafter Ashley found her passion for helping those in the Skilled Nursing and Home Health Care settings. Most recently Ashley has chosen a role with Hospice to serve those experiencing end-of-life. Ashley resides in Allentown, PA with her two rescued dogs and Bengal cat. Ashley was elected to the Board of Directors in March 2022.