Geri Lynn LaPorte, Office & Student Accounts Manager
Glaporte@northlightcommunitycenter.org
Meet Geri Lynn, a local with roots deeply embedded in the Roxborough/Manayunk area. Her journey with North Light began when her son became an active participant in our Aftercare programs and Summer Camp, even enjoying some basketball fun here. Over the years, the tradition continued as her (great) nieces and nephews joined in, making North Light’s summer camp a cherished family tradition.
Now, Geri Lynn brings her passion for our mission and her personal experiences to the team. Apart from her dedication to our community, she also finds joy in spending quality time with her grandson. With her warm heart and genuine enthusiasm, Geri Lynn is a valued member of our North Light family, committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.
Favorite Movie: Angels with Dirty Faces
Favorite Cartoon: The Flintstones
Tyresse Hill, Teen Services Coordinator
thill@northlightcommunitycenter.org
Born in Delaware and raised in Northeast Philadelphia, Tyresse is the youngest of four older brothers. He graduated from First Philadelphia High School in 2019 and is currently pursuing his Associate Degree in Early Childcare from Harcum College. Since the fourth grade, Tyresse has dreamt of becoming a teacher. He has been working with children across North Philadelphia communities for nearly six years. Working with children has given Tyresse a great purpose, passion and motivation to support the youth. Tyresse is also a creative writer and poet where in 2019, he copyrighted and self-published his first poetry book. He is a positive force who brings his all to the table and is truly a team player. Tyresse joined North Light in 2021 as a childcare staff member and was recently promoted to Teen Services Coordinator. Tyresse lives with his mother and dog name Chloe and cat name Night. In his free time, Tyresse enjoys films (horror being his favorite) music, writing, cooking and adventures.
Favorite Movie: Halloween
Favorite Cartoon Character: Spongebob Squarepants
Danny Welsh, Facilities Coordinator
Meet Danny, our Facilities Manager extraordinaire! Born and raised just a block away from North Light on Green Lane, he has a special connection to the center that goes way back. As a youth, Danny spent a lot of time at North Light. Danny ensures that our facilities run seamlessly, making North Light an even better place for the community it serves. When he’s not busy keeping things in top shape, you can find him sharing stories about the good old days and inspiring the next generation to create lasting memories at North Light, just like he did.
Favorite Movie: Shawshank Redemption
Favorite Cartoon: Looney Tunes
Malachi Woodard, Social Supports Manager
mwoodard@northlightcommunitycenter.org
Meet Malachi, our Social Supports Manager! He’s a South Philly native and the youngest of 13 siblings! He graduated from Kutztown University in 2014 with a Sociology degree. He came to North Light to further his career engaging with the community and helping others. His motivation and inspirations are his 4 beautiful daughters and lovely wife. He loves carpentry and the buying/selling of real-estate in his community. His goals are to be of service to others and leave the earth better than he found it.
Favorite Movie: Godfather Part II
Favorite Cartoon: Recess
Jessica Campbell, Director of Children’s Services
jcampbell@northlightcommunitycenter.org
Jessica, was born and raised in the Germantown section of the city, and she is the youngest of two. She graduated from Delaware State University with a bachelor of science in Movement Science. Her passion lies in helping and serving people in any way she can. With over 10 years of experience working with children and adults who have intellectual disabilities, she has developed a strong foundation in this field. Jessica enjoys activities such as coloring, listening to music, reading, and traveling. She also dedicates her time to going out into the community to help bring resources and awareness to those who are experiencing trauma through gun violence, unemployment (returning citizens), and homelessness. Her goal is to let them know that there are people out there who care about them and that jobs and resources are available to support them.
Favorite Movie: Love and Basketball & Crooklyn
Favorite Cartoon: Rugrats, Doug
Roshonda Jones, Development Coordinator
rjones@northlightcommunitycenter.org
Roshonda Jones joined North Light in September of 2023. She has a passion for connecting those in underserved communities with social supports to sustain their households. She has spent over 25 years working with local nonprofits, primarily on fundraising efforts. Roshonda has her Bachelors of Arts in Sociology from Rutgers University; and is a South Jersey native. When she’s not spending time with her young daughter, she enjoys taking long walks along the Wissahickon, cooking, gardening, and all things arts and crafts! She currently lives in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia with her daughter, cat, and dog – affectionately referred to as ‘Cat, Kid, and Canine’.
Favorite Movie: The Color Purple
Favorite Cartoon: Leap
Rhiannon Smith, Director of Development
rsmith@northlightcommunitycenter.org
Rhiannon lives in Manayunk and was drawn to North Light (first as a volunteer and then later as an employee) to support her local community. Rhiannon has several years of experience in event planning, including co-owning an event rental company. She loves bringing people together, especially for a good cause! She has her Bachelors of Arts in Humanities from San Francisco State University. When she’s not spending time with her daughter or fixing up her 100 year old Manayunk home, she is usually taking photos and primarily photographs families in the area.
Favorite Movie: Sunset Boulevard
Favorite Cartoon: The Simpsons