Staff
Margarita Mirkil
Executive Director
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Melinda Izzo
Community Engagement & STARS Manager
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Maria Manogue
Bridge Case Management Manager
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Yolanda Durante
Community Programs Manager
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Tayla Porter
Case Manager
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Courtney Chapman
Case Manager
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LaVeana McCoy
Receptionist
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Robin Wunder
Bookkeeper
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Thalia Dafermos
Office Assistant
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Margarita Mirkil
Executive Director
Margarita served as the Executive Director of La Comunidad Hispana (LCH) in Kennett Square and Director of Development and Alumni Relations for International House in Philadelphia. She was the Director of an Independent Spanish reading program in King of Prussia and a communications consultant for institutional clients at Vanguard, in Malvern. Most recently she served as Vice President of Finance and Operations of Fairmount Ventures, a consulting firm in Philadelphia serving nonprofits in the region. Margarita is fluent in Spanish. She holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the Columbia University.
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Melinda Izzo
Manager: Community Engagement & STARS
After volunteering for four years, Melinda joined Orion in December 2018 as Program Coordinator for the STARS and GLAD programs. She has a B.S. in counseling from Geneva College and has a background in children’s mental health and early childhood education with an emphasis in autism. Melinda loves children’s literature and guiding children in acquiring new skills and overcoming challenges. She comes to Orion with a can-do attitude and an ability to network and identify resources for the children and families in our programs. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading and perennial gardening.
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Maria Manogue
Manager: Bridge Case Management
For as long as she can remember, Maria has had a passion for helping others. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Shippensburg University. She began her career in child welfare with Montgomery County where she spent several years working with at risk children and youth. Maria has experience in various settings in the social service field including Child Protective Services, Case Management and Supports Coordination for individuals with IDD and Autism. With a passion for planning and coordinating events, Maria spent 8 years as the Organizer of Connect the Tots, a group dedicated to bringing together families for social opportunities and support in the Berks County region. In her spare time, Maria enjoys being a spectator at her children’s sporting events, hiking, paddle boarding, thrifting, DIYing, singing, and cooking.
Maria is thrilled to be a part of the Orion Communities Team.
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Yolanda Durante
Manager: Community Programs
Yolanda Durante is originally from the artistic Williamsburg section of New York City but Pennsylvania has been her home for 30 years. She now cheers for the Eagles and loves visiting the countryside in Lancaster County. Her passion is to equip leaders and develop the giftings and skills that each person possesses regardless of the challenges they face. She has served Churches in Montgomery, Chester, and Berks County, and Virginia in the capacity of Senior/Solo pastor. She has worked with impoverished children and families and pre-natal mothers as an Early Head Start Health Coordinator in Montgomery County. She taught Humanity courses to inner city students as an Adjunct Professor at Esperanza College of Eastern University in both English and Spanish. Her educational experience includes an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary with a concentration in Counseling, BA in Sociology from Hunter College, and some doctoral work at the University of Virginia. In her spare time, she loves taking walks with her Bichon Frise dog and doing research.
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Tayla Porter
Case Manager
Graduating with honors from Millersville University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, Tayla embarked on a career journey driven by her commitment to serving others. Starting as an office manager, she quickly transitioned into the role of a victim advocate, where she provided vital support and resources to those in need.
Currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Social Work at West Chester University, Tayla is expanding her knowledge and skills to further empower individuals and communities. As a lifelong resident of Chester County, she deeply values her connection to her community and is committed to making a positive impact on its residents.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Tayla finds joy in spending quality time with her loved ones and exploring new destinations through travel. Her dedication to both her personal and professional growth exemplifies her unwavering commitment to creating a brighter future for those around her. Tayla’s favorite quote and life mantra is “ Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” Hellen Keller.
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Courtney Chapman
Case Manager
Courtney joined the Orion team in May of 2025. She earned her Bachelor of Criminology and Gender Studies at Lycoming College. Courtney has a background working at a nonprofit camp for children in the greater Philadelphia area and volunteering in her community.
She started her career supporting at-risk youth and their families in Montgomery County. Courtney is currently completing her Master of Social Research and Data Analysis at Montclair State University, where she is expanding her knowledge on social issues and how to enact change through research. Courtney is passionate about social justice and is excited to join Orion’s Team!
Outside of work, Courtney enjoys reading, painting, and spending time with friends and family.
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LaVeana McCoy
Receptionist
LaVeana joined the Orion team in December of 2019. She brings with her over 20 years of Business Administration experience. LaVeana feels comfortable problem solving, managing information databases and supporting senior employees. While currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, LaVeana has already achieved her Associate of Science degree in Business Administration and Human Resource Management. She loves helping others and comes to Orion eager and ready to support clients in need. In her free time, LaVeana enjoys sewing, listening to opera, playing tennis, and spending time with her grandchildren.
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Robin Wunder
Bookkeeper
Robin has been employed as a bookkeeper for over 40 years with a focus on non-profits for 18 of those years. She is a native of Royersford, Montgomery County. She is married to her high school flame. She has 2 adult children. In her spare time she loves to travel and go antiquing.
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Thalia Dafermos
Office Assistant
Thalia is an old timer residing at Camphill Soltane for the past 25 years. She got to know Orion when she was working in a local restaurant. Thalia was interested in office work and started as a volunteer. Over time, she showed increased comfort, confidence, and independence that resulted in her being hired as a part time employee.
Thalia keeps busy in the office with filing, shredding, and organizing donations of food and personal care items. She has many interests but two of them are annual trips home to Greece and painting her feelings with water colors. She also likes weaving in the textile training studio on the Soltane property.
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