Leadership & Staff

Brandon worked at Clarion-Limestone Area School District as the Athletic Director for 3 years before joining Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania.

What is your favorite quote?
“Good, Better, Best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your better is best.”

Dave has always enjoyed working with young people. Dave worked at several Summer camps throughout college and began his career at Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania shortly after graduation. Dave is the proud father of three children : Anthony, Michael and Abigail

What is your favorite quote?
“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan

Dom became involved with Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania first as a Carnegie Clubhouse member before transitioning to a full-time staff member. Dom’s accomplishments as a Clubhouse member include being named Dapper Dan Athlete of the year in 2009, and BGCWPA Youth of the Year in 2011.

What do you love most about Boys & Girls Clubs of Western PA?
“That we accept all young people, it is a place where everyone can come and enjoy the programs we offer, it not for the rich and it not for the poor, it is for everyone.”

Favorite Quote:
“The important thing in life is not the Triumph but the struggle.”
-Pierre de Coubertin

Fotie has over 30 years of experience in various industries and trades. He has spent the last 4 years as a Chief Engineer before bringing his facilities management experience to BGCWPA. He holds an Associates of Applied Science in Heating & Air Conditioning, certification in Machine Shop / Robotics Technology, in addition to universal EPA , CPO & PA Pesticide Applicator certifications.

Originally from Greece, “I came here as a young boy with my family. I am a proud father of two wonderful daughters that are my joy in life. I enjoy playing golf, fishing and exercising. Travelling back to my island in Greece to see my mom and family is close to my heart.”

As a father Fotie has helped his children grow and prosper in life and is looking forward to being part of a great organization that inspires and helps children find their way in life. “Our children are the future and we all must do our part in nurturing and guiding them in life.”

Kara Petrosky brings fifteen years of youth-focused program leadership to BGCWPA. Kara was most recently the Family Partnership and Student Affairs Manager at Nazareth Prep, where she worked closely with students and families to help them overcome any barriers that may hinder academic achievement. She was instrumental in infusing Restorative Practices into school culture by regularly attending workshops and conferences through the International Institute of Restorative Practices.

Since Kara joined Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, she has supported the development and launch of after school and workforce development programs.

Kara received a Bachelors Degree in German Education and a Psychology Minor from Ohio University. She was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to serve as a Teaching Assistant in Erfurt, Germany before returning to Pittsburgh where she taught German language for four years at Greater Latrobe Junior High School. During this time, Kara also worked at a Summer camp for at risk youth in various leadership roles. Kara is an AmeriCorps Alumni, and completed her year of service at Holy Family Institute Residential Program, before working four additional years as a youth counselor/shift lead, case manager and family support worker.

What do you love most about Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania?
” What I love most about BGCWPA are all of our kids and teens, of course! In addition, my passion for working at BGCWPA is fueled by our commitment to provide quality programs, experiential learning opportunities and safe spaces for our youth to learn and grow.”

Karyn is a seasoned financial professional with more than ten years of experience working for both UPMC and Duquesne University in billing and collections. She has excellent data entry skills with considerable accounts receivable experience in collections, and follow up on accounts, posting payments in billing systems, reconciling money collection and accounts, and experience with revenue analysis and projections. She prides herself with her attention to detail.

Prior to joining Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, Kate was a Pastry Chef at Jean Marc Chatellier’s French Bakery for 7 years. Once her daughter was born, Kate began working at the Northern Area Clubhouse.

What do you love most about Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania?
“I love working at Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania because it really is one big extended family. I love the positive impact we have had on so many of the youth in our community. I had a former kid call me a couple of years ago and ask if he could stop in to visit me, he came in with congratulations balloons and to tell me he had finally got his GED and wanted us all to know because we were always telling him how much potential he had if he would just put forth some effort.”

Before joining Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, Liz coached college women’s basketball for twelve years, most recently as the Assistant Coach for Chatham University. Prior to Chatham, Liz was the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Carlow University, where she revamped the program and led Carlow to their most successful season in program history during the 2015-16 season. Prior to her time at Carlow, Liz served as an assistant coach at American International College, Western New England University and Amherst College.

Outside of coaching, Liz has worked with children as part of Holyoke (MA) Boys & Girls Clubs as a Sports Instructor, as Assistant Recreation Director for the Town of South Hadley, and most recently at Chatham University Music & Arts Day Camp as an Assistant Director and member of the Leadership Team.

As an Agawam, MA native, Liz played shooting and point guard at Bridgewater State University, where she double majored in Physical Education & Exercise Science and Recreation & Fitness Club Administration, later earning a Masters Degree in Sports Management from Springfield College.

What do you love most about Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania?
“I love being able to make kids smile and laugh every day. To see kids walk into the Clubhouse with big smiles on their faces because they know they will have a positive and fun experience ahead of them. They know they are valued and cared for and that makes my job worthwhile.”

Matt volunteered at Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania in high school before deciding to pursue a career with BGCWPA.

What is your favorite quote?
“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” -Colin Powell

What do you love most about Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania?
“I love being a part of an organization that has a wonderful team and love being able to make a difference in whatever way possible.”

Before joining Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, Melissa was the Southwest Regional Key Director/ELRC Quality Director for YMCA Greater Pittsburgh, where she worked as a business partner for Office of Child Development Early Learning (OCDEL) for the state of PA to implement PA’s Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) and Keystone STARS. In this role, she supported over 1200 early learning professionals to extend their levels of quality rating from a STAR 1 to a STAR 4. Melissa partnered with the Department of Human Services Certification office to support providers in meeting basic compliance to include professional development and technical assistance .

Throughout her career, Melissa also directed a large legal entity that housed 215 children and 80 staff in the Early Learning Child Care Space. This program participated in Keystone STARS, Pre-k Counts, NAEYC, and Early Head Start Child Care Partnerships programming. This program was a STAR 4 program and maintained its quality under her direction.

Melissa Fuller has been happily married to her husband Steven Fuller for 15 years. Together they have a 12 year old son. Part of their extended family is their two Miniature Golden Doodles Sparky and Koko. Melissa loves spending time outdoors and on the lake with her family. She has dedicated her entire career to serving children and families and prides herself on her selfless commitment to doing whatever it takes.

What do you love most about Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania?
“I love that Boys & Girls Clubs of Western PA, does whatever it takes to support children and families. We pride ourselves on impact, education, and building character. I could not be more proud to be a part of an amazing organization. No matter what child you speak with, they have an amazing story or memory that they cannot wait to share with you regarding the clubs. A good majority of our staff will tell you their club story. We are a unique organization that has alumni that have chosen us as their career choice. Many of our donors have a memory from childhood that relates to an experience that they had as a kid. That is impact, that is visionary, and that is how we remember, re imagine, and reinvest.”

Pecola graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelors Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders before going on to work as an emergency certified Speech Therapist in rural South Florida. While in Florida, she was also a home school teacher and high school track and field coach. Pecola completed her Masters in Public Health at East Tennessee State University before returning to Pittsburgh.

Pecola enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, and has always had a passion for working with children and teens.

What is your favorite quote?
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” – Audrey Hepburn

Before joining Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, Ti’yanna interned with the City of Pittsburgh Personnel Department, First National Bank Mortgage Loan Department, Highmark Health Accounting Department and Allegheny Intermediate Finance Department. She is currently a college student pursuing a Bachelor’s in Accounting.

What is your favorite quote?
“Push yourself, because no one else is going to do it for you.”