Staff

Allyn Benech, M.Ed. – Founding Partner, President and CEO

Starting out to be a business manager, Allyn decided towards the end of her undergraduate work that the counseling field was the direction she was headed. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business management and subsequently a Master of Education in Rehabilitation Counseling from Penn State, she now sees her life took her down the perfect path because she uses both of her degrees in her current position. 

Allyn has held several positions in the area of social services from mental health and intellectual disabilities services to working with children in foster care and seniors in a nursing home setting. Her experiences brought her together with President Steve Brong to create Lehigh Valley Families Together.

Throughout her work, Allyn has learned that every person has a story that deserves to be heard and honored, and there is hope even in the direst of circumstances. Allyn holds true to a saying her father would tell her, “Everything happens for a reason.” She works to help clients see beyond their immediate struggles to what may lie ahead.

Allyn is also certified in Family Group Decision Making and Family Development Credentialing. She enjoys spending time with her sons, dog and cat and when she’s not reading a good book you may be able to talk her into taking a sky dive!

Laura Gross – Office Manager

Laura has been working 20 years as Lehigh Valley Families Together’s office manager. Laura holds substantial management experience prior to joining LVFT and holds a degree in Computer Programming. Throughout her years with LVFT, Laura is inspired to see families who have so much going against them become success stories.

She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Loves to laugh!

She believes you need to “enjoy the little things because one day you will look back and realize they were the big things!”

Laura is a longtime volunteer and loves to be outdoors especially on a beach somewhere. 

Jordan Duffy - Family Worker

Jordan is a Pennsylvania State University graduate, earning a bachelor's degree in Criminology with a minor in Psychology. She has focused her early career on juvenile justice and has worked with at-risk youth in various settings.

Jordan’s experience includes working as a Juvenile Justice Specialist at the Central Counties Youth Center and as a substitute paraprofessional in the Phillipsburg Area School District, where she supported students in their learning and development.

She is eager to make a positive impact in her community and believes deeply in the power of compassion and empowerment.

Outside of work, Jordan enjoys cooking, baking, and spending time with her family, friends, and dog. Her focus remains on making a lasting difference in the lives of others.


Alyssa Deeble-Family Worker

Alyssa is a graduate of Bloomsburg University of PA with a bachelor's degree in social work, with a concentration in family, children, and youth. North Carolina has been her home since 2005 as they were a military family. She spent the last 7 years in the school system as a teacher and a teacher assistant working with elementary school children. LVFT caught her interest with the fact that the agency works not just with individuals needing assistance but also the whole family. Her desire to help people is a perfect fit for working here as well as her patience and understanding of people.

She has four kids (her youngest are twins) and they have two dogs that are part of the family. When at home, Alyssa loves watching her 3 boys ride dirt bikes and her daughter running cross country. Collecting quotes is a hobby of hers and one of her favorite ones right now since recently moving here is "focus on what you are building, not what you are leaving behind." People that are confident and show positivity are her kind of people. 

We are glad to welcome Alyssa to the agency! 

Stephanie Dressler - Assistant Director/Family Worker

Stephanie has wanted to work in the foster care field since attending college. This is her first job in the social services. Previously before LVFT, she worked at KidsPeace as a Mental Health Technician II.  Stephanie also worked as an Associate Teacher in a Life Skills Classroom at an elementary school for about 2 years.

Stephanie received her associate degree in Social Work from Northampton Community College, and a bachelor's degree in social work from Kutztown University. 

Since starting at LVFT, Stephanie has been inspired by all her co-workers who have come from all types of backgrounds and work experiences. She feels her prior experience has prepared her for this new career opportunity. 

Stephanie had a Community Learning/Service paper published during her time at NCCC. She also presented at a research conference on The Importance of Program Evaluation for a Healthy Relationship workshop during her senior year at Kutztown. 

She enjoys hosting parties. When she wants to unwind, she cleans. Stephanie is inspired by great people who believe in making a difference, have each other's best interest in mind, and who use humor as a stress relief and a way to connect with others. 

Her quote to live by: In order to get on the road to success you have to get in the car and start the engine!

Mellanie Diaz - Family Worker

Mellanie is a graduate from Northampton Community College, with a degree in Criminal Justice and Social Sciences. Mellanie has gained hands-on experience working with juvenile offenders and at-risk youth. She has developed a strong passion for helping others and making a meaningful difference in people's lives.

As a bilingual professional, fluent in both English and Spanish, she strives to build connections and provide support across diverse communities. She brings not only experience and dedication to her work, but a vibrant personality that helps her engage effectively with individuals from all walks of life.

Outside her professional life, Mellanie enjoys acting, writing, staying active and spending quality time with loved ones. She is committed to being a spark in the lives of others, one person and moment at a time.