Fostering with a Difference.
- 610.432.9420
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.
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!
Kayleen Vasquez - Family Worker
Kayleen graduated from Northampton Community College with an associate degree in criminal justice in May of 2023. She has always wanted to help make a difference in people's lives. She desires to help those in need, protect the greater good, and serve the people above all else. After graduating college, she was uncertain about her career path and came across Lehigh Valley Families Together. She knew this was the perfect place for her to embark on her journey helping families in need. Kayleen's goal is to hopefully show others that although we have obstacles in life there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Aside from work, she enjoys spending time with family, staying active and watching movies. Kayleen loves meeting new people and loves to experience their lives, cultures, and traditions this makes her happy and cheerful.
