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Meet the Pellere Foundation Team

Pellere is a collaborative space where individuals dedicated to fostering community resilience come together to engineer and implement collaborative solutions for the most challenging issues facing our communities, all while promoting sustainable development.

Selina walking her dog on snowy forest path.

Selina Pedi-Smith, Founder, Executive Director

Selina Pedi-Smith is the visionary Founder and Executive Director of the Pellere Foundation. With a strong background in community resilience and a master’s degree in Sustainability from Harvard University, Selina's career is defined by her relentless commitment to harnessing her passion for community service along with a deep understanding of the socio-economic challenges faced by underserved regions to drive meaningful change.  


Her work emphasizes the importance of collaborative solutions and is driven by her belief in the power of teamwork and practical, impactful outcomes. She intentionally avoids self-promotion, shining a light on the collective effort and shared vision that are essential to the Foundation’s initiatives. Her approachable leadership style and genuine passion for sustainable development and community improvement have earned her respect and recognition in the field.  


Under her leadership, Pellere has formed partnerships with key stakeholders, including technology innovators like Ben Franklin Technology Partners, government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as energy experts such as the National Renewable Energy Lab, and regional nonprofits and for-profit companies. These collaborations are vital to the Foundation's success, facilitating comprehensive and practical solutions to complex redevelopment challenges that promote community resilience.  


Beyond her professional accomplishments, Selina is celebrated for her empathetic and inclusive approach, always prioritizing the voices and needs of the communities she serves. She continues to inspire and mobilize others toward creating a more resilient and equitable future.

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Dr. Don Smith

Dr. Joseph Croskey

Dr. Joseph Croskey

Dr. Don Smith, Co-founder and Treasurer, has a rich history of community care as the founder of Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Associates in Franklin. His experience in leadership and financial management has been invaluable in shaping the foundation’s operations. Don’s dedication to sustainable community growth aligns perfectly with Pellere’s mission, bringing both strategic insights and heartfelt commitment to regional resilience.

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Dr. Joseph Croskey

Dr. Joseph Croskey

Dr. Joseph Croskey

Dr. Joseph Croskey, a Founding Trustee, brings a unique perspective shaped by his journey in mindfulness, a passion that informs his approach to community development. His commitment to fostering empowerment through education and mindfulness aligns seamlessly with Pellere’s vision for community resilience and sustainable development, where collaborative solutions enable individuals to thrive.

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Daniel Newbury

Dr. Joseph Croskey

Daniel Newbury

As Vice President, Daniel brings a global perspective shaped by his extensive travel, offering insights into diverse educational systems and approaches. His experience informs his commitment to sustainable development and fostering community resilience through collaborative solutions, which are essential to Pellere’s mission of bringing transformative, collaborative change to underserved communities.

Stack of balanced stones on a pebble beach.

Stacy Ginkel

Erin Wanninger

Daniel Newbury

Stacy, a Trustee of Pellere Foundation, uses her professional experience in strategic planning, alongside her work with KJ Consulting & Environmental Services and PennDOT, to drive collaborative solutions. Her expertise in organizational development and infrastructure not only enhances community resilience but also aligns with Pellere's mission to promote sustainable development, enabling self-sufficient and resilient communities equipped for the future.

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Erin Wanninger

Erin Wanninger

Erin Wanninger

Erin, along with her wife, Marcy, owns and operates the beloved Woods & River coffee shop in Oil City, where they have created a welcoming space that fosters community resilience and serves as a hub for gathering. Erin’s deep connections within the community reflect the spirit of engagement that Pellere Foundation aims to nurture through collaborative solutions, supporting its goal of encouraging sustainable development in inclusive, thriving neighborhoods.

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Allison Hartle

Erin Wanninger

Erin Wanninger

Allison brings extensive legal experience rooted in advocacy, practical problem-solving, and service to families throughout northwestern Pennsylvania. As the founder of Allied Law in Franklin and a former assistant public defender, she offers valuable insight into the legal and systemic challenges affecting individuals and communities. Her commitment to providing collaborative solutions and clear guidance strengthens Pellere’s efforts towards fostering community resilience and sustainable development, ensuring that people have the support and opportunity to thrive.

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Doug Larrow

Rachel Brosnahan

Rachel Brosnahan

Doug brings a deeply personal, hands-on understanding of care and well-being to the organization’s work, focusing on collaborative solutions that enhance community resilience. With more than thirteen years of experience as a licensed massage therapist, his career has centered on listening closely, meeting people where they are, and helping them feel healthier and more at home in their bodies. His compassionate, individualized approach supports Pellere’s commitment to sustainable development, emphasizing that truly thriving communities are built by caring for the whole person.

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Rachel Brosnahan

Rachel Brosnahan

Rachel Brosnahan

 Rachel Brosnahan brings creativity, communication, and community engagement to her work with Pellere Foundation, helping connect people with the projects and stories shaping their communities. A lifelong artist and graphic designer, she has spent much of her career working with nonprofits and community organizations, both locally and around the world. Rachel is passionate about using her creativity to make a difference and investing her time and talents in the places and people around her. She is also a wife and mom of two, and much of her passion for building stronger communities comes from wanting to create a place where her own family—and others—can thrive.

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Pellere Foundation

PO Box 40, Emlenton, PA 16373

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YOU'RE INVITED!

Did you miss the June Open House or do you want to see what we've done since then? Join us at 403 W. 2nd St. in Oil City on Saturday, August 22 from 10 AM–2 PM!

We’ll have food, music, tours of the project house, and opportunities to connect with neighbors and learn more about the vision behind the project. Whether you’ve been following along from the beginning or just want to stop by and see what’s going on, we’d love to have you there. This is a casual, community-centered event. Come for a few minutes or stay awhile. 

Come Back. Check In. Join the Journey.

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