MEET THE TEAM
One story started it.
It takes a team to
carry i forward.
You Made a Way brings together lived experience, research knowledge, systems knowledge, professional expertise, and a shared commitment to understanding and improving what happens after a woman leaves abuse.
MEET THE TEAM
The People Behind
The Way Forward
We bring together lived experience, research, knowledge of systems, professional expertise, and a shared commitment to helping women navigate what comes after leaving abuse.
MEET THE FOUNDER
What Nearly Broke Me.
Became a Greater Purpose.
You Made a Way grew from a story that began generations before me and eventually became my own.
After leaving abuse, I experienced firsthand how coercive control can change form after separation, how quickly financial instability can follow, and how difficult it can be to navigate the systems you're relying on for help. My lived experience raised questions. Those questions led me to the research, and the research showed me that what I was seeing wasn't simply individual. It was systemic.
I knew I couldn't change what happened to the generations of women who came before me. But I could decide what happened next. What nearly broke me became a commitment to help other women find their way forward and to build the kind of response I once needed myself.
MEET OUR CORE TEAM
The People Doing the Work.
Our core team brings diverse experience, a shared passion, and a commitment to supporting women as they navigate the financial and systemic consequences after leaving abuse.
Crystal L. Fedeli, M.A., M.A.
Executive
Director
Cinnamon Kerschner
Project Management Coordinator
Charlee Michelle
Special Projects
Coordinator
Daphnie Russell
Executive
Assistant
MEET OUR ADVISORY BOARD
Guidance. Perpsective. Greater Impact.
Our Advisory Board brings specialized expertise and strategic guidance to help strengthen our programs, partnerships, and organizational growth.
Dr. Andrea Hogan
Advisor,
Quantitative Research & Strategic Partnerships
Danielle James
Advisor,
Events & Brand Engagement
Jacki Fortunato
Advisor,
Strategic Growth & Partnerships
Dr. Heather Walter
Advisor,
Qualitative Research & University Partnerships
MEET OUR GOVERNING BOARD
Stewardship. Accountability. A Stronger Future.
Our Governing Board provides oversight, governance, and strategic stewardship to ensure You Made a Way remains accountable to its mission and positioned for sustainable long-term impact.
Crystal L. Fedeli, M.A., M.A.
Board President
Jacki Fortunato
Board Vice President
Lee Ann Couldron
Board Secretary
Lee Ann Couldron
Board Treasurer
MEET THE TEAM