Directors

Tom Kelsch, Sr.

Co-Founder and Director of Program Development

Tom earned his MSW from Marywood University in 1975. Upon graduation he worked at a Maximum Security State Hospital in Waymart PA as an Admissions and Ward Social Worker for over 6 years prior to starting at Kelsch Associates NJ in June 1981. Until his retirement in January 2015, Tom was personally involved in all placements while overseeing the agency as Executive Director. During that time with the aid of an exceptional Administrative team the agency grew 900% and began Day Program services for over 30 consumers.

Tom most enjoyed the Blessing of the many relationships he developed and maintained with those he served and worked with.


God's Favor has now allowed him to spend lots of time with his three Children and 6 Grandchildren.

Tom Kelsch, Jr.

Chief Executive Officer

Tom graduated from West Chester University in 1997 with a BS in Accounting and began working in the Financial Services Field. At the end of 1999, when Jim Kelsch became sick and was forced to retire, he asked Tom to join the agency and give him 6 months to help get the annual budgets and finances in order.

Tom started his "6 months" working full time on January 2, 2000 as the Budget Director. After 7 years of becoming more and more involved in the agency beyond the fiscal department, Tom was named the Assistant Executive Director in September of 2007. In February 2015, Tom had the honor of being named Chief Executive Office.

The most enjoyable part of his job is being a part of the regular recreation events and parties where he has an opportunity to interact with and have fun with the consumers and staff.

Daryl Kelsch

Fiscal Director


Kristen Kelsch - Cordes

Director of Human Resources



Amber Montgomery-Wesley

Assistant Executive Director

Amber has her BA in Social Work from West Chester University and her Master's in Social Work from Widener University.

Amber started her career with the agency in 2013 as a Program Support Manager. In 2015, Amber was promoted to Program Support Specialist and 4 months later was promoted to a Program Director position. In 2017, Amber was promoted to Director or Residential Services and in September 2019, Amber was promoted to Assistant Executive Director.




​Betsy W​endel

Director of Policy

In May, 1981, Betsy completed her Social Work internship supporting individuals in an ARC group home and graduated with a BA in Social Work. Due to enjoying her work with the individuals, she applied for a Direct Support Professional position with Kelsch Associates, Inc. NJ. Betsy started working there in May, 1981 in a group home. At the time, the Agency provided service to individuals in only 2 group homes. With mandated depopulation of institutions, the Agency expanded its support to many more individuals in many locations in NJ, providing opportunities to promote staff development and a career ladder. Over the years, Betsy had the opportunity to support the individuals in many positions i.e. Assistant Resident Manager, Resident Manager, Program Director, Coordinator of Operational Services and Assistant Executive Director. Earning her MSW during her early years in the company enhanced her administrative experience. From February, 2015 to August, 2019, she served as the Executive Director in Kelsch Associates, Inc. PA. In September, 2019, Betsy moved into another position as Director of Policy and Procedure.

When she first started in 1981, Betsy did not know what her career plans were except for Social Work. She stayed because of the vision of our founder, Jim Kelsch. He created our Philosophy of being Individual Oriented and promoted a family like setting. The past and current Board of Directors have and continue to foster the rich tradition of providing family like support that was started 42 years ago.

Donna Propst

Director of Staff Resources

Donna started working with Kelsch Associates in April 1987 as a Direct Support Professional at their Co-Op day program in Lionville. Over the 32 years with the agency Donna has had a number of roles: Program Manager, Trainer, Program Director, Training Coordinator, Office Manager, Director of Program Services, Quality Management and assisted in developing her current role as Director of Staff Resources to meet a need within the agency.

Donna loves her long term relationships with the individuals served by Kelsch Associates and enjoys sharing their histories with new comers to the agency.



Christine Wagner

Director of Program Operations

Christine joined Kelsch Associates in March of 2018 as a Program Director from another provider agency and has over 10 years of experience in the human service field. Before joining Kelsch, Christine was a Treatment Manager at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health in West Chester, PA overseeing the daily operations of one of their campus RTFs serving individuals ages 11-21 with intellectual/developmental disabilities and co-existing psychiatric and behavioral challenges. Prior to Devereux, she worked at Eliada Homes in Asheville, NC as the Residential Program Manager overseeing the psychiatric RTF operations in addition to participating in their crisis management team and assisting as a trainer in their initial and ongoing staff training program. Christine is currently finishing her MBA program and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Loyola University Chicago. She lives with her husband and dog Miju in Doylestown, PA and enjoys cooking, traveling, and camping.




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