Staff

As a couple and individually Jonathan and Shellina have found themselves in many situations where they have mentored students young and old. From Jonathan’s experience working with families from varying backgrounds in social work and beyond, to Shellina’s counseling of youth and families, it is clear that they have a heart for young people.

Jonathan earned a B.A. in Elementary Education from Eastern University and transitioned into working with youth as a mental health social worker for over 10 years in Delaware County. Shellina also graduated from Eastern University with a degree in Youth Ministry and two minors in Psychology and Communications. In his current work, back at Eastern University, Jonathan has the opportunity to help shape the minds of those seeking higher education and wanting to go into the education field, something he hopes to pass on to the scholars at A Better Chance.

Shellina also graduated with a Masters in Counseling from Westminster Seminary and applies this to her work with children, youth, and families and through her counseling work in the larger Delaware County area.

Jonathan and Shellina hope to bring their unique gifts of counseling, mentoring, organization skills and love for education to ABC but even more so, are excited at the opportunity to impact the lives of the scholars.

Jonathan and Shellina have two young boys, Isaiah (11) and Elijah (9), and joyfully welcomed baby girl Gabrianna in September, and as a family some of their favorite things to do are having random dance parties, playing ultimate family full board bingo (yes that’s a thing) and just hanging out together.

Soleil is currently in her fourth school year at the ABC house as a Resident Tutor. She graduated from Immaculata University and is currently working as a Pediatric MA. During study hall, she enjoys helping the scholars with their biology and chemistry homework. When she’s not working, she likes to spend time with her family, hang out with her dog, listen to audio books, and watch movies.

Kyle was born, and raised in nearby Marple Newtown. He is our resident mathematics tutor, and graduated from West Chester University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Mathematics. He currently works as a middle school mathematics teacher in Rose Tree Media School District. Kyle enjoys exercising, the outdoors, and playing music.

Angela is excited to return to the ABC house as a resident tutor after serving as a house monitor during the 2020-2021 school year. She graduated from Temple University with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and Spanish. She is certified to teach students from PreK-4. She assists the scholars with their foreign language and English language work during study hall. In her free time, Angela enjoys creating art, doing yoga, reading, and going thrifting. You can also find her serving coffee at Gryphon Cafe down the street. 

Brenda Johnson is starting her fourth year at Radnor ABC as the House Chef.  Born in South Carolina, Brenda decided to move up to the Coatesville/Downingtown area in 1983 after graduating high school because she fell in love with the area when she would visit family during the summer and “wanted a change” from life in SC. Brenda has spent most of her career in the restaurant and food service industry — catering, kitchen prep, food service, and lead chef. We are lucky to have her at the Radnor ABC House! Brenda has two grown children, Ashley and Ray, Jr. When not working at the Malvern Retreat House or Radnor ABC, Brenda enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, reading, movies, walks in the park, church, bible study, and occasionally hosting parties.