THE NC TEAM
We are an eclectic bunch of educators who love our community, supporting young peoples' interesting ideas, and playing games (board, D&D, card, four square, etc). We are passionate about treating all members of our community with respect and learning about what makes each person unique. We regularly participate in staff development and, like our community members, cultivate our own self-direction.

Krystal Dillard

Tess Liebersohn

Sara Gladwin

John Dezort
THE NC BOARD
Chris Steinmeier, EdD - Board President, Natural Creativity
Chris Steinmeier is the Board President of Natural Creativity and previously served as Co-Director and founding leader for over nine years. With more than 20 years of experience in education and nonprofit management, Chris was instrumental in building Natural Creativity from the ground up—helping to co-design its educational model, secure funding, and grow the organization’s capacity.
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During his tenure as Co-Director, Chris led the organization through significant transitions, including pandemic-era adaptations and a period of sustained growth. His work included strategic planning, curriculum development, family partnership, and financial oversight—helping secure over $2 million in grants and expanding enrollment and staffing. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, where he researched homeschooling practices in Philadelphia. As Board President, Chris continues to bring visionary leadership and a deep understanding of the organization’s mission and community.
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Krystal Dillard, MEd - Executive Director, Natural Creativity
Krystal Dillard is the Executive Director of Natural Creativity, where she leads the strategic direction, operations, and community engagement efforts of the organization. With over 15 years of experience in education and nonprofit leadership, Krystal is committed to creating inclusive, liberatory learning environments that center young people’s autonomy and creativity.
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She began her career as a classroom teacher and later served as an instructional coach and early literacy specialist before joining Natural Creativity as Co-Director. She also serves on the boards of the Council for Relationships (as Vice Chair) and the Institute on Descriptive Inquiry (as Treasurer). Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration, intentionality, and deep trust in young people and families.
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Majeedah Rashid - Vice President
Majeedah Rashid joined Nicetown Community Development Corporation while studying community economic development at Southern New Hampshire University. In 2002, she helped secure funding to establish the NTCDC Neighborhood Advisory Committee, providing essential services to low-income residents. Appointed as NTCDC’s Chief Operating Officer in 2003, she has led operations, community engagement, and project development. She played a key role in securing a $1 million partnership with Comcast in 2009 and was instrumental in NTCDC’s award-winning Nicetown Court I & II developments. Appointed to the Philadelphia Land Bank Board by Mayor Michael Nutter, she also serves on several community and development boards, including PACDC and Temple University’s Construction Oversight Committee.
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Robert Weidner - Treasurer
Bob is a seasoned healthcare industry and not-for-profit expert and project manager with over 25 years of experience in healthcare operations in both consulting and non-consulting positions. His current work is with an internationally renowned university health system, Penn Medicine. A significant strength of Bob’s is the ability to develop strategic plans, implement those plans with superior results, and continuously improve operations. He is certified in Six Sigma techniques and a certified PMP. His education includes an MBA from Temple University. His undergraduate BS with a major in Finance is from Philadelphia University.
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Rodney Jones, National Capital Resources
Rodney D. Jones founded National Capital Resources (NCR) in 2000, bringing over 20 years of finance and securities expertise. Specializing in impact financing, he connects Wall Street and Main Street to support healthcare and education, Jones, who grew up near Germantown in West Oak Lane, holds a special place in his heart for the neighborhood. including hospitals, colleges, and charter schools. His career includes leadership roles in economic development for Massachusetts and New Jersey, as well as pioneering the nation’s first tax-exempt leasing program. Jones has led major projects, such as a $50 million healthcare consolidation in Philadelphia and a $100 million Health Care Disparity Reduction initiative. A West Oak Lane native, he holds an MBA from Wharton and is a licensed SEC advisor.
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Charlotte Brandin
With over 25 years in philanthropy, Charlotte Brandin has focused on child protection, family support, and social rights. Formerly Executive Director of World Childhood Foundation USA (2002–2014), she now serves as an advisor, board member, and consultant for organizations in the U.S. and Sweden. Her roles include executive chair of Charity Rating, advisor for BRY, and board member for Family Alliance. She supports global initiatives such as Butterflies USA, Hello Future, and BeHappy. Previously, she co-founded a national TANF reauthorization campaign. A Sweden native living in the U.S. since 1989, she also writes novels in her free time. Previously, Charlotte co-founded a national campaign to reauthorize TANF, including lobbying in Congress. Charlotte became engaged with Natural Creativity in 2020 as a consultant for capacity building and communications, and has supported capacity building in numerous nonprofits previously.
We are also supported by terrific part-time staff and volunteers who deliver specific content to young people. Interested in sharing something with our community?
Check out our volunteer and jobs page.
