Our Founders

Dr. Joseph L. Amprey, Jr.
He earned a B. A. at Morgan State University in Baltimore, an M.Ed. at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, an M.S. at the University of Baltimore, and a Ph.D. at The American University in Washington, D.C. For three years, he was the editor of the Journal of the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals; and for 11 years, he wrote a column on race relations for the Reading Eagle in Reading, Pennsylvania. He is also the editor of the book, Student Development on the Small Campus, and the author of many papers for professional journals and other scholarly publications. Presently, he is publisher and editor of The Drum, a monthly newspaper which focuses on news and views affecting people of color in Berks and Montgomery Counties.

Robert Jefferson
He has been recognized for his community activities, including Recipient of the Central Pennsylvania African-American Museum Achievement Award; Reading Outstanding Community Service Award; Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate Community Service Citation; and the Berks County Memorial Gardens Outstanding Performance Award.
After his participation as a School founder, he joined its Board of Directors. Jefferson lives in Wyomissing with his wife, Patsy, has four children, two stepchildren, and four step grandchildren.

Joseph Guillama, Esq.
Born in Reading and a life-long resident of Berks County, Joe cares deeply about the youth of Reading and focuses much of his energy on addressing issues that impact the quality of life of our community’s children. Joe also coordinated a project funded by the MacArthur Foundation known as “Models For Change.” This project attempted to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the Berks County juvenile justice system, and address its weaknesses by implementing sound procedural and substantive programming to establish a model juvenile justice system for other counties and states to follow. Through this project, Joe worked very closely with the Honorable Arthur Grim and the Berks County Juvenile Probation Office in rallying members of the community to come together to address issues contributing to juvenile delinquency.

Cory Varona
Cory has a great passion for her community and is also involved with many community organizations.

Angel Figueroa
He has extensive years of conducting leadership development training throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. His passion for training adults and youth has led him to become the President of the Puerto Rican Latin Association of Berks County. He is also the founder of the Berks County Latino Chamber of Commerce and was the co-author of the Berks County Latino Leadership Institute.
He ran for office and his unique enthusiasm led him to become the first Hispanic to be elected city councilman in the City of Reading. As one of the youngest ever to serve, he began his term in office at the age of 27. All the while he served as Vice President of Resource Development for I-LEAD, Inc. With his commitment to education unyielding, he committed himself to continuing his academic career. He finished his bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Albright College and completed his Master’s in Business Administration from Kutztown University in 2010.
He is currently the Chief Operations Officer at the School, and serves in a leadership role in the School’s administration. Angel is the embodiment of transformational leadership and a masterful speaker. He works tirelessly to improve himself and his community, yet still finds time to be a devoted husband to his wife, Isamac Torres-Figueroa, dedicated father to his daughters, and committed to his family and community.

Cynda Clyde
She comes to the School with a passion for education and community empowerment, and a professional background in community development, job training, policy analysis, and strategic consulting.

Dr. Jay Guben
A lifelong learner, Dr. Guben earned his Doctorate of Philosophy from Union Institute, a Bachelor of Arts in Management from Saint Mary’s University, and a Pennsylvania Certificate in Conflict Management from the Martin Luther King School at Crozier Theological Seminary. Further training includes group process and experiential learning theory with Tavistock Institute, the study and knowledge of social and workplace systems with A. K. Rice Institute, and membership in the Philadelphia Center for Organizational Dynamics.