Josh Blakesley, M.Div.
(he/him/his)
Co-Founder, Executive Director
Josh grew up in the Midwest before completing a B.A. in Theatre at Northwestern College [IA] and a Masters of Divinity [M.Div.] at Princeton Theological Seminary [NJ]. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ [UCC], Josh has lived and worked in Iowa, Philadelphia, Hawai’i, Mexico, and Michigan. Currently, he is Pastor of Love In Action UCC, an open and affirming congregation featured in a Vox Media episode of Divided States of Women with Liz Plank and in the Philadelphia Inquirer. Josh has 20+ years of nonprofit experience, including leading workshops and training in corporate, medical, and academic settings, focused on diversity & inclusion, grant writing, fund raising, and program management. Josh is a fellow of Interfaith Philadelphia, designing and coordinating HS and University student groups for interfaith immersion service-learning weeks, called “Alternative Break Interfaith Encounters.” Josh also co-facilitates “How to be an Interfaith Ally” trainings for Philly Peace Day and recently, in Toronto at the Parliament of the World’s Religions. He is founding member of The Society for Faith & Justice, and a Collaborator for Nurturing Justice. He also performs regularly with the dinner theatre company, Without a Cue Productions, and has developed theatre arts curriculum for use in religious and secular settings. Josh also enjoys playing basketball, strumming on the guitar, traveling, learning languages, or making strange and funny faces. He lives in Center City Philly with his life and laugh partner María Elena.
Niki Kulp, MSS, LCSW
(she/her or they/them)
Co-Founder, Associate Executive Director
Niki is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. They received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Arcadia University and a Master of Social Service degree from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. Niki completed her field practicum with Mazzoni Center’s Behavioral Health Program in 2016 and co-founded the SAGA (Sexuality And Gender Acceptance) program in 2017. Niki currently serves as Associate Executive Director of The Welcome Project PA.
Aimee Goldsmith, BFA
(they/them/theirs)
Co-Founder, Co-director of Development and Programs
Aimee is a professional artist with a BFA in sculpture from the University of the Arts. Aimee helped to co-found SAGA Community Center and has been integral in program development, planning, implementation, web design, marketing & grant writing. They also assisted with building SAGA’s Queer Library and four new therapy offices onsite for WPPA’s mental health program. Their other interests include traveling, hiking the Wissahickon, and crafting handmade wooden jewelry & other commissioned artwork. They enjoy live music, festivals, DIY projects, and spending time with loved ones.
LaTanya E. Jones, MSM, NIC, MSW, MEd
Co-director of Development, Therapist, ASL Interpreter
(she/her/hers)
LaTanya is a pre-licensed professional with a Master of Social Work and Master of Education in Human Sexuality Studies from Widener University. She also holds and Trauma Practice Certificate from Widener University. She provides LGBT+ knowledgeable, trauma-focused psychotherapy and Brainspotting services to individuals over 18. She is a problem gambling counselor and a nationally certified sign language interpreter. LaTanya is currently receiving clinical supervision from Niki Kulp, MSS, LCSW.
Jai Thompson
Support Group Facilitator
(they/them/theirs)
Hi Fam! I’m Jai Thompson; social worker, artist, activist and leader. Most importantly, I am a person! My educational achievements include a Masters Degree from Arcadia University (’18) with an undergrad from Lock Haven University (’14). A West Philadelphia native, I aspire to liaison the access of support and voice across PA and beyond! Come and converse with me! Let’s grow together! We’re in this together. I can’t wait to work with you!
Vena Guzman, MSW, LSW
Support Group Facilitator
(she/her/hers)
