Agents of Change
Wendy W. Claiser, M.Ed.wendy@heartlightorg.com
CEO/President
"Vision and Innovation Agent"
Wendy sees what “could be” for individuals who are disadvantaged and face crises through unexpected circumstances. When mindsets are challenged and changed, and programs are developed to foster successful outcomes, systemic change takes place. She looks at the “what if’s” and imagines all the vast opportunities and possibilities, then creates innovative trainings, programs, and curriculum to bring about change. She has been working across the country with youth and adults in transition, and with those with disabilities in a variety of roles
for over 50 years. Her career has been quite diverse, serving in the fields of corporate advertising, marketing, public relations, education, and innovative program development for underserved populations. She has been instrumental in creating, developing, and implementing employment placement programs across the country in partnership with national corporations and community employers. She has worked in collaboration with Governor Tommy Thompson on the Family First Initiative, Senator Ted Kennedy's Projects With Industry program, and has served as an advocate and leader in Program Development and Management for individuals facing significant challenges in life and in crisis. Her passion lies in the creation of opportunities that change the lives of others. Wendy’s early career experiences in education, corporate advertising, and marketing have taught her the value of active listening, evaluating and assessing needs, collaborating with key stakeholders, and corporate education and training in fostering system change. Her grant writing expertise over the years has resulted in organizations receiving from $5,000 - $2.5 million. Her colleagues, clients, and friends often refer to her as the CEO “Chief Encouragement Officer”. In her spare time, she enjoys her husband, Dean, their three grown children and their families, 3 dogs, and 2 horses. She is an avid equestrian, loves the outdoors, and to travel. Wendy's additional Career History may be viewed on Linkedin.
Cyndi Kowalczykcyndi@heartlightorg.com
Advocacy and Training Specialist"Agent of Advocacy & Networking"
As the “Agent of Advocacy & Training”, Cyndi is knowledgeable, compassionate, encouraging, and an advocate for the disadvantaged and those with disabilities. She has a comprehensive awareness of community services and resources to serve those in crisis. Her many years of experience working with the disadvantaged have given her the opportunity to build strong community relationships with both the individuals she has served and with community agencies and employers. She has developed and implemented many training programs for her employers, and is always an engaging leader. Cyndi has provided assistance in preparing individuals in transition for employment and in coordinating services to support them in achieving their goals of independence. She believes in integration, inclusion for all, and in financial independence resulting in the individuals she serves becoming active participants within their communities. Cyndi enjoys seeing people succeed! In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two sons, a daughter in law, and her grand dog Nova.
Under Consideration
"Agent of Administration"
As "Agent of Administration" this individual enables the other agents on the team to keep up with all their work!
Kala SianoProgram Manager Extraordinaire
"Agent of Detail & Design"
As "Agent of Accountability" this individual enables the other agents on the team to keep up with all their work! And, to hold us all accountable to "dotting our "I's" and crossing our "T's"! Kala is our go to for all matters requiring a "boots on the ground" perspective of someone who has overcome a lot of adversity in her life, and come out as successful with the innate ability to see situations through a unique lens. Her awareness of the challenges individuals face from reentry to homelessness is invaluable, not to mention she is a gifted writer and financial whizkid!
She has worked for several not for profits in Delaware, as well as managing her own Rightful Reentry NFP for individuals exiting the prison system. Kala has served as an advocate for those in reentry, has supported many youth and adults in obtaining gainful employment, and so much more.
She is the Mother of a very active and bright 2 year old daughter, and enjoys horticulture and painting whenever she has a moment to herself.
