HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA), the state leader in child abuse prevention, today announced the appointment of a new Chair and four new members to its Governing Board for the 2019-2020 term. 

“Our organization is truly blessed to have such wonderful experts and leaders in their fields serve on our Board of Directors to help support and further our mission,” said Angela Liddle, President and CEO of PFSA. “Not only is our Board Chair and newest members accomplished professionals, but each and every single one of them deeply cares about the future of our Commonwealth’s children and is committed to ensuring they are safe and protected from harm.” 

Michael T. Gaines serves as the Executive Director of the Bradley H. Foulk Children’s Advocacy Center in Erie, and he is assuming the role as PFSA’s Board Chair. Michael has a diverse and wide range of professional experiences, including serving more than 20 years as a religious leader. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Gannon University, his Master of Divinity from Christ the King Seminary, and undertook advanced studies in Canon Law at The Catholic University of America. 

“I am proud to serve as PFSA’s Board Chair. I have served on the board for the last several years and I know the quality of the educational programs and trainings the organization provides to our communities,” said Michael T. Gaines. “The team is highly skilled, they are the go-to experts in child abuse prevention in our state, and their commitment and dedication to children and families is second to none. PFSA’s outreach continues to expand and I am looking forward to being a part of what lies ahead.” 

In addition to Michael T. Gaines assuming the role of Chair, Clay Cauley Sr., Marisa K. McCleellan, Katherine M. Watson, and Mauricio Conde have joined PFSA’s board as its newest members. 

Clay Cauley Sr., Chair of the Social Services Group at the City of Philadelphia Law Department 

As part of the Executive Leadership Team for the Law Department of the City of Philadelphia, Clay’s responsibilities include management of the Child Welfare Unit, HIPAA and Privacy Law Unit, and the Health and Adult Services Unit. He has spent the majority of his legal career promoting the importance of safe and stable families. He has served as a Master for Chester County Government and Philadelphia Family Court and has been an Assistant District Attorney for the Philadelphia Office of District Attorney. Clay serves as a Parliamentarian for West Chester University Alumni Association, Co-Chair for the Dependency/Juvenile Committee of the Philadelphia Bar Association and is an elected board member to The Barristers Association of Philadelphia. 

Marisa K. McCleellan, Administrator at Dauphin County Child and Youth 

Prior to her role as Administrator, Marisa served as the chief agency attorney for Dauphin County Children and Youth. She is affiliated with numerous children and youth organizations and is a member of the American Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Children’s Rights and Government Lawyers committees and the Dauphin County Bar Association. McClellan received degrees from The Pennsylvania State University and its Dickinson School of Law. For her exemplary legal efforts, she was selected as a PA Conference on Child Abuse Advocate in 2012 and as a Miller Center Public Interest Advocate in 2002. 

Kathy M. Watson, Retired, Pennsylvania House State Representative (2000-2018) 

Kathy served as the Chair of the House Children and Youth Committee and lead efforts of sweeping reform to PA’s Child Protective Services law and Child Welfare System. She previously held positions in secondary guidance counseling and was an English teacher at Springfield High School. An advocate of life- long learning, Kathy served as a board member of Central Bucks School District and was both the Director of Public Information and Deputy Administrator for Bucks County. 

Mauricio Conde, Vice President of Business Development and Operations for TLR Business Solutions 

Mauricio’s successful, statewide initiatives and strategies have yielded positive implementation and enrollment outcomes during several Medicaid Managed Care expansions throughout the Commonwealth, while working with two independent enrollment brokers. Mauricio has also worked with Physical and Behavioral Health Managed Care Plans and the American Cancer Society, where as a project manager he successfully collaborated with health systems to improve education, prevention and cancer screenings and associated effectiveness. Born and raised in Mexico City, Mauricio has served on several non-profit governing boards, he volunteers within his community and at his church, and is an accomplished musician.