Our Team | GPASS

"Love and Compassion are necessities, not luxuries."

-Dalai Lama-

"The greatness of humanity is not in being human,
but in being humane."

-Mahatma Ghandi-

"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an Ocean;
even if a few drops of ocean are dirty,
it does not make the Ocean dirty."

-Mahatma Ghandi-

"Our lives begin to end the day
we become silent about things that matter."

-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.-

"I don't do great things,
I do small things with great love."

-Mother Teresa-

GPASS Board of Directors

Iris Bryant

President

GieFaan Kim

Vice President

Marjarie Burnett

YoAn Kim

Secretary

Sharon Vaughn

Terri M. Booker, ESQ

Robert Hoppe, P/O

Executive Team

Culturally Diverse Agency

Everyone needs a hand. GPASS continues to advocate for every community in the Greater Philadelphia region. Our exceptional team members are part of the very community we serve.

CEO

YoAn Kim

YoAn Kim is the Founder and Chief Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Asian Social Services Center (GPASS). YoAn is a Vietnam War veteran who served in the Republic of Korea (ROK) Marine Corps. He immigrated to the United States in 1976 from South Korea. He received his BS in Engineering from Temple University. In 1983 he was appointed by then-Mayor Wilson Goode as the Philadelphia Commissioner of Human Services, becoming the first AAPI to serve as a city commissioner. In 1991 & 1995 YoAn ran for a City Council-At Large seat.

ykim@gpasspa.org

215-456-1662 Ext:120

COO

Eunyoun Kim

COO of GPASS in 1993 and a former nurse of over 30 years. Eunyoun is the spouse of YoAn Kim.

ekim@gpasspa.org

215-456-1662

Department of Housing Assistace

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

The Department of Housing Assistance collaborates with a variety of government and community organizations to offer support to individuals and families experiencing financial difficulties. These partnerships are crucial in addressing the multifaceted needs of those in crisis, ensuring they receive comprehensive aid that goes beyond just housing.

Director of GPASS Housing Counselor

Piar Chris Keo

ckeo@gpasspa.org

215-456-1662 Ext:117

HUD Certified Housing Counselor/Energy Program Coordinator

Carilyn Rodriguez

Carilyn Rodriguez and her journey with the Greater Philadelphia Asian Social Service Center over the past five years. Starting as the Rental Assistance Specialist during the pandemic, she transitioned into a Coordinator role in the NAC Program for the city of Philadelphia, and for the last four years, she has been leading the NAC Department. She has now received her HUD Certification and transitioned to become a Housing Counselor and Energy Coordinator.

crodriguez@gpasspa.org

215-456-1662 Ext:111

Intake Specialist/ Housing Counselor

Cynthia Reyes

Our senior Housing Intake Specialist.

creyes@gpasspa.org

215-456-1662

Department of Behavioral Health

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

The Department of Behavioral & Mental Health plays a critical role in providing support to individuals in need of substance abuse outpatient programs and various mental health services. This department collaborates with numerous healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies to ensure comprehensive care.

Director of Behavioral Health

DeArlo Kennedy

DeArlo Kennedy is an adept clinical professional with a 17-year tenure. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Health, with a minor in Psychology, from Alvernia University. She furthered her education by pursuing a Master's degree at Lincoln University in Philadelphia, PA, with a second minor in Psychology. Additionally, DeArlo is a holder of a Certified Drug and Alcohol Certification from the Pennsylvania Credentialing Board. Her unwavering commitment and profound passion lie in aiding individuals through their recovery journey.

dkennedy@gpasspa.org

215-456-1662 Ext:114

Clinical Supervisor

Detra Mathias

Detra Mathias is a highly accomplished clinical professional with 24 years of extensive experience in the Behavioral Health field. She attained her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix in Philadelphia and subsequently completed her Master’s of Science in Psychology at the same institution. Her unwavering dedication to effecting positive change in the lives of others is evident through her specialized expertise in Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Mental Health, and Intellectual Disabilities

dmathias@gpasspa.org

215-456-1662 Ext:112

NAC Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

The Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC) in Philadelphia serves as a vital link between community members and city resources. The NAC plays a crucial role in ensuring that residents have access to essential services, fostering community engagement, and addressing local issues effectively.