Who We Are

Gary McMullen was welcomed into the role of CEO at Lighthouse in April of 2024.  He brings a wealth of experience, with the majority of his career spent supporting persons with disabilities and their teams.  Gary has an MBA from Eastern University.  Gary held several positions in direct relationship with the Office of Developmental Programs, including leadership positions at Melmark in Berwyn, Friendship Community in Lititz, and as the Vice President of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services at Threshold Rehabilitation Services in Reading, PA. There, he had fiscal and program oversight of the residential and employment and training division.  Gary and his wife, Bethany, have also supported a gentleman with disabilities in a lifesharing arrangement in their home for over 24 years.

A favorite Bible verse characterizes Gary’s approach to his service at Lighthouse and his message for Lighthouse staff and participants: “Whatever you do, do your work heartily as unto the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.  It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.’  Colossians 3:23, 24.

For the Director of Programs, Brian French, advocating for persons with disabilities is a lifelong calling. After graduating from EMU with a BS in Bible/Psychology, Brian worked over 40 years serving persons with intellectual disabilities in both residential and vocational organizations, including Friendship Community. He also earned a Master’s in Health Care Administration from Penn State University.

In 2016, Brian joined Lighthouse. With a vast knowledge for human services, Brian keeps up with the changing policies while he oversees the many programs Lighthosue has to offer. Working closly with his team, he appreciates how Lighthouse offers participants the dignity of choice, where they can choose the programs that interest them.

Outside of Lighthouse, Brian enjoys outdoor hobbies like hunting, fishing, or gardening. He lives with his wife and has four adult children and three grandchildren.  Brian also has a dog, two cats and seven chickens.

Grum Kebede is an Alumni of Liberty University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance in 2020. He has worked with great organizations throughout his career including Chick-fil-a for seven years where he built so many relationships and learned how to live out the mission statement “to Glorify God by being a faithful steward”.

Currently Grum resides in the Eastern part of York County along with his wife and daughter who was born in the summer of 2024. He enjoys most sports, but his favorite is basketball and plays in several men’s recreational leagues during his free time. Grum also enjoys the outdoors and going hiking with friends and family from time to time.

As the Director of Finance for Lighthouse, Grum looks forward to making a positive impact and ensuring Lighthouse is set up to be financially secure and helping to steward Lighthouse’s finances well.

As the Director of Employment Services, Cheryl Brooks supports her growing team of Employment Specialists. She oversees the Small Group Employment Program where participants experience work for the first time (with a group of 3 individuals and a job coach).

She also supports the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) team who work with individuals one-on-one at various job sites.  In this program, individuals gradually learn to work independently.  For Cheryl nothing is more gratifying than watching individuals work in the community.

Cheryl strives to create a supportive culture for her team and enjoys watching the staff grow in leadership. Outside of Lighthouse, Cheryl loves being with her family. She has three adult children, two dogs and three casts. She also enjoys gardening, and fishing.

As the Director of Programs Systems and Data, Ashley answers questions about the programs, compiles intake packets and leads tours for Lighthouse.

In addition to being the point person for new intakes, Ashley trains the new direct support staff on the documentation program Setworks.  Whether it’s training, answering questions or updating the program on the back end, Ashley finds joy in supporting direct care staff. She uses her past experience as a Program Specialist to help support the direct care staff and participants.

Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. She enjoys a variety of hobbies like reading, crocheting, pickleball and sitting on the porch swing and enjoying nature. She also enjoys family trips to the cabin or the beach.

 As the Director of Development & Marketing, Mike connects with all types of people and believes building and sustaining relationships is the foundation of his role.

Mike orchestrates events such as the annual Lighthouse Auction and uses his marketing skills to make Lighthouse known. He joined Lighthouse in 2023 and brings experience in a variety of experience including management, marketing and strategic planning (from non-profits, food service to vehicle sales).

Outside of Lighthouse, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife watching movies, reading the Bible together or traveling (His favorite place he visited was Hawaii). Mike is passionate about podcasting and is one of the voices on the Christian radio station wjtl.

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Christina Cruz joined Lighthouse in 2015 and brings strong organizational skills with a splash of creativity. As the Director of Office Administration, she oversees the front office team to create an effective and welcoming atmosphere.

She also oversees grant-writing, coordinating the quarterly newsletter, and using her creativity to write and edit marketing materials. With a flair for words and public speaking, she also assists the CEO as a political and board liaison.

Christiana’s favorite part of Lighthouse is the person-centered Christian culture. “It cheers me up to come to work.” Outside of work, Christina enjoys being out in nature, crafting creative outfits and spending time with loved ones.