About
Our Staff
| Nancy Peter |
| Lisa Colby |
| Katie Derickson |
| Deepa Vasudevan |
| Sarah Hill |
Ms. Peter attended the University of Massachusetts where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Ecology, Behavior, and Husbandry and her Master of Education degree in Instructional Leadership. She is also a certified elementary teacher, secondary science teacher, and instructor in Pennsylvania Pathways’ Trainer Quality Assurance System (TQAS). Ms. Peter is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education Degree, from the University of Pennsylvania, in "Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum."
From her origin in the field of science and environmental education, Nancy Peter worked as the School Programs Coordinator for Amherst’s Hitchcock Center for the Environment, as Director of Education at Philadelphia’s Academy of Natural Sciences, and as Curriculum Manger for the Fairmount Park Commission. Her interest in at-risk youth and experience with multiple afterschool programs led to her position as Senior Policy Specialist for Youth and Afterschool in Philadelphia’s Office of Children’s Policy. Prior to joining the CRYSP staff, Ms. Peter worked in Philadelphia’s Best Practices Institute as their After-School Project Manager.
Nancy Peter was raised and lives in the West Mount Airy section of Philadelphia. Her interests and pastimes include horseback riding, bike riding, hiking, gardening, and frolicking – preferably with her husband, Kevin, and their son, Ben. Among other family projects, Nancy and Kevin Peter coordinate a group of neighborhood families who explore, consider, and often ultimately choose a Philadelphia public school for their children’s education (visit http://knowinghenry.blogspot.com).
Lisa Colby, MSW
Senior Research Coordinator
Lisa Colby is the Senior Research Coordinator of the Out-of-School Time Resource Center (OSTRC) at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice. She holds a Masters of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. Her primary focus at the OSTRC is the coordination of a mixed method study evaluating the professional development of out of school time workers.
Prior to joining the OSTRC, Lisa worked as a consultant at the Best Practices Institute where she supported and managed the ongoing implementation of performance based contracting for foster care at the Philadelphia Department of Human Services. Lisa enhanced her research skills while working in the Policy and Research Department of the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts and at the Center for Research on Youth and Social Policy. Her research interests include best practices in child welfare, reforming systems and the impact of professional development on child outcomes.
Lisa lives in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia with her husband, dog and two cats. Her interests include running in the Wissahickon with the family dog, reading and crocheting with her “stitching” club.
Katie Derickson
Communications Coordinator
Katie Derickson graduated from Haverford College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Anthropology. A summer internship at the Village of Arts & Humanities in North Philadelphia provided her first experience with the Philadelphia OST community.
Prior to working at the OSTRC, Katie completed a year as a Philly Fellow. Her fellowship placement was at Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, where she served as the Communications Associate.
As the OSTRC Communications Coordinator , Katie looks forward to using her academic research background and nonprofit experience to approach real-world challenges. Her research interests include organizational culture and social networking.
Katie lives in Center City, Philadelphia but travels far and wide to play Ultimate Frisbee. Her other interests include crafts, travel, art, and the great outdoors.
Deepa Vasudevan
Project Assistant
Deepa Vasudevan graduated from Haverford College in 2007 with a BA in English and a minor in Cultural Anthropology.
After graduation, she participated in a one-year fellowship in Philadelphia sponsored by Haverford’s Center for Peace and Global Citizenship. She worked at Parkway Northwest High School for Peace and Social Justice as the assistant to the Peace Program coordinator. During this time, she supervised several extracurricular and after-school activities. Deepa’s work at Parkway Peace led to her awareness for the need for more out-of-school time programs geared towards teenagers.
Deepa joined the OSTRC staff as the Project Assistant in August 2008. She coordinates the monthly Peer Networking Meetings for out-of-school time professionals. She also works on creating and designing OSTRC directories and resources. She is interested in learning more about the ins and outs of the out-of school time landscape in Philadelphia, so that she can better support people’s endeavors to create and enhance youth programming in the city.
Deepa recently moved to the Fairmount area of Philadelphia. Her interests include reading, painting, talking politics, and exploring different parts of the city in her quest for vegetarian eateries.
Sarah V. Hill is a student at the University of Pennsylvania, working towards a Dual Masters Degree in Social Work and Education Policy. Sarah received her B.A. from New York University's Gallatin School of Individualized Study, with a concentration in Community Development and Youth Empowerment. Sarah has worked with OST programs in New York City and Philadelphia, most recently at Caring People Alliance in Philadelphia.
