April Ennis-Pierson, Executive Director
April Ennis-Pierson serves as Executive Director of Handi-Crafters Opportunity Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating employment, vocational rehabilitation, and community participation opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
With more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, strategic planning, business development, volunteer engagement, and board relations, April brings a proven record of organizational growth, operational leadership, and community impact. Since returning to Handi-Crafters in 2023, she has led efforts to strengthen operations, expand services, enhance community partnerships, and position the organization for long-term sustainability and growth.
Prior to her appointment as Executive Director, April served as Handi-Crafters' Director of Development, where she led fundraising, marketing, donor relations, and community engagement initiatives. She later joined Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital as Director of Volunteer Services and Guest Relations, serving as a member of the hospital's administrative leadership team. In that role, she provided leadership and oversight for a team of staff and more than 400 active volunteers, supporting patient experience, community engagement, and hospital operations across one of the region's leading healthcare institutions.
April's connection to Handi-Crafters is deeply personal. Inspired by the positive impact the organization had on her aunt's life, she developed an early appreciation for the importance of meaningful employment, inclusion, and opportunity for individuals with disabilities. That experience continues to shape her commitment to advancing the organization's mission and strengthening pathways to independence and community participation.
A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and graduate of Temple University, April is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, strategic vision, relationship-building expertise, and unwavering commitment to creating opportunities that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.
Samuel Arena, Senior Director of Finance and Administration
Sam serves as the Senior Director of Finance and Administration at Handi-Crafters, where he leads financial strategy, HR, and administrative functions, ensuring the continued strength and stability of these critical operations.
With more than 25 years of experience in finance, accounting, and business operations, Sam has guided both nonprofit and private sector organizations, specializing in system improvements, compliance, and long-term sustainability. He has held key leadership roles, including Financial Controller for a global engineering firm and Chief Financial Officer for a nonprofit regional healthcare services organization serving Eastern PA, where he oversaw complex, multi-entity financial systems and guided strategic growth.
Sam is passionate about collaborative leadership and using sound financial practices to strengthen programs that serve others. He is eager to advance Handi-Crafters’ mission and support the individuals we serve.
Outside of his professional work, Sam is a proud father of two. He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, the outdoors, hiking, and music.
Mariana Tarau, Senior Director of Operations
Mariana runs production operations for Handi-Crafters, providing individuals with employment barriers training and a job opportunity. With a background in engineering and postgraduate education in operations management, her core experience is in operations management, having worked in Europe, Canada and the United States. What she likes most about working at Handi-Crafters are the friendships she has made and the mission that describes our purpose and guides us.
Born and raised in Romania, Mariana dreamed of traveling. Today she has friends and alumni on three continents providing invaluable relationships. The things that drive Mariana are humanity, family, freedom, intelligence, interconnection, open-mindedness, friendship, and courage. When she is not working, Mariana enjoys spending time with family, connecting with nearby and remote friends, traveling, reading, studying a foreign language, and gardening.
Marcia Basehore, LPN, Director of Health Services
Marcia administers medication and first aid to Handi-Crafters participants. She has been a licensed practical nurse (LPN) since 1986. Before coming to Handi-Crafters, she worked in hospice. What she likes best about her role at Handi-Crafters is being able to spend time with and care for participants.
Marcia grew up in Downingtown, PA. Her parents were her rock, whom she relied on. She strives to be compassionate in her work and help others. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, friends and her church family, and working out at the gym.
Andrew Arnell, MS, Director of Employment and Community Services
Andrew brings more than 30 years of experience working with individuals in need of support, guidance, and opportunity. Throughout his career in the nonprofit sector, he has been dedicated to building programs and services that help people reach their full potential. At Handi-Crafters, Andrew leads with a focus on collaboration, problem-solving, and compassion—ensuring that each person served is met with respect and care. His commitment to integrity and advocacy aligns closely with Handi-Crafters’ long-standing mission of empowering individuals through meaningful work and community connection.
Originally from New York, Andrew spent 15 years in South Florida before settling in Chester County with his wife, Sandy, a Certified Mastectomy Fitter. Their son Alex is a proud graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University. Outside of work, Andrew enjoys classic films, reading, and exploring local flea markets.
Linda Zimmerman, Director of Adult Daily Living Center
Linda oversees issues related to safety, licensing of various Handi-Crafters programs and training. She interacts with participants daily, ensuring that Handi-Crafters is a safe place to work while following the many licensing requirements. Linda went to Lock Haven University. She has been with Handi-Crafters since 1984, working directly with participants and supervising staff as a director of various programs. Handi-Crafters is subject to many regulations and Linda has years of experience navigating this complex environment. She likes getting to know the participants and helping them have the best day possible, understanding there are many issues and challenges they face daily.
A native of Lancaster County, Linda currently lives in New Holland. She is driven to help people and give back. Outside of work, she enjoys working in the yard and taking long walks with her dog.
Kim Parrott, M.Ed., Director of Rehabilitation
Kim first joined Handi-Crafters in 1998 as a Work Crew Supervisor and later as the Work Crews Coordinator. After over a decade in community-based counseling as a Child and Family Therapist, she returned in 2016 to serve as a Program Specialist in the Adult Daily Living Center. Since then, Kim has played an active role across the organization—serving on the Safety, Human Rights, and Incident Management Committees, and acting as the unofficial scribe for Directors Meetings over the past four years. She has also served as a Certified Incident Investigator, a CPS Specialist, and stepped up as Interim Director of the ADLC when the opportunity arose.
Kim holds a B.A. in English from Penn State University and an M.Ed. in Counseling from West Chester University. She also earned a three-year certificate in Family-Based Mental Health from the Philadelphia Child and Family Therapy Training Center during her years in community counseling.
Madison Chambers, Director of Development
Madison serves as the Director of Development at Handi-Crafters, where she is responsible for strategy and implementation of development and fundraising.
Prior to joining the team at Handi-Crafters, Madison worked in the nonprofit industry in various development roles throughout Chester and Lancaster counties. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Georgia and Puppy, and hosting her friends and family for gatherings. Madison graduated from West Chester University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Writing with a minor in German.