Board Member Bios

Mark Kessler

Mark is the co-founder and executive director of Third Horse Coffee, where he leads the organization’s operations, partnerships, and efforts to develop meaningful employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Before launching Third Horse Coffee with his wife, Beth, Mark spent more than 40 years in product development, business systems analysis, and management within the healthcare industry. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business Administration from Ursinus College and has served in a leadership role at his church for more than 10 years. Mark brings his professional experience, faith, and personal understanding as the father of an adult son with an intellectual disability to Third Horse Coffee’s mission of creating purpose, connection, and community.

Mike Kraemer

Mike is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 20 years of experience in corporate finance, risk management, and organizational leadership. He earned his undergraduate degree from Widener University and a Master of Divinity from Regent University. Mike lives in Wallingford, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Angela, and their theee children. Their family has been actively involved in their local church for more than 15 years and is passionate about serving children and adults with disabilities, both in their community and through summer camp ministry.

Susan Piasecki

Sue earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Widener University. After several years of hospital nursing, she joined Community Interactions, where she worked with a day program serving individuals with disabilities and provided in-service training for staff. Susan later homeschooled her six children and has served young people through her church for more than 20 years. She and her family also regularly volunteer at Camp Promise, a summer camp serving individuals with disabilities.

Jeff Gove

Jeff Gove has more than 20 years of executive leadership
experience in customer service, information technology, and operations
management. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Pacific Christian College and a Master of Science in Management of Information Systems and Technology from Hope International University. Jeff also shares his professional experience as an adjunct professor teaching information technology and management courses. Outside of work, he enjoys restoring classic cars,
tackling home projects, and volunteering with his church and the Boy Scouts of America.

Laurie McLean

Laurie McLean is a consulting teacher with the School District of Philadelphia and an adjunct professor at Eastern University. She earned her reading specialist certification from the University of Pennsylvania. A passionate advocate for students with disabilities and their families, Laurie has served in leadership roles on numerous committees and in partnerships involving school districts and private organizations. She is also an active supporter of the theatre and serves on the board of the Players Club of Swarthmore, where she works to increase access to performances for
individuals with disabilities.

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