Board of Directors and Leadership

Kris was appointed to serve as Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge’s (PAATC) President & CEO in 2015. Since stepping into this role, PAATC has developed and implemented the first medical detox program throughout Teen Challenge International. Kris’ vision for PAATC is to provide extended levels of care which help patients and students become equipped and empowered to live out their faith, and be productive members of their families, work places, churches and local communities.

He is a graduate of East Stroudsburg University (B.S.) and holds a Master’s degree from Evangelical Theological Seminary (MAR) in Myerstown, PA. Kris also obtained his MBA from Liberty University in 2020. He is married to Toni and they have four small children: Isaac, Ayriana, Isabella, and Kristopher, Jr.

Shawn comes to PAATC with 20 years’ experience in business development. He has worked with corporations such as Cisco, Nortel, and Benjamin Moore. Shawn was once caught in the grip of addiction and knows the struggle. He is a graduate of Teen Challenge and has a passion to share the good news of Jesus. His battle with addiction and his business background is what brought him back to serve at the ministry. He his happily married with five beautiful children. His hobbies are coaching his children’s basketball team, reading his Bible, and golf.

As Vice President of Human Resources, Heather Powell is responsible for oversight of employment processes, performance management, training, benefits, and complaint resolution.

Heather comes to PAATC with over 10 years of operations, management, and government compliance experience. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from Arcadia University and a Certified Professional Human Resources certification from the Society for Human Resource Management.

Heather is a proud mother and wife and has a passion for animal rescue when she has spare time.

Bryan’s professional life began at the age of 18 when he was drafted as a catcher with the Chicago White Sox organization. He spent almost four years fulfilling his dream of being a professional baseball player. However, his baseball career ended abruptly when he sustained an injury from a 90 mile-an-hour fastball that hit him in his left eye. 

Bryan’s faith and calling lead him to become an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. He served as Lead Pastor of GT Church for twenty-nine years. In June 2015, Bryan experienced something that would change his life forever when he and his wife were hit by a drunk driver while riding their Harley Davidson motorcycle.  That accident caused him to lose his wife of 28 years and his left leg. Bryan’s faith helped him as he adjusted to a new life as an amputee. He is the co-author of the discipleship book Follow, and the author of I’m All Right, his personal story about his journey from tragedy to triumph.  

 In April 2021, he retired from pastoral ministry to further share his story through various speaking opportunities as well as to join the Executive Team at Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge as the Vice President of Development. Bryan also does leadership coaching and speaks at churches, colleges, and other organizations.

He enjoys spending time with his three sons and two grandsons. Bryan likes to cook, hunt, watch football and root for the Chicago White Sox.

Marissa Zinsser is an accomplished marketing executive with extensive experience in brand development, strategic communications, and organizational growth. With a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and driving measurable results, she has successfully executed large-scale marketing campaigns, increased donor engagement, and enhanced brand positioning across multiple industries. Passionate about aligning marketing efforts with organizational mission and vision, Marissa brings a data-driven approach to every initiative while fostering collaboration and innovation.

Over the course of her career, Marissa has held senior leadership roles, including Chief Marketing Officer and Corporate Director of Communications, where she spearheaded rebranding initiatives, optimized marketing operations, and implemented cutting-edge digital strategies. Known for her empowering leadership style, she builds cohesive teams rooted in clear communication, accountability, and compassion. Guided by her faith and commitment to making a meaningful impact, Marissa is dedicated to helping organizations grow while making a difference in the lives of others.

Ryan Deleon is the director of the women’s discipleship program as well as an associate pastor at PAATC. After giving his life to the Lord in 2018 as a student in Teen Challenge, he went on to become a staff member.  Eventually he fulfilled the call God had on his life and was ordained as a Pastor in 2023. Ryan serves with his bride as youth leaders in the church and have a beautiful son the Lord gave to them in 2024. Ryan’s life is dedicated to the Lord, his family, and the ministry!