Peter's Place - A Center for Grieving Children and Families

Our Purpose

Peter's Place was founded in memory of 10-year-old Peter Morsbach. Peter's Place is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. We are supported through individual donations, foundation grants, and special events.

Peter's Place was founded on the belief that every child, teen, and adult deserves the opportunity to grieve in a supportive and understanding environment.

Directions

150 N. Radnor-Chester Road
Suite F130
Radnor, PA 19087

Peter's Place is in the Radnor Financial Center located at 150 N. Radnor-Chester Road, Radnor, Delaware County, PA just off Lancaster Avenue/Route 30 between the town of Wayne and Villanova University. The Center is just a short walk from the R5 Radnor Train Station.

Directions from the East:
Rte. 76 West to Rte. 476 South, Exit 13.

Directions from the West:
Rte. 202 North to Rte. 76 East to Rte. 476 South, Exit 13.

Directions from the South:
Rte. 476 North, Exit 13.

Directions from the North:
PA Turnpike to Mid-County Exit to Rte. 476 South, Exit 13.

Directions from Rte. 476, Exit 13 to Peter's Place:
Bear left on exit ramp and make a left onto Route 30W/Lancaster Avenue and continue to traffic light at Radnor-Chester Road - the first or second one, depending on whether you exited 476 heading north or south. Go right on Radnor-Chester and make your first left into Radnor Financial Center and continue straight toward the front of the 150 building complex and the fountains. Bear right and drive around to the back of the building. At the stop sign make a left, and pass building 170 (on your left). The entrance to Peter's Place is marked by a green awning, and will be on your left in building 150. There is plenty of parking and the center is handicap accessible.

Area Map & Dynamic Directions

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Staff

Melissa K. Ingersoll, J.D.
Executive Director
Melissa Ingersoll has worked in fundraising for Philadephia area nonprofits for over 15 years, in both staff and volunteer capacities. She has chaired a variety of special events and served on numerous committees and volunteer boards helping to raise funding for land preservation, the arts, and education. More... (Read/Close)
Melissa began her career as a trusts and estates attorney, interacting often with bereaved clients, and has practiced law in Maine and Pennsylvania. She received a B.A. in political science magna cum laude from Villanova University, and a J.D. cum laude from Temple University School of Law, where she served on the Temple Law Review. Melissa's commitment to Peter's Place began as a volunteer, and her interest in the services offered at Peter's Place stems from the losses experienced by several family members, including the maternal loss experienced by her husband as a child.

Carrie Miluski, MS
Program Director
Carrie earned her BA in Women's Studies from Bates College and her Masters in Psychological Services from the University of Pennsylvania. Her background is in volunteer management and training, mental health, and community services to children and families.

Denise Paul, MA, CT
Group Coordinator
Denise earned her BA in Psychology from LaSalle University and her Masters in Counseling Psychology, with a Certification in Elementary School Education, from Arcadia University. More... (Read/Close)
Following her studies at The Center for Loss and Life Transition in Colorado, she earned her Certification in Thanatology. She has spent many years as a Hospice Volunteer and a Neonatal Loss Counselor at Holy Redeemer Hospital.

Tammy Waltz, MA
Office Manager
Tammy earned her BA in English from Saint Joseph's University and her Masters in Counseling Psychology from Eastern University. In addition to her work at Peter's Place Tammy currently practices as a therapist at a Delaware County community mental health agency.

Cara Magrogan, LSW, CT
Outreach Specialist and Intake Coordinator
Inspired by her own experience as a grieving child following the loss of her mother, Cara has dedicated her academic and professional career to working with bereaved children and families. Her background is in crisis intervention, hospital, and mental health social work. More... (Read/Close)
Cara also works as a social worker in the ER/Trauma Center of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and she recently obtained her Certification in Thanatology. Cara earned her BA in Psychology and Anthropology from Gettysburg College and her Masters in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Social Policy and Practice.

Leila Gordon, MBA
Finance Manager
Leila worked in the Trust Departments of Provident National Bank (now PNC) and The Bryn Mawr Trust Company. She was also as a Vice President in the Private Investment Counsel Group of Scudder, Stevens and Clark before starting her own business, Gordon Business Solutions, LLC. More... (Read/Close)
Leila is on the Board of The Lankenau Hospital Foundation and The McLean Contributionship. Leila brings with her a deep interest in, and understanding of, the Peter's Place mission.

Board of Directors

Eleanor M. Morsbach
Co-Chair
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It was the tragic loss of Eleanor Morsbach's 10-year-old son, Peter, which provided the catalyst for friends to help found Peter's Place in 2001. Eleanor volunteers on many levels and is a hopeful symbol for other grieving families and all who are involved with Peter's Place. Eleanor's a residential real estate agent with Prudential Fox & Roach in Wayne, PA.

Andrew Walsh, Esquire
Co-Chair
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Andy Walsh is an independent consultant and arbitrator in the reinsurance industry, based in Berwyn, PA. As a board member, he provides valuable advice to Peter's Place on insurance, legal and employment issues.

James M. Buck III
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Jim Buck helps oversee the development effort, particularly focusing on charitable grants from foundations. Jim's older sister, Sissy, died in 1975 of a rare blood disorder. He is a Partner with TDH Capital in Radnor, PA and is active with numerous charitable organizations in the Philadelphia area.

William H. Haines, IV
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Mr. Haines is senior vice president, director of marketing and business development of Pennsylvania Trust.

Mr. Haines brings over 30 years of financial services industry experience both as a consultant to the industry and as a principal for an investment organization. Most recently, he was a managing director for FMS Group, a global sales and marketing organization operating exclusively in the financial services industry with expertise in the investment management and wealth management segments. Prior to consulting to the industry, he was a managing director and member of the executive committee of W.H. Newbold's Son & Co. Inc. a regional full service investment organization.

Mr. Haines serves on the board of The Children's Aid Society of Pennsylvania and is a member of the Philadelphia and Chester County Estate Planning Councils. He is a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra's Planned Giving Council and Corporate Committee and also the Arts and Business Council of Greater Philadelphia. He has served on the boards of Chestnut Hill Academy and Germantown Hospital.

William F. Mannion, Jr.
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Bix Mannion joined with Eleanor Morsbach to help conceptualize and found Peter's Place in 2000. Bix survives the loss of his younger sister, Carter, who died in 1982 in an automobile accident. He is currently a Home Mortgage Consultant for Wells Fargo.

Karen K. Moon, LCSW
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Karen Moon is an Assistant Vice President with Merrill Lynch's Employee Assistance Program. Her work includes providing short-term counseling and referrals, facilitating a parent support group, and providing Critical Incident Stress Management and bereavement groups for employees. Her experience includes over fifteen years working with individuals, families and children in crisis. Notably, she counseled employees affected by the Oklahoma City bombing; counseled employees and families in Littleton, Colorado after the Columbine shootings; and provided numerous bereavement groups for employees and families affected by the 9/11.

James K. Paul
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James K. Paul is Executive Vice President of Operations at Thomas J. Paul, Inc. Creative Marketing Services. Mr. Paul is a principal of the firm and John T. Paul is President. For the past twenty-nine years, Mr. Paul has been a proponent and practitioner of integrated marketing communications, supporting client initiatives in Corporate Design, Package Design, Sales Promotion and Merchandising, Multimedia Sales Presentations and New Product Introductions.

Mr. Paul has been an active and dedicated supporter of Catholic healthcare and education. He currently serves as Chair of the Holy Redeemer Physician and Ambulatory Services Board of Trustees, is a member of the Board of Trustees of Holy Redeemer Health System, and is a member of the Finance and Investment Committee of the Health System. Mr. Paul has also served as a member of the Board of Directors of Mount Saint Joseph Academy in Flourtown, PA and was Chair of that Board from 2004 thru 2007. During that time, Mr. Paul Co-Chaired, along with his wife Denise, the Mount's recently completed Capital Campaign - Foundations for the Future.

Robin Pew
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Robin has long been associated with Peter's Place, from the time her family came to us following the death of her first husband, to her work as a Grief Facilitator, to co-chairing the 2008 Bowling Ball fundraiser. Robin will concentrate on development and fundraising for Peter's Place.

Bob Prachar
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Bob Prachar is the President, US Operations of Neuropharm. He has more than 17 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry and has held management positions at companies including Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories and Merck & Co. He has significant experience of new product launches, sales and marketing. Prior to joining Neuropharm, he was Vice President of J&J/Centocor's rheumatology franchise, where he was responsible for the US sales and marketing of REMICADE�, a biologic agent targeting immunology conditions.

Bob is responsible for US Operations and Commercial Strategy including the development of a specialized sales, marketing and medical team for the US launch of NPL-2008, the Company's novel autism treatment.

Bryn Smythe
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Bryn's professional background includes human resources, and sales and advertising experience including 9 years with Ikea. In 2003, Bryn co-founded the Ivycroft Artisans which is a business to support growth and provide a stimulating retail environment for local artists to thrive. Bryn, herself and artist, produces artwork for sale at Ivycroft shows.

Bryn became involved with Peter's Place due to a death in her family. She started attending Peter's Place in September of 2003 with her daughter Cameron, then age 7. They both enjoyed attending the groups, finding it a "biweekly accomplishment" - one of the few attainable things in those days. During their time at Peter's Place, Bryn & Cameron assisted with the mosaic mural that today hangs in the "talking circle". When she and her daughter finished attending groups, Bryn led the effort to get families involved at Peter's Place and make the space more beautiful and "kid friendly" through a remodeling effort sponsored in part by Ikea.

Today you may hear Bryn answer the phone when you call Peter's Place or hear her making outbound calls to families for follow up. She is proud to be a new member of the Board.