Who We Are
About Our Team
Our team specializes in navigating the complexities of grant and federal funding processes, offering end-to-end support from identification and writing to submission and post-award management. We assist businesses and organizations in securing opportunities through expert guidance with the SAM registry, federal procurement channels, and strategic business plan development.
Whether you’re pursuing your first grant or scaling your funding efforts, we provide the insight and structure needed to move forward with confidence.
Aspire Grant Writing Consultants are members of the NGMA, receiving the latest in education on grant compliance, submission and financial reporting. So, before you hire a firm to write your state or federal grants, ask yourself:
- Does the firm specialize in grant writing or something different?
- Are they members of the NGMA with graduate level education?
- Can the firm cite numerous awards that have been made to a mix of clients, and paid out, with no audit flags?
- Does your firm have economic impact software comparable to that used by the state/federal governments? We use IMPLAN Professional, and our studies have been cited by national media.
- Can you say that your contractual agreement supports an all-female team who loves to create energy and impact in the communities in which they work?
Michele Miller Beener, MS
President, [email protected]
Michele serves as the President of Aspire Grant & Development, LLC (Aspire), a comprehensive grant research and management firm specializing in federal, state, and private funding. Aspire is recognized as a nationally certified diverse vendor and accredited by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. Additionally, it holds the designation of a certified Women-Owned Small Business, in accordance with the United States Small Business Administration guidelines. Aspire proudly partners with the National Grants Management Association, the premier professional association for grants management in the public sector, based in Washington, D.C.
In her role as President, Michele provides strategic direction for Aspire while actively authoring substantial grant proposals aimed at fostering regional economic development. She takes particular pride in the following significant achievements:
- $18.69 Million BUILD Grant: Successfully developed a funded grant to construct a fourth cargo bay at Pittsburgh International Airport under the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program.
- Mental Health Wellness Initiative: Secured $400,000 in public grants, matched by Pirates Charities, as part of a partnership with the Allegheny Health Network and the Pittsburgh Pirates. This funding facilitated the purchase of the Chill Mobile, a 33-foot retrofitted recreational vehicle designed to serve as a calming space for students in the Pittsburgh area, promoting mental health resources in schools.
- Historic $108.5 Million Grant: In January 2025, The Port of Walla Walla, in collaboration with Walla Walla County and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), received a groundbreaking grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program. This award, the largest in program history, will support the U.S. Highway 12 Phase 8 Corridor Completion Project.
Michele has demonstrated notable expertise in the healthcare sector, having written over $30 million in grants that support capital and service line expansions for hospitals across Pennsylvania, New York, and West Virginia.
Michele has also collaborated with cities and planning organizations to secure funding for various economic initiatives, including efforts to eliminate food deserts in distressed communities (City of Albany, Georgia) and the establishment of tourism hubs (Seven Springs, Pennsylvania). Her passion for historic preservation is reflected in her work on projects such as the restoration of the East Broad Top Railroad and her involvement with tourist rail and steam train preservation, inspired by her family’s history in the field.
Michele holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Waynesburg University and a Master of Science in Leadership and Business Ethics from Duquesne University. Over the past decade, she has actively participated on various nonprofit boards, including the Children’s Aid Home of Somerset County and her local Rotary Club, where she has been honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. She is dedicated to fundraising for local community organizations and serves on both the Board of Directors and the Somerset County Distribution Committee for the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies.\
A passionate advocate for diversity and women in nontraditional roles, Michele’s family operates a 300-acre beef farm in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. She is also the Vice President of Miller Antique and Restoration, LLC, a leader in steam railroad and vintage agricultural heritage preservation. As a proud member of the “Ladies of Steam” community, Michele enjoys operating her 1913 twenty-five horsepower Gaar Scott. In 2023, she was appointed to the Commission on Infrastructure Asset Reporting and Investment for the City of Pittsburgh. Her commitment to equity, preservation, and community service has earned her numerous accolades, including:
- YWCA of Greater Johnstown’s Tribute to Women Award (2007)
- Scouts of America, Penn’s Woods Council, “Salute to Women” Award (2014\
- Women of Influence Award from the Pittsburgh Business Times (2023)
Lauren Palmar Gerami, M.S.
Vice President, [email protected]
Lauren Palmar Gerami joined the Aspire Team in October of 2020 as a Grant Specialist and has since risen to become Aspire’s Vice President. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University (2017) and a Master’s in Organizational Management from the University of Colorado (2019). Lauren’s specialization extends to Foundation, State, and Appalachian Regional Commission applications, where her strategic insights have consistently yielded significant results. Her approach is deeply collaborative, emphasizing cross-collaboration amongst clients and prioritizing partnerships across diverse locations and industries. Since her time with Aspire, she has successfully secured over $6 million in funding.
Beyond her professional achievements, Lauren is passionate about making her community a brighter place. She enjoys spending her personal time with her family hosting dinner parties and her beloved rescue pup, Ziggy Stardust. Her commitment to both her work and her community exemplifies the core values that drive her strategic initiatives at Aspire.
Amber Chaudhry, M.P.H, J.D.
Professional Grant Writer, [email protected]
Amber received her bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College in 2014. The following year, Amber started work on her MPH at University of Pittsburgh School of Graduate Health. During her MPH, Amber worked as an intern for the Allegheny County Health Department and as a researcher for the U.N Gender Equity Committee. During her time in law school, Amber worked as a Derrick Bell Research Scholar and as an extern in the school’s pro-bono Health Law Clinic. Additionally, she served as a summer associate at Highmark and The Department of Veterans Affairs largely focusing on breach of contract, contract development and negotiation work. Since graduating, Amber has worked as a Grant Writer for nonprofit and for-profit entities. She has experience in both state-level and private grant writing, working with the state and several foundations to fund projects such as; the development of fresh-food retailers in food deserts, redevelopment of community playgrounds, infrastructure rehabilitation for community business development centers and refugee resettlement programs. Amber has a particular interest in procuring funds for organizations who support the upward mobility and health of marginalized populations.
In her free time, Amber serves as a Pennsylvania Board Member for Emgage, a nonprofit which aims to increase Muslim American engagement in the electoral process–she is a seasoned host of voter registration drives! On any given day, you can find her door-knocking for progressive races or making the walk from her home to Square Cafe for lemon ricotta pancakes with her husband, Wasi Mohamed. Otherwise, she is probably watching her favorite shows on Bravo!
Annika Curren, M.Ed.
Professional Grant Writer, [email protected]
Annika Curren joined the Aspire team in February 2024, bringing a passion for storytelling that elevates and advances the missions of her clients. With a specialty in helping organizations craft compelling narratives, Annika partners with clients to translate the depth and impact of their work into persuasive and strategic grant applications that reflect both their vision and values. Her work is driven by the belief that powerful stories fuel transformative funding.
A former classroom teacher, teacher coach, a role in central administration, and the university level, Annika holds a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Supervision from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Outside of her professional work, Annika is deeply engaged in her community. She and her husband Shawn can often be found cheering on their two children at local sporting events. She also serves on the board of the Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education, which supports innovation in public schools, as well as with organizations such as P.E.O., St. Lucy’s Auxiliary to the Blind, and Giving to Grow.
Erin Howsare
Professional Grant Writer, [email protected]
Erin has been with Aspire Grant & Development, LLC as a grant writing consultant since 2019. Erin is a Somerset, Pennsylvania native where she continues to reside with her husband and son. She graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology, minor in Political Science, and a concentration in Pre-Law.
For over 20 years, she has worked in the human service field where she has developed a passion for the non-profit sector.
Since joining our team, Erin has secured millions of dollars for our clients. Her awards have included both national and local foundation and corporation grants as well as federal, state, and local grants. Consistent with Aspire’s standards of practice, Erin strives to serve clients with high scoring, detail oriented, customer focused writing!
Cassandra Kokoski
Professional Grant Writer, [email protected]
In 2021, Ms. Cassandra Kokoski joined the Aspire Grant & Development, LLC team. Cassandra brings to the team a wealth of knowledge and expertise gained over two decades of dedicated service in the non-profit sector. Her journey began as an AmeriCorps member in Washington, DC, and has since encompassed diverse roles within local, national, and international non-profit organizations. Cassandra is deeply passionate about the transformative potential of community and economic development across the country. Drawing from her extensive and varied background in direct service, program advancement, community engagement, program management, public relations, fundraising, grant writing and management, and development. Cassandra works diligently to assist clients in achieving their goals.
Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, Cassandra pursued her education at Indiana University, Bloomington, where she focused on Journalism with an emphasis on public relations. Her exceptional writing skills are an asset, as she leverages them to aid clients in crafting successful grant submissions. Cassandra has experience working with private and community foundations and securing local, state, and federal grants. Since joining Aspire, she has helped to secure $30 million in grant funds for clients.
Cassandra and her husband live in Pittsburgh’s East Deutschtown neighborhood, where they enjoy all the city has to offer while spending time with family and friends.
Brooke Latuch Kroon, M.Ed.
Professional Grant Writer, [email protected]
Brooke Kroon has been a consultant grant writer as part of the Aspire team since May 2019. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from Saint Francis University in 2011. The following year, Brooke received her master’s in education as a Reading Specialist from California University of Pennsylvania. For the last thirteen years she has been an educator in both the Somerset Area School District and the Rockwood Area School District, where she currently teaches. Brooke has a passion for education, youth advocacy, and human services which is reflected in her writing style. In her spare time, Brooke enjoys spending time with her husband and son camping and spending time outdoors.
Since joining our team, she’s worked with Mom’s House, Inc., Pittsburgh Technical College, Mary S. Biesecker Library, Family Guidance, Children’s Aid Home Programs, Twisted Tines and Sage’s Army. Her recent projects include awards for $175,000 from Edith L. Trees for the Partial Hospitalization Program at the Children’s Aid Home and $20,000 from Somerset Opioid Settlement Funds for the Functional Family Therapy Program at the Children’s Aid Home. Additionally, Twisted Tines received $10,000 from EQT Foundation for the purchase of equipment for their Conservation Program. To talk to Brooke about your next project, you can email her at [email protected].
Shannon Malone
Professional Grant Writer, [email protected]
Shannon received her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Syracuse University in 2018, where she also competed at the NCAA Division I level in Cross Country and Track and Field. After college, Shannon pursued a career in professional running with the Reebok Boston Track Club while continuing her learning by taking graduate-level courses in Social Foundations of Education at the University of Virginia. In 2022, Shannon joined the Law Offices of Kristy L. Johnston, PLLC in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she served as an Administrative Assistant and assisted with paralegal tasks for the firm.
She has professional experience in drafting legal documentation and has a particular interest in nonprofit grant writing to drive positive community change. Shannon’s professional writing experience combined with her unique background in athletics and passion for increasing opportunity for youth in sports fuel her desire to award grants to Aspire clients. Shannon’s expertise will also assist Aspire clients with the PMP process, under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.
Jaclyn A. McCusker
Professional Grant Writer, [email protected]
Jaclyn earned a B.A. in Political Science, with a minor in Sociology, from the University of Pittsburgh. Via the study abroad program at Pitt, she also obtained a concentration in Latin American Culture & Film Studies, at the University of Havana, Cuba. Jaclyn’s post-graduate fields of work include management and director positions for Fortune 500 companies and privately owned businesses. Jaclyn is extremely community-focused, with significant years of experience working as the director of a nonprofit arts organization.
In her spare time, Jaclyn enjoys spending time with family. She is a lover of art, music, culture, history, and socio-economics. She volunteers and lends support to several community efforts where she resides. In turn, she has a significant volume of funded grant work in these areas. Since 2024, awards to Sweetwater Center for the Arts for applications authored by Jaci total over $500,000. Additionally, Jaci was honored to author applications for The Latin American Studies Association to receive a $25,000 from the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission and $25,000 from The Pittsburgh Foundation to support renovations and programming at the Latin American Cultural Center.
Carol Pyle
Professional Grant Writer, [email protected]
Carol Pyle brings over four decades of deep-rooted experience to her role as a grant writer with Aspire Grant & Development. Her intimate knowledge of the local community, combined with her expertise in securing competitive public funding, makes her a valuable asset to volunteer fire departments and municipalities throughout the region. Carol specializes in writing grants at the local, state, and federal levels, with a strong track record of helping organizations achieve their funding goals. Her work is driven by a genuine passion for empowering public service agencies and strengthening the communities they serve.
For over a decade, Carol served as the Somerset County Farmers’ Market Coordinator. In that role, she gained extensive experience in community engagement, nonprofit collaboration, and supporting local agriculture. It deepened her dedication to sustainability and reinforced her belief in the power of small, community-led efforts to drive meaningful change.
Whether working with first responders, nonprofits, or entrepreneurs, Carol brings knowledge, compassion, and a result-driven approach to every project. If you have a community-focused idea or initiative, she’s ready to help you bring it to life.
Sarah E. Russell
Director of Billing, [email protected]
Sarah E. Russell operates our billing department, and is also responsible for the binding, printing and mailing of over 60 grant applications, to our clients, every month! She has been with us for 7 years, and has proven to be an invaluable asset.
Sarah holds an associate degree in Graphic Design and Printing Technologies from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Central Pennsylvania College in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Prior to joining Aspire, Sarah was a Review Technical Associate for SRA International, Inc. in Frederick, Maryland, an IT company that serves government and educational systems. She also spent some time gaining valuable experience working with Voith Holding Inc., a German engineering company with a corporate office in York, Pennsylvania.
Sarah and her husband are volunteers with the Shade Creek Watershed Association and have been actively working to raise funds for the restoration of the historic Old Shade Church. If you enjoy history, you should definitely enjoy one of their eclectic services!
Brooke L. Chambers, M.S.
Director of Grant Writing & Development, [email protected]
Brooke Sheeler joined the Aspire team in 2015 as an intern while pursuing her undergraduate degree in Communications – Public Relations at Slippery Rock University. After earning her B.S., she returned to Aspire full-time and completed her M.S. in Integrated Marketing & Communications from West Virginia University in 2018. She oversees several high-profile clients, securing millions of dollars in state, federal, and private funding through her grant applications. Outside of work, Brooke enjoys spending time with her rescue animals and traveling with her husband. Through her community involvement, she was awarded the ‘Somerset County Young Gun Award’ by the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce in 2025.
Haley Johnson
Coordinator, Grants and Client Onboarding, [email protected]
Haley Johnson graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in forensic accounting from Waynesburg University, completing the four-year BSBA program in just three years while also playing NCAA Division III soccer. During her time at the University, she was inducted into the Sigma Beta Delta business honor society and earned the highest senior GPA in her major—an early reflection of the drive and attention to detail she now brings to her work. In May 2024, Haley joined Aspire Grant & Development to combine her love of writing and research with her background in finance, using grant writing as a way to support meaningful projects and make a lasting impact.
Since joining the team, Haley has contributed to several successful grant applications, including securing $250,000 for multimodal transportation enhancements on Penn Avenue, $91,110 through the Marketing to Attract Tourists program for the JCC Maccabi 2025 Campus Games, and $10,000 from the Lee Initiatives for the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office to purchase bulletproof vests. She continues to serve as Aspire’s first point of contact for new clients and brings a strategic, mission-driven approach to every application she authors.
Karen Brean
Professional Grant Writer, [email protected]
Karen Brean is an accomplished architect and planner with over three decades of experience in the field. As the Principal of Brean Associates, she has built a reputation for her deep understanding of technical issues and her exceptional ability to communicate complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner. Her expertise lies in facilitating dialogue among various stakeholders, ensuring that all voices are heard, and fostering consensus on policy matters.
Throughout her career, Karen has served as a vital liaison between local government officials and community members, effectively bridging the gap between technical planning and public understanding. Her leadership in strategic planning efforts has been instrumental in guiding organizations and communities toward successful outcomes.
Karen earned her Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) from Carnegie Mellon University, where she honed her architectural skills and developed a strong foundation in design and planning. Prior to this, she received her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Anthropology from Brandeis University, which has provided her with a unique perspective on the cultural and social dimensions of community development.
In addition to her professional work, Karen is actively involved in her community. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Brashear Association, Inc. since October 2016, contributing her expertise to support local initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation. Additionally, she holds the position of Senior Vice President on the Board of Trustees for Rodef Shalom Congregation, where she has been engaged in various community service efforts since June 2016.
Karen’s passion for architecture and community service, combined with her extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and strategic planning, positions her as a leader in her field. She is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the communities she serves, continually striving for innovative solutions that benefit both the public and the project teams she works with. Karen enjoys working with the Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program, and was pleased to have authored a grant under the Reconnecting Communities Pilot, U.S. DOT for the Penn Avenue Cap Connector Project. The project, funded at $2 million, aims to connect economically-disadvantaged communities in Pittsburgh to public transit, grocery stores, services, and jobs. Specifically, the project will make the Penn Avenue-Shady Avenue Intersection a major gateway to the East Liberty Transit Station, and connect two neighborhoods—the East Liberty Business District and Bakery Square—across the void of a busway.
Allison Hoffman
Professional Grant Writer, [email protected]
Allison (Allie) graduated summa cum laude from Emory University, earning degrees in Psychology and English, and later obtained her Masters in Teaching from the University of Pittsburgh. After spending several years teaching secondary English in the Pittsburgh area, she returned to Somerset County, where she transitioned into banking. There, she played a pivotal role in the training team and later took charge of Marketing and Public Relations.
Her experience has given her a profound understanding of the support non-profit organizations require to thrive, promoting local economies, and ensuring community well-being. With insights gained from both the grant-issuing process and her volunteer work, Allison has actively contributed to several community organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and the Rotary Club of Somerset.
Outside of work, Allison enjoys spending time with her husband and their two energetic sons, immersing themselves in the rich recreational, arts, and community events their hometown has to offer.
Amelia Beener
Intern, [email protected]
Amelia is a graduate of Rockwood High School and is currently a student at Waynesburg University where she is majoring in Business Management. Amelia is an advisor to the Rockwood FFA Chapter, and is deeply rooted in agriculture (ag) and the preservation of antique ag and steam powered equipment. In her role at Aspire, she is working to specialize in the development of documentation for submission to the State Historic Preservation Office, and grant writing to support applicants to Saving America’s Treasures, community foundations, etc. She is currently working on a grant project for her University campus which involves Hanna Hall, built in 1850. She also enjoys work with small historical societies.
Outside of work and learning, Amelia enjoys raising horses, skiing, and working with her grandfather to restore steam traction engines as a member of the Ladies of Steam Community. She is an active volunteer for the New Centerville Volunteer Fire Company, annual Farmers & Threshermans Jubilee.
