Board Member Biographies
Board of Trustees Members
Left to right, back row - Sergio, Pedro, Jessica, Paul, Brenda
Left to right, front row - Joselyn, Miranda, Julia, Teresa
Board Members Biography
Brenda Reyes-Lua, President
Brenda Reyes-Lúa serves as the Assistant Director for the Center for Public Service at Gettysburg College. She serves as a guiding member of Casa de la Cultura. Previously, she oversaw services for the Pennsylvania’s Migrant Education Program in Adams County. She has been a resident of Adams County since her arrival in August of 1993 from Michoacán, Mexico. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, awarded in August 2010, with a major in sociology. She is both bilingual and bi-cultural and has worked with the migrant/immigrant population in Adams County since 2006 providing educational and advocacy services to hundreds of families.
Jessica George, Treasurer
Jessica George is the Co-Founder of zestt organics, a mission-driven brand specializing in organic cotton textile accessories and ethically produced finished goods. Before launching her own business, she worked in higher education administration and leadership consulting. Driven by a passion for both education and entrepreneurship, Jessica is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Management at Virginia Tech, where her research explores reward systems, human resource practices, and the evolving nature of remote work. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, running, and spending time with her husband and son—a proud Vida Cheetah!
Teresa Arias
Teresa Arias was born and raised in Michoacan, Mexico. While living in California, she met her spouse. After getting married in Mexico, they relocated to Pennsylvania. They have two wonderful children, now ages 15 and 12. Both have attended Vida Charter School and one is still enrolled.
Paul R. Miller
Paul currently serves as the Director of the Garthwait Leadership Center at Gettysburg College. He has been working in education and leadership development for over 20 years. He is an experienced teacher, administrator, facilitator and leadership coach. Paul is a parent of three children in the Gettysburg Area School District and serves as a volunteer coach for the Adams County Composite Mountain Biking Team. He holds an MS in Educational Administration and Student Affairs from Baylor University. He is from South Central PA but has called both Texas and Chicago home. When not working with individuals or groups, he is likely tending to animals on his family's homestead or training for his next big adventure race.
Miranda Harple
Miranda Harple is the Interim Director of the Center for Plant Excellence at Penn State University, where she works with agricultural industries to support research, innovation, and education. She also co-owns a small apple orchard in Adams County, combining her background in marketing, storytelling, and entrepreneurship with her passion for food and agriculture. Miranda and her husband have two children at Vida and enjoy cooking, hiking, and spending time outdoors as a family.
Joselyn Lewis