About Us
Our Mission
Upper Chesapeake Bay Pride provides unwavering advocacy and support for queer (LGBTQIA+) people, communities, and their families in Harford and Cecil counties.
Our Vision
The Upper Chesapeake region is a safe and enriching place for queer (LGBTQIA+) people to live and work.
Our Values
Collaboration
We believe in the power of collective action, cooperation, and shared efforts to advance LGBTQIA+ issues.
Equity & Inclusion
We are committed to fostering a culture in which everyone can contribute and thrive.
Respect
We hold a deep appreciation for the abilities, qualities, and achievements of queer people and communities.
Social Justice
We address and eradicate barriers to social justice, particularly those that impact queer people.
Tenaciousness
We are persistent, unwavering advocates for queer rights.
Boldness
We are fearless in our role of amplifying the voices of queer and other historically excluded people.
Kindness
We approach all people and situations with kindness first.
Meet Our Board
Dr. Kurt Doan (he/him)
President
A member of the Governor’s Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs, Kurt is a higher education professional with 28 years of experience working for colleges and universities around the country…
More About Kurt
Born and raised in rural Lancaster, PA , he became involved in LGBTQIA+ advocacy while attending Penn State University. As a graduate student at the University of Arizona, he served as President of the LGB Graduate Student Alliance and was involved with Safe Zone—a program aimed at improving the campus climate for LGBTQIA+ people. In Arizona, he served as a trained crisis intervention specialist for the Wingspan Domestic Violence Project—a social service program that works to address and end violence in the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Kurt completed a doctorate in higher education leadership and innovation at Wilmington University in May 2021; his thesis focused on the data invisibility of LGBTQIA+ community college students.
DeLane Lewis (she/her)
Vice President
DeLane Lewis, Esq. is a Broker with Lewis Real Estate Group, LLC. She has been involved in school and civic groups in the Fallston area for over 25 years. She loves a project!
More About DeLane
She is also the founder and President of Together We Will Harford County/Upper Chesapeake, Inc. (TWW), a group that works for social and racial equity in our region. Through TWW, and with PFLAG and St. John’s Episcopal Church in Havre de Grace, the vision for a welcoming event that brought members of the LGTBQIA+ community and their allies together was born. She is unbelievably proud of the first Upper Chesapeake Bay Pride Festival in 2019 that was a visible and outward expression of love. She looks forward to building on that success and spreading more love and acceptance in Harford and Cecil Counties.
David Harding Jr. (he/him)
Treasurer
David Harding Jr. is a professional, hairstylist, and entrepreneur. He resides in Harford County with his partner and daughter. He is also a professional entertainer in the art of female illusion, winning several titles and awards; his real reward is how drag brings people together and gives him a positive artistic outlet.
More About David
David is currently spearheading a podcast project with his partner, aimed at promoting authenticity and self-expression. With a deep-seated passion for supporting others, he has actively contributed to various charitable causes, particularly advocating for LGBTQIA+ youth and individuals with disabilities. David’s diverse background encompasses small business ownership, arts education, and community leadership roles. Despite facing numerous challenges, he remains resilient, emerging as a compassionate leader dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace their true selves.
Chloe Kastner (she/her)
Secretary
More About Chloe
Allie Dios
Allie is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community who grew up in Harford County. She studied Electronic Media and Film at Towson University where she worked on several short films and interned for the Women and Minority in Film Festival hosted by the university.
More About Allie
During her time at Towson University, Allie served a semester as the Philanthropy Chair of her co-ed Film and Media organization, Lambda Kappa Tau. After graduating in 2016, Allie moved to Orlando, FL to work for Walt Disney World where she developed a passion for training and course facilitation. She is currently enrolled in a graduate program, pursuing a degree in nonprofit and association management. She works in higher education as a tuition coordinator. In her free time, Allie enjoys reading, board games, pop culture, and hanging out with her three cats: Marnie, Oracle, and Berger.
Bonny Knudsen (she/her)
(Founding Member)
Bonny is a proud friend and ally of the LGBTQI community. She has a passion for increasing awareness and understanding of issues important in the community and creating safe and welcoming spaces.
More About Bonny
Bonny is committed to giving back to her community through a variety of volunteer efforts. She is an active member of Girl Scouts of Central Maryland and has organized several large community events. Bonny also volunteers with the Share the Gift program of the Harford County Public Library. As a member of Be the Bridge to Racial Healing she strives to promote healthy dialogue about race and racial disparities in and beyond her community. Bonny lives in Harford County with her family and their rescue dog Phoebe.
Carla Mattioli
Carla is a design and marketing professional with a passion for social justice, advocating for reproductive freedom and LGBTQIA+ rights. She is currently the Marketing Director for Harford Bank.
More About Carla
She worked as the Director of Marketing & Social Media for a private grade school for 15 years. There, she witnessed how some students struggled to fit in, which led her to start Free to Be, a social group for LGBTQIA+ teens in Harford County. Free to Be offers a safe place for queer kids to socialize, gather, and have fun without fear of judgment or exclusion. Launching Free to Be has been Carla’s proudest professional achievement in her 30-year career. She also runs IM Design, a freelance business where she has produced award-winning work. She also serves on the board for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford and Cecil Counties and is active in the community as a member of the NAACP of Harford County, and the Bel Air Downtown Alliance Promotions Committee. Originally from Philadelphia, she now calls Bel Air her home; she has lived here with her husband and two children for more than 20 years.
Emily Pine
Emily brings a unique and enveloping warmth wherever she goes. Her background in media, writing, and travel feed her wide breadth of curiosity. She’s passionate about human rights and second chances.
More About Emily
As a lover of the globe’s vast cultural and geographical diversity, she’s made it a priority to travel and befriend openhearted people. She’s visited thirty countries and looks forward to every next adventure on the horizon.
Emily is happiest when exploring new and old destinations, hosting friends for a game night, making a meaningful personal connection, cooking (dancing, dreaming, laughing, learning, talking, traveling, etc) with her wife, and being in a writing flow.
Jen Lavella
Jen is a seasoned professional in marketing, communications, development, and community engagement. Currently serving as the Director of Marketing and Communications at Maryland Legal Aid, she oversees all facets of the organization’s marketing and communications, strategic planning, volunteer and pro bono initiatives, and corporate engagement.
More About Jen
Originally from New York, she now resides in Bel Air with her wife, children, and rescue dog. Jen enjoys family time, live music, photography, sunsets, beach outings, and exploring local breweries. She launched her career at CMP Media LLC, a tech media firm, where she supported national sales, led lead generation, and managed finances for new business development across six magazines. Outside work, she co-chairs the WYPR/WTMD Community Conversations Program and serves on their Community Advisory Board. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies from Hofstra University, underpinning her dedication to lifelong learning and professional excellence.
Jordan Dios
Jordan is an east coast native who relocated to Maryland after working for Walt Disney World in Florida. Currently, they work in higher education and are a founding member of their college’s gender affirming clothing closet. Their current goal for the closet is to gain a donation of chest binders for individuals who need them.
More About Jordan
Jordan has a passion for LGBTQIA+ acceptance and representation in higher education, and they serve on a committee whose purpose is to improve the campus climate for LGBTQIA+ individuals. While attending Penn State, they served as President of Ally House—a special living option for LGBTQIA+ students.
Julia Cosentino-Tich
Julia is a lifelong and current resident of Harford County. Her goal is to help other queer people of all ages feel seen, valid, joyful, and whole.
More About Julia
Professionally, she works as a Communications Manager for Chase Brexton Health Care where she manages projects within the Marketing and EDI Departments (Institute for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion), benefiting both patients and staff. Julia’s specific areas of interest and expertise (personal and professional) include storytelling, LGBTQIA+ older adults, neurodiversity, belonging, reading, crochet, and local arts.
Katie York (she/they)
Katie has worked in higher education administration for over a decade. They are a SafeZone Ally and an active member of their employer’s LGBTQ+ Committee for Advocacy, Support, and Inclusion. Katie is an advocate for racial equity, disability justice, and LGBTQIA+ rights.
More About Katie
Katie is a member of the Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna Board of Directors and was elected in 2022 to a county wide committee representing a major political party.
Katie moved to Harford County in 2011 and currently reside in Edgewood with their husband, teen, and goofy pug Egon. In their spare time, Katie enjoys spending time in nature, reading non-fiction, and crafting.
Sue Knause (she/her)
(Founding Member and Past President of UCBPride)
Sue is an architect and an IT specialist. She been engaged in activism over 25 years in the LGBTQIA+ community, starting with her involvement with LGBT youth shelters while in college and then with SoulForce, engaging in resolving spiritual violence against LGBTQIA+ individuals within religious organizations.
More About Sue
She was on the Boards of MCC of Tulsa and Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights. She currently is actively involved with the Unitarian Universalists Fellowship of Harford County and TWW. Sue enjoys painting and illustration and lives in Havre de Grace while raising her son.
Taylor (them/them)
Alyssa C. Taylor, LCSW-C (aka “Taylor”) is a queer nonbinary social worker who has been working in the mental health field in various roles since 2007.
More About Taylor
In the fall of 2013, they opened a private practice in Harford County specializing in LGBTQIA+ affirming and trauma-informed care. They utilize a strength-based client focused approach, including a combination of modalities such as EMDR, somatic methods, and equine therapy—all from a social justice lens. Taylor is also currently getting certified as a Body Trust provider. They utilize a HAES framework and are a fat positive provider who helps clients to build radical self-acceptance and love for their bodies. Taylor has been involved in animal rescue for many years, and has a BA in nonprofit business management from the Notre Dame of Maryland University and a masters in social work from Morgan State University. They live on a farm community with many animal (and some human friends). They look forward to help find ways to make Harford county more accepting, intersectional, and accessible for all.
Founding UCBPride Board Members
Sue Knause (she/her)
Founding Member and Past President
Sue is an architect and an IT specialist. She been engaged in activism over 25 years in the LGBTQIA+ community, starting with her involvement with LGBT youth shelters while in college and then with SoulForce, engaging in resolving spiritual violence against LGBTQIA+ individuals within religious organizations. She was on the Boards of MCC of Tulsa and Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights. She currently is actively involved with the Unitarian Universalists Fellowship of Harford County and TWW. Sue enjoys painting and illustration and lives in Havre de Grace while raising her son.
Sabra Kurth (she/her)
Founding Member
Sabra Kurth has been a longtime LGBTQIA+ ally who found a place to channel that activism into volunteering and supporting UCBPride. Additional community work included Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, Together We Will, and Moms Demand Action. She has run for public office and continues to seek activities that benefit her community.
Yvonne Matthews (she/her)
Founding Member
Yvonne is President of the Bel Air chapter of PFLAG and a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. She helped to form the PFLAG chapter in 2015, shortly after her older child came out as transgender. Yvonne used the experiences of her child transitioning to support others in understanding this part of their family member’s identity. Fierce as only a mother can be, she fights passionately for the LGBTQ community and takes every chance to educate anyone willing to learn. SShe will never stop her hard work to contribute to positive change and equality for all.
Wini Roche (she/her)
Founding Member
Wini brings a passion for people, service and more than 25 years of experience as a tourism economic development specialist. She is a proud ally, sponsor and founder of UCBPride. Wini created and launched Visit Harford! when the tourism program was being eliminated from the County. She owns a consulting firm (Roche & Associates) whose marketing and economic development services support small business, non-profits and communities across Maryland.
Paula Whitacre (she/her)
Founding Member
Paula is a lifelong resident of Harford County. She graduated from Lancaster Theological Seminary in 2017 with a Master of Divinity degree and is cleared for ordination pending call in the United Church of Christ. She is passionate about opportunities that encourage the LGBTQIA+ community to live to their potential; her work included encouraging local churches to be more inclusive of LGBTQIA+ people.