About Camphill Soltane

Executive Director

Krysta Knaster is an administrator, craftsperson, and educator. Upon graduation from the University of the Arts with her BFA in Photography, she worked in higher education administration at the University of the Arts and then at Gwynedd Mercy University.

In 2017, she came to Camphill Soltane to work in the weavery as the Textiles Assistant. Since then, Krysta has continued to grow her passion, knowledge, and interest in working with people with intellectual disabilities through meaningful work in visual arts and crafts. Most recently, as the Enterprise Operations Director of Camphill Soltane, she enjoyed creating opportunities for people of all abilities to explore their talents and learn new skills in the social enterprises, Soltane Cafe & Soltane Arts. As she enters this new chapter as Executive Director, Krysta is excited to lead and inspire others to continue to carry out the vital mission of Camphill Soltane.

kknaster@camphillsoltane.org

Chief Operating Officer

Kellie Smith serves as Chief Operating Officer, bringing a wealth of experience and a lifelong commitment to empowering individuals through person-centered services. She earned her B.A. in Human Services from Chestnut Hill College and began her career as a direct supporter in day programs, residential services, and the Special Olympics. Throughout her career, Kellie has championed for programs to remain inclusive, innovative, and tailored to the needs and aspirations of each person. She is deeply dedicated to fostering a culture of self-determination, where every voice is heard and valued, and to building holistic programming that promotes growth, independence, and belonging. Outside of her professional work, Kellie enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, reading, and finding creative ways to upcycle.

ksmith@camphillsoltane.org

Director of Engagement

Heather has worked alongside individuals with intellectual differences since 2004, and first joined the Camphill Soltane community in 2014 as a Direct Support Professional, later serving as a Residential Manager, Program Specialist, and Supports Director.

In her current work as Engagement Director, Heather collaborates with the team to plan and coordinate classes, workshops, events, and seasonal festivals that enrich community life. She serves as the first point of contact for new participants, offering welcoming tours of campus and helping each person feel at home from the start. Heather also supports Camphill Soltane's hospitality initiatives, hosting gatherings, celebrations, and overnight guests on campus with care and attention to detail. She is excited to lead a new vocational training program in hospitality, inviting people of all abilities to join the effort in providing a warm, unique, and beautiful experience for renters looking to hold their special events or book overnight stays at Soltane.

Heather enjoys spending time in nature and the garden, sharing conversations over a good cup of coffee, quality time with friends and family, and exploring new artistic endeavors. She has lived at Soltane since 2018 and is deeply grateful to be part of this incredible community of people.

hfewkes@camphillsoltane.org

Director of Land Planning and Protection

Alyssa has settled into the role of Land Planning and Protection Director after years of organic vegetable farming. She has a love for fresh produce, local economy, and world travel. She enjoys novels, yoga, and lively conversation over a cup of coffee. Alyssa oversees employees and volunteers for the care of the Camphill Soltane orchards, gardens, greenhouse, and animals. She also instructs yoga, rock climbing, and botanical crafting classes and leads the Barista-in-Training initiative in the Greenhouse Cafe. Working and living at Camphill Soltane has provided her with a deep sense of community with her neighbors, the land, and the animals which reside there.

ascarborough@camphillsoltane.org

Director of Development & Marketing

Allison-Rose came to Camphill Soltane in 2022 after serving at The Camphill School for almost ten years running a day student house and teaching. She was introduced to Camphill Soltane when she began bringing her Functional Academics students over to the Soltane Greenhouse twice a week for several years. There she watched students who couldn't manage in a traditional classroom setting make tremendous progress and show enormous interest working with soil and plants in the beautiful space. When the opportunity opened up to become a part of Camphill Soltane, Allison-Rose took her love of plants, people, and music to fuel her creativity for her next chapter! She is very proud to be a part of her second Camphill community working to create a more beautiful future for people with intellectual differences!

arcisik@camphillsoltane.org

Soltane Cafe Manager

Sandra has a Business Degree, Business School of Zurich, Switzerland, and a Bachelor degree in Education (French and German, K-12), West Chester University. She got involved for the first time with Camphill Soltane in 2005 when she was volunteering as a Mentor to a young woman with ID. This experience was life changing for Sandra and she has been working and/or volunteering with people with intellectual differences ever since. Among other ventures, Sandra was the Administrator for the Camphill Resident's Trust for 16 years. Sandra has been managing Soltane Café in Phoenixville since April 2024. She is passionate about the inclusive coffee shop, the happiness of her team, providing meaningful work for everyone, and about connecting Soltane and its beautiful mission to the wider community. Sandra enjoys spending time with her large family and with friends. She balances the ever so bustling Café life with time in nature by paddle boarding, skiing, or hiking with her dog, Kuma.

sbalazinski@camphillsoltane.org