ABOUT

The Person First

The Person First is built on the science of better health and empowers youth and young adults to strengthen their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, to live with greater purpose and impact. Rooted in the work of Dr. Jim Loehr, we help young people align who they are on the inside with how they show up in the world, offering practical tools for wiser choices, stronger character, and a more meaningful life.

Our work unfolds through three levels of engagement designed to meet youth exactly where they are. The Explorer Path (free) provides short, accessible lessons introducing Inner Voice, decision-making, and personal values. The All Access Pass is a full, 30+ lesson journey in energy management, emotional literacy, purpose-building, and the Four Pillars of Health. Our Premium Coaching Experience integrates the full curriculum with personalized coaching, live workshops, and real-world, life skills training. This is a powerful opportunity for youth, parents, educators, and entire communities seeking transformative tools. 

The Meaning Within The Person First Logo

Stacked stones—cairns—remind us of balance and respect. They mark our journey, honor the land beneath us, and quietly guide those who walk alongside and after us.

An unobstructed sunrise is an invitation: to reset, breathe, and meet the day with openness and gratitude.

A seated person with gently folded limbs reflects grounded presence—turning inward, bringing breath, body, and attention into one receptive center.

Lastly, Dr. Jim Loehr’s four dimensions of health are highlighted through the colors of the stacked and interlocking stones. Physical health is the foundation. It includes sleep, nutrition, movement, and recovery, providing the fuel and stability for what follows. Built on that base, Emotional energy informs self awareness, resilience, and our ability to be kind and walk with integrity. Mental energy gives us the focus to shift our mindset, maintain a positive attitude, and practice positive self-talk. Spiritual energy grounds our purpose and values, aligning our actions with what matters most. Strengthening this foundation helps us navigate cycles of stress, recovery, and growth across all areas of life.

OUR LEADERSHIP

Board of Directors

OUR LEADERSHIP

Staff

Kelsey Abergel
Executive Director
Kelsey Abergel is the founding Executive Director of The Person First. Kelsey’s career has spanned from the classroom, to technology and strategic consulting, to scaling enterprise EdTech solutions both nationally and internationally. Kelsey is passionate about making an impact at scale for youth and believes in harnessing the power of technology to create community and impact.
Andrea Rose Cardoni
Education and Administrative Manager
Andrea spent her early career working in classrooms all throughout Philadelphia, curating curriculum that allows students to explore Theatre Performance through lessons in Social Emotional Learning. She believes in lessons that equip students with the confidence and tools to express themselves freely, and that they truly can be transformative. She is dedicated to continuing this work with The Person First.
Chloe Beck
Communications and Engagement Specialist
Chloe is a former collegiate and professional tennis player who competed at the highest levels while earning her Psychology degree from Duke University. Her experiences as an athlete inspired her passion for mental health advocacy and resilience. At The Person First, she combines her background in athletics, psychology, and communications to create authentic storytelling and engagement strategies. Chloe is dedicated to sparking meaningful conversations around well-being and inspiring young people to grow with confidence, purpose, and impact.
Paul Frantzich
Coach, Facilitator & Community Builder
Paul Frantzich is a coach, artist, and community builder who moves between music, myth, and leadership with ease. Shaped by his years of performing as a singer-songwriter and his spiritual apprenticeship with poet Robert Bly, Paul draws on the arts to open spaces of reflection, resilience, and renewal. He has guided brand leaders, teams, and individuals toward new ways of seeing and creating, blending strategy with story and art. At The Person First, Paul helps individuals and communities uncover their hidden strengths and live into a more connected, authentic, and inspired future.

Person First Advisory Board

The Person First Advisory Board is our group of teen and young adult leaders whose diverse skills, perspectives, and lived experiences help shape our programs. They offer feedback, insight, and guidance to ensure our work truly reflects and supports the needs of young people.