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. Our programs are rooted in the 30+ years of applied research by world-renowned, Performance Psychologist Dr. Jim Loehr – encompassing actionable, science-backed skills that are essential for personal and professional growth. We help learners 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.

Staff

Kelsey Abergel

Kelsey Abergel is the founding Executive Director of The Person First, where she leads the organization’s mission to strengthen purpose, resilience, and well-being in young people worldwide. A bridge-builder, educator, and youth advocate, Kelsey is committed to expanding access and creating meaningful opportunities that drive sustainable impact. Her career spans the classroom, technology, strategic consulting, and the scaling of enterprise EdTech solutions across national and international platforms. Passionate about making a difference at scale, Kelsey believes in harnessing the power of technology to build community, foster empathy, and support the growth of young people everywhere.

Andrea Rose Cardoni

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

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

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.

 

Board of Directors

Dr. Jim Loehr

Co-founder, Board Member

Seal

Board Member

Gordon Uehling

Co-founder, Board Member

Dr. Sheila Ohlsson Walker

Board Member

Ethan Lin

Board Member

Buck Buckley

Board Member

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.