Our People

Our Story

The Person First was founded with a simple but powerful belief: the tools that help the world’s greatest performers thrive shouldn’t be reserved for the elite few. Rooted in 30+ years of performance science pioneered by Dr. Jim Loehr, we’ve taken a proven framework and made it accessible to every young person regardless of background, zip code, or ability.

We partner with schools, sports organizations, arts programs, and more across five countries. We help young people build resilience, find purpose, and apply the tools to help them thrive.

Team

Kelsey Abergel

Executive Director

kelsey@thepersonfirst.org

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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

Education and Administrative Manager

andrea@thepersonfirst.org

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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@teamypi.com

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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 and Facilitator

paul@teamypi.com

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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.

We believe every young person deserves to thrive.

Board of Directors

Team

Our Advisory Board is made up of teen and young adult leaders.

Be part of what we’re building.