The Grotto Community Center began as an idea to hold space for collaboration between creatives and small business owners of all types in South Central PA.
The Grotto Community Center was located on Continental Square in york, PA from 2019 - early 2025. The organization is now located in our forever home at 17 e. philadelphia St.
Alexa Born, Interim Executive Director
A big believer in people pursuing their dreams, Alexa is a supporter of both the arts and entrepreneurship.
When she’s not at The Grotto, she’s gardening, hanging with her dogs, and cooking good food for friends and family. Also, she loves surprises.
She’s excited to walk alongside The Grotto Community during this next phase of its growth. You’ll find her either at the front desk or making new spaces ready throughout our 30,000 square foot campus. She’s waiting to get you a key to The Grotto!
Helen Tafesse, Creative Lead
Helen is a vibrant creator in South Central Pennsylvania.
She has built a deep portfolio of creative projects and events through her company, Older & Wiser Co. Take a look at her work and learn why she creates.
At The Grotto, Helen is in charge of making our creative event series happen. She makes big connections and creates exciting experiences for our community. Stay in touch with what she’s up to by becoming a
Lizz Dawson, Marketing Manager
Lizz Dawson is a writer, poet, artist, and professor from York, PA with an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School in NYC. She’s held editorial positions at various magazines and organizations, won things, and her writing has been published in print and online (Peatsmoke Journal, Hayden’s Ferry Review, The Rumpus, etc). She has a decade of experience in marketing and copywriting.
But most importantly, she loves baking in the sun, interior design, travel, and a dance club almost as much as a coffee shop. Currently, she teaches creative writing at York College, writes a Substack called Hangry Ghost, and is working on two books (maybe three, who knows).
Makayla Dyson, Event Manager
A recent graduate of Penn State York, Makayla loves helping people bring their ideas to life. She has a marketing background and entrepreneurial experience through the York LaunchBox, and she’s always excited to learn new things.
Outside of The Grotto, you’ll find her playing in various volleyball leagues, spending time with her loved ones, and discovering new local cafes in York.
She’s looking forward to welcoming members, making connections, and growing alongside The Grotto community!
GROWTH INTO THE FUTURE
The Grotto began as a vision: for isolated creatives and entrepreneurs to work together in community. In partnership with Grotto Community Benefit, LLC - a social enterprise, mission-backed business. We have moved into our new location, the Grotto Commons at 17 E. Philadelphia Street.
The Commons is our exciting next step toward maximizing our footprint in York. We are dreaming big by asking the question, what if? Will you join us?
Board of Directors
Alexa Born
Meagan Given
Alyssa Gross
Rahad Khan
Sharee McFadden, Vice President
Trisha Melikian
Hunter Schenck
Benjamin Spangler, Secretary
Tiffani Spangler, Treasurer
Gregory Timmons, President
Skyler Yost, Past President