About Our Team

Father Charles Zlock - Chaplain

Fr. Charles Zlock is currently the Pastor of the Parish of St. Monica in Berwyn, PA.  He was born in Pottsville, PA, and grew up in Warminster and Doylestown. He was ordained by Cardinal Bevilacqua in 1994 and served as an Assistant Pastor at St. Martin of Tours Parish. Other assignments included School Minister / Faculty at Neumann – Goretti and Archbishop Wood High Schools, Chaplain at the University of Pennsylvania Newman Center, Pastor/Administrator at St. Mary and St. Lucy in Manayunk, Associate in the Office for Clergy as well as Rector at Malvern Retreat House. Academically Fr. Zlock went to high school at St. Joseph Prep then graduated from Susquehanna University with a B.S. in Management and a Business Certificate in German. He later matriculated at the University of South Carolina with a Master’s in International Business. After graduation, he worked in controlling and manufacturing in three different firms in Germany before returning to the United States to work in Philadelphia in computer sales. Among his interests are various outdoor activities (fly fishing, backpacking, canoe-camping, fishing) and he holds a second degree black belt in karate. 

Caitlin DeStefano - Communications & Social Media Intern

Caitlin is a Communications Intern and Social Media Content Creator for Peak Encounter Ministries. She is currently a junior at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, double majoring in Digital Marketing, and Information Systems and Technology. She is involved with multiple organizations on campus as well as rowing on the Women’s Division I Rowing Team. Caitlin’s hobbies include hiking, reading, listening to music, and spending time at the beach. She enjoys sharing her faith with Young Adults and combining her passion for content creation with her desire to serve the Lord and continue to grow in her faith. 

Abigail Gorman - Retreat Leader

Abigail has been involved with Peak since its inception as a member of Heather’s hiking group years ago. Peak’s vision of encountering God through nature resonates deeply with her spirituality. She is passionate about Catholic campus ministry, a love that was instilled through her undergraduate experience at St. Joseph’s University. Since then, she has worked professionally in campus ministry at both the high school and collegiate level, and is currently a campus minister at Villanova University. Abigail recently graduated from Villanova with her Master's in Theology & Pastoral Ministry. As a vocalist, she sings with the Firehill Worship band and cantors at many Philadelphia area parishes.

Andy Simpson - Leadership Development

Andy Simpson has served in a number of leadership roles for Peak. In addition to leading hikes for several events, Andy has been instrumental in developing Peak’s strategic vision and is helping to create Peak’s leadership development initiative. With a long career in the restaurant and hospitality industry, he is currently a senior executive for Cracker Barrel, Anserving as Regional Vice President of Operations for the Northeast. He and his wife Patti have raised three adult children, and the whole family are avid lovers of the outdoors – hiking, camping, boating – as well as being involved in various philanthropic causes, including the Bethesda Homeless Project.

Ava Thorley - Social Media

Born and raised in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Ava is one of Peak’s Social Media Specialists. She is currently attending Immaculata University, working towards a degree in Elementary Education with a Certification in Special Education. Her hobbies include playing volleyball, writing in her journal, lying on the beach, and going on outdoor adventures. Ava has a deep desire to share her faith with other young adults so they may see the beauty of a life with Christ.