Meet Our Team
Vickie McGowan
Founder and Creative Director
In 2003, Vickie started Girl Friday Assistants as a way to work part time with a toddler in tow. Having worked in retail management for over two decades, she has a copious amount of customer service and leadership skills that are unmatched. Helping others has always been Vickie’s passion. It was that trait that sparked the original idea that became Girl Friday Assistants. Vickie’s superpower? Kindness and compassion. She has a heart of gold like no other!
When Vickie is not working you will often find her spending time with her son and his fiancé or her four furry friends, Luca, Daisy, Buddy and Sawyer. It isn’t unusual to find her in her car, radio on, windows down, singing and driving to the shore just to smell the salt air. Vickie also enjoys a loud competitive game night, sitting in a dark movie theatre, or relaxing with a good book and a hot bath!
Volunteering has always been a part of Vickie’s life and she has worked with several local charities for many years. She also manages and coordinates events for a well known local bookstore. Family is everything to Vickie, and you will often find her organizing a family Gingerbread House competition, planning a retirement trip for 18 family members to Walt Disney World, or making her nephew's favorite dessert, just because he called and asked for it!
Vickie’s vision of helping as many as she can has encouraged her to expand Girl Friday Assistants. Her goal is to be a leader to her team, live a balanced life, and make a difference in her client’s lives. With a partner by her side, Vickie’s vision is now a reality!
“I know how much I value my time spent with family and friends doing what I love. My goal in starting Girl Friday was to give that same gift of time to my clients, so they can enjoy everything that is important to them. Girl Friday Assistant’s mission is to positively impact each person we encounter, give them the very best service and to ultimately make their family feel like a part of our Girl Friday family. I feel so lucky and blessed to be able to do that.”
Amy Pasnak
Partner and Manager of Operations
Amy brings more than two decades of experience in healthcare management to Girl Friday Assistants. Her roles in senior management developed exceptional organizational skills and a rapport with patients of all ages. Joining Girl Friday Assistants has allowed her to focus on her favorite passion, helping people. Amy’s superpower? Unparalleled organizational skills. She has a knack for detail that will wow you!
Outside of work, she enjoys home improvement and design projects, spending time down the shore with her family, or going for walks with her canine friend, Cooper. You will always find Amy lending a helping hand to those she cares most about. From making floral arrangements for a family party, to running errands for a sick friend, Amy is the girl everyone can count on!
She believes in giving back and has served as a volunteer for a number of schools and organizations in her community. Her current philanthropic focus is with an organization that creates employment and social opportunities for people with disabilities.
“As a kid, I preferred sitting with my Mom-Mom and her sisters on the beach, learning to play Scrabble and listening to their stories. My connection with older people is a gift and it is part of my mission to make sure our seniors are respected and well cared for in our busy world. Through Girl Friday Assistants, I hope to use my talents and expertise to help make everyone’s day a little easier.”
Meet Our Assistants
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Julia Eckels
Julia has been her friends’ and family’s go-to pet sitter for as long as she can remember. Her family adopted their dog, Roxxie, in 2017 and their lives have been changed for the better. There’s nothing she wouldn’t do for her girl Roxxie, and she is confident there is nothing she wouldn’t do for your animals as well!
In her free time she loves creating anything art related. Crochet, painting, drawing, mosaic, jewelry making, sewing, she’s done it all! She also loves gardening, and is a crazy house plant lady!
Julia has handled all kinds of animal behaviors, ranging from puppies who constantly need love and attention that love to jump, bark, and lick, to senior cats who just need someone to feed them and give them space. She loves any time she gets to spend with dogs and cats, but will gladly take on any amphibians, reptiles, rodents, etc. If you think your animal is “too much” for her, challenge accepted! Julia can’t wait to meet your four-legged friends. -
Margaret Arndt
Retired from a distinguished 35-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, Margaret has dedicated decades to advancing healthcare and innovation. Beyond professional achievements, she is a proud parent of four children, balancing a busy career with a rich family life. Passionate about community and youth development, Margaret coaches youth volleyball and basketball, inspiring young athletes to build confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Margaret also enjoys agility training with Winnie, a lively Sheltie, combining fitness with fun and companionship. A lifelong learner at heart, Margaret treasures time spent with older generations, drawing wisdom and life lessons from their rich experiences. This blend of professional expertise, family dedication, community involvement, and personal growth defines Margaret’s fulfilling and multifaceted life journey.
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Diann Poole
After more than 25 years in corporate marketing, where she managed print services across multiple countries, Diann took a leap toward her true passion—holistic wellness. She returned to school to become a Holistic Wellness Practitioner and has since made health and well-being a personal mission for herself, her friends, and her family.
In reimagining her path, Diann also launched Balanced, a boutique, all-natural skincare brand rooted in the belief that effective skincare should be both simple and intentional. Her approach is all about clean, effective formulations that deliver visible results—without toxins and without compromise. Because to Diann, healthy skin should never be complicated.
As a lifelong artist, Diann expresses her creativity through a variety of mediums. She’s also an avid gardener, a furniture refinishing enthusiast, and a proud pet parent to Beau—a senior cockapoo with plenty of personality and charm.
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Bobbi Wagner
For nearly a decade, Bobbi has been the trusted right hand to busy households—first as a professional nanny for over nine years, and now as a versatile personal assistant. Her career path has also taken her through marketing, restaurant management, and studies in elementary and special education, giving her a well-rounded skill set and an ability to adapt to just about any challenge. Whether she’s organizing a home, running errands, caring for pets, or planning enriching activities, Bobbi approaches each task with reliability, creativity, and heart.
Bobbi is known for her calm presence, quick problem-solving, and deep commitment to the people she works with. Families praise her ability to build genuine connections, create structure, and bring a sense of ease to even the busiest days. She thrives on helping others live more balanced, fulfilling lives—whether that means supporting parents as they raise confident, capable children or making sure the details of a household run seamlessly behind the scenes.
When she’s not helping clients, Bobbi loves being part of a bowling team, competing in a co-ed axe throwing league, and singing karaoke with friends. At home, she enjoys the company of her two cats, Cinder and Soot, and stays active in her community. Bobbi is excited to bring her warmth, versatility, and dedication to each new client, making life not just easier—but a little brighter.
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Lesley Psaris
Lesley obtained her Masters in Education focusing on Psychological Services from UPenn while working in HR. This lady can multi-task! During her undergrad, she participated in Semester at Sea and explored impoverished, developing communities. Lesley maintains a deep respect for cultures and communities of all kinds.
Lesley has hands-on experience caring for and supporting populations of all ages afflicted with a variety of mental illnesses and behavior disorders, autism and/or physical limitations. She loves animals and has experience working and volunteering in fields such as catering and event planning, providing elderly companionship/care and creating floral bouquets/arrangements. She especially enjoys creating centerpieces for events. She easily connects with people of all ages and backgrounds and gets great enjoyment helping with projects both inside and outside the home.
In Lesley’s free time she cherishes spending time with her family and friends - enjoying the great outdoors in the Poconos. Lesley loves gardening, kayaking, paddle-boarding, hiking and baking! She also loves her work bench, tools and crafting! NO craft is too big!
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Sue Robinson
Sue is a compassionate, kind hearted person who values family and friendship. A proud mom of 3 college aged children who all attended the Rose Tree Media School District and furthered their education at West Virginia, Penn State and Bloomsburg Universities. Together they enjoy their silly pets, Quinn their 8-year old cat with attitude, and Johnny, their 1 year old Golden mix with lots of personality.
Sue and her husband Keith have been married for nearly 30 years and are both the youngest of six with a very large extended family of many nieces and nephews. Holidays can be a real challenge but always worth every moment spending time together.
After working in administration for 18 years, she worked part time while raising her children and caring for ailing parents, specifically dealing with Alzheimers and Parkinsons diseases. During this time she juggled many different positions that allowed her the flexibility to focus on her family. Most recently, she enjoyed combining her love for animals and compassion with people by working as a dog walker and a client relations specialist at a local emergency veterinarian hospital.
She is family-oriented, dependable and always willing to lend a hand. She brings compassion and care to all that she does. In her spare time she enjoys trail walks, nature and wildlife, gardening and visits to her family's beach house in Cape May.
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Valeri Riesenfeld
For most of her professional career, Valeri has been working with the public. After college, she was an account coordinator in the cosmetic industry. She then chose a different career path and worked as a freelance court stenographer for 15 years.
Seeking more flexibility after the birth of her son, she co-owned two small businesses, selling costume jewelry and children’s clothing.
Valeri enjoys spending time with friends and family, yoga, walks with her husband and two dogs, Baxter and Bentley, art projects, home decorating and traveling with her husband and son.
She’s excited to be a part of Girl Friday Assistants and looks forward to helping in any way that she can.
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Kim McClosky
Kim is blessed to be the mom of three amazing young women. She was a homeroom mom for her girls for years. She planned many class parties, recognitions and school dances. One of Kim’s favorite experiences was when her children were in elementary school. For many years, she was not only a chocolatier but also ran the kitchen for the Rose Tree Strawberry Festival. A huge undertaking!
Kim has a passion for entertaining. She loves to cook for friends and family and she is her friends’ go-to assistant for their parties. Kim loves animals and has always had dogs and cats. After the passing of her dog Bruno, she is still heartbroken and unable to get another. She fills that void by watching her friends' dogs in her own home when they are on vacation. Kim just loves helping people, and can’t wait to help you too.
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Sophie Pasnak
Sophie is a rising senior at Manhattan University where she is an Exercise Science major and Biology minor. She is a member of their division 1 lacrosse team. She loves spending her time being creative and active. She loves working with kids. She was a dance teacher at From The Top dance studio for four years and has babysitting experience for numerous families in the area. She also loved spending time with her furry friends especially with her dog Cooper. She looks forward to helping you!
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Michaela Morgan
Michaela lives in Media and teaches social studies in Drexel Hill.
Currently she’s taking classes part time to get her Master’s degree in Transformative Education and Social Change at West Chester University.
In her free time she loves theater, listening to podcasts, and reading.
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Skylar Smith
Skylar is currently entering her senior year at Rutgers University, where she is majoring in Communications with a minor in Business Administration. Skylar just spent a semester abroad in Italy.
She enjoys spending time with her three dogs (three Bassett Hounds!) and her family. With very flexible availability, she would love the opportunity to help and is happy to provide her services upon request.
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Caleb Siever
Caleb is a rising senior at The Haverford School. He is involved in multiple programs such as the mock trial team, the environmental club, and is a faculty-selected tour guide captain (where he tours important prospective parents).
Outside of school, Caleb enjoys baseball, going fishing, playing golf, and spending time with his 10 year old pitbull, Spike.