About
Our Story
In 2016, a group of students at Olney High School in Northeast Philadelphia approached one of their teachers with a problem. They craved the skills and knowledge to become self-sufficient, the mindset to plan their futures, and the resources to make these visions a reality. Their teacher, Dan LaSalle, understood what they were asking for: these students wanted to build wealth.
Drawing on his background in classroom teaching, educational psychology, and cognitive science, Mr. LaSalle launched an afterschool program to meet his students' needs. With only a small budget for supplies and materials, he aimed to cultivate their wealth-building potential without the aid of textbooks, lectures, or homework.
His students quickly embraced Mr. LaSalle's financial literacy program, and it became a school-wide phenomenon. The Niche Clinic was born.
Read more about us at the following links:
From its earliest days, The Niche Clinic has distinguished itself from other financial literacy programs.
The Niche Clinic is “experiential”
Our students learn by doing. We believe that only minimal direct instruction is needed to set young people on the path toward long-term financial success.
The Niche Clinic prioritizes student choice
To honor the contributions of the young people who sparked the idea behind our program, participants are empowered to set their own goals and chart their own path to success.
The Niche Clinic is grounded in “learn and earn”
There is no substitute for the dignity of work that is fairly compensated. We provide opportunities for young people to earn real money through internships, project-based learning, and entrepreneurship, earning a headline in MarketWatch as “The Most Innovative Financial Literacy Program in the U.S.”
Our Staff
Dan LaSalle
FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dan is a lover of philosophy, financial literacy and economic theories. He is a radical empiricist and founded The Niche Clinic because he believes the best learning occurs when knowledge can be tied to experience.
Chris Santantasio
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
After five years as a public school teacher, Chris began fundraising on behalf of arts and education nonprofits in Philadelphia. Specializing in small to mid-sized nonprofits seeking to grow and scale, Chris has raised millions of dollars over the past ten years for organizations across the country, from D.C. to Silicon Valley. He holds a master of fine arts degree in creative writing from The Ohio State University, and a bachelor of music from SUNY Potsdam.
Jessica Inskeep
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Jessica has years of experience as an educator, working with various schools, nonprofit organizations, families, and local communities in Delaware and Pennsylvania. She is a highly dedicated, organized, and driven professional with experience in public speaking, communications, planning and coordinating large events, special education, and leadership. She holds a master’s degree in secondary education and teaching from Johns Hopkins University, and a B.A. in history from the University of Delaware. Additionally, she has also gained certificates in educational leadership and women-focused leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Trinity Matthews
FINANCE COACH
Trinity is a dedicated youth advocate and educator who is passionate about supporting young people in Philadelphia. With experience in job readiness and case management, she helps youth build confidence, life skills, and a strong foundation for their future. Trinity has worked closely with young people impacted by the juvenile justice system and is committed to creating safe spaces where they feel supported and understood. She joined The Niche Clinic because she believes every young person deserves guidance, opportunity, and a second chance. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, helping her community, and cooking.
Chris Bishop
FINANCE COACH
Chris has been teaching math and personal finance in Philadelphia for over 15 years. He earned his bachelor's degree at Bucknell University and his master's degree in education at the University of Pennsylvania, and he loves teaching students about the power of money and how to use it to build one's wealth and well-being. He joined The Niche Clinic so that he could help as many students in Philadelphia as possible to reach their financial and life goals. In addition to teaching personal finance, Chris plays guitar in two different bands, watches lots of movies, and spends as much time as he can with his friends and family.
Our Board
Ashley Clark
PRESIDENT
Paul H. Jenssen
TREASURER
As Owner of Jenssen Consulting, Paul has over 50 years of business experience and over 15 years of teaching. He started his career at Deloitte, was the Treasurer at Associated Press and held several roles at Rothschild North America investment bank including CFO and COO. He is a CPA, has held several NASD licenses and is certified in NY to teach Social Studies and Business/Marketing. Since 2008 he has taught economics and business at a private school, GED at a county jail and at the Allentown Literacy Center. Paul has a BS in Accounting from State University of NY at Albany, an MBA from Columbia University NY, and a Master’s in Education from Hofstra University.
Erin Dunkel
DIRECTOR
Erin is an accomplished marketer with more than 30 years of experience leading strategic marketing and communications efforts. She has been the ‘Chief Storyteller” for a wide range of businesses. She has experience in industries including technology, healthcare, business services, consulting, and nonprofits, and has been a solopreneur as well as principal owner of a full-service marketing consulting firm. Erin received her B.A. in Spanish from The College of William and Mary, and her M.S. in Marketing from Johns Hopkins University.
Nick Bellos
DIRECTOR
Nick Bellos is an attorney at Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller, where he litigates complex civil litigation matters on behalf of businesses, government agencies, and individuals. Before becoming a lawyer, Nick worked as a business consultant and high school history teacher.
Jessica Meltzer
DIRECTOR
Jessica is a Senior Business Transformation Lead at Vanguard Charitable, where she leads cross-functional initiatives that enhance philanthropic programs and drive organizational effectiveness. With more than a decade of experience across client services, operations, and program management, Jessica brings deep expertise in donor engagement and nonprofit strategy. A Philadelphia-area native, she is passionate about advancing community impact through mission-driven leadership.
Maria Onaindia
DIRECTOR
Maria is Senior Research Analyst at the Idaho Board of Education. Originally from Kimberly, ID, Maria attended Wellesley College where she graduated with BA in Mathematics and Economics in 2011. She spent two years working as a Business Analyst on a valuations team at Capital One. In 2014 she refocused her career toward service, working as an educator before shifting her focus to juvenile justice policy research.
Directors Emeriti
The Niche Clinic is immensely grateful for the commitments and efforts of our past Directors.
Justin Meltzer
Yanely Espinal
Rajprasath Subramanian
Laura Kirkpatrick
Dr. Eric Friedlander