WVIA Announces New Original Documentary Film, Making NEPA Home A Story of Resilience and Belonging Northeastern Pennsylvania will take center stage when WVIA premieres its newest original documentary film, Making NEPA Home. The documentary, produced, directed, and edited by WVIA’s Kara Washington, premieres Wednesday, October 16th at 7 p.m. on WVIA TV and will be streaming live on WVIA’s Facebook and YouTube pages and at WVIA.org. Making NEPA Home is part of WVIA’s We Stand Against Hate initiative, which shines a light on stories of resilience, unity, and cultural diversity. The film shares the journeys of four refugees and immigrants from diverse backgrounds who left their homelands in search of safety and new opportunities, ultimately settling in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Through personal stories, cultural traditions, and moments of community connection, Making NEPA Home reveals the resilience and contributions of these neighbors as they help shape the region’s evolving identity. The journey builds toward an emotional finale at Scranton’s annual World Refugee Day celebration, honoring the universal search for safety, dignity, and a place to call home. Along the way, the film also highlights the critical role of local service providers and community organizations that make resettlement possible. Filmmaker Kara Washington shared, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to use WVIA’s platform to share voices and stories that often go unheard. Everyone I’ve spoken with, from refugees and immigrants to the local organizations supporting them, cares deeply about improving lives. That kind of compassion is inspiring, and it’s what makes our community such a special place to call home.” WVIA is proud to host a series of special public screenings ahead of the broadcast premiere of Making NEPA Home. These events will give our community the chance to preview a portion of the documentary, engage in a meaningful conversation with the filmmaker, and reflect on the powerful stories of refugees and immigrants in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “Making NEPA Home is about more than survival, it’s about the courage to rebuild, the beauty of cultural exchange, and the strength of community,” said WVIA President & CEO, Carla McCabe. “We hope viewers walk away with a deeper understanding of what it means to welcome and be welcomed, not just in NEPA, but all over the world.” The official Making NEPA Home trailer can be viewed here and click here to find more details on upcoming screenings. Funding support for Making NEPA Home provided by The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, The Luzerne Foundation, and Scranton Area Community Foundation. Media Opportunities WVIA welcomes interview requests with filmmaker Kara Washington and members of the WVIA production team. To schedule please contact Holly Biondo, WVIA Marketing & Communications Manager at hollybiondo@wvia.org.
Peoples Security Bank & Trust Expands Luzerne County Mortgage Team Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company (PSBT) announced the addition of two experienced mortgage loan originators to its Luzerne County market. Rose Mahler has joined as Mortgage Loan Originator/Team Leader, and Ellen Leighton has joined as Vice President, Mortgage Loan Originator. “Adding Rose and Ellen to our Luzerne County mortgage team strengthens our ability to meet the growing home financing needs in the region,” said Jerry Champi, CEO. “Their experience and customer-first approach will help more people in our community achieve their homeownership goals.” Rose Mahler Mahler has more than 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry. She specializes in Conventional, FHA, VA, Rural Housing, and First-Time Homebuyer programs, while also leading and mentoring a team of loan originators to ensure compliance and customer satisfaction. Before joining PSBT, Mahler served as Mortgage Originator/Regional Sales Manager at Luzerne Bank and previously worked at Northwest Bank. She began her career at MGE Mortgage. Mahler earned a Bachelor of Science degree from King’s College and has been recognized with the PHFA Originator Award for her outstanding work in affordable housing lending. She has also been active in the community, previously serving on the YMCA Wilkes-Barre Community Board, graduating from Leadership Wilkes-Barre, and participating as a member of the Junior League of Wilkes-Barre. Ellen Leighton Leighton brings more than 40 years of experience in the mortgage industry. In her role as Vice President/Mortgage Loan Officer, she will provide financing solutions tailored to the needs of local clients and partner with area realtors to deliver programs that best fit each customer’s situation. Her focus is on helping individuals and families finance their dream homes. Prior to joining PSBT, Leighton held mortgage lending positions at Luzerne Bank and Landmark Community Bank and also served as a partner in a mortgage company. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her sales performance, customer service, and ability to build lasting relationships. In 2024, she earned the Top Producing Mortgage Originator Award from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) for her work in affordable housing lending. A graduate of Bishop Hannan High School and Lackawanna College, Leighton is also active in the community. She serves on the fundraising committee for Coffee Inclusive, an initiative that supports employment opportunities for individuals with special needs.
Marywood University Offering Free Mental Health Screenings October 9, 2025, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Marywood University’s Psychological Services Center According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2021), 8.3% of adults experience a major depressive episode. The World Health Organization (2019) estimates that 280 million people of all ages suffer from depression worldwide. Screening for depression and other mood disorders provides individuals and families with the opportunity to identify warning signs early and to connect with appropriate treatment. It is important to note that symptoms can look different across and within cultures. National Depression Screening Day, set for October 9, 2025, serves as a supportive community initiative to connect the public with mental health resources. Through this program, free depression screenings are offered at Marywood’s Psychological Services Center, located in the McGowan Center on the university’s campus. The screenings will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Each screening lasts approximately 15 minutes. Early recognition and treatment of depression provide the best opportunity for recovery. The screenings offered at Marywood University’s Psychological Services Center are free, confidential, brief, and require no appointment or commitment. Although the screenings are not diagnostic, they do provide valuable insight. Additionally, screenings can help to identify symptoms associated with depression or other mood disorders and clarify if help may be needed. For questions about depression screenings or other mental health concerns, please contact Marywood’s Psychological Services Center at (570) 348-6269. Written by: Kelsey Herrity and Ethan Warner, student therapists at Marywood University.
The Wright Center Launches Free Monthly Newsletter The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education is excited to announce the launch of The Wright Source, a brand-new, free monthly electronic newsletter. The Wright Source will keep patients and community partners informed, inspired, and connected to the health and wellness landscape of Northeast Pennsylvania. Each issue will be filled with valuable insights, local updates, and uplifting stories, including: Practical health and wellness tips you can use every day Community events and activities for all ages Delicious, healthy recipes to try at home Introductions to our newest clinicians and their specialties Updates on new service lines and programs And much more to help improve the health and well-being of our communities across Northeast Pennsylvania To subscribe to The Wright Source, visit bit.ly/WrightSource and enter your name and email address to get started.
The Wright Center for Community Health Earns First Accreditation The Wright Center for Community Health’s case management services recently earned a three-year accreditation from an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services. Following a site visit in August 2025, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International granted The Wright Center’s case management services accreditation through Aug. 31, 2028 – the highest level possible. Founded in 1966, CARF International’s mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process. “This achievement is an indication of your organization’s dedication and commitment to improving the quality of the lives of patients served,” according to CARF International’s accreditation letter to The Wright Center. “There is strong evidence that patients are benefiting from the services they receive from The Wright Center, as evidenced by their own words, reviews of individual records, and a variety of other reviews and reports.” The Wright Center sought accreditation through CARF International for its case management services at its Ryan White HIV Clinic and Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence, according to officials. Case management is a process in which clinicians assess patients and develop a team-based treatment plan tailored to each person’s specific needs. The patient is regularly monitored and assessed to make sure they are progressing as expected. CARF officials visited several of The Wright Center’s community health centers, including Clarks Summit, Mid Valley, North Scranton, and Scranton, to interview staff and patients, and review records. They also examined records from The Wright Center’s community health centers in Hawley, North Pocono, Tunkhannock, Wayne, and Wilkes-Barre. An accreditation report issued by CARF praised The Wright Center’s excellent technology planning and implementation, as well as its exceptional knowledge and use of a variety of data gathering, measurement, analysis, and reporting activities. They also noted The Wright Center’s deep focus on expanding services to meet community needs, as well as its commitment to whole-person primary health services for patients of all ages, income levels, and insurance statuses. “This accreditation shows that The Wright Center is providing the highest standard of evidence-based care,” said Louis Strazzeri, director of behavioral health integration, social, and case management services. “We are honored that CARF has validated what we have long understood – that our patients receive exceptional, team-based care that empowers them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.” Click here for information about The Wright Center’s case management services at its Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence Click here for information about its case management services at its Ryan White HIV Clinic
The Wright Center’s Brian Ebersole Recognized and Honored Brian Ebersole, vice president of academic affairs and associate designated institutional official for The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, was recently selected for City & State Pennsylvania’s “Forty in their 40s” list. The list celebrates Pennsylvania’s most influential and accomplished leaders across nonprofits, government, business, and media, honoring their exceptional achievements, visionary leadership, advocacy, philanthropic contributions, and deep commitment to bettering lives and championing progress throughout the commonwealth. The multimedia news organization selected Ebersole in recognition of his visionary leadership in transforming health care workforce development through innovative, community-rooted graduate medical education models that are expanding opportunities, addressing physician shortages, and improving health equity across the nation. To read the list, go to cityandstatepa.com. “I’m grateful to City & State Pennsylvania for this recognition that reflects the collective efforts of so many of my mission-driven partners at The Wright Center who are working to reshape how we train physicians and serve communities,” said Ebersole. “At The Wright Center, we believe the future of health care starts in the neighborhoods that need it most, and I’m proud to help build that future alongside such dedicated colleagues, board members, learners, patients, and partners.” A visionary leader in graduate medical education, Ebersole played a pivotal role in designing and advancing The Wright Center’s innovative Graduate Medical Education Safety-Net Consortium. Through this model, he transformed residency training by placing physician learners in community health centers, rather than traditional hospital settings, to equip them with better practical, community-rooted experience while addressing physician shortages and improving retention in underserved areas. Ebersole also secured critical federal funding, forged strategic partnerships, and established a sustainable health care workforce pipeline that prioritizes community health over institutional convenience. In 2013, he further advanced The Wright Center’s mission “to improve the health and welfare of our communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve” by launching its National Family Medicine Residency Program, which was the first nationally coordinated network of high-performing, patient-centered Federally Qualified Health Centers serving as unified training sites under a single, centrally managed program. Under his leadership, both initiatives have become scalable and replicable national models that redefine how and where America’s future physicians are trained. Ebersole has more than two decades of experience in health policy and innovation. Before his current position, he served as senior vice president of mission delivery and business development at The Wright Center, successfully securing federal, state, and local funding to support and expand a wide range of programs. He previously held public health leadership roles under four Pennsylvania governors and served as senior director of health innovations at Geisinger Health System, where he focused on initiatives addressing social needs across Northeast Pennsylvania. A founding member of the American Association of Teaching Health Centers, he rejoined the organization’s executive committee as treasurer in 2023. He also serves on The Institute’s Health and Health Care Task Force and is actively involved with several community-based nonprofits. A native of Duncannon, Pennsylvania, Ebersole earned a Bachelor of Arts in politics and education from Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. He has a son, Keegan, and resides in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, with his husband, Jeff Smith. For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health and The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Penn State Scranton Announces Staff Updates Penn State Scranton has announced several staff updates, including new titles and responsibilities across various departments. These changes reflect the University’s continued commitment to strengthening its leadership and support structures to enhance its academic and administrative operations. Admissions Office Alex Ellsworth Alex Ellsworth has been named the regional associate director of enrollment management at Penn State Scranton. Ellsworth earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Scranton in 2015 and completed a master’s degree in higher education through Penn State World Campus in 2024. Previously serving as the interim director of enrollment management at Penn State Wilkes-Barre, he now takes on expanded responsibilities overseeing daily operations for the admissions departments at both the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre campuses. In addition to his new role, Ellsworth will serve as a regional leader for the three northeast campuses further supporting recruitment and enrollment efforts across the region. Aaron Mattern Aaron Mattern has been appointed senior regional director of enrollment management for Penn State Scranton, Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre. Mattern holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Marywood University and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from the University of Valley Forge. Previously serving as the director of enrollment management at Penn State Hazleton, Mattern now leads the regional enrollment management team across all three campuses. His responsibilities include overseeing admissions and financial aid efforts by implementing strategic recruitment and yield initiatives tailored to each campus while adopting a unified regional approach where appropriate. Alyssa Russel Alyssa Russel has been appointed student aid coordinator and VA school certifying official at the campus. In this role, she oversees student aid processes, serves on the Scholarship Committee and helps award institutional scholarships. Russel also provides counseling to students and families about financial aid options and assists with the FAFSA and awarding stages. Starting March 1, Russel’s title will change to VA Point of Contact, though her responsibilities are expected to remain the same. Bursar’s Office Tina Weidele Tina Weidele has been named regional financial officer for Penn State Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton. A graduate of Kutztown University with a degree in secondary mathematics and a minor in music, Weidele previously served as assistant financial officer at Penn State Lehigh Valley. In her new role, she oversees budgeting and financial operations to ensure alignment with University policies and regional planning initiatives. Center for Business Development and Community Outreach (CBDCO) Office Jo Ann Durdan Jo Ann Durdan has been appointed interim regional lead of Continuing Education for Penn State Scranton, Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre. In this role, she is responsible for developing and overseeing continuing education programs, including workforce development, youth programs and budget forecasting. Durdan works closely with campus leadership to address the needs of the campuses and the surrounding community while providing project-based learning opportunities for students. Durdan holds a bachelor’s degree in corporate communication and a master of education from Penn State Development Office Desiree Voitek Desiree Voitek has been appointed senior director of campus development, northeast region. Previously serving as director of campus Development and Alumni Relations, Voitek will now oversee the development and alumni relations programs at the Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre campuses as well as manage the advancement program at Scranton. In her expanded role, she will focus on cultivating and strengthening relationships with alumni and donors to secure philanthropic gifts that support the campuses’ growth and initiatives. Voitek holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Penn State and a master’s degree in health care administration from King’s College. Facilities Office Michael Chura Michael Chura has been promoted to regional facilities manager for Penn State Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton. With 40 years of experience at Penn State, Chura now oversees the maintenance, operations and strategic planning for over 200 acres and 27 buildings across the three campuses. His expanded role includes managing safety, emergency preparedness and collective bargaining for the facilities teams at each location. Information Technology Office Connor Haggerty Connor Haggerty has joined as the new IT support specialist in Penn State IT. Haggerty has three years of experience in help-desk operations from his time at both Penn State Hazleton and Penn State Scranton. In his previous role, he worked as a student worker at the help desk. In his new position, he will support both the Hazleton and Scranton campuses while also assisting Wilkes-Barre as needed.Haggerty is working towards completing a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Penn State Hazleton and is expected to graduate in the Spring of 2026. Rob Notari Rob Notari has been named interim IT leader for Penn State Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton. A 1999 graduate of Wilkes University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Notari previously served as a systems administrator at Penn State Scranton, focusing on the campus’ technical environment, security and updates. In his new role, Notari takes on expanded responsibilities overseeing IT operations across the three northeast campuses, transitioning from a primarily technical role to a more managerial position that emphasizes leadership and strategic direction. Office of Human Resources Aurora Brunovsky Aurora Brunovsky continues as a human resources consultant, expanding her portfolio to now support five campuses: Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Schuylkill and Lehigh Valley. With a bachelor’s degree in applied psychology from Penn State and a master’s degree in community counseling from the University of Scranton, Brunovsky brings over eight years of HR experience across multiple campuses to her role. She focuses on providing strategic HR support and fostering collaborative efforts across her assigned campuses. Maureen Carr Maureen Carr has been appointed HR consultant for Penn State Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Schuylkill and Lehigh Valley campuses following an HR reorganization. Carr, who joined Penn State in 2010 and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Beaver College (now Arcadia University), brings years of experience from her work at Penn State Berks and other campuses. Her responsibilities include supporting staff and faculty with human resource needs across her expanded portfolio of campuses. Office of the Senior Vice President for Finance and Business Jonathan Kutka Jonathan Kutka has assumed a dual role as senior director of regional campus relations and director of strategic initiatives at Penn State. In these positions, he provides operational support for six campuses, including Scranton, and oversees strategic planning, administration, and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives for over 7,300 employees. A Penn State alumnus with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and an MBA from Alvernia University, Kutka has over 20 years of leadership experience and has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the University and community. Student Leadership and Involvement Office Matthew Nied Matthew Nied, director of student services and engagement at Penn State Scranton was appointed interim northeast regional director of Athletics. In this expanded role, Nied will oversee and support athletic functions across the Scranton, Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre campuses. Nied holds a bachelor’s degree in business management with a minor in communications from Alvernia University, earned in 2007, and a master’s degree in organizational and strategic leadership from Neumann University, completed in 2009. Previously, he served as assistant director of student services and engagement and began his career as assistant director of Unions, Programs and Student Activities. Carrie Orlofski Carrie Orlofski recently joined Penn State Scranton as the administrative assistant to Student Services and Engagement. Orlofski obtained an associate’s degree in general studies with a focus on accounting from Luzerne County Community College in 2019. Prior to this role, Orlofski worked at Penn State Wilkes-Barre as the administrative assistant for the TRIO Student Support Services program. There, she supported first-generation students, those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and students with disabilities—helping to ensure they had the tools and resources needed to thrive academically. In her new role at Scranton, Orlofski will be assisting with student engagement initiatives, supporting career services, and health and wellness programs for students. Nikki Paolicelli Nikki Paolicelli has been named assistant director of student services and engagement and coordinator of student activities at Penn State Scranton. A 2019 Penn State graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business management, Paolicelli is also pursuing a master’s degree in strategic communications through Penn State World Campus. In her new role, she continues to assist students with campus transitions, advises the Student Government Association (SGA) and manages key events such as the Summer Leadership Training Week and various academic recognition celebrations. Paolicelli also coordinates campus-wide student activities, oversees clubs and organizations, serves as an adviser for THON and leads diversity, equity and inclusion programming to foster community engagement.
Greater Scranton YMCA To Host Jack & Jill Bingo The Greater Scranton YMCA is excited to announce its Inaugural Jack & Jill Bingo, offering community members a fun and festive way to celebrate the season while supporting the Y’s financial assistance program. The event will take place on Sunday, October 26th at 12:00 p.m. at the Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 North Blakely Street, Dunmore. Jack & Jill Bingo will feature 15 games and three special games, as well as a food truck, 50/50, and raffles. Prizes are valued between $100 and $350. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in a Halloween costume, as a prize will be awarded to the best. The event costs $30 per person. Proceeds will support the Greater Scranton YMCA’s financial assistance program, which provides the resources needed to allow all members of our community to benefit from all the Y has to offer. “We’re so excited to bring the community together for our Fall Bingo Event,” said Tressa Capoccia, Senior Education Director, Greater Scranton YMCA. “We’re looking forward to a fantastic afternoon filled with prizes, laughter, and community spirit all while raising funds to support community members in need.” For more information about Jack & Jill Bingo, as well as to register, contact Tressa at tcapoccia@gsymca.org or visit the Greater Scranton YMCA online at https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/.
Penn State Scranton Announces Community Fall Fest Penn State Scranton is inviting the local community to celebrate the autumn season at its first-ever Community Fall Festival, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 16. The event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the campus’ soccer fields. The festival is free and open to the public and will offer a variety of fun, family-friendly activities for kids and adults of all ages. Organized by the campus’ Student Services Office, the festival promises an evening of seasonal fun for families, students and residents of the Greater Scranton area. Attendees can enjoy a wide variety of activities designed to capture the spirit of fall, including a pumpkin patch, free apple cider and donuts, live music and interactive games for all ages. Fall fun for all! Among the featured attractions are pumpkin bowling, oversized tic-tac-toe and checkers tables, a knock-down-the-bottles game and a tactile play table. Additional yard games and stations will be set up throughout the event space, including a photo station, fire pit lounge area, petting zoo, candy corn guessing jar and more! Local historian Julie Esty will present “True Scranton Story” sessions and lead storytelling of the historic Dunmore Cemetery. In addition, children attending the festival can look forward to engaging in Halloween-themed tales told by Penn State Student Engagement and Outreach Libarian Molly Abdalla. Guests can also participate in a guided Fall Foliage Walk around campus and also visit a petting zoo, courtesy of Buttinhead Farms. Food will be available for purchase from a variety of local food trucks. For those with a sweet tooth, complimentary treats will include apple cider, donuts and a S’mores station. Penn State Scranton encourages individuals of all abilities to attend and participate. Anyone requiring accommodations or with questions about accessibility is asked to contact Matthew Nied, director of student services and engagement, at mdn11@psu.edu prior to the event. For additional information or inquiries, contact the Student Services Office at Penn State Scranton.
