Wright Center Physician Receives Board Certification in Obesity Medicine Dr. Nirali Patel, a board-certified internal medicine physician at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Practice, recently earned board certification in obesity medicine, increasing the number of physicians in the network who are prepared to better help patients manage obesity, its many comorbidities, and to lose weight. Patel is accepting adult patients at the primary care practice at 501 S. Washington Ave. A Scranton resident, Patel is also a core faculty member for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Internal Medicine Residency program. She earned her medical degree from Medical University of Lublin, Poland, and completed her internal medicine residency and geriatrics fellowship training at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. Obesity is one of the nation’s most prevalent chronic diseases and is associated with many of the leading causes of preventable, premature death. The condition is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, sleep apnea, arthritis, certain cancers, and many additional comorbidities. The certification from the American Board of Obesity Medicine gives physicians the insights and tools to help patients who are struggling with the complex issue of obesity. Drs. Linda Thomas-Hemak, Jumee Barooah, and Manju Mary Thomas are also board-certified in obesity medicine and see patients at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley Practice, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn. In addition, Barooah accepts patients at the Scranton Practice. For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health and its network of primary and preventive care practices in Northeast Pennsylvania, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
NeighborWorks’ Kathi Tavera Receives HUD Certification Kathi Tavera, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Homeownership Specialist, recently received her HUD Housing Counseling certification from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). “We’re thrilled for Kathi to receive her HUD certification. This is a huge step for her professional development, but it also speaks volumes to her commitment to helping homeowners and homebuyers in the local community,” said Jesse Ergott, President & CEO of NeighborWorks.
Johnson College’s 103rd Commencement Ceremony to be Held May 20 at the Circle Drive-In Johnson College will confer degrees to over 180 graduates at commencement exercises to be held at the Circle Drive-In on the Scranton Carbondale Highway in Scranton on Saturday, May 20, 2022 (Rain date: Thursday, May 19, 2022). The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and will be live streamed on the College’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/JohnsonCollegePA. Graduates will be awarded Associate in Science degrees (A.S.), Associate of Applied Science degrees (A.A.S.), and academic certificates. Nicholas J. Scarnato, CCO at Producto, graduate of Johnson College, class of 1980, and Old Forge, PA native, will give the commencement address. Degrees will be presented by Katie Leonard, Ed.D., president and CEO of Johnson College, and Marianne Gilmartin, Esq., chairperson of the board of directors. Evan Wilcox, a graduate of the Radiologic Technology program and recipient of the Johnson College Award for Academic Excellence in the Associate in Applied Science programs will serve as the student speaker. Matt Cirba, Johnson College Computer Information Technology program instructor and alum of the Class of 2009 will give the alumni address to the newly graduated Johnson College class of 2022. Following is a list of the 2022 Class of Johnson College: ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE PROGRAMS Computer Information Technology Jacob Brodowsky Lake Ariel Pennsylvania Casey Deaton Pittston Pennsylvania Michael Frazier South Abington Pennsylvania Brandon Graham Clifford Twp Pennsylvania Justin Greenberg (ABK) Scranton Pennsylvania Mason Hoeffner Exeter Pennsylvania Justin Kemble Scranton Pennsylvania Brian Langieri Clarks Green Pennsylvania John Lee (S) Old Forge Pennsylvania Ryan Mascaro Olyphant Pennsylvania Aidan Mullen (ABK) Clarks Summit Pennsylvania Max Rubart Greentown Pennsylvania Jamar Rymer Scranton Pennsylvania Michael Salansky (H) (S) Susquehanna Pennsylvania Emily Williams (ABK) Scott Township Pennsylvania Physical Therapist Assistant Alexander Calabro Exeter Pennsylvania Ian Farr Mehoopany Pennsylvania Danny Fuentes (C) Edwardsville Pennsylvania Brittany Gilley (H) (M) (ABK) Pittston Pennsylvania Brianna Ketcho Dupont Pennsylvania Helga Linhares (C) Clarks Green Pennsylvania Lauren Miskell (C) Archbald Pennsylvania Darius Powell Jefferson Township Pennsylvania Ireland Reilly Thornhurst Pennsylvania Hailey Taylor Kingsley Pennsylvania Radiologic Technology Jessica Cann Larksville Pennsylvania Hailey Cruser Dunmore Pennsylvania Tamar Elba-Kops (H) (C) Easton Pennsylvania Brittany Doran Avoca Pennsylvania Alexis Drab Friendsville Pennsylvania Michelle Gibbons Trucksville Pennsylvania Justin Hall Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania Kristen Kasa Mocanaqua Pennsylvania Christine Margavitch Scranton Pennsylvania Hope Miller Catawissa Pennsylvania Alexander Mros (C) Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania Tanya Patterson Monroe Township Pennsylvania Allana Warner Montrose Pennsylvania Veterinary Nursing Brittany Bethel (S) Dallas Pennsylvania Lauren Cann (C) Larksville Pennsylvania Jasmine Deitrick Aberdeen Maryland Kayla Dishong Browndale Pennsylvania Kyler Kephart Woodland Pennsylvania Megan Krakosky Shavertown Pennsylvania Kaitlyn Littzi Dallas Pennsylvania Moriah Lovell Scranton Pennsylvania Jaime Martinek Greeley Pennsylvania Alexander Nallin* (H) (S) Scranton Pennsylvania Cassidy Payton Williamsport Pennsylvania Victoria Pettinato (ABK) Carbondale Pennsylvania Tresa Savidge (ABK) Danville Pennsylvania Kiran Singh Lords Valley Pennsylvania Robert Thompson Courtdale Pennsylvania ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE PROGRAMS Advanced Manufacturing Technology Brendan Chandler Honesdale Pennsylvania Samuel Hopkins Honesdale Pennsylvania Aden Cardone Clarks Summit Pennsylvania Brian Marianelli Taylor Pennsylvania John Wesnesky (H) Clarks Summit Pennsylvania Architectural Drafting & Design Technology Corey Desanto Jermyn Pennsylvania Rocco LaCapra Dunmore Pennsylvania Cody Mackin (S) Taylor Pennsylvania Evan Wilcox** (H) (S) (ABK) Milanville Pennsylvania Automotive Technology Jason Chilko (H) (S) Bartonsville Pennsylvania Justin Fay Dunmore Pennsylvania Michael Fordham Greentown Pennsylvania Keith Jacob Gouldsboro Pennsylvania Zachary Kearney Greenfield Township Pennsylvania Colby Kogan Tobyhanna Pennsylvania Allison Petty Scranton Pennsylvania Jacob Price Throop Pennsylvania Michael Santarsiero Moscow Pennsylvania Michael Sklareski Archbald Pennsylvania Riley Teel Montrose Pennsylvania Nicholas Wilson Stillwater Pennsylvania Biomedical Equipment Technology Hannah Acevedo Old Forge Pennsylvania Kelly Barron (ABK) Dickson City Pennsylvania Vincent Bonello Scranton Pennsylvania Nico Colachino Olyphant Pennsylvania James Goetz Scranton Pennsylvania Tyler Nolan Olyphant Pennsylvania Blake Sphabmixay Scranton Pennsylvania Benjamin Terry (H) (S) (ABK) Richmondale Pennsylvania Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology Joshua Bilinski (C) (ABK) Covington Township Pennsylvania Jonathon Dutter Greenfield Township Pennsylvania Carl Galavitz Carbondale Pennsylvania Tyler Gries (H) (C) (ABK) Honesdale Pennsylvania Timothy Gromelski Scranton Pennsylvania Spencer Jones Clarks Summit Pennsylvania Fantajah LaRoche Carbondale Pennsylvania Andres Ledee Pittston Pennsylvania Nathan McKane Archbald Pennsylvania Diesel Truck Technology Nicholas Dutter Hudson Pennsylvania Michael Frey Barryville New York Austin Fromert Moscow Pennsylvania Antonio Gay Carbondale Pennsylvania Joseph Ingraham (H) (M) Binghamton New York Vincent Kearney Taylor Pennsylvania Nicholas Neiger Narrowsburg New York Dylan Rinker Canadensis Pennsylvania Robert Rodriguez Scranton Pennsylvania Electrical and Construction Technology Jalen Alston Saylorsburg Pennsylvania James Ambrosia Scranton Pennsylvania Kyle Barrett Jessup Pennsylvania Matthew Calvey Clarks Summit Pennsylvania Ethan Campbell (C) Shavertown Pennsylvania Tyler Chesla Dalton Pennsylvania Devin Coombs Taylor Pennsylvania Philip Davitt (H) (S) (ABK) Dickson City Pennsylvania Brandon Doherty Archbald Pennsylvania Sean Eidenberg (ABK) Scranton Pennsylvania Jason Enger Lakeville Pennsylvania Luke Falcone (C) Dalton Pennsylvania Nicholas Ferraro Dunmore Pennsylvania Tyler Ford Jermyn Pennsylvania Matthew Foytack (ABK) Madison Township Pennsylvania Liam Galloway Equinunk Pennsylvania Michael Hannah Dunmore Pennsylvania Jack Islas Peckville Pennsylvania Peter Jakubiak Bartonsville Pennsylvania Jonathon Kaville (M) Old Forge Pennsylvania Ryan Lesh (ABK) Scranton Pennsylvania Anthony Marsico Old Forge Pennsylvania Jack McCabe (D) Old Forge Pennsylvania Dondy Normil Scranton Pennsylvania Nichole Nye (C) Archbald Pennsylvania Tyler Purdy Dalton Pennsylvania Patrick Redman Peckville Pennsylvania Alexander Reese Dunmore Pennsylvania Matthew Romanowski Harding Pennsylvania Matthew Rosengrant (S) Lake Ariel Pennsylvania Derrell Sapp Honesdale Pennsylvania Shawn Smith Scranton Pennsylvania Jakob Snopkowski Scranton Pennsylvania Calvin Sutcliffe Moosic Pennsylvania Anthony Tarantini Springbrook Pennsylvania Matthew Urda Carbondale Pennsylvania Shawn Van Fossen (C) Plymouth Pennsylvania Zachary Walter (C) Clarks Summit Pennsylvania Matthew Warden Dunmore Pennsylvania Gavin Williams Taylor Pennsylvania John Wilson Olyphant Pennsylvania Electronic Engineering Technology Dominic Allan Dickson City Pennsylvania Carla Bustamante Tobyhanna Pennsylvania Alec Ciaglia Roaring Brook Pennsylvania Cody Emrey Tobyhanna Pennsylvania Jacob Hansen (H) Clarks Summit Pennsylvania Matthew Parry Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Dante Clark Olyphant Pennsylvania Andrew Demming Scott Township Pennsylvania Ken Francis Moosic Pennsylvania Joseph Healey (C) (ABK) Throop Pennsylvania Ethan Hosier West Pittston Pennsylvania Al-Mauriece Ingram Dunmore Pennsylvania Jordan Kazmierski Clifford Township Pennsylvania Nicholas Klapatch South Abington Township Pennsylvania Omar Maldonado Scranton Pennsylvania Damon Martin South Abington Township Pennsylvania John McDonald (H) (M) Pittston Pennsylvania Michael Mondlak West Pittston Pennsylvania Francis Moran Moosic Pennsylvania Jonathan Nicholoff Old Forge Pennsylvania Jake Norris Thornhurst Pennsylvania Gage Nudo Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania Jamie Spindler Scranton Pennsylvania Caleb Tratthen Scott Township Pennsylvania Arthur Vitagliano Prompton Pennsylvania Daniel Walsh (ABK) Spring Brook Township Pennsylvania Alec Yanisko (ABK) Dunmore Pennsylvania Heavy Equipment Technology Leonard Nardozzo Nanticoke Pennsylvania Julia Price (H) Scranton Pennsylvania CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS Building & Property Maintenance Joseph Church Hawley Pennsylvania Derek Segear Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania Welding Technology Charles Atherton-Ely Old Forge Pennsylvania Ethan Coffay Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania Xander Davis Honesdale Pennsylvania Isabella DeFlice (D) Scranton Pennsylvania Bilal Floyd Scranton Pennsylvania Naim Kendricks Scranton Pennsylvania Kadin King Tunkhannock Pennsylvania Jason Kutch Honesdale Pennsylvania Conor Leone Milford Pennsylvania Cole Maciak Clarks Summit Pennsylvania Luke Noble (D) (H) Milanville Pennsylvania Kenneth Rought Carbondale Pennsylvania Joseph Siggins Thompson Pennsylvania Philip Sprong Honesdale Pennsylvania Wesley Stetler Nicholson Pennsylvania Abigail Tirva Clarks Summit Pennsylvania (D) Dual Enrollment (H) Departmental Honors (S) Summa Cum Laude: GPA of 3.90 or HIGHER (M) Magna Cum Laude: GPA 3.89 – 3.80 (C) Cum Laude: GPA 3.79 – 3.70 Based on GPA to December 2020 (ABK) Alpha Beta Kappa Member * Recipient of Johnson College Award for Academic Excellence, Associate in Science ** Recipient of Johnson College Award for Academic Excellence, Associate in Applied Science Alpha Beta Kappa (ABK) is the premier national collegiate honor society for trades and essential occupations. The society honors excellence not only in the classroom, but also in shop, studio, and laboratory study. Additionally, students must be a member of a student organization or club to become an Alpha Beta Kappa member. The appearance of the degree candidate’s name does not verify satisfactory completion of degree requirements. Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 17 associate degree and 4 academic certificate programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.
Tobyhanna Employees Recognized for Earning Certification Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) employees who achieve the Certified Electronics Technician (CET) accreditation are now being publicly recognized for their accomplishment. CET status can be achieved at a few levels, the first being the Associate Level, then the Journeyman Level, Senior Level and finally, the Master Level. Once certification at any level has been obtained, yearly renewal is required in order to ensure technicians are keeping up with advances in technology. The CET initiative is directly aligned with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2028, particularly the Invest in Our People, Shaping the Future and C5ISR Readiness lines of effort. Employees who achieve any level of certification will be honored with their name and photo on a plaque displayed near the C4ISR Directorate Office. The effort is designed to ensure employees are receiving the recognition they deserve for putting in the hard work required to pursue the certification. Electronics worker Adam Zuroski is among recent recipients of the certification. He said he thinks it is great that TYAD is recognizing those who have been obtaining the CET certification which will benefit the depot’s customers. “I think it is fantastic. I really appreciate the support from my supervisors and all of my peers,” said Zuroski. “Being able to say we have certified technicians working on customer assets will be great for Tobyhanna.” Electronics Mechanic Leader Brian Kohn is another recent recipient of the CET certification. He said he believes becoming certified has made him more prepared for his professional future. “I believe earning this certification has prepared me for the work that is to come,” said Kohn. Obtaining a CET certification has proven to be a great benefit to TYAD. As more employees earn it, work becomes more efficient, customer satisfaction increases and it gives the depot a competitive edge against competitors. Depot officials state that employees receive a significant benefit from earning the certification as well as it keeps them up-to-date on current best practices in the industry and proves their commitment to the warfighter, who is the most important beneficiary. As employee confidence and commitment increases, warfighter satisfaction increases. Chief of the Avionics Division John Stochla said he believes those who choose to pursue a CET Certification will be set up for success today and into the future. “I believe education improves development on a personal level. [The CET program] is very good for refreshing people’s expertise and this is one step in our progression that will keep our development high,’ said Stochla. “I feel we are putting people in a position to be successful.” Stochla explained that employees pursuing the CET certification will receive extensive preparation to ensure they are confident in the subject matter. Some preparation methods include supervisory coaching, a study guide, a week-long refresher course and the ability to take the exam whenever the employee is ready within a two year span. Division Operations Manager Jeffery O’Neill said he believes earning the CET certification adds even more capabilities to TYAD’s already talented workforce. “Certified Electronics Technician certifications provide proof of your knowledge in the electronics field,” said O’Neill. “We all need to challenge ourselves periodically, I would encourage anyone who is interested in additional information on the CET to reach out to your directorate POCs.” Zuroski said although passing the exam was tough and required a lot of studying, it is very attainable to those who put in the effort. “I enjoy challenges, so obtaining the CET certification really gave me something to work for,” said Zuroski. “Passing it definitely gave me a lot of personal gratification.” Kohn echoed Zuroski’s sentiments, emphasizing that earning the certification is worth it and that people shouldn’t be deterred by the work. “You’re never going to become a jedi if you don’t pick up your lightsaber,” said Kohn. “You have to know the book to pass the test, but earning the certification is very attainable.” Employees interested in obtaining the CET self-paced study guide can reach out to the Employee Development Division at X56492. The guide is published by Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) and falls in- line with the computerized exam. For further information regarding the certification, employees can visit the ETA-I website at https://www.eta-i.org/.
Swift Kennedy’s Jerry Calistri Earns Self-Funding Specialist Certification Jerry Calistri, President and CEO of the insurance brokerage firm Swift Kennedy & Associates, has been designated as a Certified Self-Funding Specialist by the Health Care Administrators Association. To earn this certification, Calistri completed comprehensive courses about alternative funding and Third-Party Administration, which highlighted the advantages of using self-funded health care plans, such as level-funded policies. Calistri is a Senatorial Member and PAC Board Member of Health Agents for America, a member of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, and a member the National Association of Health Underwriters. In addition, he is a Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist. He has over 30 years of experience in the employee benefits industry, including working at the Pennsylvania Employees Benefit Trust Fund in Harrisburg and at Geisinger Health Plan as Regional Sales and Operations Manager for the Western Region.
Wayne Bank’s Lancia Earns National Certification Kristen E. Lancia, Assistant Vice President and Marketing Officer for Wayne Bank, was recently awarded the Certified Financial Marketing Professional (“CFMP”) certification from the American Bankers Association (“ABA”). President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, Lewis J. Critelli, noted, “Earning the CFMP certification validates Kristen’s experience and depth of education in the bank marketing arena. We are so pleased to congratulate her on this admirable achievement.” The CFMP certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of financial services marketing. To qualify for the CFMP certification, individuals must have certain levels of experience and education in the financial services marketing profession, pass an exam, and agree to abide by a code of ethics. The CFMP exam covers many areas including financial principles, laws and regulations, market research, characteristics of marketing plans, and marketing components. Kristen began her career with Wayne Bank in 2012 and currently serves as the Bank’s Assistant Vice President and Marketing Officer. She earned a B.S. in Design & Merchandising with a Writing Concentration from Drexel University and specializes in digital marketing. Kristen resides in Scranton with her husband, Ralph, and enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time outdoors.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Retains Aerospace Standard Quality Certification After External Audit Tobyhanna Army Depot’s quality management system (QMS) will maintain an industry-standard certification after an audit by outside officials last week. Auditors from Orion Registrar visited the depot to conduct a surveillance audit in accordance with the depot’s certification in the Aerospace 9100/9110 Standard (AS). Derived from the ISO 9001 quality system, AS 9100 includes additional quality system requirements demanded by the aerospace and defense industries, which are vital to support the depot’s maintenance efforts on avionics components for military aircraft. Tobyhanna has maintained industry-standard quality certifications since 2003. Only 20,000 companies worldwide hold the AS certification. Surveillance audits are conducted between recertification audit years and required Orion personnel to spend 10 total auditor days investigating Tobyhanna’s adherence to AS. At the conclusion of the audit, Orion recommended the depot keep the AS certification and lauded the depot’s performance, specifically by the workforce. “We are always impressed by Team Tobyhanna; however, several areas and employees stood out as exceptional,” said auditors Eric Barnes and Dan Wyrick. “Special recognition goes out to Steven Ornitz of the Systems Integration and Support (SIS) directorate, the Quality Management Division team, and the TACSAT Systems and Component Branches of the C4ISR directorate.” John Scott, chief of the TACSAT Systems Branch, says he appreciated the praise from Barnes, but couldn’t take the credit for his Branch’s audit success. “When it comes to quality, process discipline is very important to our TACSAT team. They are continuously looking for ways to improve even the most miniscule tasks while at the same time holding each other and their leadership accountable. If anyone deserves the accolades for our audit success, it’s them.” Electronics Mechanic Supervisor William Long agreed. “Our team welcomes the opportunity to be audited with a fresh set of eyes and, because of that willingness to take feedback, we are continuously growing as an organization.” Within their recommendation for recertification, the auditors cited best practices as well as areas for improvement (AFIs), according to Robert Haas, Director of Quality Management. He says the audit-identified AFIs are always welcome. “We appreciate the chance to learn from these AFIs and make Tobyhanna Army Depot’s QMS even stronger,” adding that one AFI noted by the auditors was corrected before the audit was even over. “Orion personnel identified a discrepancy between paperwork and the process in one of our SIS refinishing shops,” he said. “Eugene Haikes, the shop supervisor, immediately addressed the issue and put a preventative action in place. This is a great example of how Team Tobyhanna places quality and AS at the forefront of our processes.” Auditors will return to Tobyhanna for another surveillance audit in late 2022. Maintaining the AS certification and a healthy QMS is directly aligned with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2028. The plan has four strategic focus areas: Investing in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications and aims to posture the organization for future success. Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for C5ISR systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the Joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners. Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters. About 3,700 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, which is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to empower the Soldier with winning C5ISR capabilities.
