Coffee Inclusive to open new location at UNC’s CEDAR Center in Scranton

United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) has announced that Coffee Inclusive will open a new location at UNC’s CEDAR Center, located at 526 Cedar Avenue in Scranton, in early September.

Coffee Inclusive, a program of PA Inclusive, employs individuals with diverse abilities and autism who work side by side with experienced baristas and servers in a supportive, inclusive environment.

The new CEDAR Center location will offer a full line of high-quality hot and cold coffees, lattes and espresso drinks, along with baked goods including pastries, muffins, scones, sandwiches and more.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coffee Inclusive to the CEDAR Center and to support the expansion of their important work,” said Lisa Durkin, President and CEO of UNC. “This partnership reflects the kind of community-centered collaboration that strengthens our neighborhood, creates opportunities, and brings people together.”

PA Inclusive is a Pittston-based nonprofit organization that provides support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through Coffee Inclusive, the organization creates meaningful employment opportunities while offering the community a warm and welcoming coffee shop experience.

UNC’s CEDAR Center is a newly rehabilitated former bank building located at 526 Cedar Avenue in South Scranton. It serves as a community anchor for programs and neighborhood activity, including adult education, English language learning, career readiness, multicultural wellness programming and the year-round South Side Farmers Market on Saturdays. The addition of Coffee Inclusive will further activate the building as a welcoming place where neighbors, program participants and visitors can connect.

“Expanding Coffee Inclusive to the UNC CEDAR Center in Scranton is an exciting step forward in creating more meaningful employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities while bringing our message of inclusion, ability, and community to more people throughout Lackawanna County. Every cup served will help demonstrate that people of all abilities can contribute, succeed, and thrive in the workplace,” said Frank Bartoli, President and CEO of PA Inclusive and Coffee Inclusive.

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Hires Nicholas Emmett as Finance Manager

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition of Nicholas Emmett as its Finance Manager.

In this role, Emmett will be responsible for overseeing the accounting and financial operations of The Chamber and its divisions. He will also coordinate the annual financial audit and assist in preparing the annual operating budget.

“We’re excited to welcome Nick Emmett to our team as finance manager,” said James Coleman, Vice President of Internal Administration at The Chamber. “His expertise, attention to detail and collaborative approach will be tremendous assets as we continue to strengthen our financial operations and support the Chamber’s long-term goals.”

Prior to The Chamber, Emmett worked for the Department of the Auditor General in Pennsylvania.

He is a graduate of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, where he holds a Master’s Degree in Accountancy and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Accounting.

Marywood University launching new School of Communication

Marywood University has created a School of Communication, which will bring together its Theatre, Multimedia Communication, Film, Music Production, Digital Storytelling, Podcasting, Broadcasting, Journalism and other creative programs.

The School will embrace the fact that creative professionals often work across multiple disciplines. The School of Communication will give students the chance to collaborate across several disciplines and prepare them for an ever-changing industry.

“The creative professions are evolving more rapidly than at any point in history,” said Marywood President Lisa Lori. “Technology is changing not only how stories are told, but who tells them, where they’re shared and how audiences experience them. While those tools continue to evolve, one thing remains constant: the world will always need creative people who can think critically, communicate effectively and inspire others through art, performance and storytelling. This new School positions our students to do exactly that.”

The School of Communication is part of the university’s strategic plan called Into the Future: Defining What’s Next.

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Appoints Taryn Talacka as Marketing and Communications Director

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition of Taryn Talacka as our new Director of Marketing and Communications. In this role, Talacka will be responsible for creating marketing materials and strategies for The Chamber and its divisions, gathering content for Momentum Magazine, and producing All Things Chamber and All Things Members, two of The Chamber’s successful video productions.

Before joining The Chamber, Talacka served as the Marketing Manager for dining services at King’s College, where she created print and digital marketing materials and led student-centered dining events. With a proven track record of social media management, video production, and media relations, Talacka brings valuable experience that aligns perfectly with our mission to attract, sustain, and grow business throughout northeastern Pennsylvania.

“We are excited to welcome Taryn Talacka as The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce’s new Director of Marketing and Communications,” said Kristine Augustine, Vice President of Membership and Marketing at The Chamber. “Her extensive experience in strategic marketing, storytelling, and audience engagement will be a tremendous asset as we continue to strengthen our brand and serve our members and community.”

Members of the local business community are encouraged to reach out to Talacka at ttalacka@scrantonchamber.com or 570-341-7711 ext. 157.

PCN Announces Vice President of Finance

PCN (Pennsylvania Cable Network) is pleased to announce that Dan Surma has joined the nonprofit
television network and will serve as its Vice President of Finance.

“Dan’s valuable experience and leadership in the nonprofit financial industry will guide PCN’s fiduciary
strategy as we expand fundraising efforts focused on philanthropic support,” said President and CEO
Debra Kohr Sheppard. “Through viewer and corporate donations, PCN will continue to provide citizens with direct access to unfiltered coverage of state government, and deliver high quality content focusing on the state’s rich history, culture, and high school sports that make our communities unique. With oversight of all company financials and human resources, we know Dan will make a tremendous impact on PCN.”

Surma comes to PCN with more than 15 years’ experience in providing operational support to the not-for profit-industry. After starting his professional career as a CPA specializing in providing not-for-profit audit and taxation services, Dan transitioned to industry, working as President of his own consulting practice, performing outsourced CFO and controllership services to small and mid-sized nonprofits in the DC Metropolitan region. He has also served as Treasurer on a number of nonprofit boards. Most recently, Surma was Vice President of Finance for the United Way of York County. Dan is a graduate of Shippensburg University with a Bachelor of Science in business administration in accounting.

PCN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit television network located in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania with bureaus in
Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. PCN is dedicated to educating, connecting, and celebrating Pennsylvania’s past, present, and future through cable television and emerging technologies. Watch PCN on cable television in Pennsylvania or with the PCN Select App. Support PCN’s mission through a tax-deductible donation. Learn more about Giving to PCN at www.pcntv.com or 717-760-6000.

Marywood University Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Esports Center

Marywood University will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new state-of-the-art Esports Center on Friday, October 22, 2021, at 3 p.m., at the Esports Center, in the Nazareth Student Center on the University’s campus. This event is free and open to the media and invited guests. Light fare will be served.

At the ribbon cutting, Marywood University dignitaries, including Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., president; Lisa Lori, Esq., chair of the Board of Trustees; and Paul Capoccia, director of the Esports program, will present the new NEPA premier Esports Center to the public. Sister Catherine Luxner, IHM, vice president for mission services, will offer a blessing, in the Marywood tradition, of the Esports Center.

Marywood University’s Esports Center features 30 gaming stations, a workspace for broadcast (webcams, microphones), lounge area for team meetings and coaching sessions, coaching tools including smart tvs and white-board set-up, futuristic high-tech lighting, and a WOW factor that will entice all users of the facility.

The Esports program at Marywood blends function and practicality into an exciting premier gaming center. With function at its highest level, Marywood will also establish a welcoming culture in which students can interact and be supported. Visiting students and those competing will have a powerful experience.

For additional information about the Esports Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, or for questions about the Esports program, please visit marywood.edu/esports, or contact Paul Capoccia, director the Esports program at Marywood University, at pcapoccia@marywood.edu.

Providence Engineering Hires Rebecca C. Thompson

Providence Engineering is pleased to welcome Rebecca C. Thompson to the firm. Becky has joined Providence’s Business Development team and will be responsible for developing new business opportunities throughout Pennsylvania.

With more than 15 years of experience in the AEC industry, Becky brings an informed and thoughtful approach to business development. She is extremely adept at collaborating with owners, builders and designers in order to drive value to projects from the outset. Becky’s commitment to the AEC industry, especially in Central PA, has garnered many longstanding relationships.

Becky holds a Bachelor and Master of Architectural Engineering from Pennsylvania State University.

“I’m very excited to welcome Becky to Providence,” says David Bernhardt, President. “Her professionalism and depth of experience make her a great fit for the Providence team. I look forward to working with her to continue making a positive impact on the built environment.”

The University of Scranton Offers New Online Master’s Degree Specialization

The University of Scranton’s online Master of Science in Health Informatics degree will offer a specialization in data analytics, beginning in the fall 2021 semester. Applications are currently being accepted for the program.

The curriculum for the master’s degree in health informatics was designed by Scranton faculty, who are active leaders and experts in this burgeoning field. The health informatics program’s mission is to “promote excellence in the Jesuit tradition by preparing graduates in the interdisciplinary field of health informatics to use data, information, knowledge and wisdom to improve health.”

Health informatics, data analytics and their associated tools have seen a rapid increase in importance in healthcare due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. This increase comes after a period of amplified interest in big data analysis in healthcare, in an effort to improve patient outcomes and efficiency. A 2019 Leadership survey conducted by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) shows that executive-level leaders at both health information technology vendors and hospitals are now seeing clinical and business analytics as a higher priority than in the past. As a result, the demand for health informaticians who have data analytics, data mining and data visualization skills is increasing. Another HIMSS analysis shows one of the top five job growth areas for health informatics was found to be analytics consultant.

Burning Glass Technologies, a job market analysis company, projects positions for health information managers and directors will grow 20.5 percent through 2029, which is more than four times the national average. Master’s-educated professionals in this position earn up to $106,000 annually.

The online program with a data analytics specialization includes three courses that are offered by Scranton’s Operations and Information Management Department, requiring the completion of a total of 39-41 credits for the master’s degree in health informatics with this specialization. Two one-credit modules in statistics and management science are also required, but may be waived depending on the student’s background.

The additional courses students will take for data analytics specialization will provide an overview of descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics, data mining and data visualization. Graduates will be prepared to turn health data into actionable information.

Applicants to the graduate program must meet admission requirements. For additional information, visit the Master of Science degree in Health Informatics webpage or contact Margarete L. Zalon, Ph.D., professor of nursing and director of the University’s online Master of Science in Health Informatics Program at Margarete.zalon@scranton.edu or 570-941-7655.

NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Announces Move to New Location

NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania is excited to announce their move to 815 Smith Street in West Scranton. The new location will provide the non-profit with more space and technology, a more efficient layout, and more parking. NeighborWorks will be able to have more impact on the neighbors and communities they serve. Outdoor renovations of the new location are being planned for the summer.

The University of Scranton to Offer New Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis

The University of Scranton will offer a new Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, which will provide students with the educational and supervised fieldwork experiences necessary to achieve national board certification in the much-in-demand profession. Applications are currently being accepted for the graduate program that begins in the fall 2021 semester.

Annual demand for board certified behavior analysts “has increased each year since 2010, with a 1,942 percent increase from 2010 to 2018 and a 127 percent increase from 2017 to 2018,” according to a 2019 Behavior Analyst Certification Board report on U.S. Employment Demand for Behavior Analysts: 2010-2018 (Littleton, CO. author). In addition, the report noted that demand has also increased in all 50 states during this period.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects above-average job growth of 22 percent for behavior analysts between 2018 and 2028. According to Payscale.com, the average salary for Board Certified Behavior Analysists is $62,472.

“There is a critical shortage of skilled professionals who can offer behavioral intervention. Board Certified Behavior Analysts are required to demonstrate a high level of understanding and application of behavioral principles and concepts that are scientific and evidence-based,” said Michael E. Kelley, Ph.D., LP, BCBA-D, program director.

The 42-credit master’s degree program will be housed in the Counseling and Human Services Department of the University’s Panuska College of Professional Studies. The course content is consistent with certification rules for individuals and accreditation standards for programs that meet the eligibility requirements for graduates to sit for the national certification exam for Behavior Analysis, as specified by Behavior Analysis Certification Board.

“Board certification is required for working with individuals living with autism in behavior analysis in most states in the United States of America,” said Dr. Kelley. “Highly-educated and skilled providers of autism services are needed in our region to help our children and family members who are waiting – often desperately – for services.”

Students in this graduate program will complete: 30 credit hours of classroom-based didactic courses; six credit hours of thesis or capstone; and six credit hours of a supervised fieldwork experience. The supervised fieldwork experience will provide students with real-world experience in the application of Behavior Analytic principles, clinical services and research. The clinical site selection will be based on the student’s career goals.

The University currently offers an 21-credit post-graduate Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study. The University also serves as the Executive Hub of five Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence, which are part of a multi-year, multi-million regional initiative supported by the AllOne Foundation to enhance the service delivery system for individuals with autism and their families living in 13 counties in Northeastern and North Central Pennsylvania. The University’s executive hub, located on Mulberry Street, has state-of-the-art assessment labs to aide in education and training of graduate students. The center is also used for evaluation purposes and research.

Applicants to the graduate program must meet admission requirements. For additional information, visit the applied behavior analysis master’s degree program webpage or contact Dr. Kelley at Michael.kelley@scranton.edu or Caitlyn Hollingshead, director of graduate, transfer and international admissions, at Caitlyn.Hollingshead@scranton.edu or 570-941-6202.