The Wright Center Introduces New Psychiatrist The Wright Center for Community Health has expanded its psychiatry services with the addition of an experienced psychiatrist, who is now offering office-based remote appointments for adults. Dr. Jean Gauvin, who earned his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, will provide a full range of services to patients via office-based remote appointments five days a week. Additionally, he will work with colleagues across The Wright Center to continue integrating behavioral health and primary health services. “When behavioral health care providers work hand in hand with primary care providers, patients’ health outcomes improve,” said Dr. Jignesh Sheth, senior vice president and chief medical and information officer at The Wright Center. “We know there’s a deep need for behavioral health services in Northeast Pennsylvania, so we’re excited to welcome Dr. Gauvin to The Wright Center as we continue our focus on increasing access to care.” The United States is experiencing a mental health crisis with increased levels of unmet behavioral health needs among people of all ages, according to a November 2024 brief issued by the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration’s (HRSA) Bureau of Health Workforce. In 2023, approximately 59 million U.S. adults, 23% of all U.S. adults, had a mental illness, and nearly half of them did not receive treatment. Behavioral health services can be difficult to access due to behavioral health provider shortages, high out-of-pocket costs, coverage gaps, and other factors. The national average wait time for behavioral health services is 48 days, according to HRSA. Dr. Gauvin and The Wright Center provide office-based remote visits to improve accessibility for individuals in underserved and under-resourced areas, reducing barriers to behavioral health care. Dr. Gauvin completed his residency training at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He has worked as a psychiatrist in several hospitals across Connecticut and at the Connecticut Department of Corrections.
The Wright Center Deputy Medical Director Recognized as ‘Everyday Hero’ A board-certified internal medicine physician and deputy chief medical officer of The Wright Center for Community Health received an Everyday Hero Award from the Pennsylvania Medical Society in March. Dr. Erin McFadden was nominated for the award by colleagues who highlighted her tireless efforts to deliver high-quality whole-person primary health services that are accessible to all and educate the next generation of physicians. “Erin’s unwavering dedication to patient care and medical education exemplifies the very best of our profession,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “As an exemplary graduate of our legacy Internal Medicine Residency Program and our noble mission delivered, Erin’s leadership and countless contributions embody 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.” The Pennsylvania Medical Society’s Everyday Hero Award acknowledges physicians who are often “the unsung heroes of our communities, tirelessly working to improve lives and inspire hope,” according to the organization. Soon after joining The Wright Center as a physician and member of the internal medicine residency program faculty in 2020, Dr. McFadden emerged as a leader. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread, she participated in a statewide effort to assist personal care, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities in Northeast Pennsylvania with pandemic care. She later headed an outpatient infusion center at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, providing monoclonal antibody treatment for patients with severe COVID. Additionally, Dr. McFadden spearheaded the expansion of The Wright Center’s community health centers, including the Scranton Counseling Center location, which opened in April 2021, and the North Scranton location, which opened in July 2023. She serves as the medical director for both The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton and The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Counseling Center. She’s also been at the forefront of The Wright Center’s efforts to strengthen the physician workforce pipeline, serving as co-regional director of medical education for A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona – a unique program where students spend a year on campus in Mesa, Arizona, and then three years in clinical rotations at The Wright Center and other community health centers across the country. So far, more than 30 doctors have graduated from the program, which began in August 2020. Several of these doctors have chosen to stay in Northeast Pennsylvania to pursue medical residencies with The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. Headquartered in Scranton, The Wright Center’s growing network of community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health, provides affordable, high-quality, whole-person health services to everyone, regardless of insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. Patients typically have the convenience of going to a single location to access integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health care, as well as community-based addiction treatment and recovery services. To learn more, call 570-230-0019 or go to TheWrightCenter.org. The Pennsylvania Medical Society was founded in 1848 by 61 representatives of medical schools and county medical societies across the state to promote community health, relieve suffering, and advance medical knowledge. That goal continues today, as it and its members advocate for physicians and their patients, educate physicians through continuing medical education, and provide expert resources and guidance to help physicians navigate challenges in today’s ever-evolving health care system. Visit www.pamedsoc.org to learn more.
Johnson College Launches One-Year Cybersecurity Analytics & Operations Academic Certificate Program Johnson College is proud to announce the launch of its one-year Cybersecurity Analytics & Operations academic certificate program, starting with the Fall 2025 semester. This program will give students the critical skills to enter the fast-growing cybersecurity field. The program focuses on network operations and security, offering hands-on experience in troubleshooting, maintaining, and protecting IT systems. Students will learn to safeguard sensitive data by identifying vulnerabilities, penetration testing, network monitoring, incident response, and disaster recovery. Graduates will be prepared for careers as network associates, incident handlers, information security analysts, IT auditors, and digital forensic examiners. The program also emphasizes critical thinking, troubleshooting, and effective communication—skills vital for success in cybersecurity. With cybersecurity job growth projected at 33% from 2023 to 2033, the demand for skilled professionals is stronger than ever. “We’re excited to launch this program to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity experts,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College. “Graduates will gain the technical expertise and soft skills necessary to thrive in this dynamic industry.” For more information or to enroll, visit Johnson.edu/cybersecurity or contact the Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.
Marywood University Library Receives ByWater Solutions Grant Marywood University’s Library is the February 2025 winner of the ByWater Community Giveback Grant. Each month, ByWater Solutions selects one library to be awarded $500. These funds are meant to support libraries and their communities and to fill gaps in funding to further library goals. The company is always looking for ways to give back, as a small token of thanks for all the hard work that libraries do in their communities every day. The funds from the ByWater Grant will be used to support outreach initiatives at Marywood University’s library. Dr. Tabbi Miller-Scandle, Assistant Vice President for Research & Sponsored Programs, commented, “The use of the ByWater Grant will fund a newly created Friends of the Library board and outreach programs throughout the Spring 2025 semester. This includes an open house event for students, faculty, and staff to try out our new Oculus Meta Quest 3 virtual reality headsets, which were recently donated to the library. Another program will be held during finals week, providing snacks and resources to students as they finish the school year.”
PennDOT Announces Innovations Challenge Regional Winners The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that a team of students from the Career Technology School of Lackawanna County has been selected as the PennDOT Innovations Challenge winner in the Dunmore-based, six county region. The PennDOT Innovations Challenge – now in its eighth year – is a statewide competition for high school students to develop creative and strategic solutions to real-world transportation challenges. The Innovations Challenge reflects the Shapiro Administration’s focus on a safe, efficient transportation system and gives students an opportunity to explore a career in state government. Mentored by Jonathan Coyne, team members include: Paige Rivers and Ben Cerra. “More than 90 percent of the unbelted travelers who died in crashes on our roads last year could have been saved by seat belts,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “In a crash, a seat belt can mean the difference between life and death. We need to reach our drivers and riders with that message.” For this year’s challenge, students were asked to develop a cost-effective, innovative solution that can help PennDOT more effectively increase motorist awareness for seat belt safety and change driver behavior to improve roadway safety. On average, more than 350 unrestrained fatalities occur on Pennsylvania’s roadways annually. PennDOT is committed to continuously improving roadway safety and deploys a multi-faceted strategy, which involves promoting behavioral programs and implementing infrastructure improvements. Nevertheless, the number of unrestrained fatalities remains high and changing driver behavior is crucial to solving this issue. The winning regional team’s innovation was a seat belt indicator on the exterior of a vehicle. “We are excited to announce that Paige Rivers and Ben Cerra from the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County are the winners of the 2025 Innovations Challenge for PennDOT Engineering District 4,” said Richard N. Roman, District Executive for PennDOT Engineering District 4. “Their innovative idea to add a seat belt indicator light to the exterior of a vehicle will advance to the statewide judging. We wish them all the best in the statewide competition.” Regional Innovations Challenge winners will be invited to present their solutions to the PennDOT Secretary and a panel of judges in April, when a statewide winner will be determined. For this year’s challenge, the Transportation Policy and Education Foundation, an educational arm of the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors organization, the American Council of Engineering Companies of PA, the Mid-Atlantic Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers and the Intelligent Transportation Society of Pennsylvania are providing a combined total award of $6,000 to the statewide winning team. For complete Innovations Challenge details, visit the PennDOT website. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.
The Dime Bank Promotes Gary Schemel II to Assistant VP The Dime Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Gary Schemel II to the position of Assistant Vice President. In his role, Mr. Schemel is responsible for the oversight of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) / Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and the fraud department. He is instrumental in designing, implementing, and overseeing the BSA/AML compliance program, ensuring the Bank’s adherence to relevant laws and regulations, and investigating potential suspicious activity. Schemel joined The Dime Bank in September 2015, as a fraud specialist. In December 2021, he was promoted to BSA-fraud manager, and most recently, in December 2024, he was elevated to BSA/AML fraud officer. This latest promotion to assistant vice president recognizes his significant contributions and expertise in this critical area. “We are delighted to recognize Gary’s hard work and commitment with this well-deserved promotion,” said Peter Bochnovich, The Dime Bank president and chief executive officer. “Gary has consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of BSA/AML regulations and has played a vital role in ensuring the integrity and security of The Dime Bank. His dedication and expertise make him an invaluable asset to our team. Please join me in congratulating Gary and wishing him continued success.” Schemel brings eleven years of banking experience to his new role, including his tenure at The Dime Bank. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from King’s College. He has furthered his professional development by completing the PA Bankers Association’s Banking School in 2018 and is currently enrolled in the PBA Advanced School of Banking. Additionally, Schemel earned his BSA/AML Professional Certification from the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) in 2023. Outside of his professional achievements, Schemel is currently taking an improv class. “At The Dime Bank, teamwork really makes the dream work,” said Gary Schemel II. “I am honored and grateful for this opportunity and look forward to continuing to contribute to the success of The Dime Bank in this elevated capacity.”
Marywood President Emerita Sister Mary Persico Recognized with AICUP Awards Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., Marywood President Emerita and Director of Special Projects, was among three individuals recently honored for their service by the 85-member institutions of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP). Sister Mary, who is AICUP Chair Emeritus and has served the organization admirably in other leadership capacities, received the Francis J. Michelini Award for Outstanding Service to Higher Education, in recognition of distinguished work in higher education, particularly during her tenure at Marywood University, where she served as the 12th President from 2016-2024. Sister Mary continues to serve Marywood as President Emerita and Director of Special Projects, guiding the work of the university’s new strategic plan and its regular Middle States accreditation review process. Earlier in the year, Sister Mary and Marywood University were recognized in the Best Opinion category of the 2025 AICUP Comm Awards with the “Distinguished Communicator” designation, given for a piece she co-authored with AICUP President Thomas P. Foley, “A College Degree Is Well Worth the Investment,” which appeared in The Scranton Times-Tribune on January 2, 2024. The recognitions took place during the AICUP annual meeting on Monday, March 24. The award ceremony at the Hilton Harrisburg was attended by dozens of college presidents from across the Commonwealth, as well as legislators and VIP guests.
Jewish Family Service of NEPA Receives Grant Jewish Family Service of Northeastern Pennsylvania (JFS) is honored to be a recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation as part of its 2024 grant cycle. This generous funding, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, will provide vital support to JFS, allowing the organization to continue delivering essential programs and services to the community. For over 100 years, JFS has been committed to supporting individuals and families in need, regardless of race, religion, or background. The grant will directly enhance the agency’s ability to provide mental health counseling, older adult services, food assistance, and emergency support for vulnerable populations throughout our community. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations that make a meaningful impact, has been a longstanding advocate for community-driven initiatives. By providing resources to organizations like JFS, the foundation plays a crucial role in fostering resilience and positive change in the region. Pictured in photo from left to right: Cathy Fitzpatrick, Director of Grants & Scholarships for the Scranton Area Community Foundation; Sheila Nudelman Abdo, ACSW, LCSW, JFS Executive Director; Arthur E. Levandoski, JFS Coordinator of Marketing and Development; Laura Ducceschi, President & CEO for the Scranton Area Community Foundation.
Moses Taylor Foundation Honored with Friend of School Nursing Award The Pennsylvania Association of School Nurses and Practitioners (PASNAP) recognized Moses Taylor Foundation as the recipient of the 2025 Friend of School Nursing Award for Pennsylvania. This award is presented to organizations and individuals outside the profession of school nursing who have made significant contributions to the practice of school nursing in the Commonwealth. Christine Marcos, Senior Program Officer, has been immersed in the Foundation’s strategic focus area of school-based health for seven years. She shares, “School nurses are on the front lines of meeting the health needs of students, and their work encompasses far more than what most people realize. They are key to helping students manage chronic diseases, connecting families to crucial resources, screening children for health concerns, and much more. Our Board and staff are continually inspired by their resilience, knowledge, and passion for student health, and it is our privilege to support their work.” Representatives from Moses Taylor Foundation accepted the award on March 22, 2025, in State College. Alongside key partners such as PASNAP, Moses Taylor Foundation has so far invested $1.7 million, countless staff hours, and other resources to support school nurses through a four-point strategy that includes: Advocacy for regular reevaluation of school health law, policies, and mandates Building awareness of the school nurse role and connections between school nurses and key partners Increased professional development opportunities specific to the role of the school nurse Research and piloting of innovative school nurse workforce and funding models “Since 2019, Moses Taylor Foundation has put school nurses front and center, advocating for solutions to barriers affecting school nurses, and helping to improve school health services for the students of Pennsylvania. I can think of no person or organization more deserving of this year’s Friend of School Nursing award,” said Kathy Verbel, MEd, BSN, RN, NCSN, PASNAP’s Moses Taylor Foundation Liaison.
Marywood University Aviation Program Soars into Philadelphia Region Marywood University is expanding the reach of its longstanding Aviation Management program into the Philadelphia region at Wings Field Airport (LOM), commonly known as “the Blue Bell Airport,” in the Philadelphia suburb of Blue Bell. Established 25 years ago, Marywood’s aviation program has seen a rising demand, especially as commercial pilots retire in record numbers and a global shortage of certified pilots escalates. Now, through its partnership with Fly Gateway Aviation Institute, Marywood is extending its proven Scranton-based program into the Philadelphia area, offering students in Southeastern Pennsylvania and surrounding regions the ability to stay, learn, and train close to home. “What Marywood University offers is a distinctive, professional, immersive aviation experience, which is more than just pilot training—students earn a business degree, in addition to flight certification, which ultimately gives them more options, greater flexibility, and better employability throughout their career,” said Captain Joseph McDonald, Director of Marywood’s Aviation Management Program and a retired American Airlines Captain. “Our partnership with Fly Gateway allows Marywood to go beyond Scranton and offer this incredible opportunity to students in the Southeastern Pennsylvania/Delaware region.” Marywood University offers two tracks in its Aviation Management Program—one for Pilot/Flight Operations, for those who wish to become certified pilots, and another for Airline/Airport Management, for those interested in the business side of the industry. Through an all-in-one integrated program, students receive aviation-specific training with a strong business foundation, providing the leadership and management skills needed to succeed in today’s aviation industry. Students can take all non-pilot related courses online to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, while taking in-person flight courses and instruction at the Blue Bell Airport. As part of their training, students will have access to a fleet of modern aircraft, including the 2022-2024 Piper Archer 100i. These advanced airplanes feature cutting-edge electronic displays, ensuring that students train on the latest industry technology and are well-prepared for the modern cockpit environment. Another distinctive feature of Marywood’s Aviation Management Program is the ability for those in the Pilot/Flight Operations track to fly sooner. “At Marywood University, we believe in learning by doing. Students in our program fly during their freshman year,” said Anthony Nestico, Assistant Director of Marywood’s Aviation Management Program and a JetBlue First Officer. “Most pilot programs make them wait until their sophomore or junior year before they ever get to fly a real airplane. While we have airplane simulators to get them started, they are soon prepared and equipped to take flight in their first year.”
