Geisinger School of Medicine and Northeastern Health Care Foundation Celebrate at Annual Reception Geisinger School of Medicine and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation (NEPA HCF) recently held their annual reception to review the progress and impact of the NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars Program. The program continues to play a pivotal role in supporting medical students committed to serving the healthcare needs of northeastern Pennsylvania. In October 2014, the board of the NEPA HCF approved a grant to the School of Medicine (then called The Commonwealth Medical College). The grant, payable over 11 years, established the NEPA HCF Scholars Program, funding scholarships for 20 Doctor of Medicine (MD) students. Two students were chosen from each incoming class, beginning in 2015 with the incoming members of the Class of 2019, and ending in 2024 with the Class of 2028. To date, a total of 20 scholarships to 20 students have been awarded through the NEPA HCF Scholars Program. Laura Ducceschi, administrator of NEPA HCF, and President & CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, emphasized the program’s alignment with the foundation’s mission, “Establishing this scholarship made sense, given NEPA HCF’s goal to improve the region’s health and well-being. Supporting medical students committed to practicing medicine in our community ensures a healthier future for northeastern Pennsylvania.” The reception also focused on the group’s annual report, detailing the program’s achievements. Key accomplishments include the continued support of students through substantial scholarship awards and the reinforcement of partnerships aimed at enhancing health care access in the region. “The NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars Program is a wonderful example of how strategic philanthropy and medical education can work together to strengthen our region’s health care system,” said Julie Byerley, M.D., M.P.H., Geisinger College of Health Sciences president and dean. “By investing in our students and encouraging them to stay and practice in northeastern Pennsylvania, we’re building a healthier future — one physician at a time.” First row, L to R: Parita Ray, Laura Barna, M.D. (alumna, Class of 2019) Caitlin Doughton, Kyle Kidd, Evan Florey, Madison Ziobro, Alexis Blackburn, Abigail Glynn, Jake Parrick, M.D. (alumnus, Class of 2019), Alivia Roberts Back row, L to R: Tonyehn Verkitus, Catherine Mihalick, Sarah Wodder, Shubhra Shetty, M.D., Jason Woloski, M.D., Laura Ducceschi, Barbara Grimaud, Michael Cordaro, Joseph Burke, Patrick Connors, Julie Byerley, M.D., M.P.H., Peter Cognetti
Northeastern PA Native Returns as New CEO of Scranton Counseling Center After a national search, Scranton Counseling Center has selected Sarah Wodder, Psy.D. as the organization’s new President and CEO. Dr. Wodder, a northeastern Pennsylvania native, will be returning to the area to lead the community based, non-profit behavioral health organization. Dr. Wodder most recently served as an Executive Director of Edison Court, Inc., a Doylestown, PA child and adolescent residential and outpatient treatment facility for those with behavioral health issues. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, and her Master of Science in Community Counseling from the University of Scranton. She was awarded her Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia. She will assume her new responsibilities on September first, relieving Sal Santoli, the interim CEO, who will remain in a senior management position with the Center. “We are delighted to bring in Dr. Wodder to lead Scranton Counseling Center,” said Karen Clifford, chair of the CEO search committee. “Sarah’s commitment to quality, collaboration and team building, and her inclusive approach to partnership development will serve the Center and the community we serve well as we continue to grow and evolve in our new campus,” Karen concluded. “Having grown up in the Scranton area with deep roots in this community, I am thrilled to be chosen to lead Scranton Counseling Center and its professional staff of behavioral health specialists,” related Sarah Wodder. “My previous outpatient and residential experiences will be valuable in leading the devoted team at the Center in providing exceptional service to those in need,” she added. Dr. Wodder was selected after a four-month selection process that provided the search committee a significant number of regional and national applications for consideration. Philip Condron, the board chair of Scranton Counseling Center, relayed, “Dr. Wodder’s focus on our client services, staff training, and quality improvement enabled her to stand out among an outstanding list of applicants for the CEO position. Her background, experience and previous successes positioned her as our strong selection. We’re thrilled she accepted our offer.” Scranton Counseling Center is a community based, private nonprofit behavioral health provider serving children, adolescents, adults and families with mental health and substance abuse issues in Lackawanna Susquehanna and surrounding counties. The center recently moved into a new $15 million campus of facilities on the corner of Cedar Avenue and Cherry Street in South Scranton.
