The Wright Center Pediatrician Appointed to Statewide Board Dr. Manju Mary Thomas, a pediatrician and deputy chief medical officer and medical director of pediatrics and school- and community-based medical home services at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, has been appointed to the Pennsylvania School-Based Health Alliance (PSBHA) Board of Directors. The Philadelphia-based PSBHA advocates for school-based health centers by promoting the development of innovative, scalable care systems that address the key medical and academic challenges caused by limited access to high-quality health care and wellness education. Dr. Thomas, board-certified in pediatrics and obesity medicine, provides care for infants, children, and adolescents at The Wright Center’s Mid Valley Practice in Jermyn. She also leads The Wright Center’s School-Based Practice at West Scranton Intermediate School and is a physician faculty member for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Regional Family Medicine Residency Pediatrics Program. “As a pediatrician and advocate for children’s health, I am honored to join the Pennsylvania School-Based Health Alliance Board of Directors,” said Dr. Thomas, whose career spans over two decades. “School-based health centers are essential in addressing both medical and academic challenges faced by students who lack access to quality care. By offering comprehensive, accessible services, we not only support students’ physical and mental well-being but also enhance their ability to thrive academically. The growing need for these centers is clear, and I am excited to work with the PSBHA to champion innovative solutions that bring high-quality care directly to our schools where it is most needed.” She joins Robin Rosencrans, executive administrative assistant at The Wright Center, who serves as secretary on the PSBHA board of directors. Dr. Thomas is also co-leading the recent relaunch of Lackawanna County’s Reach Out and Read, a nonprofit national program that distributes books to children during their regular pediatric visits to promote early literacy and health through pediatric care. She earned her medical degree from St. John’s Medical College in Bangalore, India, and completed her pediatrics residency at Brookdale University Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Before joining The Wright Center in 2021, she was an attending pediatrician at Lehigh Valley Health Network. Dr. Thomas resides in Palmer Twp., Pennsylvania, with her husband, Dr. Mahesh Krishnamurthy.
The University of Scranton Awarded Seven-Figure Grant The University of Scranton receives seven-figure Appalachian Regional Commission grant for Technology-Driven Transformation in Workforce Development and Innovation Project. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded a $1,321,980 grant to The University of Scranton’s to support its Technology-Driven Transformation in Workforce Development and Innovation project. The grant leverages opportunities for outreach and collaboration, including with area small businesses, that will be created by the August 2025 opening of the nearly 90,000-square-foot Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall now under construction. The University of Scranton was awarded a $1,321,980 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to support its Technology-Driven Transformation in Workforce Development and Innovation project which is expected to involve 159 students, 10 businesses and 137 participants. The grant leverages opportunities for outreach and collaboration that will be created by the August 2025 opening of Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall, now under construction. Seen here is a rendering of Weiss Hall. ARC announced awards of $68.2 million for 65 projects through its Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative. POWER directs federal resources to economic diversification and revitalization projects in Appalachian communities affected by the downturn of the coal industry. The awards, announced on Oct. 16, amount to ARC’s largest POWER investment since the initiative was launched in 2015. The projects funded impact 188 counties in 10 Appalachian states: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Scranton is one of just 20 projects in Pennsylvania selected to receive ARC awards. Scranton received the seventh largest award in the Commonwealth. The ARC grant funding leverages the workforce development, applied research and community outreach opportunities that will be created in the four-story Weiss Hall, including the expanded and dedicated space for the University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The new space furthers the development of SBDC programming and encourage new collaborations with academic departments housed in the new building. The ARC grant will support the development of the Small Business Ready program that builds on the success of the existing Small Business Development Center’s Internship Program. Small Business Ready involves the development of a specialized training program tailored to the unique needs of small business for student interns. The training program will address the development of soft skills, such as interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, leadership and written and oral communication, which were identified by employers as often lacking in new hires. The program will also seek to foster an entrepreneurial mindset and nurture creativity and innovation among University students and provide practical training on business planning, management fundamentals, cybersecurity basics, marketing and social media strategies, accounting, and finance principles. SBDC consultants will develop the training program in collaboration with local small business owners, and the University’s career development staff and faculty. The program will leverage specialized equipment and technology that will be available in a 10,000-square-foot innovation hub on the first floor of Weiss Hall, which includes a virtual reality/augmented reality training laboratory. The ARC grant will also establish a networking program to facilitate more meaningful connections between students and small business owners and representatives. University students will take the lead in organizing and coordinating events and activities related to this initiative. In addition, the grant supports the development of initiatives for two of the University’s academic programs housed in Weiss Hall: the Psychology Department Experiential Learning and Outreach; and the Cybersecurity, Crime Analysis, Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Education, Training and Outreach. The University anticipates 159 students, 10 businesses and 137 participants will be impacted through the ARC grant. The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development entity of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. Since 2015, ARC has invested $484.7 million in 564 projects impacting 365 coal-impacted counties. Collectively, these investments are projected to support nearly 54,000 jobs and prepare nearly 170,000 workers and students for new opportunities in growing industries.
Marywood University’s Nursing Graduates Achieve 100% Pass Rate Marywood University’s nursing program was recently notified that its 2024 graduating class achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the NCLEX Exam. The NCLEX is the world’s premier licensure exam and uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) technology to deliver the exam, ensuring a valid and reliable measurement of nursing competence. This is the second consecutive year that Marywood nursing graduates have achieved a perfect pass rate within one year of graduation. “Our nursing graduates’ achievement of a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX nursing exam for the second consecutive year is a testament to their dedication, resilience, and exceptional preparation,” said Dr. Theresa Tulaney, chair of Marywood University’s nursing program. “We are committed to empowering our students to excel in their nursing careers while making a meaningful difference and providing their patients with an exceptional standard of care.” Marywood University further expanded its deep commitment to health sciences, including nursing, when it opened the Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion in June.
Marywood University Announces New Faculty Members Shelby W. Yeager, M.Ed., LAT, ATC, CSCS, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, and James F. Eckler, Jr., M.ARCH, MSAS, Interim Dean of the Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies, recently announced new faculty members at Marywood for the 2024-2025 academic year. By college/program, new faculty include: COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES: Communication Sciences and Disorders Kaitlyn Froese, AuD, Instructor of Practice/Clinical Audiologist. Dr. Froese earned a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree from the University of Arizona and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Marywood University. Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science Maureen Burke, M.S., Assistant Professor of Practice. Ms. Burke holds a Master of Science degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from California University of Pennsylvania, and she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education (athletic training), with minors in Coaching and in Nutrition, from Marywood University. Emily Wargo M.S., Instructor of Practice. Ms Wargo is a Registered Dietitian, who received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics with a minor in Science and her Master of Science in Sports Nutrition & Exercise Science from Marywood University. She is a board-certified specialist in Lifestyle Medicine and a Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness instructor. Ms. Wargo was accepted into the International Olympic Committee Sports Nutrition Diploma program, with the goal to receive her Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics credential. Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, and Healthcare Administration Sarah Dalton, B.S., Instructor of Practice/Director of Clinical Education. Ms. Dalton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy from Marywood University. She also holds an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy from Luzerne County Community College. Physician Assistant Dane Doornbos, DMSc, Assistant Professor of Practice. Dr. Doornbos holds a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree from the University of Lynchburg. He earned two degrees from Marywood University, including a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with an emphasis in Clinical Practices, as well as a minor in English. Both of his Marywood degrees were bestowed with honors. Chelsea Robinson, M.S., Assistant Professor of Practice/Clinical Coordinator. Ms. Robinson earn both her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and her Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physician Assistant Studies from Marywood University. Psychology and Counseling Mindy Farley, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Counselor Education. Dr. Farley received her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from Capella University. She holds a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Counseling & Human Service from the University of Scranton. Her graduate and undergraduate degrees were awarded magna cum laude. Heather Rakestraw, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Practice. Dr. Rakestraw earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in the Child and Family track from Kent State University. Additionally, she holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Kent State, and she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, summa cum laude, from Temple University. Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science Derrick Boucher, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Physics. Dr. Boucher was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics from Lehigh University, where he also earned a Master of Science degree in Physics. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, cum laude, from the University of Scranton. Michael Gottstein, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mathematics. Dr. Gottstein earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Binghamton University, where he also received a Master of Arts in Mathematics. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Statistics from Misericordia University. Kimberly Stanek, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Chemistry. Dr. Stanek holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Virginia. She also earned two bachelor’s degrees, a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry, from the University at Buffalo. School of Social Work Yerodin Lucas, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Social Work. Dr. Lucas served as Executive Director of Equity and Inclusion at Marywood University prior to becoming a full-time social work faculty member. He earned two degrees from Marywood University, including a Ph.D. in Administration & Leadership and Master of Social Work degree. Dr. Lucas also holds a Master of Arts in Education from Temple University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Minor in International Relations) from Arcadia University. REAP COLLEGE OF CREATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES School of Architecture Jim Sullivan, M.Arch., AIA, Professor of Architecture. Mr. Sullivan is a licensed architect, who previously served as Dean of the Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies and as Dean of Marywood’s School of Architecture. He holds Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Environmental Design degree from Miami University of Ohio. School of Visual and Performing Arts (Art Therapy) Jackalynn Wilson, M.A. Instructor of Practice/Art Therapy. Ms. Wilson is a Board-Certified Art Therapist. She holds both a Master of Arts in Art Therapy and a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy, with minors in Sculpture and Psychology, from Marywood University. School of Visual and Performing Arts (Music, Theatre, and Dance) Allison Fox, M.A., Instructor of Practice/Interim Director of Music Therapy. Ms. Fox holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. Her field of study on the master’s level was Expressive Therapies (Music Therapy). She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from the University of Delaware. Her field of study included Music and Jazz Studies.
Johnson College to Host Fall Open House Johnson College will hold its Fall Open House on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on its Scranton campus. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu. The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.
Johnson College Partners with Road Runner for CDL Training In response to the regional and national demand for CDL truck drivers, Johnson College has partnered with Road Runner CDL Academy to offer Class A CDL Driver Training at the truck driving school located at 6 S. Keyser Avenue in Taylor, PA. The 160-hour course, managed by Road Runner CDL Academy, blends 40 hours of detailed classroom instruction with 120 hours of practical, behind-the-wheel training. Automatic and manual transmission training options are available. The course features a flexible training schedule with experienced instructors and can be completed in as little as four weeks. Students will learn to inspect and operate tractor-trailers and to assume driver responsibilities on the road and at pickup/delivery points. Emphasis will be placed on vehicle inspections, defensive driving, range maneuvers, motor carrier safety regulations (DOT 380-397 and a certificate for entry-level drivers), trip planning, cargo handling, size/weight laws, general maintenance procedures, hours of service, and accident prevention. Participants must have a driver’s license and clean motor vehicle record (MVR) before registering for the course. Participants must complete the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug screen and physical. A valid CDL permit is required before the second week of class. “As our economy continues to grow and evolve, the need for efficient and reliable CDL drivers is becoming increasingly critical,” said Ashley Bechaver, Director of Continuing Education at Johnson College. “Johnson College’s partnership with Road Runner CDL Academy will support industries throughout our region and beyond with in-demand, class-A CDL training.” The course complies with the new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules established by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA), which took effect in February 2022. After completing the CDL Training course, students will earn a certificate of completion from Johnson College and the qualifications for one of the most in-demand careers in the nation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual pay for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is $54,320. To learn more or to enroll in the Class A CDL Driver Training course, visit johnson.edu/cdl or contact the College’s Continuing Education department at continuinged@johnson.edu.
Scranton Area Community Foundation to Celebrate Anniversary with Platinum Jubilee Event The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce the celebration of its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades of service and impact in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Foundation has played a critical role in fostering philanthropy, supporting local nonprofit organizations, and improving the quality of life in the region. To commemorate this milestone, the Foundation is hosting a Platinum Jubilee anniversary event on Thursday, December 5, 2024, honoring the community, donors, and stakeholders who have made this legacy possible. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. The Scranton Area Community Foundation was established as a community trust in 1954 by the Scranton Family, whose initial $1 million gift was the seed that has grown into a permanent vehicle for donors to accomplish their philanthropic goals while helping to support positive change in our community. Since its founding, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has been committed to creating a better future for the region by partnering with donors, nonprofits, and community leaders to address the most pressing needs. Over the past 70 years, the Foundation has awarded millions in grants to support local initiatives in education, health, human services, the arts, and economic development. Its leadership in collaborative philanthropy has positioned the Foundation as a trusted resource, enabling donors to make a lasting impact in the region. “Celebrating 70 years is a remarkable achievement,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “It is a testament to the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our community partners, and the resilience of our region. We are excited to commemorate this milestone and look forward to the future as we continue to foster philanthropy and create meaningful, positive change.” Platinum Jubilee Celebration in December To honor its legacy and look ahead to the future, the Foundation will host a Platinum Jubilee event on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the Scranton Cultural Center. This evening will bring together community members, philanthropists, and nonprofit leaders for a night of celebration and reflection. The event will feature a retrospective on the Foundation’s 70-year journey, and attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the Foundation’s vision for the next chapter of its work in the region. The Foundation invites the public to join in this celebration and be part of this significant occasion. Registration information will be announced on the Foundation’s website later this month. For more information on attending the event or supporting the Foundation’s mission, please visit safdn.orgor contact Mary Joyce, Communications Manager at the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “As the Foundation looks ahead, it remains committed to addressing the evolving needs of the community and continuing to serve as a catalyst for positive change,” stated Ellen Burkey, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Chair. “With its strong foundation of philanthropy, the Scranton Area Community Foundation will continue to support projects that improve lives, create opportunities, and build a more inclusive and vibrant Northeastern Pennsylvania,” Burkey added. Several board governors and staff members of the Scranton Area Community Foundation gather for a photo during a recent strategic planning board meeting. The Foundation is planning its 70th anniversary ‘Platinum Jubilee’ celebration for December 5, 2024. Standing (l-r): Brad Reid, Scranton Area Community Foundation Philanthropy Manager; Ryan Eckersley, Scranton Area Community Foundation Finance Associate; Patricia Fox, Psy.D, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Bryan J. Franz DMD MS, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Amy Betts, Scranton Area Community Foundation Community Impact Manager; Frank Caputo, Scranton Area Community Foundation Grants and Scholarships Manager; Barbara O’Hara, Esq., Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Kenneth Okrepkie,Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Jana Nelhybel, Scranton Area Community Foundation NEPA Thrives Sustainability Manager; Joseph Bannon, MD,Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Mary Joyce, Scranton Area Community Foundation Communications Manager; Katie Gilmartin, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; David Price, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Jerry Musheno, R.Ph. Esq., Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Thomas Minora, MD, F.A.C.P., Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Rebecca Farrell, Scranton Area Community Foundation Grants and Scholarships Associate;Cathy Fitzpatrick, Scranton Area Community Foundation Grants and Scholarships Director. Seated (l-r): Brittany Pagnotti, Scranton Area Community Foundation Donor Relations and Communications Director; Ellen Burkey, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Chair; Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO; Maggie Martinelli, Scranton Area Community Foundation Chief Operating Officer; Dana Hunter, Scranton Area Community Foundation Operations Manager. Photo Credit: Julie Potter
