LeadingAge PA Awards 33 Scholarships Totaling $40,000 to Support Professional Development in Aging Services
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (July 31, 2024) — LeadingAge PA proudly announces the awarding of 33 scholarships totaling $40,000 through its 2024 Professional Development Scholarship program. These scholarships are granted to staff members of LeadingAge PA member organizations statewide and support their pursuit of various degrees, certifications, and continuing education credits.
The selection process, overseen by a LeadingAge PA member and staff task force, focused on submitted personal statements, professional references, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing careers within aging services.
"These scholarships not only empower individuals but also fortify our collective ability to innovate and meet the evolving needs of older adults," said LeadingAge PA President and CEO Garry Pezzano. “These professionals are the future, and it is our desire to work alongside our member communities and their staff to make it bright.”
To qualify, candidates were required to be accepted or enrolled in their chosen program, whether it be nursing-related or non-nursing fields.
"There are abundant opportunities in aging services beyond nursing, encompassing diverse fields such as food service, therapy, social work, engineering, administration, and others,” said Member Engagement & Workforce Solutions Director Erin McDermott. “This scholarship program reflects our commitment to nurturing talent across all sectors critical to senior care."
- Senida Nuhanovic, Baptist Senior Family in Pittsburgh
- Olivia Lord, Friends Village in Newtown
- AnnMarie Pettito-Thomas, Phoebe Richland in Richlandtown
- Oluwatomilola Elegah, Kendal-Crosslands in Kennett Square
Maria Kiwagama, Barclay Friends in West Chester
Jennifer Knecht, Tel Hai in Honey Brook
- Diane Bogacki, Christ the King Manor in Du Bois
- Rayne Herritt, Haven Place in Lock Haven
- Kurtis Adams, Bethany Village in Mechanicsburg
- Elizabeth Cerbone, UCC Homes in Camp Hill
- Catharine Lewis, Messiah Lifeways in Mechanicsburg
- Jacqueline Rivera, Messiah Lifeways in Mechanicsburg
- Keri Smith, Messiah Lifeways in Mechanicsburg
- Shanira Haynes, Riddle Village in Media
- Sheila Petit, Dunwoody Village in Newtown Square
- Lindsay Sokorai, Dunwoody Village in Newtown Square
- Kelly Eyer, Menno Haven in Chambersburg
- Oliva Gutshall, Menno Haven in Chambersburg
- Amanda Gettel, Landis Homes in Lititz
- Anaiya Hoang, Willow Valley Communities in Willow Street
- Ashley Sarbaugh, Masonic Village in Elizabethtown
- Tawana Winder-Nock, Homestead Village in Lancaster
- Christine Giuliani, Elan Skilled Nursing and Rehab in Scranton
- Alexis Lehr, Cornwall Manor in Cornwall
- Kelly Helton, Bradford Ecumenical Home in Bradford
- Regan Johnson, Bradford Ecumenical Home in Bradford
- Brittney Williams, St. Paul's in Greenville
- Dawn Keller, Meadowood Senior Living in Lansdale
- Shelby Schroy, Living Branches in Souderton
- Erika Smith, Liberty Lutheran in Ambler
- Thy Tran, Souderton Mennonite Homes in Souderton
- Carina Johnston, Kirkland Village in Bethlehem - Northampton and Lehigh Counties
- Ashley Kratzer, Simpson in Philadelphia