Professional Development Scholarships

The 2024 Professional Development Scholarship Program awarded 33 scholarships totaling $40,000. The funds are granted to staff members of LeadingAge PA member organizations statewide, supporting their pursuit of various degrees, certifications, and continuing education opportunities. The main aim is to raise awareness about the employment possibilities in aging services and to emphasize that there are opportunities for career growth within the field.

The selection process, overseen by a LeadingAge PA member and staff task force, evaluated all applications based on submitted personal statements, professional references, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing careers within aging services.

Applicants awarded a scholarship will receive additional financial support if enrolled in a program with a Career Growth Partners. Visit the Career Growth Partners page for more details on the program.

• Senida Nuhanovic, Baptist Senior Family in Pittsburgh 

• Olivia Lord, Friends Village in Newtown

• AnnMarie Pettito-Thomas, Phoebe Richland in Richlandtown

• luwatomilola 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 
• Keri Smith, Messiah Lifeways in Mechanicsburg 
• Jacqueline Rivera, 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