FACES OF CIS
Our mission to surround students with a community of support is reflected in our team of caring adults. Scroll through the Faces of CIS or use the filters below to find a friendly face in your community.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP & ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
TIM MULLIGAN
President & CEO
What have CIS students taught you?
Students teach me what resiliency and hope mean despite the challenges, pain and struggle they face every day.
Who is your hero?
Martin Luther King Jr.
Do you collect anything?
U.S. Coins
Email Tim
WENDY SEIFFERT
Vice President of Operations
What lessons have students at CIS taught you? They have taught me to see everyone's unique life experiences - challenges and all - as opportunities.
If you could meet anyone, who would you choose? My grandfather was killed in World War 2. My father never even knew him. I would love to meet him.
Email Wendy
JON IRONS
Data and Evaluation Manager
What is one thing you'd tell your younger high school self? School only intentionally teaches you one set of skills in life. Let's spend some time developing your other skillsets and needs.
If you could meet anyone, who would you choose? Alexandra Ocasio Cortez, she's leading a revolutionary moment and showing us what justice and representation looks like.
Email Jon
GINA AMBRUSICO
Restorative Practices Coach
Favorite thing about working at CIS?
Having the honor and privilege to work with our team in the EASD and our admin office. Also, knowing the very positive impact we have on families and schools.
Favorite thing to do for self-care? Meditating in prayer and working out
Email Gina
Program Manager
Check back soon for more information about our Program Manager!
ERIN PHILLIPS
Career & Work Force Manager
What lessons have students at CIS taught you? They have taught me to be flexible. We might have plans ready to go for the day, but a student's question or something they are going through might change our plans.
If you could learn to do anything, what would you choose? I want to learn how to speak Spanish and sign language.
Email Erin
MICHAEL MCCORRISTIN
Executive Vice President
What lessons have students at CIS taught you? As a Site Coordinator I learned many lessons from my students. Most important were listen more, treat each day as a new day and don't give up.
Favorite movie of all time? Karate Kid
Favorite thing to do for self-care?
Daily workouts
Email Michael
JOYCE CERNIGLIA
Vice President of Finance & Administration
One thing you'd tell your younger self in high school? Don’t drop out and don’t give up. School matters.
Something you can't live without? Cell phone
Who's your hero? My first boss because of his kindness to employees. He helped me through my most difficult time.
Email Joyce
MARK BLASINI
Systems & Help Desk Manager
Favorite thing about working at CIS?
Working with kind-hearted, caring staff.
What's your favorite thing to do for self-care?
Play piano.
What's your go-to Karaoke Night song?
Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Queen
Email Mark
ANANT AGNIHOTRI
Program Manager
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS? Seeing the power of a community.
What is one moment when you felt really proud of yourself? When I became the Junior National Champion in Equestrian in India
What makes you feel at peace?
Cooking
Email Anant
KATHY HECKMAN
Office Manager
Favorite thing about working at CIS?
I enjoy the people and the variety of my work. Never a dull moment!
What makes you feel at peace?
Knowing our children and grandchildren are doing well and are safe.
Something you can't live without?
Chocolate!
Email Kathy
LYNNE WOODARD
Restorative Practices, Project Manager
What's one thing you'd tell your younger self in high school?
Never pass up any opportunities to learn.
Build relationships with healthy peers.
If you could meet anyone, who would you choose?
Eric Dolphy and John Coltrane
Who's your hero? My father.
Email Lynne
MARIA ESPOSITO
Vice President of Advancement
Favorite thing about working at CIS? Can't possibly narrow it down to one thing. My favorite things are the staff, the students, the relationships we all have with each other, and our incredibly supportive community!
Your first job? Slinging cheesesteaks at White House Hoagies in Scranton, PA. Yes, it was as glamorous as it sounds.
Email Maria
MIGDALIA GARCIA
Director of Operations
How do you describe your work at CIS? Supporting and encouraging our site coordinators so they can focus on empowering our students.
Favorite movie of all time?
Moana or A Bronx Tale
What makes you feel at peace?
Relaxing with my family
Email Migdalia
TAMMY PATTERSON
Human Resources Manager
Favorite thing about working at CIS?
Knowing that we are making a positive impact on so many students' lives.
Favorite holiday tradition? My best friend lived across the street growing up. My family always celebrated one night of Hanukkah with them - and they celebrated Christmas Eve with us. We still celebrate together when we can!
Email Tammy
PHIL PARISE
Program Manager
What would you tell your younger self in high school? Don't place too much value on the superficial things. In the moment, things can seem to be more important or necessary than they truly are. Be true to yourself and to your values, and the rest will fall in line.
Favorite family tradition?
Daddy-daughter day with my little girl
Email Phil
MICHAEL RAYMOND
Communications Manager
What’s one thing you would tell your younger self in high school? Take advantage of ANY opportunity - it doesn't matter if that opportunity doesn't interest you now. Don't be afraid to fail.
Favorite sports team? Penn State Football--We Are!
DARLINE NYANGWESO
Program Manager
What is one moment in your life when you felt really proud of yourself? Graduating with my Master's
What is your favorite TV show or movie of all time? Bridgerton
What’s your favorite family tradition? Thanksgiving with the family and friends playing board games after eating.
Email Darline
ALLENTOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT
HEATHER ANNUNZIATA
Site Coordinator, Building 21
Favorite thing about working at CIS?
I truly LOVE spending time and having fun with my students. They always make my day interesting, I am never bored.
Favorite thing to do for self-care?
Mani/pedi, facial, massage... any spa service that Groupon offers!
Go-to karaoke song?
Not Gon' Cry by Mary J. Blige
Email Heather
ADRIAN HEADLEY
Site Coordinator, William Penn Alternative
Check back soon to find out more about Adrian!
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AJA JEFFERSON
Community School Coordinator, South Mountain MS
How do you describe your work at CIS? To connect Students & Families to resources, events & programs that will create a fun, safer, & healthier, but more stable learning environment.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose? Storm from X-Men
Email Aja!
LLOYD BROOKS
Site Coordinator, Raub MS
What lessons have your students at CIS taught you? That they just want to be heard, given the sense of belonging to something of importance to them, and being able to earn trust to open up to new things.
Favorite sports team or athlete? Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angles Dodgers, Los Angles Clippers, Jack Tatum
What is your favorite snack? Gummy Bears
Email Lloyd
Community School Coordinator, Roosevelt ES
Check back for more information on our Community School Coordinator!
JEFFREY ESPINOLA
Community School Coordinator, Washington ES
What’s one thing you would tell your younger self in high school? Explore as many interest as possible and work hard.
What is your favorite thing to do for self-care? Bike rides
What books are you recommending to friends and family? The Power of Now and The Four Agreements
Email Jeffrey
Support Specialist, Central Elementary School
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EFURU EUGENE
Community School Coordinator, Harrison Morton Middle School
Check back soon for more information about Efuru!
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CHRISTINA ECHEVARRIA
Site Coordinator, Dieruff HS
What lessons have your students at CIS taught you? To be grateful because everyone has their own issues and traumas.
If you could meet anyone, who would you choose? Sue Bird
Who is your hero? My mother
Favorite movie? Love & Basketball
Email Christina
JULIA GLEASON
Site Coordinator, William Allen HS
What’s one thing you would tell your younger self in high school? I would tell myself that there is no limit to your potential.
What is your favorite TV show or movie of all time? My favorite TV show is Grey's Anatomy.
Who is your hero? My hero is the youth I work with daily. How resilient they are is truly inspiring.
Email Julia
AMY SCANLAN
Student Support Specialist, South Mountain MS
What is your favorite TV show or movie of all time? Raising Arizona
What is your favorite thing to do for self-care? Date night or take a walk
What is the best gift you have been given? Kids, of course!
Email Amy
GARDENYS FERNANDEZ
Site Coordinator, Trexler MS
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS? Providing the resources and tools that our students and their family need to be stable and enjoy life.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?
Hermione Granger from Harry Potter
What's something new you'd like to learn? Cook Sancocho like my mom.
Email Gardenys
NANCY RUIZ
Community School Coordinator, Sheridan ES
Favorite thing about working at CIS? Having a diverse TEAM and leadership that guides you and supports you.
Favorite TV show of all time?
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
What books are you recommending to friends & family? Too many. Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Email Nancy
JEREL FOSTER
Student Support Specialist, William Allen HS
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS? Helping those that live in the city I grew up in.
What is one moment in your life when you felt really proud of yourself? When I opened my own fitness center
What is the best gift you have been given? Financial advice
Email Jerel
MEGAN OBLESCHUK
Community School Coordinator, Central Elementary School
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS? Being able to build relationships and a community feel in our school.
What is your favorite thing to do for self-care? Kayaking and family game nights!
Email Megan
DOMINIQUE CONNOR
Site Coordinator, Harrison Morton Middle School
How do you describe your work at CIS? Working at CIS is BEYOND fulfilling , it’s self serving to re-establish community in your workplace. Working with the youth is also rewarding being able to provide them with the necessary supports and relationship to succeed.
What is your favorite TV show or movie of all time? Law & Order SVU
What lessons have your students at CIS taught you? It’s ok to say nothing at times, your presence is enough.
Email Dominique!
KRISTIN HOROSKI
Student Support Specialist, Dieruff HS
How do you describe your work at CIS? Working with students to find their “why” or “motivation” to come to school, do well, and graduate. Supporting their “why” and honing in on their “motivation” in any way and every way possible!
What's your favorite podcast? Anything regarding unsolved mysteries, conspiracy theories, or guardian angels
Email Kristin
Community School Coordinator, Trexler MS
Check back soon to find out more about our Community School Coordinator!
Activities Coordinator, South Mountain MS
Check back soon to learn more about our activities coordinator!
KARA WILLIAMS
Site Coordinator, Mosser ES
What’s one thing you would tell your younger self in high school? I would tell my younger self everything will be ok, things will always work out.
What was your first job? Working at a local pool in the city of Allentown.
What’s your favorite family tradition? Going up to Lake Wallenpaupack with my family.
Email Kara
MAGAN DEPREFONTAINE
Community School Coordinator, Union Terrace ES
How do you describe your work at CIS?
Meaningful interactions with families, students, and staff. Connecting community resources and partners with those in our school environment.
If you could meet anyone, who would you choose? My Aunt, who everyone says I act and look like.
Email Magan
ROME NEELY
Activities Coordinator, Harrison Morton MS
How do you describe your work at CIS? Exciting! The opportunity to create and develop programming for our students is life!
What is your favorite thing to do for self-care? I enjoy cooking, Although finding a beach in Miami is my favorite self-care!
What is the best gift you have been given? My Two Awesome Children Lauryn, and Alex
Email Rome
Denasia Mosteller
Community School Coordinator, Brigadier General Anna Mae Hays Elementary
Is there any product that you couldn't live without?? Burt's Bees Cucumber Mint Chapstick! I always have it with me
What is your favorite TV show or movie of all time? Matilda
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS? Being able to support students and their families through the means of community resources and making connections!
Email Denasia
MICHELLE SEYMOUR
Activities Coordinator, Union Terrace Elementary
Check back soon for more information about Michelle!
Email Michele!
BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
NAOMY DIAZ-SIERRA
Site Coordinator, Freedom HS
What’s one thing you would tell your younger self in high school? Don't be afraid to ask for help. There are so many kind and caring adults to help you through your journey.
Favorite family tradition? Christmas Eve my family gets together and stays up to open gifts at midnight. We watch movies, make gingerbread houses and share funny stories.
Email Naomy
TAMMIE MORALES-KOCH
Site Coordinator, Northeast MS
What’s one thing you would tell your younger self in high school? You are terrific just as you are be true to yourself.
What is your favorite thing to do for self-care? Planning monthly girls night out with friends.
If you could meet anyone, who would you choose? Oprah Winfrey
Email Tammie
GENA HOLMES
Community School Coordinator, Lincoln ES
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS? I love that my job allows me to serve a community that I hold so close to my heart.
What is one moment when you felt really proud of yourself? I felt extremely proud the day my husband and I became licensed foster parents.
Favorite snack? Spoonfuls of Nutella
Email Gena
Nicole Galuppo
Career & Workforce Job Coach, Freedom/Liberty
What is your favorite TV show or movie of all time? The first three Pirates of the Caribbean movies
Do you collect anything? Vintage pyrex bowls and bakeware!
What is your favorite thing to do for self-care? A very long skin care routine
Email Nicole
NICOLE BEAUCHAMP
Site Coordinator, Liberty High School
What is your favorite thing to do for self-care? Most of the time, I like to listen to music-loudly! But, meditation works too.
What would you sing at karaoke night?
Just a friend- Mario
What's your favorite podcast?
Ones dealing with stress and anxiety as well as true crime and paranormal experiences.
Email Nicole
BRIA DEWS
Site Coordinator, Fountain Hill ES
What is one thing you would tell your younger self in high school? I would tell my younger self that it will all make sense in a few years, trust your journey.
Do you collect anything? I collect vinyl records.
If you could meet anyone, who would you choose? Maya Angelou
Email Bria
AZUCENA SNYDER
Activities Coordinator, Lincoln ES
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS? The people that I work with.
If you could meet anyone, who would you choose? I would like to meet Isabella I of Castile - Queen of Spain
What makes you feel at peace?
A big hug from my husband
Email Azucena
Halina John
Site Coordinator, Broughal MS
What is one moment in your life when you felt really proud of yourself? Graduating with my masters degree
What would you sing at Karaoke night? I Wanna Dance With Somebody-- Whitney Houston
Favorite sports team or athlete?
Penn State Fooball
Email Halina
ALANA LOWE
Site Coordinator, Freemansburg ES
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS? Working with the students and watching their growth overtime.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?
Storm from the X-Men
Favorite thing to do for self-care?
Listen to music
Email Alana
Community School Coordinator, Northeast MS
How Check back for more information on our Community School Coordinator.
EAST PENN SCHOOL DISTRICT
AMY WILLIAMS
Site Coordinator, Emmaus HS
Favorite thing about working at CIS? Developing relationships with the students and being a support to them.
Favorite TV show of all time? Family Ties and Friends...any show that can make me laugh out loud and connect to the characters is aces in my book.
First job? A local bakery in high school when I was in high school
Email Amy
KRISTEN HACKMAN
Site Coordinator, Eyer MS
What lessons have your students at CIS taught you? I have learned a lot from my students about resilience and perseverance.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose? Wonder Woman. She symbolizes truth, justice, and equality for everyone. Besides, she is one tough lady!
Email Kristen
JENNIFER CSORDAS
Site Coordinator, Lower Macungie MS
What’s one thing you would tell your younger self in high school? Breathe! Now it is like this, but this will change. And not to take myself too seriously.
What is the best gift you have been given? My puppy, Luna. She was a gift from my husband and brings so much joy to me and my family!
Favorite TV show? The Office
Email Jennifer
EASTON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
ELISE SYMIA
Site Coordinator, Easton Area HS
What lessons have your students at CIS taught you? My students have taught me you can still smile and find the light through the darkest times
Favorite sports team? New York Yankees
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Lebanon
Email Elise
ANNETTE TAPIA
Social Worker, Easton Area HS
What is your favorite thing to do for self-care? I exercise, meditate, pray and scrapbook!
What is your favorite family tradition? Making traditional Puerto Rican food for my sons on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
How would you describe your work at CIS? Exciting, challenging, rewarding and satisfying!
Email Annette
DANIEL FOULK
Student Support Specialist Easton Area MS
How do you describe your work at CIS? I describe my work much like that of a guide. Students must choose their own path, but as case managers, we can act as an aid to navigation, making sure our students have the tools they need and keeping them from getting lost along the way.
Something you can't live without?
Coffee
Email Dan
GREGORY JONES
Student Support Specialist, Easton Area MS
What’s one thing you would tell your younger self in high school? Never stop dreaming.
What books are you recommending to friends and family? Mindset by Carol S. Dweck
Favorite sports team or athlete? New York Mets
Email Gregory
STACEE BANKO
Community School Coordinator, Cheston ES
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS? The relationship I am building with he staff and community at Cheston.
What is your favorite TV show or movie of all time? A League of Their Own
What makes you feel at peace? Listening to a thunderstorm
Email Stacee
REINALDO SANCHEZ
Student Support Specialist, Easton Area HS
How do you describe your work at CIS? Diverse & adventurous. All students are different. Every situation that a student allows me to be part of, allows me to grow professionally.
If you could learn to do anything new, what would it be? Master playing acoustic guitar.
What is your favorite TV show of all time? How I Met Your Mother
Email Reinaldo
TIFFANY HUNGERFORD
Student Support Specialist, Easton Area HS
If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose? Superwoman
What's your favorite podcast? Abraham Hicks--Infinite Intelligence
What's one thing you would tell your youngers self in high school? Not to fear what others think of me.
Email Tiffany
BRIAN WITTREICH
Student Support Specialist, Easton Area MS
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS? The kids! There is no better feeling than watching a student progress through the school year and realize their potential.
If you could meet anyone, who would you choose? Barack Obama
Favorite thing to do for self-care? Stink at golf.
Email Brian
JONATHAN TORRES
Program Aide, Easton Area MS
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS? The connection with the community
If you could get paid to do anything in the world, what would it be? Traveling Photographer
What’s your favorite family tradition? You have to wear PJs if you're doing Thanksgiving with us!
Email Jonathan
JEANINE STANILIOUS
Community School Coordinator, Paxinosa ES
How do you describe your work at CIS? My work at CIS is very rewarding. I am able to make connections each day with our amazing families and community members!
Go-to Karaoke song? Oh, I can't pick just one song... I am an 80's girl that grew up on Karaoke!
Who is your hero? My dad
Email Jeanine
Student Support Specialist, Easton Area HS
Check back soon for more information on our Support Specialist!
NICOLE BRODT
Site Coordinator, Easton Area MS
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS? My students! I have developed special relationships with them all. They come to me when they need to talk, take a break, check in to share their successes or concerns, or just need to see a familiar face.
Favorite thing to do for self-care? Spending time with my family and puppy!
Email Nicole
MARYSA FAHRINGER
Social Worker, Easton Area MS
What’s your favorite family tradition?Christmas Eve Mass & family dinner.
What is the best gift you have been given?
Being a Godmother.
Favorite sports team or athlete?
NY Giants & Clemson Football
Email Marysa
ZABRINA NEGRON
Parent & Family Liaison, Easton Area MS
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you choose? I would definitely like to meet Barack Obama.
What is your favorite thing to do for self-care? Surrounding myself with things that make me happy and having an "unplug" day from technology.
What is your favorite snack? I enjoy guacamole and red quinoa chia chips.
Email Zabrina
GIVEL LEDESMA
Parent & Family Liaison, Paxinosa ES
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS? My coworkers, and their passion to help those in need.
Favorite thing to do for self-care? Rest, nap and watch Grey's Anatomy.
If you could learn to do anything new, what would it be? Play the guitar and piano.
Email Givel
KUTZTOWN AREA, FLEETWOOD AREA, & BRANDYWINE HEIGHTS AREA SCHOOLS
CALEB BAUKMAN
Site Coordinator, Kutztown/Fleetwood/Brandywine
What’s one thing you would tell your younger self in high school? Life is all about growth! Keep growing, Keep glowing, and Keep going!
If you could meet anyone, who would you choose? Tupac Shakur
Favorite thing to for for self-care?
Write poetry
Email Caleb
RACHEL THOMAS
Site Coordinator, Kutztown High School
What is your favorite thing to do for self-care? Exercise - especially classes where the focus is on a specific type of exercise or muscle group. It gets me out of my head and completely present.
What would you sing at Karaoke night? "Wanted Dead or Alive" - Bon Jovi. Hey, don't judge me. I'm from New Jersey.
Email Rachel!
REBECCA KELLER
Site Coordinator, Kutztown/Fleetwood/Brandywine
What lessons have your students at CIS taught you? Students learn best when they feel safe, respected, and understood.
What’s your favorite family tradition? Cookie baking around the holidays.
What makes you feel at peace? Sitting on the beach.
Email Rebecca
COURTNEY STUNZ
Site Coordinator, Fleetwood High School
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS? Connecting with students and giving them tools and resources to be successful both in school and in the community.
Favorite family tradition? Sunday dinners. Every Sunday I get together with my immediate family for a big Sunday dinner. We laugh, tell stories, and discuss daily/weekly events.
Email Courtney
LEHIGH CAREER & TECHNICAL INSTITUTE
READING SCHOOL DISTRICT
CHANTEL BECKETT
Site Coordinator, Southern MS
What’s one thing you would tell your younger self in high school? Believe in yourself! Love yourself more! Asking for help is not a weakness!
If you could learn to do anything new, what would it be? I would love to learn how to play the piano and learn sign language.
What is your favorite snack? Mounds
WANDA COLON
Parent & Family Liaison, Reading SD
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS? Working with parents and the community to establish a culture of partnerships to help improve schools.
If you could meet anyone, who would you choose? Eleanor Roosevelt
What is your favorite thing to do for self-care? Watch K Dramas
Email Wanda
NICOLAS CAMACHO
Student Support Specialist, Southern MS
How do you describe your work at CIS? Exciting, challenging, creative, and fulfilling
What is one moment when you felt really proud of yourself? When I became a father to my daughter and a grandfather to my grandson
Favorite TV show of all time?
Chicago PD and Criminal Minds
Email Nicolas
MARITZA VARGAS
Site Coordinator, 10th & Penn
Check back for more information on Maritza!
Email Maritza
WHITEHALL-COPLAY SCHOOL DISTRICT
JAMIE HUNARA
Site Coordinator, Whitehall-Coplay MS
What would you tell your younger self in high school?
Appreciate the journey
What is one moment in your life when you felt really proud of yourself? When I purchased a home for me and my son
What was your first job?
Dog Groomer
Email Jamie
CESAR MERCADO
Family & Community Engagement Liaison, Whitehall-Coplay
Check back for more information on Cesar!
Email Cesar!
WILSON SCHOOL DISTRICT (BERKS)
CRISELL AYALA
Site Coordinator, Southern MS
Check back for more information about Crisell!
Email Crisell!
LAUREN JOHNSON
Site Coordinator, West MS
What lessons have your students at CIS taught you? In a very short amount of time, I learned that students are resilient and can push through difficult situations (virtual learning).
What is your favorite thing to do for self-care? Watch Bravo, workout, or sit outside with my family and friends.
Fave podcast? Anything true crime!
Email Lauren
BOARD OF DIRECTORS, CIS OF EASTERN PA
BOARD CHAIR
Tyler Papaz, Cornerstone Advisors Asset Management LLC
VICE CHAIR
Michelle Schmidt, Moravian College
TREASURER
Michael Zile, M&T Bank
SECRETARY
John W. Hart, Jack Hart LLC; Emmaus Borough Council
PAST CHAIR
Kristie L. Beitler, Esq., Mosebach, Funt, Dayton and Duckworth P.C.
Joetta Clark Diggs, 4-Time Olympian & Motivational Speaker
Kimberly M. DelSordo, Arkema
Karianne Gelinas, Lehigh Valley Economic Development
Sandy Green, Kutztown University
Hope Johnson, Lehigh Valley Health Network
Adrian Marsh, Olympus Corporation of the Americas
Ellen Millard-Kern, Chief of Staff for Senator Pat Browne
Majority Appropriations Chairman
Adam Morse, PPL
Constance K. Nelson, Gross McGinley, LLP
Reginald Romain, ADP
Raymon L. Williams, Air Products and Chemicals, INC.
Anne Zayaitz, Ph.D., Kutztown University of Pennsylvania