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
Associate 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
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
GINA AMBRUSICO
PROGRAM MANAGER
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
TYCHELLE GRAHAM-MOSKOWITZ
Program Manager
Favorite thing about working at CIS?
Knowing that students and families are at the center of the work that we do.
A moment in life you felt really proud? The day I graduated from UPenn (combated my imposter syndrome)
Product you can't live without?
Clear lip gloss
Email Tychelle
CARISSA CASEY
Restorative Practices Project Manager
How do you describe your work at CIS? Restorative Practices at CIS is an opportunity to cultivate more inclusive communities by strengthening relationships!
Books you are recommending to friends and family? Caste by Isabel Wilkerson and Blindspot by Mahzarin Banaji & Anthony Greenwald
Email Carissa
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
Senior Director 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
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
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
LYNNE WOODARD
RESTORATIVE PRACTICES COACH
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
BRITTANY PIERZGA
Director of Advancement & Communication
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS? I love any opportunity to spend time with my coworkers in the field and their students. That's where I learn the most.
Favorite TV show? Being Mary Jane
and Avatar: The Last Airbender
What makes you feel at peace? Putting away work and playing with my daughter
Email Brittany
TAMMY PATTERSON
Human Resources Coordinator
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
MIGDALIA GARCIA
Program Manager
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
ERIN PHILLIPS
21st CCLC Program 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
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
DOLLY AMARO
Site Coordinator, William Allen HS
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS? The important role I play in the lives of the students I serve. I truly enjoy being the person they can trust and rely on and helping them discover their strengths and passions.
What is the best gift you have been given? One of my students painted a portrait of Malcolm X for me as a Christmas gift.
Email Dolly
CHELSEA BUFFALOE
Site Coordinator, Harrison-Morton MS
Favorite TV show of all time?
Grey's Anatomy
Is there any product that you couldn't live without?
I can't live without coffee!
If you could learn to do anything new, what would it be?
Play the piano
Email Chelsea
GLORIMAR VALENTIN
Site Coordinator, South Mountain MS
What lessons have your students at CIS taught you?
We need to work together as a team in all aspects of life.
Favorite movie of all time?
Harry Potter series
Favorite thing to do for self-care?
Working out at the gym
Email Glorimar
AMANDA MADEA
Community School Coordinator, Hays ES
What lessons have your students at CIS taught you? They've taught me how to be more present in the moment. Every little thing excites them, and as we get older, we develop blinders to these small things. My students have reminded me to slow down and find that excitement again.
If you could meet anyone, who would you choose? Lucille Ball
Email Amanda
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
EDGAR CASTANO
Site Coordinator, Dieruff HS
How do your describe your work at CIS? Impactful
What is one moment in your life when you felt really proud of yourself?
Graduating college after my military service
What makes you feel at peace?
Sitting on my deck with my dog
Email Edgar
BARLEY MELCHER
Student Support Specialist, William Allen HS
What lessons have your students taught you? No matter what speed bumps we encounter, we can get over them.
What makes you feel at peace? Talking with my friends & family always makes me feel at peace when times are hard.
Do you collect anything? Magnets from places that I have traveled to.
Email Barley
KASEMAH MITCHELL
Site Coordinator, Raub MS
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS? Working with the students and providing for the families.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you choose?
Michelle Obama and Phylicia Rashad
What's your favorite podcast?
Dead A** with K & D and Therapy for Black Girls
Email Kasemah
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
VIKA SHPOLYANSKY
Site Coordinator, Mosser ES
What lessons have your students at CIS taught you? To not take life so seriously and to enjoy the little things!
What is your favorite thing to do for self-care? Coloring with adult coloring books!
What is your favorite snack?
Chips, any and all kinds of chips!
Email Vika
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
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
JAMIE HUNARA
Site Coordinator, William Penn Alternative
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
CELINA DADDARIO
Community School Coordinator, South Mountain MS
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you choose?
Dr. Jane Goodall
What makes you feel at peace? Being on the water - in a kayak or on a paddle board!
Do you collect anything?
I have a large collection of houseplants
Email Celina
ANANT AGNIHOTRI
Community School Coordinator, Central ES
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
SAMANTHA JOHNS
Community School Coordinator, Roosevelt ES
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS?
Being a part of something bigger than myself!
Favorite snack?
S'mores and Flavor Blasted Goldfish
What makes you feel at peace?
Being near a waterfall or kayaking
Email Samantha
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
Site Coordinator, Fountain Hill ES
You can meet our Site Coordinator at Fountain Hill Elementary School soon!
Coming Soon!
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
NANCY ETTWEIN
Site Coordinator, Liberty High School
What’s one thing you would tell your younger self in high school? Who cares what others think. Be true to yourself!!
What's your favorite podcast?
Anything with Brene Brown
What makes you feel at peace?
Listening to the ocean
Email Nancy
KIMBERLY BUSH
Community School Coordinator, Northeast MS
How do you describe your work at CIS? I give students & families a great big "life hug"- which is the caring support everyone needs to be successful.
Favorite podcast? I love podcasts!
My go-to is Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard. I like to recommend Dolly Parton's America. It's a short series that will surprise you!
Email Kimberly
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
Site Coordinator, Broughal MS
You can meet our Site Coordinator at Broughal Middle School soon!
Coming Soon!
DEVICA HARNARAIN
Activities Coordinator, Donegan ES
What lessons have your students at CIS taught you? CIS students have taught me to brave and bold.
What is your favorite sweet?
Toffifay
What books are you recommending to friends and family? The Tommyknockers, The Firm, and Watchers
Email Devica
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
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.
I you could be any fictional character, who would you choose? Wonder Women. 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
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
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
MIKE RAYMOND
Student Support Specialist, Easton Area HS
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.
What's your favorite podcast? I listen to a TON of sports podcasts, but outside of those I would say -The Rewatchables.
Email Mike
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
CHRISTINA ECHEVARRIA
Parent & Family Liaison, Easton Area MS
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
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
KAYLA SMITH-BANOS
Student Support Specialist, Easton Area HS
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS? My co-workers who are some of the most compassionate people I've ever met and my students who show me the resiliency of the human spirit everyday.
Books you recommend to friends and family? Any psychological thriller
Favorite TV show? The Office
Email Kayla
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
ASTRID PENA
Community School Coordinator, Cheston ES
What’s one thing you would tell your younger self in high school? Pay attention, listen, and have a plan.
Favorite TV show of all time?
How to Get Away With Murder
Anything you couldn't live without?
Curly hair products!
Favorite podcast? Joe Budden
Email Astrid
NANCY AMACKER
Activities Coordinator, Paxinosa ES
What lessons have your students at CIS taught you? Patience and humility
If you could meet anyone, who would you choose? Archie Manning or Dave Grohl
What books are you recommending to friends and family? The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint, and anything in the Tales of the City series
Email Nancy
LEHIGH CAREER & TECHNICAL INSTITUTE
SUSAN BADU
Site Coordinator, LCTI
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS? Seeing students achieve their academic goals to achieve graduation and employment.
If you could meet anyone, who would you choose? President Barack Obama
Favorite TV show of all time?
Everybody Loves Raymond
Email Susan
READING SCHOOL DISTRICT
RYAN GRUBER
Site Coordinator, Southern MS
What lessons have your students at CIS taught you? Strength comes in many forms, sizes, shapes, colors, and patterns.
What books are you recommending to friends and family? Dune, Circe, Sword of Truth Series
What would you sing at Karaoke night? Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody
Email Ryan
HAYDEELIN MARTINEZ-DE JESUS
Site Coordinator, 10th & Penn ES
What is your favorite thing about working at CIS? I really like to see the effort that CIS makes to create safe spaces for learning and development about what is equity, diversity and inclusion.
Do you collect anything?
I collect cards about conversation starters or about important events and people in history.
Email Haydeelin
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
WANDA COLON
Family and Community Liaison, Southern MS
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
WHITEHALL-COPLAY SCHOOL DISTRICT
JON IRONS
Site Coordinator, Whitehall-Coplay MS
How do you describe your work at CIS? I get to focus on building relationships and creating welcoming, non-threatening, growth-oriented spaces for students to interact with adults and their peers.
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
WILSON SCHOOL DISTRICT (BERKS)
JAVIER BALDEON
Site Coordinator, Southern MS
How do you describe your work at CIS? Fulfilling; anytime you have the opportunity to positively inspire youth and help them overcome barriers to their successes- it's a giant win not only for them but for the community as well.
Favorite TV show of all time?
Seinfeld...and I probably just aged myself in revealing that!
Email Javier
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
COURTNEY STUNZ
Site Coordinator, Wilson 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
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.
Michael S. Bruckner
Kimberly M. DelSordo
Karianne Gelinas, Lehigh Valley Economic Development
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
Mario Stuart, Jr., Stuart Benefits Consulting, LLC
Anne Zayaitz, Ph.D., Kutztown University of Pennsylvania