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LIFT STAFF |
Currently, Life and Independence for Today has a staff of 8. The positions are as follows: Executive Director, Office Manager/Events Coordinator, Independent Living Coordinator, ATRC Assistant, Service Coordinator, Information & Referral Specialist, Regional Housing Coordinator, Advocacy Coordinator, Advocacy Specialist, Enhanced Nursing Home Transition Coordinator/Peer Counselor, Financial Manager and Office Assistants.
Hello! My name is Kelly Valdez and I began my career at LIFT eight years ago as the Advocacy Specialist (SWATCO).
On September 4, 2008 I began the journey into the housing world by accepting the position of Regional Housing Coordinator (RHC).
The goal of the RHC program is to improve or create housing choice for people regardless of age or disability by improving communication and information flow between the affordable housing community and service providers. The RHC program is a collaborative effort between DPW/PDA Office of Long-term Living, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and the Self-Determination Housing Project.
I can be reached via phone @ 800.341.5438 x108 or email me @ rhc@liftcil.org
Independent Living Coordinator
Hello! My name is Laure and I am the Independent Living Coordinator for LIFT. I began my career with LIFT as a Peer Counselor in June of 2006. In November of 2007 I moved into my current role.
My position enables me to meet with consumers personally and help them to set and obtain goals they want to achieve not only in their personal lives, but also within the community.
I also facilitate the local Multiple Sclerosis self help group which is held at the LIFT office. I have been with LIFT since June 2006.
I can be reached at (800) 341-5438 or (814) 781-3050 Ext. 104 or email lrich@liftcil.org.
I have been working with the consumers of LIFT's six county area since May of 2001.
My educational background includes a Bachelors Degree in Human Development and Family Studies obtained in 1997 from Penn State University. In 2002, I completed my graduate work at St. Bonaventure University with a Masters Degree in Education.
It is a true pleasure and special privilege for me to have the opportunity to assist individuals with disabilities to reach their individual goals. As the Information and Referral Specialist at LIFT, I am responsible for researching all information and referrals that relate to assistive technology. I also provide outreach and training to agencies, organizations and individuals in our service area.
As part of my position I manage the services LIFT provides as one of the (10) Assistive Technology Resource Centers in the State. This service is provided through funding from the Pennsylvania Institute of Assistive Technology.
We also provide funding assistance for assist technology through our contract with the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation.
If you have any questions or concerns about programs or services please feel free to contact me at your convenience at (800) 341-LIFT or (814) 781-3050 Ext. 107 or email liftinr@liftcil.org.
My name is Traci Meraglia and I have been employed with LIFT since 2001. I am the Service Coordinator for the CSPPPD Waivers.
My duties are to assist people with disabilities and their families to identify and obtain needed services. My key role as a Service Coordinator is to assist people with the process and paper work necessary to obtain services. We empower people with a disability, or "Consumer" with knowledge and tools to access services they may need.
I work directly with three CSPPPD waivers: Independence, OBRA and COMMCare.
I can be reached at (800) 341-5438 or (814) 781-3050 Ext. 106 or email liftsc@liftcil.org.
Nursing Home Transition Coordinator
Hi. My name is Sandy Major, I have worked with LIFT since 2004 starting out as a Service Coordinator providing independent living skills to consumers. With the creation of the Nursing Home Transition Program by the Commonwealth in 2006 I moved into my current position.
As Nursing Home Transition Coordinator I assist persons who are under 60 years of age transition back to the community if they so desire. This program enables LIFT to assist consumers with finding housing, referrals for attendant care, and other services.
I have worked with children who have disabilities in the schools, as well as Girl Scouts. It always amazes me when people say the disabled can't and they prove they can if given the chance.
I can be reached at (800) 341-5438 or (814) 781-3050 Ext. 111 or email nht@liftcil.org.
I have been employed with LIFT since June 2001. I was hired as the bookkeeper and shortly thereafter promoted to Financial Manager.
I have past work experiences in the accounting/payroll field and have proved that my heart is definitely in the right place. I hope to see LIFT grow by leaps and bounds.
I can be reached at (800) 341-5438 or (814) 781-3050 Ext. 109 or email liftfm@liftcil.org.
Office Manager/Events Coordinator
Hi! I'm Hope Weichman. I have been with LIFT since October 2004 as the Office Manger/Events Coordinator.
As the Office Manger, I manager the overall operation of the office, offer a variety of support to staff members and compile and/or review quarterly reports to grant providers as some of my responsibilities.
As the Events Coordinator, I am responsible for organizing all of LIFT's fundraising and disability related events.
I can be reached at (800) 341-5438 or (814) 781-3050 Ext. 101 or email lift@liftcil.org.
In December 2005, I started at LIFT. My job title is Office Assistant/Receptionist. I have numerous duties as well as helping support the staff so LIFT as a whole runs more efficiently. I do clerical work like answering the telephone, mail, making copies, sending faxes, putting stock orders away and input data in the computer.
I can be reached at (800) 341-5438 or (814) 781-3050 Ext. 100 or email liftoa@liftcil.org.