Life and Independence for Today, Staff.
LIFT STAFF
Currently, Life and Independence for Today has a staff of 12. The positions are as follows: Executive Director, Executive Assistance, Information & Referral Specialist, Service Coordinator, Housing Specialist, Advocacy Coordinator, Advocacy Specialist, Office Assitant, Financial Manager, Skills Trainer, and 2 Independent Living Coordinators.
Dawn Park
I am the Information & Referral Specialist at Life and Independence for Today. I am responsible for researching all information & referral's that relate to assistive technology and I will also provide outreach to agencies, organizations and individuals in our service area. If you have any questions or concerns about programs or services please feel free to contact me at your convienence at 1 (800) LIFT or 1 (814) 781-3050.
Sandy Major
Hello! I'm Sandy Major. I am the Service Coordinator here at LIFT. I came to LIFT with experience in working with both special needs children and adults who have disabilities. I am actively involved with the Cameron County Girl Scouts. My past work experiences will help me to develop my work skills here at LIFT.
Ken Davis
I’m Ken Davis the Advocacy Coordinator at Life and Independence for Today (LIFT). Before coming to LIFT, I worked for a mental health agency that served people with mental illness. I held a wide range of direct care positions within the agency for fourteen years. Currently, I’m attending Penn State University working on a degree in Human Development and Families Studies.
As part of my job, I build coalitions in our six county service area. These coalitions decide on what goals they will like to pressure for the communities.
And, I’m the biggest sports fan in the world and attend sporting events when I can.
My name is Kelly Valdez, I'm the Advocacy Specialist here at LIFT. I had been actively involved with the Independent Living movement here in Pennsylvania as a member of the Cameron County Consumer Advocacy Group for approximately 5 years. I worked as an advocate for victims of domestic violence at a New York State Community Action Organization and most recently as a Personal Care Attendant for a person with Multiple Sclerosis. This was a satisfying job for the first few years, but as my consumer's condition required more intensive physical care, I had to begin looking at career options that were easier on my body. Luckily, the Advocacy position became available at about the same time and the rest, as they say, is history! There is a lot to learn, a lot to do, and I'm up for the challenge!!
Hope Weichman
Hi! I'm Hope Weichman. I am the Office Assistant at LIFT. I joined the LIFT staff in October 2004. Prior to joining LIFT, I was an Office Assistant at a car dealership. While I enjoy office work, I wanted to work with people. I believe LIFT is the opportunity I was looking for!
Cindy Feldbauer
Hi! My employment as Financial Manager for LIFT started June 4, 2001. I have a diversified background in the office workplace, including 16 years experience in the accounting field. My previous experience has never included working for a non-profit organization, but I am eager to learn the aspects of non-profit accounting and to participate in fundraisers to assist in making a contribution to LIFT.
Traci C. Meraglia
Hi. I am a 1985 graduate of Central Christian High School in DuBois, PA. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2000. I am excited to be a part of LIFT while learning more about the disability movement.
I'm pleased to be a part of the staff at Life and Independence for today and look forward to serving individuals and helping them to reach their individual goals.
Jill Rhoades
Hello, I graduated from Penn State University at DuBois, Pennsylvania with an associate degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant. I currently am employed at LIFT as the Independent Living Coordinator. The experiences that I have gained while at LIFT has given me more knowledge of the disability movement and will enable me to provide a broader source of care as a Physical Therapist Assistant.