PAACE BOARD

Secretary: Susan Cazillo

Susan Cazillo is a Program Assistant with Lancaster Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 (IU13). After many years in the cosmetology industry, she leveraged her transferable skills to embark on a new career trajectory in adult education and workforce development. Over the last ten years, she has served in various roles including Admissions Counselor, Success Coach/Perkins Coordinator, and Career Navigator for young adults with barriers to completing their education or entering the workforce. She brings experience in writing, reporting, and maintenance of documentation for federal and state grants and grant funded programs, scheduling and managing logistics for special events, and effective communication pre/post events.

Much like the students served by PAACE members, her story is filled with barriers that seemed impossible to overcome. She believes her success is owed in part to those who were supportive and encouraging to her as she worked to conquer each obstacle. As a result, Susan believes giving back is a valuable endeavor. She has volunteered with various organizations including Bethany Christian Services, Conestoga Swim Team, Bucket Wish Foundation, Joni and Friends, North Star Initiative, and the You Are Enough! Teen Mom events. She is a contributing author to her local church’s devotional and had one of her pieces published on an international platform. In her free time, Susan enjoys spending time with her family, working out, reading, and writing.

Treasurer: Tim Shenk

Tim Shenk is the community education program director for Lancaster Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 (IU13) where he has worked for the past 22 years. Tim started his career in adult education as a part-time English as a second language (ESL) instructor. After obtaining his master’s degree in education from Temple University, Tim obtained full-time work as an IU13 teacher and statewide adult education trainer for the PA Professional Development System. He then moved into supervision and administration. In 2013, Tim became the Program Director for IU13 Community Education.

Tim lived in East Africa as a child and for 10 years after college. He has had the opportunity to travel to the Middle East, Europe, Central America, and South Africa for purposes of studying and visiting friends. As a result of his international experiences, Tim has developed a passion for supporting immigrants and refugees in the United States. In his role as program director, Tim oversees a program dedicated to serving refugees and immigrant families in the School District of Lancaster. IU13 Community Education also provides HSE, ESL, and family literacy instruction, serves reentering citizens through a national Improved Reentry Education grant, coordinates after-school activities through 21st Century funding, provides Title I employment and educational services to youth, and facilitates a health careers academy in coordination with local postsecondary schools.

In his free time, Tim enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, playing soccer, reading, and simply relaxing.

Administrator Chair: Ryan Breisch

Ryan Breisch began his career with the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks in 1993 when he served as a volunteer tutor. In November 1995, he joined the staff as a curriculum developer and ESL coordinator and became the Executive Director in 2010. Ryan holds a B.A. in Spanish from Kutztown University, and served as the President of PAACE from 2016-2018.

Advocacy and Public Policy Chair: Cheryl Hiester

Cheryl has been working in adult literacy and basic education since 1991. She has been a teacher, a curriculum developer, and project manager. Today, she serves as the chief executive of The Literacy Council of Lancaster-Lebanon. Cheryl serves on the Pennsylvania Association for Adult and Continuing Education Board of Directors as the assistant chair of the Public Policy Committee.

 

Conference Chair: Caitlin Griffiths

Caitlin Griffiths is the Director of Child and Family Programs at Literacy Pittsburgh. Caitlin started at Literacy Pittsburgh in 2013 as a volunteer tutor, then became a staff educator at Literacy Pittsburgh, continuing to transition through several positions within the organization while still teaching until her current position.  While managing the Family Literacy program, Caitlin is the IHPDS for Literacy Pittsburgh, teaches a GED prep class for ELLs, as well as running the OASIS program partnered with the organization.

Caitlin has a M. Ed in English as a Second language from California University of PA and her bachelor’s degree from Carlow University in Early Childhood Education. She can often be found spending time volunteering at her boys’ schools, chairing committees for their schools/sports, and at their sporting events anywhere from cheering the kids on to coaching to planning and organizing the teams/season.

English as a Second Language Chair: Kimberly Chernesky

Kimberly Chernesky has worked in adult education since 2013 and has worked both as an ESL coordinator and ESL instructor. This journey has led her to pursue her Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership and management with a concentration in learning technologies at Drexel University with the anticipation of graduating in 2021.

Kimberly also holds a Master of Science degree in reading education with certification as a reading specialist K-12 and a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education (K-6) and early childhood (N-3), both from Marywood University. Prior to working in adult education, Kimberly has worked as a reading specialist (K-5) and has taught in a 1st and 5th grade classroom. Kimberly has served on the PAACE Board since 2016.

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Fundraising Chair: Kimmell J. Proctor 

A Philadelphia resident, Kimmell is committed to strengthening citywide community access to effective educational opportunities. With a combined twenty-five years of experience in education, strategic partnerships, and nonprofit services, Kimmell seeks to narrow achievement gaps and empower all learners with the knowledge, tools, and resources essential for success. After earning both her B.A. in Government and Master of Teaching at the University of Virginia, she began her career in the underserved classrooms of Baltimore with a focus on elevating early literacy instruction that she maintains today as a member of the AIM Institute Advisory Council. She also serves on the Philadelphia Works, Inc. Board of Directors, and led the merger of Community Learning Center and Center for Literacy to create Philadelphia’s largest Title II agency. As CEO of Beyond Literacy, Kimmell works closely with a wide range of community partners, funders, and families to facilitate collective action and align impactful education solutions.

Member Services Chair: Carey Harris

Carey Harris is the CEO of Literacy Pittsburgh, the primary provider of adult basic education in Allegheny and Beaver Counties and a national leader in adult and family literacy. Harris brings more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience to Literacy Pittsburgh where she leads the organization in making disadvantaged job seekers relevant and ready for the region’s workforce. During her tenure at Literacy Pittsburgh, she has grown the organization’s budget, staffing, and programming to improve educational, employment and post-secondary outcomes.

Carey has an extensive background in education, policy, and community development and in leading at the local, regional, and state level. Prior to her appointment as Literacy Pittsburgh’s CEO, she served as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission where she worked with business leaders from across the Commonwealth to increase investment in early childhood education. For more than 12 years Carey served as Deputy and then Executive Director of A+ Schools. She was previously the Executive Director of South Side Local Development Company and began her career at the Mon Valley Initiative.

Carey is a graduate of Temple University and holds a Master of Social Work and a Master of Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a Certified Economic Development Professional and a graduate of EPLC’s Education and Policy Fellowship. Carey has been recognized as Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 under 40, the League of Women Voters Good Government Award, a Pittsburgh Business Times Woman of Influence, and a Woman of Achievement by Cribs for Kids. She serves on numerous state and local boards and committees.

ABLSE CHAIR: MARCUS hALL

Communications Chair: Taylor Thomas

 

Taylor Thomas serves as Program Coordinator and English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher for The Literacy Council of Lancaster - Lebanon. She is a passionate advocate for digital literacy and improving access to educational resources. With a focus on cultural awareness and recognizing individual learning goals, she strives to enhance adult education.

Taylor is a 2017 graduate of the University of Delaware, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology and minors in Political Science and Women & Gender Studies. With international experiences that include spending time in Nepal and a four-year stay in Valencia,Spain, Taylor appreciates diverse cultural perspectives. Alongside her background in education, program/project management, sales, and technology, she finds joy in spending quality time with family and friends, being an active member of a local dance group, exploring ceramics, and immersing herself in outdoor activities.

Committee and Division Assistant Chairs

Administrator Division Chair: Loretta Lininger

Loretta is a seasoned workforce development professional with over two decades of expertise within the PA CareerLink® System. Her journey began as an Employability Counselor, where she worked with the WIOA Title I - Youth program. Transitioning into the role of Adult Educator, she contributed significantly to a Title II funded adult education program. Currently, as a Workforce Development Specialist at the Institute of Adult Literacy at Penn State University, Loretta offers technical assistance to adult education programs throughout Pennsylvania. Her focus areas include career pathways, workforce preparation skills, and fostering effective partnerships within the realm of workforce development. Loretta is also actively participating on committees for the Pennsylvania State Workforce Development Board, serving on the Apprenticeship and Career and Technical Education Committee and the Continuous Improvement to the PA CareerLink® Committee. Additionally, Loretta is presently enrolled in the Registered Apprenticeship Navigator Program through the Keystone Development Partnership.

COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT CHAIR: ANNE WEISS

Anne Weiss joined Community Education of Lancaster-Lebanon IU13 in 2001 as an ESL instructor. Since then, she has   served a variety of roles within the program: communications liaison, student advisor, grant writer, grant facilitator for a   citizenship grant and later a grant in the county prison, and now supervisor. Anne oversees Community Education’s high   school equivalency programs, integrated education and training classes, prison programs, HiSet testing, and workforce   prep classes.

 Anne has undergraduate degrees in English and History and a master’s degree in educational leadership. In her spare   time, Anne enjoys hiking and biking with her husband and three daughters, volunteering at a local animal shelter,   gardening, and reading.

ESL Division Assistant Chair: Chelsea DeLeo

Chelsea DeLeo is the manager for the Professional Learning Opportunities Project, Professional Development System, Division of Adult Education, PA Department of Education.  In this role, she leads a team of consultants and subject matter experts to develop standards-aligned professional development opportunities for instructors and staff in various roles in Pennsylvania programs.  This work includes identifying, developing, facilitating, and evaluating a range of learning opportunities to meet the needs of programs serving adult learners.  During her time on this team, DeLeo helped develop an English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) multi-year institute for instructors serving English learners (ELs), as well as multiple courses and other professional development opportunities.  DeLeo formerly taught adult ELs in a community based educational program.  DeLeo holds a B.A in English from the Pennsylvania State University and an M.S.Ed in TESOL from Wilkes University. Chelsea is serving as a PAACE ESL Division Assistant Chair. 

ESL Division Assistant Chair: Michael Antosch

Michael Antosch has worked as an adult ESL instructor since 2015 with Beyond Literacy in Philadelphia, PA. He has taught classes from High Beginning to Advanced, as well as Bridges classes for transitioning into careers or post-secondary education. In addition, he has played an active role in developing teaching resources and materials, and promoting learner career and life success stories.

Prior to working in adult Education, Michael earned a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages M.S.Ed from Temple University. During this time, he taught writing courses for Temple University’s Center for American Language and Culture. For four years, he also tutored student athletes in reading, writing, and communication classes at Temple, and at The Ohio State University, specializing in students who were non-native English speakers. Michael is serving as a PAACE ESL Division Assistant Chair.

ORGANIZATIONAL COORDINATOR CONSULTANT: nIKI Stratton

With nearly a decade of experience as an elementary school teacher and a focus on personalized learning for both students and leaders, I am deeply committed to fostering educational excellence and lifelong learning. I hold a Master’s degree in Language and Literacy from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, which has profoundly shaped my approach to teaching and learning. As an advocate for both learners and ongoing development, I strive to empower educators and students alike. My passion for education drives me to continually seek innovative strategies that enhance teaching practices and support learner success.  

Immediate Past President: DENISE ALEXANDER

Denise is the Program Coordinator for Continuing Education at Bucks County Community College, which is just outside of Philadelphia. She oversees the non-credit English as a Second Language program and collaborates with colleagues across the college on a variety of programs for adults in the community. Denise designs customized English language training programs for businesses in the region in addition to our traditional ESL program.

She began her career in Education in 2003 and has worked with English Language Learners since 2006. Denise has been on the PAACE Board of Directors since 2018, serving as the Fundraising Chair until moving into the role of Vice President. She also serves as a Board Member for the Newtown Business Association.

Vacant Positions

• Advocacy & Public Policy Assistant Chair
• PD Assistant Chair