Alumni Class Notes

Accepted a position as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the new Occupational Therapy Program at St. Bonaventure University. 

Graduated from St. Augustine University for Health Sciences with a Doctorate in Education with a focus on teaching and learning in August 2021.

Amanda Lee ‘13, ‘16 and husband Chris Boornazian welcomed their daughter, Karolina Alice “Kari”, on August 3, 2021.

Amanda Lee and Chris Boornazian were married on September 28, 2019 in Glassboro, NJ with a reception in Marlton. Amanda currently works as a physical therapist with BAYADA Home Health Care. The couple reside in Cherry Hill, NJ.

Liz recently retired after 25 years as the Director of Planned Giving at Marywood University.

Frank Wojtash 2017 was named the Regional Director for the Republican National Committee Pennsylvania his grandfather is a 1977 Misericordia Graduate

Alexander Kersey Harding ‘11 is currently an intern for Congressman Dr. Jefferson Van Drew in the New Jersey 2nd Congressional District. Alexander interns in Congressman Van Drew’s District Office, which is in May’s Landing, NJ. The congressional internship runs from May to August, 2021.

Dana (Pienta) married Joe Kummerling in Pennsburg, PA on October 29, 2022.  BEST DAY EVER!

Jessica Kreidler and Mark Luksa were married October 3, 2020. Jessica is a speech therapist with BLaST IU 17.

Alec Rodway during his first season as the boys seventh-grade hoops coach at Valley View Intermedia School, Alec’s quick thinking and use of an on-site AED (automated external defibrillator) assisted in saving the life of referee, Sammy Bio. Bio’s family were thankful for AED’s and for those who were “brave enough to help!”

Christine Zopf was awarded a United States Teaching Assistant position from the Fulbright Austria committee for the 2020-21 academic year. She will be teaching English at two high school’s in Austria’s capital, Vienna.

Alyssa McEntee and Tyler Freas welcomed their daughter on October 11, 2019.

Jacqueline Horn and her husband, Daniel welcomed a daughter on October 15, 2019.

Dr. Thomas Gottstein is the clinic director for BenchMark Physical Therapy’s newest outpatient clinic in Georgetown, DE. Thomas is a certified orthopedic clinical specialist.

Melissa Ganser Davies and Rhian Davies welcomed their son on October 8, 2019.

Deanna Lyons and her husband, Al welcomed their daughter on October 17, 2019.

Megan Lee and Edward Chintalla were joined in marriage surrounded by close family and friends on September 26, 2020.

Alanna Holmgren and Thomas Heiser III, were united in marriage at Our Lady of Loretto, on January 2, 2021. An intimate gathering of family and friends were in attendance for their celebration. Alanna is a Senior Pediatric OT at Phelps Hospital in Sleepy Hollow, NY. The couple resides in Valhalla, NY.

Dr. Megan Weber Walsh, PT, DPT, NCS, C/NDT, received APTA Board Certification as a Neurologic Clinical Specialist on July, 1, 2002.  Megan is a Physical Therapist at Healthpark Medical Center in Ft. Myers, Florida and an Adjunct Professor in the Doctoral PT program at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in Estero, Florida, where she resides with her husband Paul and their four children Fiona (15), Piper (13), Ellis (10) and Maeve (8).

Zachary Long (Medical Imaging, ‘10), recently became engaged to his fiancée, Emily Schlaudecker (Penn State). Their wedding is scheduled for fall 2022.

Terry and his sweetheart, Ilianna, tied the knot in June 2022! They are loving their lives in Aberdeen, MD, with their two playful pups. Terry is in his 7th year at Cecil County Public Schools, where he is the Lead Speech Language Pathologist for the district. He also recently joined the Board of Directors of the National Stuttering Association as the Special Projects Co-Chair.

Arianna Catherine Anglovich and John James Roberts were united in marriage on September 21, 2019, at Our Lady of Victory Parish, Harveys Lake. Arianna earned a Masters of Science degree in nursing. She is employed by Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. The couple resides in Shavertown with their dog, Stella.

Elizabeth Lencki accepted a CT Technologist position at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Middletown, NJ.

Maria Williamson Ramirez has recently been appointed assistant director of faculty development and diversity at the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York University. She previously served as a senior student advisor at NYU and as coordinator of pre-college programs at Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey.

Erica Acosta was appointed to the executive committee of the NAACP Wilkes-Barre Branch 2306 by Ronald Felton, president.

Christelle Patrice and Frank Hoffman welcomed their first child, Luciano Andre Hoffman, on September 18, 2019.

I graduated in 2008 and would like to announce the birth of my son. My husband Joseph Holmberg, big sister Kinsley (now 3yo) and I welcomed our son Joseph Kade in March 2019. We reside in Harrisburg PA.

Regis Rugemanshuro has been appointed Rwanda’s new Director of Social Security Pensions.

Kristin Barsh ’08 welcomed a son Wyatt on March 24, 2020.

Sandra presented as the opening keynote speaker at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District II Conference in Baltimore, Md., on Feb. 23, 2020.

Todd DeSando and his wife, Rachel, welcomed their daughter, Layla Corrine, on July 15, 2019. The family resides in Windermere, FL.

Effective Jan. 1, 2020, Jim Cerulli is joining Reading & Northern Railroad (RBMN) team as VP - Coal Marketing. He joins Bill Clark, Senior VP Coal Marketing, Mike Sharadin, AVP – Equipment, and the customer service staff who handle all RBMN’s business under VP Customer Service Susan Ludwig. In his new job, Jim will take the lead on dealing with the coal shippers along the RBMN rail system. He’ll manage the coal service network, car supply for the shippers, relations with the shippers and development of additional on-line coal facilities.

Dr. Rosemary Dziak, professor of oral biology at the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine received the 2019 Isiah Lew Memorial Research Award from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) Foundation. She was honored for her significant contributions to the field of implant dentistry

Shelby Girard accepted a Special Education Teacher position with Buffalo Hearing and Speech Center, Buffalo, NY. The organization serves individuals of all ages and cultural backgrounds through its clinical and education programs. It is the largest freestanding hearing, speech, and learning centers offering this comprehensive scope of services in the US.

Jennifer Yurkon Hetro a lifelong resident of the Back Mountain, joined the Back Mountain Chamber as its executive director.  She graduated from Dallas Senior High School and attended College Misericordia, now Misericordia University, earning her Bachelor of Science in Marketing with minors in Communication and Management. She has spent the last 19 years learning and growing at some of the region’s leading employers, including Benco Dental, Borton-Lawson, Century 21 Smith Hourigan Group and Cornell-Cookson. She resides in Wyoming with her husband, two children and their dog.

Christopher Wadas and his wife, Krista welcomed their son on November 27, 2019.

Michel Lukatchik and his wife, Jessica welcomed their daughter on December 30, 2019.

Kate Michael Jensen and her husband, Benjamin welcomed their first child together, a baby boy named Peter Lee Jensen on September 21st 2020. The couple share a five-year-old daughter named Annie.

On July 21, 2022, Benjamin and Kate Jensen (Michael) welcomed a baby girl into the world, named Mary Beth Jensen.

George Brown was sworn into office as Mayor on January 6, 2020 at the F-M Kirby Center in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Brown says he has an agenda that he believes can change the direction of the city.“First of all safety in the neighborhoods. We have to bring back that safety factor. People want to move back to the neighborhoods. Also, the potholes. Every street you go down there’s a pothole. What street should I take or not take to get to my destination because of potholes.” Said Mayor George Brown.

Angela Grochowski McGill and her husband, Michael were married on April 18, 2020, and welcomed a bouncing baby boy on June 14, 2020.

Angela Burda McLaughlin and her husband, Edward, welcomed their first child, Brady Edward, on January 24, 2020.

Judith Frantz, former Alumni board member, class agent, young alumnus award, has been promoted to vice president of PNC Bank, Wyoming, PA.
The bank recently announced that Judith Frantz, branch manager, has been promoted to vice president.
Frantz is a graduate of Misericordia University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She is also a graduate of Wilkes University, where she went to earn her MBA.

Michael Evans has been named the Penn State Scranton Alumni Society's 2019 Alumnus of the year. Michael is the assistant dean for undergraduate nursing education at the Commonwealth Campuses and associate teaching professor of nursing in Penn State University’s College of Nursing.

Ann Evans Stepanchick '25 and Joel Stepanchick '25 welcomed their second child, a daughter, Sophia Rose, on February 4, 2020.

Lesley Murray Plank '91 and Duane Frank '87 were united in marriage on January 7, 2020. They first met while students at Misericordia decades ago. After a few years, life took them down different paths. Until, June 2018, where they reconnected after thirty years at Alumni Weekend. 
Together, they are the parents of four sons, Jacob and Evan Plank, and Dylan and Ian Frank. Duane is the Senior VP of Sales for Axiom Payment Solutions, and Lesley is a Fifth Grade Teacher in the Dallas School District. Duane and Lesley reside together in Dallas, Pennsylvania.

Pat Keegan; Shirley Pallante Keegan, Maria Pallante-Hyun, Hon. D.H.L; Chris Hyun; and Suzanne Pallante Buckley. Misericordia Proud sisters and all former Misericordia Field Hockey players came out to support Madison Keegan ’20 in her senior game on October 6, 2019.

Nichole Petrauskas Webb and her husband Robert welcomed a daughter in January 2021. Gemma joins her big brother Carter at home.

Kelsey Heller, DPT and Spencer Wallach were united in marriage on October 17, 2020 in Binghamton, NY.

Krsytle Novak Farnham and Shaun Farnham were united in marriage on July 27, 2019.

Last month I achieved a lifelong goal, I wrote a book & it's published. "Peaceful Sunset Years" a godly inspired book focuses on prayer & meditation, age-old spiritual practices that contribute to an overall sense of well-being in the later years. The book highlights the spiritual joys of the aging adventure while navigating the uncertainties of life's later years – the joy is in the journey.

Amanda Slaughter D’Amico and her husband, Jason welcomed their son, Patrick Jerry on March 3, 2021. He joins big sister, Shilo.

Sister Bernadette Marie, SS.C.M, was featured on the front page of the "Our Times" newsletter from the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius. The “Our Times” is a biannual newsletter of Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius that shares news, events, photos, and more with our supporters.

Article: https://sscm.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/OurTimesFall2020-websiteFinal.pdf

Christine '07 and Matthew Mills '08 welcomed their third child, Lucy Ellen Mills on September 17, 2019. Lucy joins big brothers, Gavin (9) and Gage (6).

Robin Razawich Chiapuzzi '11and her husband, Michael '10 welcomed their daughter on November 19, 2019.

Danielle Campbell (Furnari) class of 2010 and Max Campbell class of 2009 welcomed their baby boy Wells Campbell  in April  2022

Kristen Murphy and Kyle Rogalski got married on 10/29/2022 surrounded by friends and teammates from MU.

On July 30th, 2022, Skyler Behrend and Allison McElheran tied that knot. Allison and Skyler met at MU in 2016 at freshman orientation. They were blessed to spend their day with so many of their friends from Misericordia University.

Erin and Marc welcomed their second son, Austin Thomas, on September  21, 2021

Joel and Ann (Evans) Stepanchick, Class of 2005, welcomed their third child, Emma Grace, on March 13, 2022.  Tracy (Brown) Yutko, also Class of 2005, and her husband Joe, were the Godparents.  Ann and Tracy were roommates all 4 years at Misericordia.

Reilly Wagner (‘19) and Mikael Hause (‘16) got married in Annapolis, MD on August 14th, 2021!  They were surrounded by their many fellow alumni and coaches from the MU XC and track teams! Go Cougars!

Elise Reardon and Tim Kelly tied the knot on August 15th, 2020 and celebrated their marriage on August 7th 2021!

Kelly Keener ’15 ’18 and James Tunison ’15 ’16 were united in marriage on August 23, 2020. They celebrated their post-wedding reception at The Wadsworth Homestead, NY with family and friends on May 22, 2021. Kelly is a physical therapist at Aiken Regional Medical Center. Jim is the Director of Membership Services at Aiken Chamber of Commerce. The couple resides in Aiken, SC.
 
*From left to right (r-f) Kayla Hope ’15 ’18, Lauren Malick ’15 ’18, Adam Wasiakowski ’15, Cory Vogeli ’16 ’18, Adam DePorter ’16 ’17, Garrett Pelko ’17 ’19, Nicole Rhody DePorter ’15 ’18, Joseph Yudichak ’16, Justin Haddix ’16, Peter McDonnell ’16, Anthony Lobello ’16, Ryan Dorosh ’16, Dillon DelRosso ’16, Justin Maggio ’16, Sabrina Figueroa ’16, Mariah Osgood ’15 ’18, Gina Baiamonte ’16, Tiffany Erney ’16, Jessica Buffa ’19, Rebecca Kahn DelRosso ’16, (Best Man) Christopher Boroch ’15 ’18, and Giovana Augustine ’16, ’21.

Caitlin Cameron and  Nathaniel Simonson, were united in marriage at Grace Community Church, on September 19th, 2020 with family and friends to celebrate. Caitlin is a Elementary Special Education Teacher at Insight PA Cyber Charter School in PA. The couple resides in Nanticoke,PA.

Ellen Mahon '16 and TJ Schaefer '14 were united in marriage on June 15, 2019.

Shannon Joyce Cerulli '14 and James Cerulli '13 welcomed their first child, Ella Rose on July 5, 2020.

Marisa Wagner Tucker '13 and Andrew Tucker '13, '16 welcomed the birth of their daughter, Estella Josephine on September 13th 2020.

Michael Lynch DPT ’10, ’14 owner of Mobile Therapy Services LLC In Florida, Chad Madden MSPT ’00 owner of Madden Physical Therapy, Charles Stevens III ’10, ’13 DPT, CLT owner of Mobile Therapy Services in Pennsylvania and co-owner of Mobile Therapy Services LLC In Florida, and James Pumarada DPT ’00 Owner of Complete Physical Rehabilitation attended a Breakthrough PT Summit in Dallas, Texas for leaders in the field of physical therapy.