Living Our Values Award Winners

Amber Beaver

Job Title: Administrative Assistant
Award Category: Passion for Excellence
Nominated by: Anonymous

Why Amber was nominated:

Amber created informational packets for every building staff member to support our opening in-service activities and helped organize a day full of professional development. She provided resources outlining new procedures and made what could have been an overwhelming amount of information clear and easy to understand.

By preparing and printing materials in advance, Amber helped streamline preparations for the start of the school year. Her organization, initiative, and attention to detail are invaluable to the Five Star Team!

Jandell Boyer, Karen Nogle, Mandy Rothermel, Kelly Stevens and Julie Witmer

Department: Human Resources
Award Category: Service to Others
Nominated by: Jeffrey Myers

Why Jan, Karen, Mandy, Kelly, and Julie were nominated:

I would like to recognize five members of our Human Resources team who took the time to step into our world and experience firsthand the important work taking place within our school programs. By visiting each program and learning directly from our student tour guides, they gained a deeper understanding of the unique environments in which our educators serve and the challenges and opportunities our teams experience each day. This investment of time will allow HR to continue adapting and strengthening the support they provide to our staff.

Equally meaningful was the impact they had on our students. Throughout the tours, our HR colleagues consistently provided genuine verbal affirmation and encouragement to each student guide, recognizing the courage it took to speak confidently and share their school with complete strangers. Our students specifically expressed how much those words of encouragement meant to them. This visit was an excellent example of how taking the time to listen, learn, and connect can strengthen relationships across our organization while making both our staff and students feel seen and valued.

Christina Buck

Job Title: Head Start Family and Health Coordinator
Award Category: Service to Others
Nominated by: Kalicia Brungard

Why Christina was nominated:

During Professional Leadership Day (PLD) day, Chrissy attended the painting session with Ibi Alao right before lunch.

As I was cleaning up all of the water, brushes, paints, etc. Chrissy took it upon herself to help me with all of that cleanup. I would have been in that room for an hour or more on my own without her help. She took the time to wipe tables to make things easier for the crew at Susquehanna and stayed with me on the walk to the sports complex. 

The very next day, Chrissy attended a community event at the Watsontown Children's Center where she showed up as a true CSIU ambassador, promoting Head Start and other CSIU programs to the local community. Chrissy took special time to coordinate with a local art student to offer face painting to the children so she would have time to speak to each adult that came by. A brilliant idea!! 

Chrissy lies each day in service to others and uses her creative mind to move our Head Start program forward and serve our families in a way that best suites the family individually.

Jason “Jake” Butler

Job Title: Corrections Education Teacher (North Central Secure Treatment Unit)
Award Category: Equity in Action
Nominated by: Jeffrey Myers

Why Jason was nominated:

This educator deserves recognition for his innovative and intentional approach to meeting the individual needs of students within his wood shop classroom. He took the initiative to develop a structured curriculum with a level system that allows him to track student progress, recognize skill development, and adapt projects based on each student’s individual abilities and needs. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, he has created a system that allows students to experience success while continuing to challenge themselves and build increasingly advanced skills. His creativity and commitment to individualized learning set the standard for thoughtful instructional design and demonstrate how educators can meet students where they are while continuing to move them forward.

Dr. Meghan Dale

Job Title: Special Projects Managing Coordinator
Award Category: Passion for Excellence
Nominated by: Korinne Day

Why Meghan was nominated:

Meghan has been an incredible partner in helping the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program team create new class meetings. Her dedication, organization, and thoughtful approach to making each meeting as inclusive as possible have been exceptional. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the class meetings are relevant, create opportunities for youth to feel seen and heard, and stay true to the spirit of Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. We are incredibly fortunate to partner with her, and her contributions have made a meaningful impact on this work.

Erin Demcher and Julie Witmer

Departments: Special Education / Human Resources
Award Category: Passion for Excellence
Nominated by: Dr. Jessica Harry

Why Erin and Julie were nominated:

Julie and Erin have dedicated tremendous time, effort, and patience to leading the implementation of the Intermediate Unit's new substitute management platform.

This has been a significant undertaking, impacting hundreds of Intermediate Unit staff members and requiring extensive planning, coordination, communication, and problem-solving. Julie and Erin have approached this work with professionalism, patience, and a strong commitment to supporting everyone affected by the transition.

Their collaboration and communication have been especially valuable as they have worked through the many challenges that come with implementing a new system of this scale. They have remained responsive to questions and concerns, worked together to identify solutions, and continued moving the project forward despite the complexities involved.

Julie and Erin’s willingness to take ownership of such a substantial initiative and to dedicate the time necessary to ensure a successful transition is greatly appreciated. Their teamwork, perseverance, and commitment to supporting their colleagues are excellent examples of living our CSIU values!

Paula Dickey, Christine Hornberger, and Megan Trayes

Department: CARES Team
Award Category: Service to Others
Nominated by: Katherine Vastine

Why Paula, Christine, and Megan were nominated:

I am pleased to nominate Paula, Christine, and Megan for the Service to Others Award. Throughout the Lycoming County PA CareerLink office relocation, they demonstrated exceptional teamwork, flexibility, and dedication. They worked collaboratively with PA CareerLink partners to pack, relocate, and unpack the entire CareerLink office while also creating a welcoming new YES to the Future space—all while remaining responsive to YES participants and ensuring their needs continued to be met. Their hard work, positive attitudes, and commitment to serving others with compassion and integrity truly reflect the CSIU’s values.

Agatha Hall and Michael Lord

Departments: Special Education and Professional Development
Award Category: Passion for Excellence
Nominated by: Anonymous

Why Agatha and Michael were nominated:

Aggie and Mike work collaboratively to provide quality safe crisis management training to our staff every year.  They adjust to curriculum changes and provide thoughtful and reflective activities and stories to help professional learners maximize the application of the SCM concepts at their own workplaces.  Not everyone in the room has the same abilities and classroom experiences, yet Mike and Aggie find a way to include everyone's voice, and keep everyone engaged.  Their student-first approach is always appreciated!

Matt Hess

Job Title: Senior Systems Analyst II
Award Category: Passion for Excellence
Nominated by: Christy Veitch Kostyrka

Why Matt was nominated:

Over the six months, Matt has worked to change one of our software programs from a server-based system to a web-based system. The new system is a huge change, and it will save our contractor (OCDEL) so much time when doing the work they do. Matt has communicated with the Division Chief, implemented recommended changes from OCDEL and has enhanced the system to meet their specific needs.

Deb Noel, Division Chief of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL)   "Thanks so much for your quick response." "This is awesome!"

Shelby Johnson and Brach Rosancrans

Department: Corrections Education NCSTU (North Central Secure Treatment Unit)
Award Category: Passion for Excellence
Nominated by: Jeffrey Myers

Why Shelby and Brach were nominated:

I would like to recognize two outstanding educators, Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Rosancrans, who recently demonstrated professional courage by stepping outside of their daily roles and shared their experiences with other CSIU Ambassadors during Professional Leadership Day's CSIU Program Stories. 

They provided an authentic look into who our schools are, how they operate, and, most importantly, the students we have the privilege to serve. Each shared a powerful and inspirational story from their work with students, bringing a personal perspective to the challenges, successes, and meaningful relationships that define our schools. 

Their willingness to share these experiences not only represented our programs with professionalism and pride, but also reminded others of the tremendous impact our educators can have on the lives of students. Their courage to tell our story and advocate for the work being done each day deserves recognition and appreciation.

Katherine Kuhn

Department: Youth Development Coordinator
Award Category: Passion for Excellence
Nominated by: Korrine Day

Why Katherine was nominated:

Katherine has been an invaluable partner in helping the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) team develop a new series of training videos. She has worked closely with our contractor to ensure the videos accurately capture the spirit and values of OBPP while maintaining a high level of quality and professionalism. Throughout the project, Katherine has kept our team organized and on schedule, consistently encouraging excellence in every detail. Her passion for the work, commitment to producing the best possible product, and dedication to supporting the team have been essential to the project's success. We truly could not have accomplished this work without her expertise, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Terri Locke

Job Title: Director of Special Education and Alternative Placement
Award Category: Passion for Excellence
Nominated by: Theresa Bartholomew

Why Terri was nominated:

Terri has shown me kindness, guidance, and a listening ear since I started working with her at the CSIU.  As we begin to work on more and more projects together, she keeps the needs of the schools and their students as the priority.  When I get stressed, she recenters me while validating my feelings.  She's a great teammate!

Dave Marshall

Job Title: Center for Schools and Communities Contract Grant and Operations Manager
Award Category: Passion for Excellence
Nominated by: Anonymous

Why Dave was nominated:

Recently, our team identified a grant opportunity with the potential to make a meaningful impact for both Center for Schools and Communities (CSC) and Dauphin County residents. 

Unfortunately, the application deadline was less than a week away. Dave immediately stepped in to collaborate with the team, developing the budget and financial components under an extremely compressed timeline. His ability to think strategically, solve complex challenges, and adapt quickly allowed us to submit a competitive proposal on time. 

Without Dave's creativity, expertise, and willingness to work collaboratively under pressure, we would not have been able to pursue this opportunity. His leadership exemplifies Innovation for Growth by developing solutions to meet an immediate challenge while creating the potential for lasting impact in our community.

Julie Petrin

Job Title: Director of Behavioral Health Support Services
Award Category: Innovation for Growth
Nominated by: Theresa Bartholomew

Why Julie was nominated:

Julie knows what matters for schools to be successful and her reason for being so driven to make positive change is to better serve the students in those schools.  She sees issues (like mental health of regional teens) and she pushes for services they need.  Right now, she knows that emotional support programs are struggling to maintain staff because it's such a difficult job and she is providing them coaching support.  She's also a great teammate!

Rebecca Roney

Job Title: Online Learning Administrative and Technology Support Assistant
Award Category: Equity in Action
Nominated by: Theresa Bartholomew

Why Rebecca was nominated:

Becky is creating materials for the students in the virtual learning program to help them be successful.  She is concerned about whether or not they have the structure needed to do their work well and whether or not their mental health is ok with staying home all the time.

Lauren Sovinsky-Goodlavage, Kacy Watkins, and Ernest Wright

Department: Corrections Education North Central Secure Treatment Unit (NCSTU)
Award Category: Service to Others
Nominated by: Jeffrey Myers

Why Lauren, Kacy, and Ernest were nominated:

I would like to recognize Ms. Sovinsky, Ms. Watkins, and Mr. Wright who demonstrate exceptional professional commitment by completing the Safe Crisis Management (SCM) Instructor Recert Training each school year. By taking on this responsibility, these individuals have positioned themselves to provide valuable training, guidance, and support to our educational team members throughout the NCSTU school program.

Their willingness to expand their own knowledge for the benefit of others demonstrates leadership, professional courage, and a genuine commitment to maintaining safe, supportive, and consistent learning environments for our students and staff. Their investment in developing the skills of their colleagues strengthens our entire team and sets the standard for collaboration and service to others.

Katherine Vastine

Job Title: CARES Leadership Coordinator
Award Category: Passion for Excellence
Nominated by: Dr. Jessica Harry

Why Katherine was nominated:

Katherine's leadership as Executive Director of Leadership Susquehanna Valley (LSV) during its inaugural year under the CSIU was outstanding! She approached the program with exceptional attention to detail, thoughtfulness, and a clear commitment to creating a meaningful experience for every participant. Her dedication was evident in the well-rounded monthly program days she developed and coordinated.

Each program day provided participants with valuable opportunities to deepen their knowledge and understanding of local nonprofit organizations, community resources, and the important work taking place throughout our region. Just as importantly, Katherine intentionally created opportunities for participants to connect with one another, build relationships, exchange perspectives, and develop a stronger sense of community.

Launching Leadership Susquehanna Valley (LSV)’s first year under the CSIU required significant planning, coordination, flexibility, and collaboration. Katherine embraced that responsibility with professionalism and enthusiasm, establishing a strong foundation for the program’s continued success. Her ability to bring people and organizations together while ensuring that every detail was thoughtfully considered exemplifies the values we strive to live each day at the CSIU.

Katherine’s leadership has made a meaningful and lasting impact on Leadership Susquehanna Valley (LSV)’s participants, and the broader community.