LeadingAge PA Invests in the Future of Aging Services Through Professional Development Scholarships

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (June 23, 2026) — LeadingAge PA is proud to announce the awarding of 33 scholarships totaling nearly $38,000 through its 2026 Professional Development Scholarship Program. These scholarships support staff from member organizations across Pennsylvania as they pursue degrees, certifications, and continuing education in aging services.

The annual program is designed to support the growth of professionals in the sector, helping to strengthen a workforce that serves older adults every day.

“A strong aging services workforce begins with investing in the people who have chosen this field as their calling,” said LeadingAge PA President and CEO Garry Pezzano. “These scholarships help dedicated professionals expand their knowledge, strengthen their skills, and pursue new career opportunities while continuing to enhance the quality of care and services provided to older adults.”

Scholarship recipients were chosen through a competitive process by a task force of LeadingAge PA members and staff. Applications were assessed based on commitment to aging services, educational goals, and long-term potential. Applicants needed to be accepted into or enrolled in programs ranging from nursing and clinical education to administration, food service, social work, and related fields.

“Each of these recipients represents the future of aging services,” said LeadingAge PA Director of Member Engagement & Workforce Solutions Erin McDermott. “By supporting their educational goals, we are helping to build a stronger, more prepared workforce that can meet the evolving needs of older adults across Pennsylvania.”

The 2026 scholarship recipients are listed below by county:

Allegheny County

• Kathlene Elizabeth DonGilli, Presbyterian Senior Care Network
• Jennifer Dawn Dunn, Masonic Village at Sewickley
• Kenna Nicole Embree, Vincentian
• Allison Robinette, Vincentian

Bucks County

• Krupalee Smit Hansaliya, Pickering Manor

Butler County

• Fawna Marie Vomacha, UPMC Sherwood Oaks

Centre County

• Erika Smith, The Village at Penn State

Chester County

• Leandro Aquino, Simpson Meadows
• Joshua Booker, Tel Hai Retirement Community
• Mary Moreno, Kendal~Crosslands Communities
• Faith Marie Owen, Tel Hai Retirement Community

Cumberland County

• Kalysta Bush, Presbyterian Senior Living – Green Ridge Village
• Justin Margut, Asbury Bethany Village
• Gabrielle Pannebaker, Messiah Lifeways
• Serena Zimmerman, Asbury Bethany Village

Lancaster County

• Emma Davies, Cornwall Manor
• Amanda Hickle, Landis Communities
• Nicole Jones, Fairmount Homes
• Keilah McNaughton, Masonic Village at Elizabethtown
• Elizabeth Miller, Fairmount Homes
• Alexys Morgan Kanagy, Garden Spot Village
• Heather Risser, Masonic Villages of the Grand Lodge of PA
• Amanda Schwerin, Willow Valley Communities
• Cinthia Simon, Brethren Village
• Alicia Orra Thompson, Brethren Village

Lebanon County

• Amanda Brooke Wright, Londonderry Village

Lehigh County

• Lauren Favinger, Holy Family Senior Living

McKean County

• Lucas Cole Johnson, Bradford Ecumenical Home

Montgomery County

• Maryum Abdul-Jalil, Living Branches: Dock Woods
• Evelyn Emedoh, Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill
• Teresa De Jesus Gonzalez Salmeron, Living Branches: Dock Woods

Washington County

• Tamara Jo Foglia, Strabane Woods
• Dana A. Rush, Strabane Woods

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