LeadingAge PA Awards Nearly $40,000 in Professional Development Scholarships to Advance Careers in Aging Services
July 8, 2025
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (July 8, 2025) — LeadingAge PA is proud to announce the awarding of 31 scholarships totaling nearly $40,000 through its 2025 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 invest in the professional growth of those working in the field, helping to build a stronger, more skilled workforce that can meet the evolving needs of older adults.
“Workforce development is critical to the future of our sector, and these scholarships are one way to empower dedicated aging services professionals who aspire to grow, lead and make an impact,” said LeadingAge PA President and CEO Garry Pezzano. “When we invest in people, we’re investing in the future of our field.”
Scholarship recipients were selected through a competitive process led by a task force of LeadingAge PA members and staff. Applications were evaluated based on personal statements, professional references and a demonstrated commitment to long-term career growth in the aging services field.
To qualify, applicants were required to be accepted into or currently enrolled in a program of study, ranging from nursing and clinical education to non-clinical areas such as social work, administration, food service and other related fields.
“Every role within an aging services community plays a part in enhancing the quality of life for older adults,” said LeadingAge PA Director of Member Engagement and Workforce Solutions Erin McDermott. “This program helps individuals realize their potential and explore the many opportunities available to them.”
The 2025 scholarship recipients are listed below by county:
Allegheny County
- Heather Battista, Cumberland Crossing Manor
- Kenna Embree, Vincentian Collaborative System
- Celeste Fischer, Community LIFE
- Thomas Skubel, Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, Oakmont Campus
- Patricia Vasquez, Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, Oakmont Campus
Blair County
- Gavin Wasylak, Homewood at Martinsburg
Bucks County
- Rachel Carver, Pickering Manor
- Haussine Guengoua, Pennswood Village
- Brandy McDermott, Pennswood Village
Butler County
- Keith Bland, St. John Community
- Sarah Malogrino, Passavant Retirement Community
Centre County
- Erika Smith, Village at Penn State
Chester County
- Kylie Paulson, Tel Hai Retirement Community
Cumberland County
- Lauren Garcia, Messiah Lifeways
- Gretta Owen, Messiah Lifeways
Delaware County
- Jean Distefano, Dunwoody Village Retirement Community
- Elizabeth Meredith, Maris Grove
Lancaster County
- Haley Brumbach, Pleasant View Communities
- Christina Kelly, Ephrata Manor
- Sarah Landis, Brethren Village
- Emil Lukusa, Ephrata Manor
- Keilah McNaughton, Masonic Village at Elizabethtown
- Erin Olson, Homestead Village Enhanced Senior Living
Lebanon County
- Emma Davies, Cornwall Manor
- Alexis Lehr, Cornwall Manor
- Lori Weise, Community Homes of Lebanon County, Inc
Lehigh County
- Kristina Donchez, Fellowship Community
Montgomery County
- Gizel Cang, Meadowood Senior Living
- Alyssa Simsick, Living Branches, Dock Woods
Washington County
- Kelly Korpus, Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, Washington Campus
- Dana Rush, Strabane Woods of Washington
LeadingAge PA is currently accepting applications for grants that assist member communities in hiring an administrator-in-training and an intern. Additionally, it recently launched its job board, connecting employers with a broad pool of candidates in the aging services sector and related fields.
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About LeadingAge PA
LeadingAge PA is a trade association representing 400+ high-quality senior housing, healthcare, and community services across the Commonwealth. These providers serve more than 75,000 older Pennsylvanians and employ over 50,000 dedicated caregivers on a daily basis. Services our members offer include Life Plan Communities/Continuing Care Retirement Communities, skilled nursing communities, assisted living residences, personal care homes, LIFE providers, home and community-based services, and affordable senior housing. LeadingAge PA advocates on behalf of our members at the state and local levels to influence positive change and affect a healthy vision for the delivery of quality, affordable, and ethical care for Pennsylvania’s seniors. For more information, visit www.LeadingAgePA.org.