Marywood University’s Nursing Graduates Achieve 100% Pass Rate Marywood University’s nursing program was recently notified that its 2024 graduating class achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the NCLEX Exam. The NCLEX is the world’s premier licensure exam and uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) technology to deliver the exam, ensuring a valid and reliable measurement of nursing competence. This is the second consecutive year that Marywood nursing graduates have achieved a perfect pass rate within one year of graduation. “Our nursing graduates’ achievement of a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX nursing exam for the second consecutive year is a testament to their dedication, resilience, and exceptional preparation,” said Dr. Theresa Tulaney, chair of Marywood University’s nursing program. “We are committed to empowering our students to excel in their nursing careers while making a meaningful difference and providing their patients with an exceptional standard of care.” Marywood University further expanded its deep commitment to health sciences, including nursing, when it opened the Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion in June.
Marywood University Announces New Faculty Members Shelby W. Yeager, M.Ed., LAT, ATC, CSCS, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, and James F. Eckler, Jr., M.ARCH, MSAS, Interim Dean of the Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies, recently announced new faculty members at Marywood for the 2024-2025 academic year. By college/program, new faculty include: COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES: Communication Sciences and Disorders Kaitlyn Froese, AuD, Instructor of Practice/Clinical Audiologist. Dr. Froese earned a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree from the University of Arizona and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Marywood University. Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science Maureen Burke, M.S., Assistant Professor of Practice. Ms. Burke holds a Master of Science degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from California University of Pennsylvania, and she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education (athletic training), with minors in Coaching and in Nutrition, from Marywood University. Emily Wargo M.S., Instructor of Practice. Ms Wargo is a Registered Dietitian, who received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics with a minor in Science and her Master of Science in Sports Nutrition & Exercise Science from Marywood University. She is a board-certified specialist in Lifestyle Medicine and a Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness instructor. Ms. Wargo was accepted into the International Olympic Committee Sports Nutrition Diploma program, with the goal to receive her Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics credential. Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, and Healthcare Administration Sarah Dalton, B.S., Instructor of Practice/Director of Clinical Education. Ms. Dalton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy from Marywood University. She also holds an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy from Luzerne County Community College. Physician Assistant Dane Doornbos, DMSc, Assistant Professor of Practice. Dr. Doornbos holds a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree from the University of Lynchburg. He earned two degrees from Marywood University, including a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with an emphasis in Clinical Practices, as well as a minor in English. Both of his Marywood degrees were bestowed with honors. Chelsea Robinson, M.S., Assistant Professor of Practice/Clinical Coordinator. Ms. Robinson earn both her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and her Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physician Assistant Studies from Marywood University. Psychology and Counseling Mindy Farley, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Counselor Education. Dr. Farley received her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from Capella University. She holds a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Counseling & Human Service from the University of Scranton. Her graduate and undergraduate degrees were awarded magna cum laude. Heather Rakestraw, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Practice. Dr. Rakestraw earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in the Child and Family track from Kent State University. Additionally, she holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Kent State, and she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, summa cum laude, from Temple University. Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science Derrick Boucher, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Physics. Dr. Boucher was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics from Lehigh University, where he also earned a Master of Science degree in Physics. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, cum laude, from the University of Scranton. Michael Gottstein, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mathematics. Dr. Gottstein earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Binghamton University, where he also received a Master of Arts in Mathematics. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Statistics from Misericordia University. Kimberly Stanek, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Chemistry. Dr. Stanek holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Virginia. She also earned two bachelor’s degrees, a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry, from the University at Buffalo. School of Social Work Yerodin Lucas, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Social Work. Dr. Lucas served as Executive Director of Equity and Inclusion at Marywood University prior to becoming a full-time social work faculty member. He earned two degrees from Marywood University, including a Ph.D. in Administration & Leadership and Master of Social Work degree. Dr. Lucas also holds a Master of Arts in Education from Temple University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Minor in International Relations) from Arcadia University. REAP COLLEGE OF CREATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES School of Architecture Jim Sullivan, M.Arch., AIA, Professor of Architecture. Mr. Sullivan is a licensed architect, who previously served as Dean of the Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies and as Dean of Marywood’s School of Architecture. He holds Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Environmental Design degree from Miami University of Ohio. School of Visual and Performing Arts (Art Therapy) Jackalynn Wilson, M.A. Instructor of Practice/Art Therapy. Ms. Wilson is a Board-Certified Art Therapist. She holds both a Master of Arts in Art Therapy and a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy, with minors in Sculpture and Psychology, from Marywood University. School of Visual and Performing Arts (Music, Theatre, and Dance) Allison Fox, M.A., Instructor of Practice/Interim Director of Music Therapy. Ms. Fox holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. Her field of study on the master’s level was Expressive Therapies (Music Therapy). She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from the University of Delaware. Her field of study included Music and Jazz Studies.
Johnson College to Host Fall Open House Johnson College will hold its Fall Open House on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on its Scranton campus. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu. The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.
Johnson College Partners with Road Runner for CDL Training In response to the regional and national demand for CDL truck drivers, Johnson College has partnered with Road Runner CDL Academy to offer Class A CDL Driver Training at the truck driving school located at 6 S. Keyser Avenue in Taylor, PA. The 160-hour course, managed by Road Runner CDL Academy, blends 40 hours of detailed classroom instruction with 120 hours of practical, behind-the-wheel training. Automatic and manual transmission training options are available. The course features a flexible training schedule with experienced instructors and can be completed in as little as four weeks. Students will learn to inspect and operate tractor-trailers and to assume driver responsibilities on the road and at pickup/delivery points. Emphasis will be placed on vehicle inspections, defensive driving, range maneuvers, motor carrier safety regulations (DOT 380-397 and a certificate for entry-level drivers), trip planning, cargo handling, size/weight laws, general maintenance procedures, hours of service, and accident prevention. Participants must have a driver’s license and clean motor vehicle record (MVR) before registering for the course. Participants must complete the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug screen and physical. A valid CDL permit is required before the second week of class. “As our economy continues to grow and evolve, the need for efficient and reliable CDL drivers is becoming increasingly critical,” said Ashley Bechaver, Director of Continuing Education at Johnson College. “Johnson College’s partnership with Road Runner CDL Academy will support industries throughout our region and beyond with in-demand, class-A CDL training.” The course complies with the new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules established by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA), which took effect in February 2022. After completing the CDL Training course, students will earn a certificate of completion from Johnson College and the qualifications for one of the most in-demand careers in the nation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual pay for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is $54,320. To learn more or to enroll in the Class A CDL Driver Training course, visit johnson.edu/cdl or contact the College’s Continuing Education department at continuinged@johnson.edu.
Indraloka to Host Children’s Halloween Party Indraloka is set to host a lively Halloween party for children on October 24th from 5 PM to 7 PM at the Indraloka Art Barn. Families are welcome to stop by for a short visit or stay for the entire event. The festivities will include festive karaoke, sing-alongs, dancing, and plenty of playful activities, all made possible through the support of the Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Department. While costumes are encouraged, they are not required for attendance. Attendees can look forward to snacks and beverages, ensuring a delightful evening for all. Additionally, trick-or-treat bags filled with school and art supplies will be distributed to children ages 18 and under, while supplies last. Indraloka invites the community to join in the fun and celebrate the Halloween season together Registration is free and available on https://indraloka.org/event/halloween-party/
Geisinger Children’s Hospital Receives Party from Spirit Halloween. Spirit Halloween held a Halloween-spirited event for pediatric patients and families at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital on Monday. Spirit Halloween brought dozens of costumes to share with Geisinger pediatric patients and their families. Patients and families were invited to pick from dozens of Halloween costumes and participated in spooky crafts and face painting. The party was held in celebration of Spirit’s 2023 fundraising efforts with the hospital. Miranda Peruso, Geisinger’s director of annual giving, said Spirit Halloween hosts parties at healthcare facilities that reach a $50,000 fundraising goal during the previous year’s in-store campaign. “This was the first party at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital,” Peruso said. “Our partnership with Spirit has raised nearly $300,000 for the Child Life department since 2019. We’re so grateful to everyone who supported Geisinger when shopping at Spirit Halloween.” Pediatric patient Kevin O’Brien of Glen Lyon, PA, dressed as Marshmello from Fort Nite, poses for a photo with the Spirit Halloween volunteers. Geisinger’s Child Life specialists make kids more comfortable at the hospital by explaining procedures using play, helping children cope with pain and supporting their efforts to stay up-to-date with their school work. Child Life has the motto of “making the hospital less scary for patients and families. Nearly a dozen patients and their siblings attended the party. Leftover costumes were taken to Geisinger pediatric clinics to share with more patients. “This is part of who we are,” said Jeremy Simpson, zone manager for Spirit Halloween, “It can be sombering to see kids in the hospital, but it is wonderful to see their faces light up for an event like this.”
Allied Services Receives Donation Recently, Kiel Eigen presented Allied Services Integrated Health System with a donation of $3,500. This contribution is raised through his annual golf tournament, Tee Time for Kiel. Pictured from left to right: Diana Pope-Albright, PT, DPT, Assistant Vice President Rehab Services, Allied Services; Cathy Guzzi, PT, DPT, Assistant Vice President Rehab Services, Allied Services; Kiel Eigen, Tee Time For Kiel; Bob Cole, Senior Vice President, Allied Services; and Jennifer Lutkowski, PT, DPT, Director of Rehabilitation, Allied Services Wilkes-Barre Rehab Hospital.
Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant from Peoples Security Bank & Trust On October 8th, Peoples Security Bank & Trust presented the Greater Scranton YMCA with a $500 donation, awarded through their #PSBTGives Campaign. Danithza Farrell, Peoples Security Bank & Trust, Branch Manager, Dickson City Office; Meghan Carnevale, Greater Scranton YMCA, Mission Advancement & Marketing Director
