You’re Invited: Scranton UNICO Mardi Gras Charity Ball Call 570-499-1534 or fill out the form below to make reservations.
Lackawanna College Announces Tuition-Free Education Partnership with Allied Services Lackawanna College announced a new partnership which will allow employees at one of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s largest non-profit healthcare systems to attend college tuition-free. Under the agreement, eligible employees at Allied Services Integrated Health System can pursue a bachelor’s or an associate degree at Lackawanna College. Full-time and part-time employees at Allied Services will be eligible for the Lackawanna College Business Partners Scholarship which covers tuition for the Fall and Spring semesters. “The need for trained healthcare professionals in our area continues to grow,” stated Dr. Jill Murray, Lackawanna College President. “Our evolving partnership with Allied Services enhances the quality of our area’s healthcare services by filling in-demand positions with a skilled workforce. Opportunities like this make college affordable and accessible – a great equalizer for families and our communities.” This latest partnership enhances Allied Services’ existing tuition assistance and tuition reimbursement programs for employees. In 2021, Allied Services and Lackawanna College announced a new nursing scholarship to provide full tuition for eligible students in Lackawanna College’s nursing associate degree program. Students awarded these scholarships can work at Allied Services while continuing their education and be guaranteed a full-time position upon graduation and licensure as a registered nurse. In addition, Allied Services offers its own scholarship and tuition assistance programs to support a diverse workforce that includes mental health workers, mechanics, therapists, accountants, nutritionists, social workers, and many more. “As a leading employer in Northeast and Central Pennsylvania, we recognize the importance and value of investing in our employees, their families, and their futures,” said Attorney Bill Conaboy, President and CEO. “Our employees are at the heart of all we do for our patients, our residents, and our communities. We look forward to supporting them as they pursue their personal and professional goals. ” The public-private partnership is one of many that are in the works at Lackawanna College that will cover a student’s full tuition. “The Lackawanna College Business Partnership Scholarship Initiative helps businesses of all sizes develop and retain employees,” said Jeff Gregory, Director of College Enrollment Partnerships. “A partnership with Lackawanna College includes a tuition scholarship that can be offered to employees, allowing the workforce to pursue a bachelor’s or associate degree.”
People on the Move: Allied Services Integrated Health System Lori Steeves, NHA, PHCA: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomed Lori Steeves, NHA, PHCA as Assistant Administrator of the Skilled Nursing Center in Scranton. Steeves brings nearly 20 years of experience in the fields of Skilled Nursing and Personal Care. Focusing on providing quality care, Lori will continue to work on the development and implementation of measures to ensure the highest quality of long-term care services and positive resident experiences. Lori received her Bachelor’s degree from Kutztown University and is both a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and Licensed Personal Care Home Administrator. Rita Kuchta, RN, BSN: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced Rita Kuchta, RN as the new Director of Nursing at the Skilled Nursing Center in Scranton. During her extensive nursing career, Kuchta has specialized in Gerontology, directly overseeing the operations of multiple nursing units at the facility in Scranton. Throughout her career with the integrated health system Rita has held various administrative positions including Unit Manager and Assistant Director of Nursing. Rita has been an employee at Allied Services Skilled Nursing in Scranton for more than twenty years, which not only demonstrates her loyalty but true Skilled Nursing experience. Rita received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Penn State University. Melissa Palermo, RN: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced Melissa Palermo, RN as the new Assistant Director of Nursing at the Skilled Nursing Center in Scranton. Palermo previously served as Unit Manager where she was responsible for clinical care oversight and providing staff direction to ensure the highest quality of care. After joining the Skilled Nursing Center in 2003 as a Certified Nurse Aide, Palermo utilized Allied Services education assistance programs and was able to further her career by becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, and then a Registered Nurse receiving her degree from Excelsior College. Jamie Sheridan, RN, BSN: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomes back returning employee Jamie Sheridan, RN, BSN as the new Staff Development Coordinator for the Skilled Nursing Center in Scranton. In her role, Jamie will use her extensive experience to organize and implement new employee orientation and clinical competency programs, develop staff training programs and continued clinical competency, and plan general in-service programming. Sheridan received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University and is currently enrolled in Chamberlain’s Master of Science in Nursing program with a specialty in nursing education. Patrick Quinn: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomed Patrick Quinn as Assistant Director of the Developmental Services Division. Quinn has worked exclusively in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities for 38 years. He is an accomplished lecturer on a local, state, and national level advocating for persons with disabilities. Quinn is a graduate of the University of Scranton and holds certificates from the University of Delaware National Institute on Developmental Disabilities and the University of Scranton Non-Profit Leadership Program. William Lezinski, MBA, CMA: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced William Lezinski, MBA, CMA as Assistant Vice President of Vocational Services. Lezinski joined the integrated health system in 2020 as the Director of Accounting for the Vocational Services Division bringing more than 25 years of experience in the banking and real estate industries. Lezinski’s extensive financial knowledge has enabled him to master the complex financial reporting required by the various programs that make up the Vocational Division. Within the financial services area, Lezinski will also work to ensure compliance for the numerous federal and state janitorial contracts, Human Services Programs fiscal requirements, and general day-to-day business operations. In addition to his existing job duties, Bill will now be responsible for all real estate leasing agreements for the integrated health system. Lezinski earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Penn State University and his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from the University of Scranton. Jeff Snyder, BA: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced Jeff Snyder, BA, as Assistant Vice President of Behavioral Health, Burnley Employment and Rehabilitation Center, and Waiver Coordination. Snyder began his career at Allied Services in 2005. In 2017, he was promoted to Director of the Burnley Employment and Rehabilitation Center in Stroudsburg and in 2019 was promoted to Executive Director adding the Waiver Coordination Division to his core responsibilities. In 2019, Snyder was also awarded the Charles Luger Memorial Employee Award in recognition of his commitment and dedication to Allied Services and its mission. In addition to his existing duties, Jeff will now oversee the Behavioral Health Division. The Behavioral Health Division provides residential and supported living services to over 400 individuals with mental health concerns in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Schuylkill, and Bradford Counties. Snyder earned his Bachelor of Arts in Management from Penn State University. Mike Killeen, BS: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced Mike Killeen, BS, as the Assistant Vice President of the Developmental Services Division. He joined the Developmental Services Division at Allied Services in 1978 as a Direct Care Worker and has dedicated his professional career to the care of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Over the past 43 years, he has served in numerous clinical and management positions. In his new role, Killeen will have oversight of the care teams providing round-the-clock care for more than 100 individuals with intellectual disabilities in 7 home-like settings in the community. In 2007, Killeen was awarded the Charles Luger Memorial Employee Award for his extraordinary leadership and dedication to serving individuals with disabilities. Killeen earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Penn State University. Charlotte Wright: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced Charlotte Wright as Assistant Vice President of Development and Marketing. Wright joined Allied Services in 2011 assisting in both the Vocational Services Division and Foundation Office. In her new role, Wright is responsible for the organization’s digital marketing strategy, external communications, and development activities including the annual charity campaign, WNEP’s Ryan’s Run. Wright earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from Durham University, England, and a Master of Science in Forced Migration from Oxford University, England. Maurya Incavido, BFA: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomed Maurya Incavido, BFA as Talent Manager for the Human Resources Department. In her new role, Incavido will serve as an employee career counselor and assist with internal staffing system-wide. Incavido will aim to help employees with assessment, performance improvement, career transitions, workplace and career paths, and work/life balance situations. Prior to joining Allied Services, Incavido worked in the United States Senate for nearly 15 years. Incavido earned her Bachelor in Fine Arts from Marywood University. Laurie Fleming, BS: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomed Laurie Fleming as Volunteer Coordinator for the integrated health systems Hospice and Palliative Care division. Fleming will coordinate and manage the divisions’ volunteer program including helping to facilitate volunteer services for patients and their families receiving care in both the health systems in-patient hospice centers and those at home. Prior to joining Allied Services Fleming was the Manager of the West Side Active Older Adult Center and Director of the Older Adult Program for the United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Flemming earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Policy with a concentration in Health Care Management from Penn State University and a Certificate in Gerontology from the University of Southern California.
3 Allied Services Facilities Earn U.S. News & World Report Best Nursing Homes Awards 3 skilled-nursing facilities operated by Allied Services Integrated Health System are among the 13% of facilities nationwide that were recently recognized as a Best Nursing Home for 2021-22 by U.S. News & World Report. As nursing homes and facilities across the country continue to grapple with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. News remains at the forefront of providing data-driven information and guidance to help residents, families, and caregivers understand their long- and short-term care options. Allied Services currently provides short- and long-term rehabilitation to more than 2100 patients each year at its 5 skilled nursing and transitional rehab facilities in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. The following homes earned Best Nursing Homes status by achieving ratings of “High Performing,” the highest possible rating, for Short-Term Rehabilitation and/or Long-Term Care: Allied Services Scranton Transitional Rehab Unit: Short-Term Rehabilitation Allied Services Wilkes-Barre Transitional Rehab Unit: Short-Term Rehabilitation Allied Services Center City Skilled Nursing: Long-Term Care U.S. News gives the designation of Best Nursing Home only to those homes that satisfy U.S. News’s assessment of the appropriate use of key services and consistent performance in quality measures. This is the 5th consecutive year that the Allied Services Transitional Rehab Units have received the survey’s top rating of “High Performing” for Short-Stay Rehabilitation, earning them the title of “Best Nursing Homes.” The Short-Stay Rehabilitation rating was introduced in 2018 to provide patients with a clearer view of the quality of care provided by nursing homes to short-stay patients in need of intensive rehabilitation or nursing services before they return home after a surgery, stroke, accident or illness. “As a non-profit health system, we have made it a priority to give patients in our region access to the very best in clinical expertise and advanced rehab technology” commented Karen Kearney, MSW, Vice President, Inpatient Rehabilitation. “This carries through to our Transitional Rehab Units where patients receive nationally-acclaimed short-term rehabilitation under the direction of our Nursing Home Administrators, Chris Minich and Chris Fazzini.” A third Allied Services facility received recognition from US News. Allied Services Center City Skilled Nursing Center is the only facility in Northeast Pennsylvania to receive the survey’s top rating of “High Performing” for Long-Term Care. “This past year has been challenging for our patients, residents, staff and their families” reflected James Cooney, NHA, Vice President Skilled Nursing for Allied Services. “These awards are welcome recognition for the commitment to quality care that our staff exemplifies. We are proud of the care that staff at all of our skilled nursing facilities provide, around-the-clock, 365 days a year.” Now in its 12th year, the U.S. News Best Nursing Homes ratings and profiles offer comprehensive information about quality of care, COVID-19 vaccination requirements for residents and staff, flu and pneumonia vaccination rates, and infection control violations listed on the resident safety summary. Individuals can easily conduct customized research for a highly rated nursing home by location, size, and Medicare and Medicaid coverage. This year’s methodology includes an emphasis on homes meeting certain standards of patient safety, which could limit a home’s ability to achieve a ‘High-Performing’ rating. These standards include a minimum threshold for the staff COVID-19 vaccination rate, overuse of antipsychotic drugs, and frequent visits to the emergency department, among other criteria. Homes that have below a 75% COVID-19 staff vaccination rate are not considered a leading facility. A significant percentage of Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care programs that would otherwise have qualified as ‘High-Performing’ were downgraded at the time of publication. The ratings include data on staffing, success in preventing ER visits, and pneumonia vaccination rates among other metrics. Out of 13,175 nursing homes that received a Long-Term Care Rating, 1,063 were designated as High-Performing. The Short-Term Care Rating incorporates measures of quality including consistency of registered nurse staffing, use of antipsychotic drugs, and success in preventing falls. For 2021-22, 13,500 facilities received a Short-Term Rating, while only 1,651 homes earned a High-Performing Rating.
Allied Services Receives Donation from Hawk Family Foundation PHOTO ID: from left, Atty. Bill Conaboy, President & CEO, Allied Services; Carolyn Hawk Horter, Chair of the Board, Gertrude Hawk Chocolates; Chris Cuneo, President, Gertrude Hawk Chocolates; Patrick Hawk, Vice President, Gertrude Hawk Chocolates; Susan Jeffery, Administrator, Hawk Family Foundation Allied Services recently accepted a $10,000 donation from the Hawk Family Foundation. The donation represents a contribution to WNEP’s Ryan’s Run, an annual charity campaign that raises funds for rehab technology and services benefitting patients and residents of all ages and abilities at Allied Services. The charity campaign culminates on November 7, 2021, when a team of volunteers from around Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania and beyond will participate in the TCS New York City Marathon. With support from local businesses, foundations, schools, and individuals, the campaign aims to raise more than $300,000 for vital community services and rehab technology at Allied Services. The recent donation by the Hawk Family Foundation is part of an ongoing partnership between the family-owned Gertrude Hawk Chocolates and the local non-profit health system. Over the years, Gertrude Hawk Chocolates has supported the non-profit health system’s school for children with dyslexia, skilled nursing facilities, and other programs that benefit individuals, families, and communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania. They also partner with the Vocational Training Center on Allied Services Scranton Campus to employ individuals with disabilities.
TOPP Business Solutions Supports Allied Services From left: Jim Brogna, Vice President, Strategic Partnership Development, Allied Services; Chris Falzett, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Topp Business Solutions Local business, TOPP Business Solutions, recently presented Allied Services with a donation of $6,500 in support of the WNEP’s Ryan’s Run campaign. This annual charity campaign raises awareness and funds for children and adults with disabilities, life-changing injuries, and chronic illness served by Allied Services. TOPP Business Solutions is headquartered in Scranton and is a provider of printing equipment, document management solutions, IT services, and other support services to businesses throughout Northeast, Central, and the Leigh Valley of Pennsylvania. They are long-time supporters of Allied Services, regularly supporting the non-profit’s vocational training and employment programs for individuals with disabilities. “Allied Services is truly an asset to the communities it serves. You don’t realize the true scope of what it does for our area until you or a member of your family needs to utilize their support. TOPP is proud to be part of RR12 and hope that all runners enjoy their day in New York City,” says Chris Falzett, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Topp Business Solutions. The Ryan’s Run campaign will culminate on November 7, 2021, when a team of almost 70 runners will participate in the TCS New York City Marathon.
Cancer Institute Announces New Officer and Member to the Board of Directors The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s Board of Directors appointed Robert Cole PhD to the Board of Directors. He will serve as Vice Chair to fulfill a mid-term vacancy. Robert Cole, PhD, is the Senior Vice President, Chief Analytics Officer at Allied Services Integrated Health System. He is a 25-year employee of the health system. The non-profit organization is the leading provider of healthcare and human services for northeastern Pennsylvanians with disabilities and chronic illness. Robert earned a Master’s and a Doctorate in Experimental Psychology from the State University of New York at Binghamton, NY and brings strong data analytics backed by actionable insights into the organization’s business lines. Robert Cole, PhD, lives in Duryea with his wife, Donna, and their daughter Carsyn. He grew up in Duryea, graduated from Pittston Area High School and earned his bachelor’s in psychology from Bloomsburg University in 1992.
FNCB Bank Donates $5,000 to Support Vocational Training Programs at Allied Services FNCB Bank announced its support for Allied Services with a $5,000 donation to the Vocational Services Division. FNCB will serve as co-presenting sponsors of Allied Services 2021 Vocational Services Golf Classic. The charity tournament is scheduled for Monday, July 12, 2021, at Glenmaura National Golf Club in Moosic, Pa. Now in its 28th year, the tournament benefits individuals with disabilities participating in training and employment programs provided by the non-profit health system. Allied Services Vocational Services Division serves over 500 individuals with disabilities each year. Individuals with disabilities enrolled in the program receive specialized training, development of work-related skills, and supervision and guidance in the workplace as needed. The goal of the program is to support and empower individuals with disabilities as members of the workforce. The Vocational Services Golf Classic features a shotgun start, lunch, cocktail hour, and an awards program. To learn more about sponsoring or participating in the tournament visit alliedservices.org/vsdgolf or call 570.348.1407.
Penn East Federal Credit Union Makes Donation to Nursing Center Penn East Federal Credit Union’s (FCU) Community Involvement Committee recently donated dozens of crafts, activities, and brain games to residents of Allied Services Skilled Nursing Center. The facility in Scranton is one of the area’s largest skilled nursing centers providing comprehensive quality care for both short-term and long-term patients. The Penn East FCU Community Involvement Committee’s mission is to engage and contribute to organizations to improve and establish connections in the community. Penn East Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered credit union offering membership to anyone that lives or works in Lackawanna, Luzerne, or Wyoming Counties.
Allied Services Integrated Health System People on the Move Jennifer Ambrosino, MS, OTR/L, was announced as Director of Rehabilitation at Allied Services Rehab Hospital in Scranton. Ambrosino joined the health system as an Occupational Therapist after graduating from Tufts University in 1997 and has served in a variety of positions at the inpatient facility including supervisor and assistant director. Along with helping patients regain their independence following an injury or illness, Ambrosino’s new role includes supervising and managing inpatient rehab services provided by Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy, along with the Counseling department. This includes monitoring productivity, developing standards of treatment, and maintaining performance improvement programs. Chris Fazzini, MHA, NHA: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomed Chris Fazzini, MHA, NHA, as Administrator of the Transitional Care Unit in Scranton. Fazzini earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degrees in Management and Human Resources Management from Kings College in 2018, followed by his Master of Science in Healthcare Administration in 2019. Prior to joining Allied Services, Fazzini was the Administrator of a long-term care facility in the Lancaster area. Andrea Sokolowski, MS, CCC/SLP: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomed Andrea Sokolowski, MS, CCC/SLP, as a new member of the therapy team at its Scranton-based outpatient rehab center. Sokolowski earned both her Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from East Stroudsburg University. Prior to joining Allied Services, Sokolowski was a school-based speech therapist in Bethlehem, PA working with students in a variety of classrooms, including autistic support, hearing support, life skills, emotional support, and partial hospitalization. Kimberly Yablonski, RN: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced Kimberly Yablonski, RN as the new Director of Nursing at the health systems Meade Street Skilled Nursing Center in Wilkes-Barre. Starting her nursing career as a Licensed Practical Nurse, Yablonski went on to become a Registered Nurse graduating from Luzerne County Community College with an Associate in Applied Science Degree, and brings more than 25 years of nursing experience to her new role. During her career, she has specialized in gerontology and dementia care. Prior to accepting the position in Wilkes-Barre, Yablonski served as the Assistant Director of Nursing, Unit Manager, and Alzheimer’s Specialist at Allied Services Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center in Scranton.
