Misericordia University Appoints Dr. Norton as Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Education Misericordia University is proud to announce the appointment of Lisa May Norton, Ed.D., as the new dean of the College of Health Sciences and Education. Norton assumed her role on September 1, 2024 With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years, Norton brings a wealth of experience in higher education administration and a strong commitment to advancing social justice and fostering inclusive academic environments. She joins Misericordia University from Touro University California, where she served as dean for the College of Education and Health Sciences. Her tenure at Touro was marked by her leadership in enhancing student support services, securing grants for mentoring programs, and spearheading strategic enrollment management initiatives that significantly improved student retention and success. Norton’s academic journey and professional accomplishments make her an ideal fit for Misericordia University. She has been actively engaged in community organizations and served on various advisory boards, demonstrating her dedication to community engagement and social justice advocacy. Her extensive experience in strategic planning, accreditation processes, and program development will be invaluable in advancing the College of Health Sciences and Education’s reputation and brand identity. As Misericordia University’s mission is rooted in the charisms of mercy, service, justice, and hospitality, we are thrilled to welcome Norton. Her passion for educational leadership and collaborative leadership style are expected to benefit the university community and foster a culture of growth and excellence. David Rehm, Ph.D., vice president of Academic Affairs, expressed his confidence in Norton’s appointment, stating, “Dr. Norton’s extensive experience and commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive educational environments align perfectly with our values at Misericordia University. We are certain that her leadership will significantly contribute to the continued success and growth of our College of Health Sciences and Education.” For more information about Misericordia University’s College of Health Sciences and Education, click here.
Boback Announces Veterans Assistance Appointments Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) welcomes veterans assistance appointments back into her district offices in Dallas and Tunkhannock from the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. The Dallas district office located at 105 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive hosts both a service officer from the American Legion and a representative from the Disabled American Veterans Outreach. On the fourth Tuesday of every month starting in August, veterans can schedule an appointment with the American Legion service officer, Brian Stolarski from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On the fourth Thursday of every month a representative from the Disabled American Veterans Outreach is in the office from noon to 3 p.m. To schedule an appointment at the Dallas district office, please call 570-675-6000. The Tunkhannock district office located at 133 W. Tioga Street, Suite 4, hosts the American Legion service officer, the first Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To schedule an appointment at the Tunkhannock district office, please call 570-836-4777. Veterans or their dependents can schedule a meeting for a veterans assistance appointment to discuss issues and have questions answered about benefits and services for which they may be eligible. Services available to veterans and their dependents include assistance with compensation, pension, death benefits, education, and health care. Veterans do not need to be a member of the organizations to receive these services. Appointments are necessary and space is limited.
The Wright Center for Patient and Community Engagement Appointed Board Directors Three integral employees of The Wright Center for Community Health recently were appointed board directors for The Wright Center for Patient and Community Engagement. Each brings unique backgrounds in patient care or health information technology to the governance table. The Wright Center for Patient and Community Engagement enhances The Wright Center for Community Health’s ability to determine outreach priorities as it continues to meet the healthcare needs of the most vulnerable in the community. Board members provide oversight, direction and support for Wright Center team members and their efforts, offering their unique perspectives on community needs, resources and connections, to develop and maintain active, collaborative relationships with patients and the community at large. Kari Machelli, R.N., serves as Director of Care and Case Management Services for The Wright Center for Community Health. In this leadership role, she oversees the Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence Case Managers, Certified Recovery Specialists and Community Health Workers. Machelli has been with The Wright Center for more than 20 years, starting as an RN Care Manager. She earned her nursing degree from The Pennsylvania State University. Danielle Hennessey is Electronic Medical Records and Health Informatics Manager for The Wright Center. She joined the organization in 2019 as an EMR Application Support and Trainer for the Mid Valley Practice and Ryan White HIV Clinic, and was integral in building the interface that allowed for the exchange of data between two separate electronic health records systems. Hennessey graduated from Valley View High School and attended Lackawanna College and Marywood University. She has a background in information technology, having worked for TMG Health for four years prior to joining The Wright Center. Cheri Lewis-Aulisio is a licensed medical social worker for The Wright Center for Community Health. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Marywood University. Cheri has a background working with diverse patient populations and has practiced in various clinical settings, including nursing homes, in-patient physician rehabilitation facilities and acute hospital-based settings. She has experience in behavioral health services and has worked with homeless women and children and Children & Youth Services. She also is part of the National Association of Community Health Center’s PRAPARE Tiger Team, which trains health centers to be better equipped to address social determinants of health and improve health equity.
