Vita Education Services, a Bucks County provider of adult education services, welcomes a dynamic group of individuals to its board of directors.
Representing a diverse array of backgrounds, talents, and perspectives, these individuals bring with them a passion for Vita’s mission and a thoughtful understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
“Our new board members bring their creative energy and dedication to help Vita continue to grow and be able to respond to future demands for our services” said Catherine McElroy, Vita’s board chair. “We are excited to have them join our team as we work to make a meaningful impact in our community.”
With a conviction that “literacy and education are powerful,” Jennifer L. Altamuro, Ph.D., associate professor and faculty director of Masters of Accounting Program at Villanova University, joined the board to support “the opportunities Vita extends to many underserved members of our area.”
Christina Blanco, account specialist supervisor at Tyndale FRC, first experienced Vita as a teacher for an English as a Second Language class. That experience taught Blanco about Vita’s students’ tenacity and drive to learn the language and to improve their lives. Blanco believes that “Vita serves a vital need in the community – using the transformative power of education to help people improve their lives and support themselves and their families. It is an honor for me to serve on the board and help in furthering that mission.”
A lifelong learner, Tanya Casas, Ph.D., dean of the School of Business, Arts and Sciences at Delaware Valley University, firmly believes that education in various forms has the potential to transform individuals and expand opportunities. Casas trusts in Vita’s mission because as she noted, “Education can provide individuals with a broader range of choices and open new doors.”
M. William Kadri, vice president/regional manager at C&N Bank, learned about Vita’s mission to help immigrants and those in the criminal justice system at the organization’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2022. Kadri noted that “Those populations face challenges in being educated and achieving financial self-sustainability. Vita supports these individuals in accessing a path to both. The mission is critical to the future of our economy and the quality of life for each person we have the pleasure of serving.”
Jonathan H. Lewis, executive director at Life Abundant Inc., agrees that education can help people develop the skills needed to become more self-determining and self-sufficient, leading to an overall improved quality of life. “Because of that belief,” Lewis said, “I felt led to help advance Vita’s mission.”
Compelled by the variety of Vita’s programs, Laura Naylor, senior university success specialist at Suitable, joined the board because, “Literacy skills are an invaluable resource and could truly change the trajectory of a person’s life. I believe Vita cares about the whole person and equips them with the variety of tools they may need.”
Conveying a common sentiment among the new board members, Nicole J. O’Hara, Semanoff Ormsby Greenberg & Torchia, LLC, said, “I love that Vita helps individuals become better versions of themselves and those people are better positioned to support their families and strengthen their communities,” adding “everything Vita does has positive rippling effects.”
Vita’s board of directors also includes Stephen Albert (retired, English teacher and school administrator), Linda Barker (retired, director of editorial services, Influence Media LLC), Mark Estep (president, MC Holdings), Alan Gaudio (retired, International Logistics professional), Ellen Happ (principal, Ellen Happ Architect), Maxine Katz (retired, Global Human Resources executive), Catherine McElroy (retired, associate provost at Bucks County Community College), and John F. Walko (retired, Betz Dearborn).
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
