Picture and Video Gallery

The Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Employment Coalition recently recognized Golden Technologies in Old Forge for promoting community employment for individuals with developmental disabilities and autism.
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Pictured left to right:  Sophia Mazaleski, NEPA Inclusive; Nancy Kuffa, Golden Technologies; Eric O’Neill, Office of Developmental Programs; Sarah Walker and Robert McAllister, Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health & Developmental Services; Barbara Eyet, Golden Technologies; and Mike Huber, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. 

Not pictured:  Golden Technologies Honored Employees Alyssa “Star” Swanigan and Gene Hazelton. 


The Luzerne-Wyoming Employment Coalition recently recognized Pride Mobility/Quantum Rehab for promoting community employment for individuals with developmental disabilities and autism

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Pictured (left to right): 

Melinda Baldinucci, Autism for Lifelong Learning (ALL Program) at Misericordia University; Dave Mattrazzo, Pride Mobility; Monica Amditis, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR); Kelly Bronson and Brandon Pieretti, Pride Mobility; Jared Scott Fisher, Honored Employee, Pride Mobility; Bob Bohn, Pride Mobility; Brandon Lux and Erin Lambert, ALL Program; Sarah Walker, Luzerne-Wyoming Counties MH/DS; Eric O’Neill, Office of Developmental Programs; Janine Starinsky, Autism Center at Misericordia University;  

Not pictured:  Amy Tomkoski, Luzerne-Wyoming Counties MH/DS; Kristen Leary, Lori Holdredge, and Chris Zinkle, OVR

Click on the link below to see the 2022 Celebration of Abilities Award Winners.

2022 Celebration of Abilities Award Winners

Random Acts of Kindness 2022

Luzerne-Wyoming Counties MHDS Employment Coalition Presents: Working in the Community!

Leigh C. a participant in the Autism for Lifelong Learning Program (ALL Program) at Misericordia University talks about her experience working at Wet Paint Printing and Design in Wilkes-Barre, PA.  Leigh really loves her job and it’s our hope that this will inspire others to consider competitive, integrated employment!

Job Shadow Event at Visit Luzerne County

The Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Employment Coalition was planning a Job Shadowing event in which consumers would tour various local businesses along with job coaches in order to get a feel for what it’s like to have a job. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic halted our plans for an in-person event. We hope these videos are the next best thing! Ted Wampole, Director of Visit Luzerne County, talks about the business and what type of person would enjoy working at Visit Luzerne County.   

The Employment Coalition wishes to thank Christopher von Ahnen from Goodwill Industries; Ian Bayley, Maria DiBuo, Angelina Davis and Dr. Kalen Churcher from Wilkes University’s Communication Studies Department; and the staff of Visit Luzerne County for their kind cooperation and assistance with this project.  

Job Shadow Event at Rodano’s in Wilkes-Barre, PA

The Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Employment Coalition was planning a Job Shadowing event in which consumers would tour various local businesses along with job coaches in order to get a feel for what it’s like to have a job. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic halted our plans for an in-person event. We hope these videos are the next best thing! You are going to tour Rodano’s in Wilkes-Barre and see a variety of job tasks that someone might do in a restaurant setting. 

The Employment Coalition wishes to thank Melinda Baldinucci from Misericordia University’s Autism for Lifelong Learning Program; Ian Bayley, Maria DiBuo, Angelina Davis and Dr. Kalen Churcher from Wilkes University’s Communication Studies Department; and the staff of Rodano’s for their kind cooperation and assistance with this project.  

“Random Acts of Kindness in the Community” Day March 2, 2020

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Luzerne County Departments recently held the Fifth Annual Sports Team Friday, a fundraiser for Blue Chip Animal Refuge. Employees made a donation to wear their favorite sports team attire to raise money for the no-kill shelter. Contributions totaled nearly seven hundred dollars.  

SPORTS TEAM FRIDAY 2020Representing employees seated left to right, First Row: Sharon Lawrence, Jennifer Musto, Jennifer Thomas, Denise Shimko, Event Director Sandy Shaw, Janice Flannery, Lauren McCloskey, Alyssa Conner. Second Row: Veronica Thibeault, Tara Vallet, Joan Kaminski, Pearl Cwalina, Tom Polomchak. Third Row: Pam Kolmansperger, Sharon Iorio, Dara Smith, Jill Sosnoski, Bill Kingsbury, Jerry Lavan, Heather Hunsinger, Dawn Elmy, Angela Weghorst, James Haddock and LeeAnn Holub
Blue Chip 2020Representing Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developments Services left to right Fran Stanishefski, Tara Vallet, Lauren McCloskey, Joan Kaminski, and Lori Holdredge.


The Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Employment Coalition recently honored Mohegan Sun Pocono for their excellence in employing individuals with developmental disabilities.

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Pictured left to right:  Sarah Walker, Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services (MH/DS);     Kristen Leary, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation;  Joe Miraglia, Mohegan Sun Pocono;  Justin Brown, NEPA Inclusive;  Maria Ross, Mohegan Sun Pocono Honored Employee; Eric O’Neill, Office of Developmental Programs; Nikki Yale, Mohegan Sun Pocono; Connie Lajeunesse, Step by Step;  Amy Tomkoski, Luzerne-Wyoming Counties MH/DS.  Also present but not pictured:  Ree Ree DeLuca, NEPA Inclusive

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. In order to recognize the importance of promoting employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and autism, the Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Employment Coalition honored five (5) local employers who have embraced this idea. These employers have excelled in offering competitive, integrated employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities, and have experienced what an asset these individuals are to their businesses.

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Pictures from Day Development Program’s Art Studio. Their consumers won for their artwork at the Luzerne County Fair this year.

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Left to right: Miki, Shawna Lance, Lee Hann and Ricky Wentzel


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Pictured: Miki and Brianna Kytor

Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services (MH/DS) in conjunction with the Training Council on Quality and with the support of the Advocacy Alliance Northeast PA Health Care Quality Unit (HCQU) recently sponsored a training entitled, “Promoting Healthy Relationships and Setting Boundaries.”  

Ms. Sharon Mahar Potter, M.Ed., Sexuality Consultant  specializing in Intellectual Disabilities was the Keynote Speaker. The training addressed topics such as “Digital Citizenship & Technology,” presented by Mr. David P. Shallcross, Public Engagement Specialist and Director of Senior Protection Unit from the PA Office of Attorney General; and “HIV & Link to Care Services,” presented by Ms. Sharon Whitebread, Outreach & Community Education Manager for Caring Communities.

The training is in response to the reported Incident Management data in relationship to Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.

Healthy Relationships

1st row left to right: Gina Galli, Luzerne-Wyoming Counties MH/DS; Sharon Mahar Potter, Keynote Speaker; Sharon Fairburn, The Advocacy Alliance Northeast PA HCQU; Colleen Kustrin, Step by Step

2nd row left to right: Mary Boylan, Luzerne-Wyoming Counties MH/DS; Dr. Sharon Falzone, The Advocacy Alliance Northeast PA HCQU; Diane Kendig, Step by Step; Sharon Whitebread, Caring Communities

Not pictured:  David P. Shallcross, PA Office of Attorney General

The Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Employment Coalition recently honored Miller’s Ale House in Wilkes Barre Township, PA as an outstanding employer of individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism.

Millers Ale House

Front Row L to R:  Sheila Fegal, Miller’s Ale House; Michael Perry, Honored Employee; Kristen Leary, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation; Juan Madrigal, Goodwill Industries

Back Row L to R:  Katy Kranson, Autism for Lifelong Learning (ALL) Program; Sarah Walker, Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services; Eric O’Neill, Office of Developmental Programs; Barbara Bonning, Step by Step; Shaina Shelton, Step by Step.  Not pictured:  Joan Kleinman, ALL Program

2019 CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

The local Early Intervention (EI) Program manned a resource table at the 2019 Children’s Festival held at the Hazle Township Park on Sunday, August 25, 2019. The event, sponsored by  Hazleton Power, afforded families from the Hazleton area and beyond an opportunity to enjoy a fun filled day in a beautiful, relaxed setting. The goal of the Festival was to empower, engage and educate our local families. Children in attendance delighted in the activities, such as face painting, a petting zoo, bounce houses, State Police helicopter take offs and landings and sitting in a State Police cruiser! The EI Program shared EI brochures, sippy cups and pamphlets on developmental information for public awareness of the general public. 

Childrens festival

Pictured joining in the fun at the Early Intervention table at the Festival is David Pedri, Luzerne County Manager with his wife Holly and his children, oldest son Evan, son Andrew and daughter Julia. Marilee McDonough, the EI Service Coordination Unit Supervisor and Ashley Williams, an EI Service Coordinator are pictured manning the resource table.

The Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Employment Coalition recently honored Rodano’s in Wilkes Barre as an outstanding employer of individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism.

Employment Coalition

Pictured left to right:

Sarah Walker, Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services; Joan Kleinman, Autism for Lifelong Learning (ALL Program) at Misericordia University; Eric O’Neill, Pennsylvania Office of Development Programs; Katy Kranson, ALL Program; Laura Brown, Rodano’s; Donna McLaughlin, ALL Program;  Kelly Hughes, Rodano’s;  Amanda Salinas, Step by Step;  Russell “Rusty” Goodman, Rodano’s;  Barbara Bonning, Step by Step; Kristen Leary and Heather Nelson, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation; Amy Tomkoski, Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services

Friday, June 7th at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium was the Wolfpack Spring Fling into Wellness for the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. There were 40 vendors of which Early Intervention, Systems of Care and Mental Health & Developmental Services participated. 900 individuals attended the event at no cost and enjoyed great food, music, face painting and games.

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The Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Employment Coalition recently met with Shadowbrook Resort in Tunkhannock to recognize them for their support in providing community work-based experience for individuals with developmental disabilities. The mission of the Employment Coalition is to increase opportunities for individuals to obtain community employment.

Employment Coalition Shadowbrook

Pictured Left to Right: 

Donna Jones, Community Employment Specialist and Barbara Bonning, Assistant Service Director, Step by Step Inc.; Eric O’Neill, Program Representative, Office of Developmental Programs (ODP); Amy Tomkoski, Deputy Administrator, Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services; Ralph Del Prete, General Manager Shadowbrook Resort;  Mericia Mills, Community Keystone Community Resources (KCR) Employment Specialist; Stephanie Chunca, KCR Senior Coordinator, Supported Employment; Grace Bradshaw,  SCO Manager and Sarah Walker, Program Specialist, Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services.

The Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Employment Coalition recently met with Wet Paint Printing and Design in Wilkes-Barre to recognize them for their support in providing community work-based experience for individuals with developmental disabilities. The mission of the Employment Coalition is to increase opportunities for individuals to obtain community employment. The Employment Coalition also received a tour of the modern work-space!

Employment Coalition Rec 5-1-19

Pictured Front Row (left to right): Debi Jenkins, Step-By-Step; Christian Martin, Self-Advocate; Lauren Sulitka, Step-By-Step

2nd Row (left to right): Mericia Mills, Keystone Community Resource; Grace Bradshaw and Amy Tomkoski, Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services; Connie LaJeunesse, Step-By-Step

3rd Row (left to right): Steve Taren, Wet Paint; Barbara Bonning, Step-By-Step; Scott Paull, Wet Paint

Celebration of Abilities Event March 22, 2019 Luzerne County Courthouse

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Wyoming County Celebration of Abilities March 29, 2019 Shadowbrook Inn & Resort

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EARLY INTERVENTION HOLIDAY PARTIES

The families of children in the Early Intervention Program were invited to ring in the holiday season with special events in both Luzerne and Wyoming Counties. On Thursday, December 6th, Santa joined us for a Pizza Party in the Snyder Room in the Sheehy-Farmer Campus Center of King’s College in Wilkes-Barre and on December 11th, folks were treated to a Breakfast with Santa event at Shadowbrook Inn & Resort in Tunkhannock. All children in attendance received a story book or Holiday activity book, compliments of the LICC.

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Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services (MHDS) Advisory Board recognized staff for milestone years of service at their December Board meeting.  Department Managers/Directors presented the awards along with Advisory Board Chairman, Tom O’Neill; Wyoming County Commissioner Chairman Thomas Henry, Luzerne County Council Member Jane Walsh Waitkus and Luzerne County Office of Human Services Program Director John Alunni.  

2018 Staff recognition

Pictured are first row (left to right), Honorees:  Mary Boylan, Kingston, 10 years; Martha Elmir, Kingston, 10 years; and Kelly Kohl, Hanover Township, 10 years.  Second row, Advisory Board members: Linda Armstrong; Raelene Daring, Vice-Chair; Dave Wilson; Commissioner Henry; Dr. Carl Charnetski, Secretary; Tom O’Neill; Jane Walsh Waitkus; and John Alunni.  Also recognized but not pictured are:  Fran Stanishefski, Swoyersville, 20 years; Cheryl Farkaly, Scranton, 15 years; and Diane Lonzetta, Hazle Township, 5 years.  


On December 4, 2018, the Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services Employment Coalition met with Driscoll's Home Center in West Pittston to recognize them for their support in providing community work-based experience for individuals with developmental disabilities.  The mission of the Employment Coalition is to increase opportunities for individuals to obtain community employment.

Employment Coalition

Front row left to right:  Barbara Bonning, Step-By-Step; Frank Bartoli, NEPA Inclusive; Kristen Leary, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR); Dennis Driscoll, Store Owner; Liz Driscoll, Store Owner; Matthew Peck, OVR customer; Cheryl Farkaly, Luzerne-Wyoming Counties MH/DS Employment Chair; and Katy Kranson, Autism for Lifelong Learning (ALL) Program

Back row left to right:  Kelly Vandenberg, Step-By-Step; Eric O'Neil, Office of Developmental Programs; Samantha Harry, Driscoll Home Care Staff; Scott Sharrow, Driscoll Home Care Staff; Maria Mondlak, NEPA Inclusive; Ashlynd McHale, NEPA Inclusive; and Joan Kleinman, ALL Program

On September 11, 2018 the Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Early intervention Program participated in the “Moms2B Baby Shower” at the Hazleton YWCA. The event, hosted by AmeriHealth Caritas, was attended by the PA Department of Human Services Secretary, Teresa Miller and the PA Department of Health Secretary, Dr. Rachel Levine. The Moms2B Baby Shower provided an opportunity for expectant mothers to access resources in their community to assist them to be proactive in health-related decisions during and after pregnancy.

Moms 2B Baby Shower

Pictured from left to right are:   a Hazleton family, Maria Polanco and Socrates Pena with their son, Casstiel; Secretary Teresa Miller; Marilee McDonough, EI Service Coordination Unit Supervisor; and Secretary, Dr. Rachel Levine. 

Certified Elder Law Attorney Brenda Colbert from Colbert & Grebas, P.C. addresses participants at the 8/17/18 training entitled, “Future Planning:  How to Be Prepared When Parents Can No Longer Care for Their Individual with Special Needs.”  The training also included presentations by George Gwilliam regarding a parent/day program perspective on how to be prepared as well as Sarah Wentz, Sandy Reina & Melonie Drumm on the new lifesharing initiative.

Future Planning Training 8 17 18

Early Intervention Providers’
Mandated Training for 2018/2019
Genetti’s Hotel & Conference Center
Wilkes-Barre, PA

Friday, July 27, 2018

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Judy Kresky, EI Program Specialist, addresses the audience at the annual EI Providers’ Mandated Training for 2018/2019.

Program Objectives

To cover all mandated training topics including:
•Universal Health Procedures and Precautions;
•Cultural Competency;
•Procedural Safeguards (including Mediation and Due Process);
•Fire Safety and Emergency Evacuation;
•Transition;
•Mandated Reporting;
•Confidentiality including HIPAA and FERPA

Independent Monitoring for Quality (IM4Q)
Annual Statewide Training 2018, Harrisburg, PA
July 17 & 18, 2018

IM4Q Statewide Training 2018

Left to Right:

Jim Hutchinson, Philadelphia County Vision for Equality;Elliot Glickman, Philadelphia County Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disABILITY Services; Tawnya Hamilton, Office of Developmental Programs Polk Center; Guy Caruso, Institute on Disabilities, Temple University; Gina Galli, Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services

Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolic Syndrome 07/13/18

Diabetes Training 7-13-18


1st row left to right:
Alicia Brockett, Comfort Keepers; Chris Fazzi, Presenter, Greater Scranton/Wilkes-Barre YMCA; Dr. Sharon Falzone, Presenter, The Advocacy Alliance NEPA Health Care Quality Unit (HCQU); Gina Galli, Luzerne-Wyoming Counties MH/DS; Sharon Fairburn, The Advocacy Alliance NEPA HCQU

2nd row left to right:
Linda Reilly, Presenter, Greater Scranton/Wilkes-Barre YMCA; Patti Goodenow, Presenter, Greater Scranton-Wilkes-Barre YMCA; Gerri Mikelski, Participant; Debbie McGlynn, Step By Step; Jarvis Wright, Luzerne-Wyoming Counties MH/DS

Celebration of Abilities - Luzerne County 3/23/18

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Celebration of Abilities - Wyoming County 03/27/18

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Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services Staff Recognized December 2017

MHDS Staff Recognition

Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services (MHDS) Advisory Board recognized staff for milestone years of service at the December 2017 Board meeting.    Supervisors/Managers presented the awards along with Advisory Board Chairman, David Wilson; Chairman of the Wyoming County Commissioners, Tom Henry; Luzerne County Manager, Dave Pedri; Luzerne County Council Chairman, Tim McGinley; Luzerne County Office of Human Services Division Head, Lynn Hill; and MHDS Administrator, Tara Vallet.  Pictured are first row (seated left to right), 15-year honorees:  Charmayne Floryan,  Cathy Zachar, Valerie Sanauskas.  10-year honorees: Rachel Ertz, Ranee Smith,  Marsha Hillard, Phil Buickus.   5-year honoree: Rebecca Apolinaro.   Second row (standing left to right):  Advisory Board Members:  Sandy Faux, Secretary; Dr. Carl Charnetski; Tom O’Neill; Raelene Daring, Vice Chair; David Wilson, Chairman; Tom Henry, Tim McGinley, Chairman, Dave Pedri, Lynn Hill, and 15-year honoree, Tara Vallet.   25-year honorees:  Judy Kresky, Marilee McDonough, Ann Marie Tryzenski, Suzanne Strittmatter, Grace Bradshaw.    Also recognized but not pictured are:  Sandy Tamanini, 30 years and Amy Groner, 5 years.