Eastcentral PA AHEC serves Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill counties.
Key AHEC Program Contributions:
1. Developing and supporting community-based interdisciplinary training of health professions students in underserved areas.
2. Providing continuing education and other services to improve the quality of community-based care.
3. Recruiting underrepresented minority and disadvantaged students into health professions through a broad range of programs.
1. Developing and supporting community-based interdisciplinary training of health professions students in underserved areas.
2. Providing continuing education and other services to improve the quality of community-based care.
3. Recruiting underrepresented minority and disadvantaged students into health professions through a broad range of programs.
MEET OUR TEAM
ELIZABETH (LIZ) SCHAFFER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Elizabeth (Liz) Schaffer holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a Master's degree in Public Health, and a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling. She is also a certified Community Health Education Specialist (CHES). With over 15 years of experience as a public health professional, Liz has served as a Health Educator, Interim Director, and now Executive Director of the Eastcentral PA AHEC. Her extensive experience includes curriculum development, facilitating and evaluating public health programs, and presenting at state conferences.
In 2009, Liz developed the Community Health Worker Training Program for the Eastcentral PA AHEC and has been a dedicated advocate and ally ever since. Additionally, she has been an adjunct professor at Northampton Community College for over 20 years. Her areas of interest include health literacy, mental health, and advocating for rural and underserved communities.
Passionate about helping others reach their full potential, Liz believes in the importance of understanding public health and its impact on individuals.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Elizabeth (Liz) Schaffer holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, a Master's degree in Public Health, and a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling. She is also a certified Community Health Education Specialist (CHES). With over 15 years of experience as a public health professional, Liz has served as a Health Educator, Interim Director, and now Executive Director of the Eastcentral PA AHEC. Her extensive experience includes curriculum development, facilitating and evaluating public health programs, and presenting at state conferences.
In 2009, Liz developed the Community Health Worker Training Program for the Eastcentral PA AHEC and has been a dedicated advocate and ally ever since. Additionally, she has been an adjunct professor at Northampton Community College for over 20 years. Her areas of interest include health literacy, mental health, and advocating for rural and underserved communities.
Passionate about helping others reach their full potential, Liz believes in the importance of understanding public health and its impact on individuals.
LOURDES SERRANO
ACCOUNTING & GRANTS MANAGER
As the Accounting and Grant Manager for Eastcentral PA AHEC, Lourdes brings over 25 years of expertise in accounting, finance, and high-level executive support. She has a demonstrated track record of creating efficient operating budgets and possesses strong business acumen coupled with sharp analytical skills. Lourdes’ experience spans both non-profit organizations and major corporations in NYC, showcasing her versatility. Her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication form the foundation of her work ethic, allowing her to effectively guide small businesses toward their financial objectives. Beyond her professional achievements, Lourdes is a certified event planner and enjoys interior decorating in her free time.
ACCOUNTING & GRANTS MANAGER
As the Accounting and Grant Manager for Eastcentral PA AHEC, Lourdes brings over 25 years of expertise in accounting, finance, and high-level executive support. She has a demonstrated track record of creating efficient operating budgets and possesses strong business acumen coupled with sharp analytical skills. Lourdes’ experience spans both non-profit organizations and major corporations in NYC, showcasing her versatility. Her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication form the foundation of her work ethic, allowing her to effectively guide small businesses toward their financial objectives. Beyond her professional achievements, Lourdes is a certified event planner and enjoys interior decorating in her free time.
MELISSA SAUNDERS
(she/her)
HEALTH EDUCATOR
(she/her)
HEALTH EDUCATOR
Melissa holds a bachelor's degree in Public Health and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Social Work. As a dedicated health educator, Melissa administers community health worker (CHW) classes that prepare students for state certification. She is also actively involved in the SEARCH program, which introduces high school students to healthcare professionals and diverse career paths. In addition to these roles, Melissa is a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and is also a Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) instructor. Fluent in Spanish, Melissa leverages her background as a child of immigrants to passionately support the immigrant community. Her particular interests lie in mental health and health literacy, areas where she aims to make a significant impact.