ABOUT US

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Eastcentral PA AHEC serves Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill counties.

Key AHEC Program Contributions: 
1. Developing and supporting community-based interdisciplinary training of isolated areas. 

2. Providing continuing education and other services to improve the quality of community-based care. 
 
3. Recruiting geographically isolated students into health professions through various programs to support medically and economically vulnerable populations.

MEET OUR TEAM

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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. Additionally, she has been an adjunct professor at Northampton Community College for over 20 years. Her areas of interest include health literacy and mental health.
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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.
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MELISSA SAUNDERS
PROGRAM COORDINATOR & 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 and Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and is also a Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) instructor. Her particular interests lie in mental health and health literacy, areas where she aims to make a significant impact.