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.
JOB OPENINGS
Job Title:
Health Educator
Position Summary:
The Health Educator plays an essential role in developing and delivering health education programs, supporting workforce diversity, and promoting health career pathways. This position involves close collaboration with the Executive Director on special events and projects, engaging community partners, and fostering educational opportunities for high school and college students interested in health professions.
Key Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Preferred Skills:
Full-time position.
Benefits: 403B, health reimbursement plan, company paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability and PTO
Salary range $53,000- $57,000 based on experience
Please submit your resume and cover letter to Liz Schaffer at eschaffer@ecpennahec.org.
The Health Educator plays an essential role in developing and delivering health education programs, supporting workforce diversity, and promoting health career pathways. This position involves close collaboration with the Executive Director on special events and projects, engaging community partners, and fostering educational opportunities for high school and college students interested in health professions.
Key Responsibilities:
- CHW Recruitment and Instruction: Recruit and instruct Community Health Worker (CHW) students, delivering curriculum content in a supportive and engaging learning environment.
- Healthcare Career Promotion: Design and implement activities for students interested in health careers, focusing on guidance and resources that encourage professional pathways in health and assisting the Executive Director with organizing and hosting events.
- Data Management: Maintain accurate program data in Salesforce, ensuring effective tracking and reporting for program evaluation.
- Digital Marketing and PR: Create and manage social media posts for program events, monitor the LinkedIn account, and develop promotional materials such as flyers to increase program visibility and engagement.
- Curriculum Development: Adapt curriculum to address new health career opportunities and meet the evolving needs of students.
- Organizational Collaboration: Work closely with the Executive Director and other team members to align educational efforts with organizational and community health goals.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Health Education, or a related field.
- Experience in health education, community engagement, and event coordination.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with diversity recruitment and mentorship practices.
- Skills in event planning and collaboration.
- Strong digital skills, including website management, social media, and data tracking.
Full-time position.
Benefits: 403B, health reimbursement plan, company paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability and PTO
Salary range $53,000- $57,000 based on experience
Please submit your resume and cover letter to Liz Schaffer at eschaffer@ecpennahec.org.