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Craig Lukatch
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Lukatch is a Hazleton native, currently residing in Lake Ariel PA who has extensive experience with more than 20 plus years in nonprofit administration and fundraising most recently working as the CEO of the Greater Pittston YMCA and the Director of Development at Wyoming Valley Children's Association, Forty Fort. He is a graduate of the University of Scranton with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Theology. Lukatch currently serves on the Boards of Directors of the Rainbow Alliance and the Newfoundland Rotary and has served on various boards of nonprofits from the NEPA chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, to the Hazleton YMCA, Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators. Over his tenure he has raised over $8 million from foundations and for capital projects for local nonprofits. Lukatch has been employed with Lacawac Sanctuary for over 10 years.
Beth grew up in a small town in New Hampshire where interaction with the natural world was a way of life. She has always been interested in science, particularly ecology. She received a B.S. in Biology from Bridgewater College, a small liberal arts school in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. After a short interlude teaching middle and high school science and math classes, she earned a M.S. degree in Biology from James Madison University and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Virginia Tech. Beth has also worked as a post-doctoral researcher for Trent University and Michigan State University. Beth is an ecosystem ecologist interested in how interactions among organisms influence the structure and functioning of freshwater habitats. Her research investigates how essential elements like nitrogen and carbon are transformed and transported through ecosystems and the role microorganisms, plants, and animals play in these processes. She also studies how these relationships are affected by human activities such as land use change, nutrient loading, and pollution. Beth uses experimental manipulations as well as natural studies in her research, at scales ranging from laboratory microcosms to whole ecosystems.
Jamie Reeger joins the Lacawac team with more than 20 years of Environmental Education experience. She has a Masters of Science in Ecological Teaching and Learning from Lesley University in Cambridge MA as well as a Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education and Environmental Science from East Stroudsburg Univeristy. Environmental education has never been a job for Jamie but a true passion in which to share her knowledge and wonder of being part of incredibly perfect planet. Prior to her position at Lacawac, Jamie worked at Lackawanna College Environmental Institute/Education Center as the director. She also served as the environmental educator at Monroe County Environmental Education Center and was the director of the Bear Creek Camp and Nature Center. Beyond environmental education Jamie enjoys spending time with her husband Larry, and two children, Leah and Caden. Jamie is an avid gardener and tries to grow much of the family’s food for the year. Eating local whole foods is another way she believes she can affect positive change for Earth and her family. She also enjoys biking, skiing, camping, canoeing and anything outdoors.
Casey Arnold
Director of Facilities
casey.arnold@lacawac.org
Director of Facilities
casey.arnold@lacawac.org
Casey is an avid outdoor enthusiast with a strong passion for the environment. He has been the Director of Facilities for the last two years working on various projects to improve and restore Lacawac. Prior to Lacawac he was a professional free-skier traveling the country skiing for Samuel Adam’s, Ski The East and Peak resort. He was a freestyle skiing coach for a range of kids from beginner to Olympic level athletes. He loves anything that is adrenaline packed and is always seeking out the thrill. He has 10+ years of experience as a carpenter/construction worker. When he is not holding a power tool he is planning his next thrilling adventure mountain biking, rock climbing, or anything exciting outdoors.
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Natalie Wasilchak
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Natalie is a Pennsylvania native growing up in Archbald. She has always been interested in the sciences, specifically Wildlife biology. Natalie has a B.S. in Environmental Biology from Keystone College. She has been an assistant researcher for multiple wildlife-specific projects throughout the north and the southeastern United States, including brook trout research with the PA game commission, Northern saw-whet owl banding projects, and endangered herpetological-based projects. On top of her research, she has worked at the Greater Scranton YMCA for over ten years, providing all-inclusive programs for children and adults. Natalie is also an adjunct wildlife and environmental biology instructor at Keystone College; she encourages her students to get outside and understand their surroundings and ecological impacts. Natalie enjoys gardening, hiking, kayaking, and fishing in her spare time.
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Carlos Roca, CPA
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Experienced Senior Director Finance with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services and other industries including Non for Profit Organizations. Skilled in Analytical Skills, Management, external/internal audit and SOX compliance, Financial Accounting, Systems implementation, Month-end close efficiency improvements and USGAAP/IFRS accounting standards guru. Strong finance professional graduated with MBA from Fordham University - Graduate School of Business Administration. CPA in US (NY/PA) and Spain. Double nationality and proficient in English, Spanish and French.
Alex Bros
PLEON Field and Laboratory Technician
pleon@lacawac.org
Alex was born in New York City and spent her entire life surrounded by water. Although raised in an extremely urban setting, she connected with nature best during summers at the Jersey shore developing a great bond to and appreciation for aquatic systems. With growing fascinations in ecology, she pursued her interests at Rochester Institute of Technology, spending her time there studying migratory bird physiology and ecotoxicology of zinc in Lake Lacawac. She recently obtained her B.S. in biology from R.I.T.. It was from these studies Alex looks to further her academic career and pursue research in animal physiology and bioaccumulation of toxic heavy metals in aquatic systems. Last summer, she interned at Lacawac as the PLEON intern for the summer and returns as the PLEON technician to help monitor lakes in the region.
