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Craig Lukatch
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Craig Lukatch is a Hazleton native, currently residing in Lake Ariel PA. Lukatch has extensive experience with more than 20 plus years in nonprofit administration and fundraising. Prior to Lacawac he served 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, the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators 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, and Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, 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.
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 fish and boat 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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Nichole Seul
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Nichole is from Milford Pennsylvania, and has been a dedicated outdoor professional for the past 8 years, working in various roles across the field. She has spent most of her career working with youth education, most recently with the Pocono Environmental Education Center and Girl Scouts of Greater New York. She has also worked closely with New York State Parks assisting with sustainable trail development, endangered species research, and providing wildland fire protection. Since her childhood, she has had a passion for the outdoors and learning from nature, most specifically in regards to water ecosystems. In her free time she is an avid hiker, kayaker, and angler. She is professionally driven by her desire to accessibly connect youth and adults alike to the nature that surrounds us.
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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.
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Theresa Black, M.S.
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Before teaching, Theresa worked as an industry professional completing environmental site reviews and hazardous materials inspections. Her interests lie in water resource management. She has been developing 360° video virtual field trips of various watershed features for use in the classroom. She is also researching the use of 360° video to further learning outcomes and will soon be publishing a case study on her classroom experience. Theresa has a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Science from Towson University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lycoming College.
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Mac McCrory
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Mac is originally from Northern California and currently resides in Tafton, Pennsylvania. He joined the Military at 17, serving 23 years between the Army, Airforce, and Active duty for the Army National Guard. He carries a bachelor's degree in environmental science from Arizona State and has several certifications through the military ranging from Master Resilience trainer, Purple Resolve instructor, Army SHARP Victim Advocate (NOVA certified), crisis counselor and Army instructor certified. Mac began working at Lacawac during his last year in active duty through the Army’s Apprenticeship Program.
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Allison McDermott
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Allison is a long-term resident of Lake Ariel. She graduated from Western Wayne High School in 2020 and continued her academic career at Marywood University. In May, she will graduate from Marywood with a BFA in Graphic Design. Growing up, Allison spent her summers working outdoors as a camp counselor for the Hideout. Recently, she has developed an interest in photography and is eager to explore and experiment with photographing nature.
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Diane Tabone
Head Gardener |
