Craig Lukatch, a Hazleton native now living in Lake Ariel, PA, brings more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit administration and fundraising. A graduate of the University of Scranton, he has secured over $15 million in foundation and capital support during his career. Prior to Lacawac Sanctuary, he served as CEO of the Greater Pittston YMCA and Director of Development at the Wyoming Valley Children’s Association. Lukatch has been with Lacawac Sanctuary for more than 11 years, advancing its mission of research, education, and preservation. He currently serves on the boards of the Rainbow Alliance, the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators, and the Newfoundland Rotary, and has held past board roles with several regional nonprofits. The president of Lacawac Sanctuary is responsible for leading the organization in its mission of environmental education, research, and preservation, which includes overseeing programs for all ages, developing new initiatives like conservation leadership academies, and acquiring land for preservation. This role involves a leadership position in the organization's strategic planning, fundraising, and community outreach to support its educational goals and long-term conservation efforts |
Beth grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, where early experiences in nature sparked her interest in ecology. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Bridgewater College, an M.S. from James Madison University, and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Virginia Tech, and has completed postdoctoral research at Trent University and Michigan State University. An ecosystem ecologist, Beth studies how organisms influence the structure and function of freshwater ecosystems, with a focus on nutrient cycling, human impacts, and ecosystem-scale processes. The Director of Science and Research at Lacawac Sanctuary is responsible for coordinating all scientific activities and managing the sanctuary as a biological field station. The role involves internal research, facilitating external scientists, education, and community outreach. |
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. Lacawac's Facilities Director is responsible for managing the physical campus and its operations as well as handling maintenance, repairs, and budget for the facility. Key duties include overseeing third-party contractors, setting and enforcing the facilities budget, scheduling and managing staff, and ensuring the grounds and buildings are maintained, safe, and secure for visitors and educational activities. |
Bringing more than 20 years of experience as a middle and high school science teacher in Fredericksburg, VA, Sue Cosgrove has also served as a nature center educator in Fredericksburg and San Jose, CA. She holds a B.S. in Biology from West Chester University, an M.S. in Chemical and Life Sciences from the University of Maryland, and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from the University of Alabama. Originally from Upper Darby, PA, and raised on summers in the Poconos, she recently returned to the region after two decades in Virginia and now lives locally with her husband and two dogs. A trained flutist who still plays for fun, Sue is passionate about hands-on environmental education and connecting learners of all ages to the plants, animals, and geology of the Pocono Mountains. The Assistant Director of Education at Lacawac is responsible for implementing environmental education programs for students of all ages and the public, focusing on topics like forest and water ecology, animal adaptations, and conservation. The position also develops and leads public programs such as nature hikes, citizen science projects, and lake paddles. |
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. A financial controller is responsible for managing a company's accounting operations, including financial reporting, budgeting, and cash flow management. This includes preparing financial statements, overseeing internal controls, ensuring regulatory and tax compliance, and acting as the liaison with external auditors. The role involves both day-to-day oversight of accounting functions and a broader responsibility for strategic financial planning and analysis to support business objectives. |
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. Lacawac Sanctuary's Pocono Lake Ecological Observatory Network (PLEON) manager is responsible for leading the lake monitoring program, which involves data collection, analysis, education, and community engagement. The overall goal of the program is to educate the public and lake associations on water quality and lake management to preserve Pennsylvania's lake ecosystems. |
Allison is a longtime resident of Lake Ariel, PA. In 2024, she graduated from Marywood University with a BFA in Graphic Design. With a strong passion for art and design, Allison takes pride in approaching every project with creativity and care, always finding new ways to bring ideas to life. During her final year of college, she took up photography and has since developed a passion for capturing the beauty of the natural world. Lacawac's Marketing Communications Manager is responsible for developing and executing communication strategies to promote the organization's brand and mission. Key duties include creating and managing marketing campaigns, overseeing content and social media, coordinating with internal and external teams, analyzing campaign performance, and ensuring brand consistency across all channels. |
Charlotte is a Long Island native, who now lives in Shohola, Pennsylvania. She obtained her undergraduate degree in History from SUNY Cortland in 2023 and is currently working towards her masters in Education. Charlotte has experience with children of all ages and has worked at two different YMCA summer camps since she was 16 years old. During the school year you can find her substitute teaching in Port Jervis, New York, or outside on the many different trails NEPA has to offer with her dog Otis. She is an avid beach goer and recently has taken up golf, pickleball and paddle boarding in her free time. The Outdoor Experiences & Camp Manager oversees Lacawac Sanctuary’s outdoor programs and on-site facilities, ensuring camps, retreats, and events run safely, smoothly, and in alignment with Lacawac’s mission. This role manages program logistics, facility scheduling, staff and volunteer support, and site operations while helping create meaningful, well-organized experiences that connect visitors with nature. |
Rich Arthur is an Environmental Educator and Veteran Program Manager at Lacawac Sanctuary, bringing together his passion for outdoor learning and his commitment to supporting the veteran community. An Army veteran, Rich draws on his military experience and his background in environmental science to create trauma-informed, resilience-building programs for veterans and military-connected individuals. Through engaging ecological education and immersive outdoor experiences, he helps participants build confidence, well-being, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
|
Dana Gilman brings over 13 years of hands-on experience in maintenance and property care, working with multi-unit residential properties as both a technician and supervisor. He has a strong background in general maintenance, renovations, landscaping, and problem-solving, and is comfortable tackling everything from apartment turnovers to special projects. Dana is also active in his local community, volunteering with his HOA on building upkeep and trail maintenance, including work on a historic 1920s-era clubhouse. He enjoys working independently or as part of a team and is excited to contribute his skills to Lacawac Sanctuary—a place he and his family have enjoyed spending time together. |
|
|
