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Executives & Professional Staff
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Carol B. Mitchell,
President / CEO		 Ms. Mitchell, a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP), has over 40 years of experience in diversified health services, and more than twenty seven years as CEO in administration of health care. Ms. Mitchell is the Great Lakes/East Regional Director for Delaware, New Jersey, New York & Pennsylvania for the American Network of Community Options and Resources, (ANCOR); holds membership in the Association of Fundraising Personnel and formerly serves on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Association of Resources for People with Mental Retardation (PAR) for nine consecutive years. Ms. Mitchell, one of the founders of Verland, graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Psychology in 1972 and received her M.Ed. in Counseling and Guidance from the same university in 1975.
Christine Allan,
ATF Manager		 Christine began her career at Verland in the summer of 2005 as a summer school teacher. In October of that year she moved into the Resident Services Supervisor position. In February 2007 Christine was promoted to the position of the Adult Training Facility Manager. Christine possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from Slippery Rock University. She will complete her Master of Science in Professional Leadership from Carlow University in May of 2008. She will then begin her studies in the MBA program there.
Marianne Blumenschein,
Social Worker		 Marianne worked as Kane Hospital's Social Worker from 1976 until 1982, and then again part time in 1984. She has since worked for Verland as our Social Worker since 1988. Marianne graduated from the University of Helsinki, Finland - School of Social Work and Public Administration in 1972 and then obtained an MSW degree in 1975 from the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Social Work Program.
Arlene Connors,
Development Officer		 Arlene began her career at Verland on May, 1994 as Assistant to the Executive Program Director and part-time Fund Raiser. During her career she also worked in the Human Resources Department for two years, before accepting the position of Development Officer in January, 1999. In 2003, Arlene joined ANCOR's public relations task force committee to provide support for ANCOR's National Advocacy Campaign. Arlene holds a certificate in Grant Writing from Norfolk University. She obtained a Business Management degree from the Community College of Allegheny County.
Youcef Djedid,
Resident Services Director		 In September 1997, Youcef Djedid began his career at Verland as a Personal Assistant. In December 2001, Youcef was promoted to the position of House Manager; later he was promoted to Resident Services Coordinator, and in 2005 to Resident Services Director. Youcef's professional degree in Algeria is as a natural science teacher. While living in the United States of America, he has obtained an Associate Degree in biology from Community College of Allegheny County, along with two years of study in bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh. Currently, Youcef is working toward a degree in nursing.
Barbara Dudek,
Health Services Director		 Barbara has over 40 years continuous experience in the nursing field in the following areas: Medical and Surgical, Pediatric, Drug and Alcohol, Coronary Care, Intensive Care, Physician Office and Intermediate and Skilled Nursing Units. Barbara began her career at Verland as a Registered Nurse in March 1987 and has held the position of Director of Nursing Services since March 1992. Barbara attended Sewickley Valley Hospital School of Nursing from June 1957 to June 1960.
Jim Entz,
Information Systems Administrator		 Jim came to Verland Information Services in June of 2001. Jim's career includes over 11 years of work experience with a variety of non-profit organizations including The Diocese of Pittsburgh, Catholic Charities, Women in Christian Ministries, Inc. and Christ Church at Grove Farm. He has a degree with concentration in Accounting and Computer Science from Point Park College.
Sue Flesher,
Budget Reimbursement Manager		 In 2008, Sue will be experiencing her 16th year of service at Verland. Sue’s job at Verland focuses on cost reporting, budgets, and contracts with the counties of Allegheny, Beaver, Fayette, Lawrence and Mercer, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She also performs other various accounting duties with in the Fiscal Department. Sue’s previous work experience includes accounting experience in the retail, moving and construction industries. Sue obtained her Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Robert Morris University while working full time at Verland. Sue is currently attending the Professional Academy for Continuing Education (PACE) at Robert Morris University.
George J. Galla,
Chief Operating Officer and Director of Human Resources		 George J. Galla joined Verland in the Spring of 2007 after a long and successful career in industry and construction where he held varied management and executive positions. At Verland, he serves in the dual capacity as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Human Resources and oversees, and is directly involved in, a wide array of activities and projects. George is personally committed to helping Verland progress from being very good to being great. He has a BS Degree from Penn State and a MBA from Duquesne University.
Diane Jurena,
Staff Development Manager		 Diane Jurena joined the Verland Staff, in April 2006, as Staff Development Manager. She attended Lock Haven University and majored in Secondary Education English, specializing in journalism and brings 25 years of training, marketing and sales experience to Verland. She has also earned certification as CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor, Crisis Prevention/Intervention Instructor, and PA Certified Investigator since her employment at Verland.
Stephen Lindberg,
Program Manager		 Steve began his career at Verland as a staff nurse in October 1994. In August 1997 Steve was promoted to Program Manager of Verland's ICF/ORC (Intermediate Care Facility/Other Related Conditions) home, located in Natrona Heights, PA. Steve is a graduate of St. Francis School of Professional Nursing and holds a Pennsylvania Professional Nurses License.
Maureen McCulloch,
Resident Records Manager		 Maureen's career in health care spans over twenty-five years with a concentrated area in health care records, complying with government regulations as well as meeting the basic needs of all the providers. Maureen began her eighteen-year association with Verland as Assistant Director of Resident Records, during which time she was promoted to Director of Resident Records. Maureen has earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh.
Jenny Mertens,
Dietary Manager		 Raphael H. Mertens (Jenny) worked at D. T. Watson home for seven years as Dietary Supervisor, at Allegheny Valley School for five years as the Dietary Director and twelve years for J & P Management Company as Dietary Manager. Jenny began her career at Verland in 1996 as Dietary Supervisor until promoted to Dietary Manager. Jenny attended the Middelbare School after graduating from the Senior School in Hasselt, Belgium.
Patrick Mezyk,
Chief Financial
Officer		 Pat brings to Verland 30 years of fiscal management experience in the Health Care profession. As Board Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of AdvaCare Home Services Inc., a company formed to handle all the home health services of 7 hospitals in Western PA, AdvaCare employed 40 staff persons and provided home health services to nearly 250,000 people. Pat has also served in several key fiscal management positions including Chief Financial Officer for Monsour Medical Center, Vice President for Fiscal Services for Greene County Memorial Hospital and Senior Healthcare Consultant for KMG Main Hurdman. As a turnaround expert in Healthcare Services, Pat’s knowledge, skills and attitude will be great assets in Verland’s efforts to position themselves to meet the challenges occurring in the MR field in Pennsylvania and nationally.
Tom Schmura,
Human Resources Manager		 Manager since August, 2001, Tom has over 20 years experience in the human resources field and has held the positions of Director of Corporate Human Resources for Emplifi, Inc. and Human Resources Manager for Federal Express Ground. Tom has earned a Bachelor’s degree from Edinboro College, and a Masters degree in Psychology and Industrial Relations from West Virginia Graduate Studies.
Debbie Tooch,
Human Resources Representative (Recruiter)		 Debbie joined the Verland family in September 2002 as the Human Resources Recruiter. In addition to recruiting employees, Debbie has worked on several projects including helping to create the Verland cookbook as a member of the Employee Management Participation Team (EMPT). After earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from the Penn State University in 1992, she has held Management positions with Wal- Mart, HomePlace Stores, Inc. and Boscov’s Department Stores and most recently worked for Adecco as an Office Supervisor before coming to Verland
Bob Urban,
Controller		 In September 2002 Bob was hired as the Controller at Verland. Prior to joining Verland, Bob had extensive experience in both the private and public business sectors. Upon graduating from St. Vincent College in 1977, Bob worked for a service/retail business for 8 years until which time he purchased the business. Bob operated the business until 1991 when he began working with non-profit organizations by joining the Westmoreland County Blind Association as Financial Coordinator. Prior to joining Verland, Bob was employed at Fay-Penn Economic Development Council in Fayette County as the Director of Finance. Bob and wife Donna reside in Cranberry Township. They have 2 children and 2 beautiful granddaughters.
Patty Wray,
Executive Assistant/Office Manager		 Patty has been employed with Verland since May, 2003. Patty started as the Administrative Assistant to Verland’s Chief Operating Officer until she was promoted to Executive Assistant/Office Manager to Carol B. Mitchell, President/CEO. Before Patty came to Verland, she was a buyer for a national office supply company. Patty graduated from Garfield Business Institute, majoring in the Small Business/Computer course.