The board was created to represent and expand awareness of the nonprofit’s services in the county.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (March 11, 2025) – Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania (CIS of Eastern PA) announced the formation of its Monroe Advisory Board, which has been assembled to support the organization’s operations in Monroe County following recent growth in its service areas.
“We are excited to unite a passionate group of local leaders and advocates to strengthen our support for students and families across Monroe County,” said Sarah Wallace, director of the Pocono Chamber of Commerce and advisory board member. “The knowledge and experience everyone brings to the table is invaluable, and we are confident that our collective efforts will create a lasting and positive impact on the community.”
CIS of Eastern PA expanded its student support services to four schools in Monroe County’s Pocono Mountain School District in the 2024-25 school year, including Clear Run Elementary Center, Clear Run Intermediate School, Pocono Mountain West Junior High School and Pocono Mountain West High School. This growth underscores the organization’s commitment to providing vital resources and support to students in need.
The Monroe Advisory Board is composed of a cross-section of business, community and nonprofit leaders who are interested in issues that impact youth and education in Monroe County. The board’s goal is to expand awareness of CIS of Eastern PA in three ways: make recommendations for meeting the needs of Monroe students consistent with the CIS mission and monitor program performance; act as an informed ambassador for the organization; and develop and engage in fundraising, communication and marketing activities in collaboration with CIS for its programs in Monroe County.
In addition to Wallace, the following individuals currently comprise the Monroe Advisory Board:
‒ Kim Diddio, attorney, Diddio Law
‒ Jon Fenner, teacher/former CIS leader, Stroudsburg Area School District
‒ Sarah Jacobi, vice president of impact, Pocono Mountains United Way
‒ Bob Kelly, realtor, Kelly Real Estate Group
‒ Sharon Laverdure, commissioner, Monroe County
‒ Ken Long, president, East Stroudsburg University
‒ Elizabeth Robison, superintendent, Pocono Mountain School District
‒ Jessica Teel Sadler, manager, Jefferson Health Plans
‒ Paul Schmid, consultant, retired food service director, East Stroudsburg Area School District
‒ Edward Schaeffer, district director, Scouting America
‒ Victoria Strunk, attorney, Gross McGinley
‒ Phillip St. James, community relation, Sanofi
‒ Dr. Rachael Weidlich, director of enrollment, Northampton Community College Tannersville
“The Monroe Advisory Board is made up of dedicated local leaders and advocates who are passionate about student success and are dedicated to extending the impact of CIS services,” said Timothy Mulligan, President and CEO of CIS of Eastern PA. “With each member’s valuable experience, insight and guidance, we are poised to raise awareness of CIS of Eastern PA’s mission to ensure that all students have the opportunity to thrive.”
This is the organization’s second advisory board supporting a specific county in its service area. The Berks Advisory Board was formed in April 2024.
CIS of Eastern PA served over 41,000 in the 2023-24 academic year, and aims to serve over 50,000 students in Eastern Pennsylvania in the next five years.
For more information on CIS of Eastern PA, visit www.ciseasternpa.org.
About Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania
Started in 1983, Communities In Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania is part of the Communities In Schools national network, which consists of independent 501(c)(3) organizations serving over 2 million students in 29 states and the District of Columbia, with caring adults serving over 41,000 students in over 50 schools throughout Berks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Monroe and Northampton counties. The CIS mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. We ensure students, regardless of race, zip code, or socioeconomic background, have what they need to succeed in school and beyond.
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