Introducing our Healthy Schools Advisory Board members!

Every year, we have the absolute honor and pleasure of inviting stakeholders who represent the school communities we serve to join our Healthy Schools Advisory Board. Our board is  a collection of individuals who bring unique knowledge and skills to more effectively guide the organization. Our board members help us set priorities for our programming, evaluate our impact, advocate for our organization, and provide feedback and technical expertise from the community about school needs, among other responsibilities. Meet our board members below!

 

Judy Brand
I am a certified school nurse and have been with the Environmental Charter School for 10 years. Our school has a huge focus on green cleaning and environmental concerns, so getting involved with Women for a Healthy Environment went right along with our school’s guiding principles. Our school has worked with Kara and Dr. Gentile on air quality issues in the past and are excited to continue!

Cassandra Brown
I am a nurse practitioner for Pittsburgh Public Schools.  I graduated from Carlow University with a Master’s degree in Nursing Administration, education and leadership and obtained a second Master’s degree, also from Carlow, several years later as a family nurse practitioner.  Cassandra has been an advocate with Family Support for almost 26 years. She serves on the advisory committees of the Institute of Medical and Business Careers, and the Board of Directors for the Rosedale Food Pantry.

Joe Domagala
I currently serve as an Assistant Principal at Eden Hall Upper Elementary School in the Pine-Richland School District.  In addition, I also serve as an Adjunct Instructor of Information Systems Management at Duquesne University and participate as a member of PA Healthy Environment and Reopening Schools Workgroup.  During my time at Eden Hall Upper Elementary School, we have increased our focus on green school initiatives, participated yearly in the PA-Healthy Schools Report Card award, and have been designated as a 2019 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School.  Working with our students and teachers to identify and implement initiatives that focus on a healthy and sustainable environment serve to benefit our children, their families, and our greater community.

Sarah Fuller
I have been teaching fourth and fifth grades at Pittsburgh Urban Christian School (PUCS) in Wilkinsburg, PA since 2007.  Last year, as part of my integrated unit about the circulatory and respiratory systems, my students and I began working with Women for a Healthy Environment on a multi-faceted air quality project.  I found myself both deeply interested and engaged in issues of poor air quality in our region, and I want to continue learning and working towards solutions!

Jessica Griggle
I am the Food Service Director for Plum Borough School District.  I have been with the District for 5 years.  I became involved with Women for a Healthy Environment when I started researching composting and green products for use in our school cafeterias.  I am dedicated to ensuring all children have an opportunity to receive and enjoy healthy and nutritious meals.  I am currently working not only to provide these meals but to do so while protecting our environment by using sustainable products and decreasing food waste.

 

Ameeta Schmitt
I am an Assistant Principal at Pittsburgh Brashear High School. Formerly, I taught grades 9-12 for seven years as a Foreign Language instructor. I recently completed my Doctorate in Education where my work focused on language, literacy, and culture. Throughout the program, I was also involved in Social Justice Advocacy work. Being an employee in a highly diverse building has stretched my thinking about what it meant to have a healthy school. The more I learned, the stronger my drive to strive for healthy school grew. For me, a primary focus is on the prevalence of food desserts in parts of the city and lack of public transportation to access food sources.

Lorna Rosenberg

I am Lorna Rosenberg, LEED Green Associate and recent retiree from the US EPA Region 3 office in Philadelphia after 36 years of service.  In the past 20 years my focus has been green buildings, green and healthy school, sustainable communities and disaster relief. My focus on  schools led me to be a founding member of the Pennsylvania Green and Healthy Schools Partnership – promoting Green Ribbon Schools in Pennsylvania and have been a trainer for EPA’s Tools for Schools Indoor Air Quality Program at many conferences and events around the Commonwealth.  I headed the “green committee” in my school district – Cheltenham Township, Montgomery County 2016-2017. My concern in my “working” retirement, as in my time with EPA, is to see that all children and staff in schools with healthy environments in which to teach and learn.  I live in Montgomery County, 

Tiffany Ward       

I am currently entering my 10th year of education as a Math Academic Coach at Pittsburgh Allegheny 6-8. I previously have taught in primary self-contained classrooms and upper elementary departmentalized math. In April 2020 I began an initiative called The Pittsburgh Village Project, which focuses on uniting our community to create educational resources that ensure equitable learning during the Covid-19 school closures and beyond. I am passionate about using and creating real-world, project-based, engaging curricula as a means to racial and economic justice. I am excited about partnering with Healthy Schools to engage in work that gives students a voice in creating and sustaining healthy communities through learning!

Britnee Weatherspoon
I am currently a District Administrator at Clairton City School District where I oversee attendance, coordination of social services and school health initiatives, and serve as the homeless and foster care liaison.  I am a National Cadre Trainer for the Dove Self-Esteem Project, and a recent graduate from the University of Pittsburgh completing my Doctor of Education degree with a concentration in Health and Physical Activity.  My passion and experience align with incorporating the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model to improve school health policies and practices.  I am passionate about creating healthier school and community environments for underserved populations, ensuring that young people are afforded the opportunity to reach their full potential.

 

 

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