WHAT ’ S NEWS IN CRANBERRY
CARLA A . CONRAD PROMOTED TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR BREATHE PENNSYLVANIA
Just prior to the start of the new year , the Breathe Pennsylvania Board of Directors promoted Carla A . Conrad , MS , RRT-NPS , to the position of Executive Director .
Conrad originally joined the Breathe Pennsylvania staff in April 2015 as the Program Coordinator and Director of Tobacco and Health Programs . “ Breathe Pennsylvania provides vital , timely educational services for individuals living with lung disease . I believe in the mission of our organization , and I am thrilled to work with our passionate Board of Directors and staff to continue and expand the great work of our organization ,” she says .
Before joining Breathe Pennsylvania , Conrad worked at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and West Penn Hospital ’ s School of Respiratory Care , where she taught Respiratory Care students , clinically and didactically . Prior to that , she was the Clinical Director of Laurel Business Institute ’ s Respiratory Care program in Uniontown , and worked as a Neonatal Respiratory Therapist at West Penn Hospital .
Conrad earned her Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2008 . “ I chose a degree in Respiratory Care when my grandfather was diagnosed with lung cancer ,” she explains . “ I saw the impact that quality respiratory care had on patients with lung disease and found that it was a perfect fit .”
She went on to earn her Master of Science in Health Services Leadership from Saint Vincent College in 2012 . Currently , she is a Doctoral student in the Administrative and Leadership Studies program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is focusing her dissertation on the effect of health literacy on chronic lung disease management . She also is actively involved in the Pennsylvania Society of Respiratory Care ( PSRC ) and is a member of the American Association of Respiratory Care ( AARC ).
Breathe Pennsylvania Board President William E . Otto , Esq ., says , “ We are happy to be transitioning our leadership between two outstanding individuals , and I look forward to working with Carla to help Western Pennsylvanians breathe better and live healthier .”
Conrad is preceded by John P . Rupp , MBA , who has been appointed Deputy Executive Director and will continue to manage several projects in their advanced stages , as Conrad assumes day-to-day control of the organization . Rupp also will resume his position on the board as a full voting member .
Otto said that the changes have been part of a transition during 2016 that will continue through this year . “ We thank Jack for his decades of service and support of Breathe Pennsylvania , and we look forward to keeping him involved with the organization in the years ahead ,” he notes .
Under Rupp ’ s leadership , Breathe Pennsylvania completed a number of important achievements , including earning the Seal of Excellence awarded by the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations ( PANO ). There are fewer than 60 nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania that have successfully completed PANO ’ s rigorous examination .
About Breathe Pennsylvania
Headquartered in Cranberry Township , Breathe Pennsylvania helps western Pennsylvanians breathe better and live healthier through empowering individuals through awareness , education and direct services .
For more information about specific lung health education and advocacy programs for children and adults , visit breathepa . org or facebook . com / BreathePA , or call 724.772.1750 .
PAINTING WITH A TWIST HOSTS FREE SCAVENGER HUNT
Painting with a Twist will be hosting a free local neighborhood scavenger hunt on April 29 . All studios in the western Pennsylvania region will be participating , making it a great way to meet your local studio owners as well as local businesses — and have fun doing it !
Each studio will have its own unique set of rules and prizes to promote the fun in their respective neighborhoods . An after-party will follow to keep the night alive ! Even if you ’ ve never Painted with a Twist , contact the studio nearest you to find out what all the fun is about ! What Twist will they throw your way ?
Teams will be groups of two , three or four , and drivers must be 18 years or older . Bring a person who has never before Twisted and score extra points ! Neighborhood knowledge will win you the most points , so contact your local studio for more information : Pittsburgh‐North in Wexford , 724.426.2935 .
HOPE HOSPICE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit hospice patients , either in patient homes
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