East Suburban Citizen Advocacy

Board & Staff

The program is governed by a local board of directors consisting of business professionals, community leaders, and individuals who are concerned about the welfare of people with developmental disabilities.

Board of Directors

• Joyce Clohessy, M.Ed, President
  Joyce is currently an Associate Professor of Human Services at Westmoreland County Community College. Joyce has previously held positions as a counselor, social worker, and administrator in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, in addition to being an advocate with ESCA.
• Karen Lauer BS Ed., Secretary
  Karen graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a BS in Education. She taught for 36 years in the Yough School District as a second grade classroom teacher and an Instructional Support Teacher. She has served as a volunteer on several local nonprofit boards and is an advocate with ESCA.
• Jacquie Smith, MBA, Treasurer
  Jacquie is currently a Senior Consultant for an energy company. She graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, and also has a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. Jacquie is an active community volunteer and an advocate for ESCA.
• Wanda Gerber
  Wanda is a resident of Monroeville and an active community member. She is the Girl Scout Trillium Gateway Unit Facilitator. Wanda also served as a School Librarian for 14 years.
• Perry R. Giovannelli, MA, Industrial and Labor Relations
  Perry is currently Vice President Portfolio Manager at PNC Institutional Investments. He earned his BS degree in Human Resource Management at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and brings a wealth of experience to his role as a Client Service Relationship Manager. He is a graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh Class XXIV.
• Jill Krauza, MBA
  Jill is an Assistant Vice President at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland’s Pittsburgh Branch. Before assuming her current position, Jill was Human Resources Manager at the Pittsburgh Branch. She received a bachelor’s degree in business from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana. Jill is a graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh XXVII.

Staff Members

• Kate Cala, Executive Director
  Kate has been involved with ESCA as an advocate since 1998 and the Coordinator from 2005-2009. She was made the Executive Director in 2010.
• Rose House, Administrative Assistant
  Rose has been involved with ESCA since 1997 as a board member, board president, and advocate.

Consultant/Advocate

• Debra Wohlin
  Debra has been involved with ESCA since 2006.

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