Via of the Lehigh Valley Announces New Board Appointees
July 31, 2009

BETHLEHEM, PA – Via of the Lehigh Valley announced several new appointments to its boards of directors. The organization added the following community leaders: Sarah Eyster Berger, John Crampsie, Thomas Hutchinson, MD, Joseph Kempfer, Maryanne Schluckebier and Troy Tucker.

Berger is the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Community Behavioral Healthcare Network of Pennsylvania (CBHNP) in Harrisburg. She is a licensed social worker who is well acquainted with the world of publically-funded services under which Via operates. She is a board member of the Pennsylvania Community Providers Association and current co-chair of their annual state conference. She participates on the Children’s Advisory Committee of the Department of Public Welfare’s Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, (OMHSAS). She resides in Bethlehem, PA.

As one of the founding principals of Summit Management and Realty Company, Crampsie serves as Broker of Record. With more than 20 years of experience, he has extensive knowledge of marketing, leasing, lease negotiations and disposition of assets. He served as executive director for the largest commercial/industrial development firm in the Lehigh Valley. Crampsie, a Viet Nam veteran, received a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Kutztown University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Lehigh University. Crampsie has served on the boards of Turning Point, Minsi Trails Council Boy Scouts, Lehigh Valley Business Park Association and the Catholic Social Agency. He resides in Allentown, PA.

Hutchinson is the chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Lehigh Valley Health Network. He has served the Lehigh Valley community for many years in private practice. He has been active with the March of Dimes and other projects to benefit children in this community for many years. He resides in Macungie, PA.

Kempfer is assistant director of Learning Services for Disability Support at Moravian College. A life-long educator and advocate for quality inclusive learning for students with disabilities, Kempfer served as director of special education in the Stroudsburg Area School District and as a special education teacher and administrator in the Bethlehem Area School District for more than thirty years. His expertise in the area of disability regulations and in developing post-high school transition procedures for students with disabilities brings important knowledge to Via. He resides in Bethlehem, PA.

As the parent of child with a disability, Schluckebier has a personal interest and commitment to the vision of Via of the Lehigh Valley. She served on several boards in New Jersey including the Atlantic County Special Services Advisory Board. She served as president of the Atlantic County Learning Disabilities Association and the Disabilities Resources Housing Board. She was vice president of the Linwood Learning Difficulties Association. She has testified before government committees and spoken as an advocate for the needs of children with disabilities. She lives in Easton, PA.

Tucker is the director of athletics at Northampton Community College. He has more than 18 years experience as an administrator in college athletics and has been involved in various youth sports activities in the community. He is an active leader of the Via All-Star Basketball Classic, engaging NCC students in learning operations of this event. He is a strong supporter of the Lehigh Valley Health Network Marathon for Via and is active in the Autism Society. He lives in Danielsville, PA.

Via of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit human service agency that provides services for children and adults with disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Serving the community since 1954, Via’s staff help individuals and families from birth through retirement focusing in Children’s Services, Community Connections and Employment.

Via works with children up to age three in their homes and daycares to address disabilities and delays. Via finds jobs in the community for adults and provides coaching and training for successful employment. And Via helps people, from teens to those at retirement age, connect and live in their community by volunteering, participating in leisure activities, and finding or purchasing affordable, accessible housing. Via fosters and advocates the concept of inclusion and choice within schools, neighborhoods and communities, personal relationships, and employment. Via believes that personal satisfaction and dignity are achieved through individual success and independence and is committed to helping people live full and productive lives. Visit www.ViaNet.org to learn more about Via’s services.

For more information, contact:
Lisa Walkiewicz, Communications Director
L.Walkiewicz@vianet.org | 484-893-5390