The Pennsylvania Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Statewide Advisory Board supports the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) in moving the 21st CCLC program forward to most effectively help students access high-quality afterschool experiences. By representing grantees’ interests and providing feedback to PDE, the Pennsylvania Advisory Board encourages best practices, effective resources and training for afterschool programs.
Advisory Board Members
Rachel Strucko, Chair
Rachel Strucko is Executive Director of the SHINE After School Program in Carbon and Schuylkill Counties. The Carbon/Schuylkill SHINE (Schools and Homes in Education) is a nationally recognized Out of School Time (OST) program administered by Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC). SHINE is the result of a grass-roots initiative that began in 2004 and has served over 4500 academically at-risk K-12th grade students representing eight districts, spanning over 750 square miles in rural Northeast, Pennsylvania. Ms. Strucko helped to create the Middle School Career Academy which has been a flagship program for SHINE since 2006. SHINE is currently operating 13 afterschool sites in nine school districts across Carbon and Schuylkill Counties. SHINE is the heart of the SHINEonPA Ecosystem. Its makerspace model has been implemented in 11 school districts.
Steve Strange, Vice Chair
Steve Strange is the Executive Director at East End United Community Center. He oversees two 21st CCLC grants that span over three school districts in the southwestern Pennsylvania area. Steve started with 21st CCLC as a program director in May of 2019 for the Cohort 9 grant. He is passionate about out-of-school time school programming and feels this type of learning is a key component of the educational process. Steve is very happy to be a member of the 21st CCLC Advisory Board. He is happily married with three children. In his free time, Steve enjoys golfing and watching sports.
Heather Dailey
Heather Dailey, M.Ed., is the 21st Century Development Specialist/District Grant Writer for Pottstown School District as well as the Grants Manager for the Reading Symphony Orchestra. Heather began her career specializing in at-risk youth education while living on an Army base in Baumholder, Germany where she was the first overseas recipient of the School Age Credential. In 1999 she joined the team at the Phoenixville YMCA (now Philadelphia Freedom YMCA). Following that she became the Executive Director of Building A Better Boyertown, the Before/After School and Summer Camp Director for LifeSpan School and Daycare and the Chief Development Officer for Olivet Boys & Girls Club. Heather is working towards a Master of Public Administration at West Chester University and holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Marketing. Heather lives in Pottstown, PA with her husband Matthew and their two cats, Fergus and Nero. In her downtime she enjoys paddle boarding, working in her flower beds, going to the beach and traveling.
Andrea Dolges
Andrea Dolges is the President of Respective Solutions Group, Inc. and Executive Director of The Center for Youth and Community Development. Andrea has worked in 21st Century Community Learning Centers since 2005, supporting first youth mental health and family center supports for at-risk families engaged in programs then moving into administrative roles in advocacy and operation of programs. Andrea is a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania practicing in the RSG Center for Families and in private practice. Her efforts include community coalition building and operation of federally funded and supported youth and family prevention and substance use prevention and intervention programs. Andrea’s work focuses on strong team environments and the insight of families and youth to help them build optimal success in academics and preparation for successful futures. Her focus and connection to rural communities is integral in her career and personal paths.
Deanna Dugan
Deanna Dugan is a dynamic, results-driven education leader with extensive experience developing and leading high-impact afterschool and expanded learning initiatives that promote student success and community engagement. She serves as Director of Afterschool Programs at Propel Schools in Pittsburgh, overseeing nine afterschool sites, supervising staff, building local and state partnerships, and leading 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant implementation. Her work includes program design, data analysis, and fiscal oversight of budgets exceeding $1 million.
Deanna brings strong expertise in grant writing, policy collaboration, and strategic planning. She serves on the PSAYDN Policy and Communications Committee, is a White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellow, and a Pennsylvania Afterschool Ambassador through the Afterschool Alliance. She has collaborated with out-of-school-time professionals on language for Representative Schlossberg’s BOOST Act, helping establish an $11.5 million OST funding line in Pennsylvania’s state budget. Deanna is a committed advocate for equity and access in education.
David J. George
Mr. David J. George is the 21st Century Project Manager in the Allentown City School District. He has served Allentown as a classroom teacher, behavior management specialist, OLWEUS Bullying Prevention Trainer, 21st Century coordinator, head basketball coach, and head baseball coach. Most notably, David became the first high school athletic director and Dean of Students at Lincoln Leadership Academy (2011-16), where he was also the first African-American Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (P.I.A.A.) Athletic Director in the history of District XI. David earned his Bachelors of Art Degree at California University of Pennsylvania in 1996 and a Athletic Administration Certification (CAA) in 2014. David is married to Courtney Elizabeth George, the father of 5 children, and their dog “River.” David is an avid fisherman and owner/operator of “Myles of Fishin’ Guide Service.” David is a proud veteran of the US Army and served as an infantry soldier and M113 armored tank driver. David is excited to serve both the PA 21st Century Advisory Board and students from the state of Pennsylvania.
Maritza González
Maritza González is the Director of Youth and Family Services at Sunrise of Philadelphia. She has a diverse 20-year background in youth development and out-of-school time. Since 2018, Maritza plans, coordinates and manages 21st CCLC services and staff for multiple Sunrise K-12 site locations in the city of Philadelphia. Past work experience also includes budget management, staff recruitment and compliance. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a concentration in Education and History. She is excited to begin the important work of informing the state department on matters important to the 21st CCLC community.
Yolanda Haywood Gross
Yolanda Haywood Gross is the Programs and Services Chief Administrator at The Salvation Army Harrisburg. She has actively participated in the Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC cohort 10 and 11 programs. She is a national conference speaker highlighting the importance of servant leadership. During her 16 years at TSA Harrisburg, she has served in several leadership capacities and with 28 years of experience working in the Greater Harrisburg Area with families, women and youth, she had the opportunity to share with thousands of students from kindergarten – high school. Yolanda has a passion for teaching and empowering leaders. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Organizational Leadership to further the enhancement of organizations, people, and programming. She enjoys traveling with her husband and spending time with family and friends.
Adam Kenz
Dr. Adam Kenz is the Founder and CEO of Vision Academy Charter School in East Lansdowne, PA, and a seasoned educational leader with more than two decades of experience in school leadership, federal program management, and afterschool initiatives. He holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in K–12 Educational Leadership from Widener University and a Master’s in Teacher Leadership from Penn State University. In Pennsylvania, Dr. Kenz has served as a PDE-trained Title I Programs monitor and educational consultant, supporting curriculum development, charter renewals, and federal funding. He also serves as a board member and officer for several charter schools and as an Advisory Board Member of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools. Passionate about equity and extended learning, Dr. Kenz is committed to ensuring that all students have access to high-quality afterschool opportunities that foster both academic success and personal growth.
Ana Mercedes
Ana Mercedes is a proud Latina educator, entrepreneur, and community leader dedicated to empowering youth and families. Originally from New Jersey, she made Pennsylvania her home in 2018 and has since become a strong voice for education and equity across the Lehigh Valley. As Project Coordinator for the 21st Century Afterschool Program, Ana leads with vision and heart—creating opportunities that support students’ academic, social, and emotional growth.
She holds a Master’s in Education from Cedar Crest College and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, blending her expertise in leadership and entrepreneurship to inspire innovation within school communities. Beyond education, Ana is a licensed realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Valley Partners and co-manages 309 Elite Auto Repair. A devoted wife and mother of three, she embodies balance, faith, and perseverance—proving that purpose-driven leadership creates lasting transformation.
Matthew Rice
Matthew Rice is the Program Director at Young Scholars of Greater Allegheny Charter School. He moved to Pittsburgh in 2020 from Georgia after 7 years in a charter school in the Metro Atlanta Area. He has experience working with English language learners, gifted learners, and students with disabilities. Matthew has always strived to extend learning for all learners beyond the traditional four walls of the classroom. He started with 21st CCLC as a program director in August of 2025 for the cohort 12 grant. He is passionate about building a strong foundation for all scholars through the experiences and partnerships at YSGA through a robust and diverse after-school program, Foundations. Matthew is looking forward to serving on the 21st CCLC Advisory Board and being a voice for all communities.
Lori Schaller
Lori Schaller is committed to afterschool programs as vibrant opportunities to foster educational success and positive development. With over 30 years of experience in program design, quality assurance, and fund development, Lori has contributed to the development of a number of afterschool programs and initiatives and is dedicated to building the capacity of out-of-school time programs to provide innovative models to positively impact children and youth. Working with school districts and community stakeholders, Lori has assisted United Way of Mercer County with developing dynamic out-of-school initiatives, including two 21st Century Community Learning Center cohort grants, as well as a regional strategy to promote stem education and career development. For her work, Lori was recognized as a PSAYDN 2019 Afterschool Champion. Lori looks forward to being a voice for other 21st CCLC programs.
Pantea Shademani
Pantea Shademani, M.A., is the Program Director of the 21st Century SHINE Afterschool Program in Wayne and Pike Counties at the Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance. With a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, Pantea started her career working with at-risk children and adolescent and their families. She moved to Pennsylvania from California in 2015 to focus on trauma-specific therapy with children and adolescents before transitioning to her role as a Program Director in 2019. She has more than 13 years of experience working with nonprofit mental health and at-risk populations and is excited to serve as Vice-Chair of the Pennsylvania Department of Education 21ts CCLC Statewide Advisory Board.
Shannon Singosky
Shannon Singosky is the Vice President of Education and Workforce Development for the Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette Inc. She leads initiatives to enhance educational and workforce development opportunities in Westmoreland and Fayette Counties. Since 2014, Shannon has been instrumental in developing and overseeing 21st CCLC programs, which provide afterschool enrichment and academic support. Her efforts have strengthened these programs, fostering academic success and positive youth development.
Through her leadership, Shannon has secured funding, managed partnerships, and ensured the programs meet the needs of students, families, and communities. Her dedication to improving access to quality education reflects her passion for creating pathways to success for young people in the region.
Evan Van Schie
Evan Van Schie is the Cohort 9 Program Director for the Bristol Borough School District in Lower Bucks County. Evan oversees three separate school sites that service students K-12th grade. Evan started with the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center programs back in January of 2018, when he began as an Administrative Assistant before becoming the Program Director of Bristol Borough’s Cohort 8 program. Evan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s of Business Administration. When he is not working in Bristol you can find him coaching soccer, fishing, kayaking, or just enjoying the outdoors at his local county/state parks. As a member of the 21st CCLC Advisory Board, Evan hopes to bring viable information and resources back to the other 21st CCLC grantees in Lower Bucks County and beyond.
Kristen White
Kristen White is the Grant Manager at the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, managing the Schuylkill Achieve Afterschool Program. The 21st Century Programs are currently serving students in 9 different districts across Schuylkill County during the school year and summer. Kristen holds a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in accounting and financial management, which has helped her grow into the role she holds today. Kristen is excited to serve on the advisory board and collaborate with others’ successes, especially because of the challenges her programs face being in a rural setting. Kristen is married and a mother of 2. Her kids keep her active and on her toes at all times. She enjoys running, spending time with her family and being outdoors. She also enjoys being active and involved in her community.