• Berks and Lehigh Valley leaders help raise awareness of and advocacy for individuals with disabilities and their families
• ESEP board represents diverse companies and experience

(October 2023 – Allentown, Pennsylvania) – Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania, providing services to 3,000 children and adults in a seven-county region that encompasses Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, Pike and Schuylkill Counties, is pleased to announce the following updates to the organization’s Board of Directors:

• Michael Zalot, MBA, Ph.D.,Cedar Crest College – elected as Chair
• Soo Yeon Sun, PT, Ph.D., Alvernia University – elected as Vice Chair
• Eden Bucher, Esq., Barley Snyder – elected as Treasurer
• Ashley Stofflet, East Penn Manufacturing – elected to Board

“We are extremely grateful for the individuals who share their time and talents with us,” says Mindy McCormick, President & CEO of Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania. “As we seek to continue offering innovative programs and best in class practices to serve individuals with disabilities and their families, the leadership, professionalism, and diversity of thought of our board help us better meet the needs of our community.”

Michael Zalot has been Director of Graduate Programs and Assistant Professor of Business at

Cedar Crest College since 2018. He will focus attention on developing stronger partnerships with academia, similar to how Cedar Crest has become a strong partner for Easterseals’ Camp Lily program. There is the potential for mutual benefit, including disciplines such as art therapy and occupational therapy, but also strategic management and communications.

Soo Yeon Sun is an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Alvernia

University in Reading. Her background in pediatric physical therapy led to a passion for advocating for children with disabilities and their families. She plans to contribute to the continuing success of Easterseals by raising regional awareness, strengthening community connections, and supporting the fundraising effort through her network.

After serving as interim Treasurer, Eden Bucher, Attorney at Barley Snyder, continues to bring her financial background and problem-solving skills to Easterseals in this role. Well-versed in helping organizations with complex banking and loan paperwork, Eden is well-equipped to help ensure Easterseals has the funding it needs to continue growing and offering innovative programs to its constituents.

“I choose to serve on the board because the amazing assistance and programs Easterseals offers are invaluable to the children and their families,” says Eden. “The organization deserves the support of everyone in the community.”

New to the board is Ashley Stofflet, Personnel Generalist at East Penn Manufacturing Company. A recent graduate of United Way of Berks County’s Leadership Berks program, she brings valuable community building skills and training to the team. Her experience with hiring and recruiting enables her to grow meaningful relationships and connections for Easterseals, especially in the Berks community.

“I have been fortunate to witness firsthand how Easterseals positively impacts people’s lives,” says Ashley. “I wanted to give back to an organization that has done so much for so many and to be involved in helping other individuals and families the way Easterseals has helped mine. I am honored to be a member of the board and to be part of an organization that provides programs and services that are life-changing to people in our communities.”

Other members of the board include Jane Amato, Vice President, Commercial Lending, Peoples Security Bank and Trust, Co.; Marvin Balliet, Managing Director, Latin America Productivity, Citibank; William Blumer, Shareholder, Barley Snyder; Peter Cleff, Retired, PPL; and Lynn Gerlach, Director, Marketing & Communications, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network.

About Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania

Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania serves children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities, autism, and other social, sensory, and developmental disorders and their families through various programs designed to increase independence, maximize opportunities, minimize barriers, and enhance the quality of life. Throughout the Lehigh Valley, Berks County, and northeastern Pennsylvania, Easterseals fosters environments where everyone is included and empowered regardless of ability. To learn more, visit easterseals.com/esep.

Image: Left to right – Michael Zalot of Cedar Crest College, Soo Yeon Sun of Alvernia University, Eden Bucher of Barley Snyder, and Ashley Stofflet of East Penn Manufacturing were elected to the Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania board this fall.

Information provided to TVL by:
Andrea Coyne
Coyne Communications, LLC