Recognizing our Remarkable Staff

It is no secret that Communities in Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania thrives because of its hard-working site professionals inside schools across Eastern Pennsylvania. 

At the end of this school year, we took an opportunity to acknowledge our staff's impressive work and dedication. Eight outstanding staff members were recognized with awards for their innovation, community engagement, collaboration, and more. 

Five Basics Award: Ana Acosta Colon - Student Support Specialist at Southwest Middle School  

This award acknowledges an individual who truly engages with or embodies all of CIS's five basics. In Ana’s first year at CIS, she case-managed nearly 60 students, making them feel seen, heard, and respected. She also offered “Lunch Bunches,” where her students could meet in a safe space and make new friends. Ana has exemplified the five basics, and we are lucky to have her on the CIS of Eastern PA team! 

Innovative Project Award: Amy Williams - Site Coordinator at Emmaus High School

This award recognizes a staff project that demonstrates creativity and accomplishes large-scale impact while meeting student and family needs or advancing CIS. In recent years , Amy stepped up as the advisor of the Emmaus High SchoolAevidum Club, which was formed after a tragic loss in the school community. Her guidance has allowed Aevidum to become a beacon of support and hope, providing students with mental health resources, suicide prevention information, and a safe space full of kindness and motivation.

Milliken Leadership Award: Heather Annunziata - Site Coordinator at Lincoln Leadership Academy 

This award is given to a CIS professional who sets a high standard of excellence through hard work and doing whatever it takes to support students and families, and the CIS of Eastern PA mission. In her 15th year with CIS of Eastern PA, Heather seamlessly transitioned from her long-time role at Building 21 to a new site for the 2023-24 school year, Lincoln Leadership Academy. Over the past year, she has built her caseload and a fantastic program for students and families at Lincoln. Two of her students were even honored with scholarships this year! We are grateful for her expertise and her dedication to our mission! 

Collaborative Impact Award: Nancy Ruiz - Community School Coordinator at Sheridan Elementary School 

This award recognizes a high level of integration, collaboration, and consultation, highlighting the ability to leverage school-based and community resources to drive system-wide change and benefit students. Nancy is an example of what it means to leverage her resources. In addition to creating a new large-scale after-school program, Nancy has played a critical role in moving the 1st and 6th Ward Community Conversations meetings to Sheridan, where she can help build relationships and partnerships between her school and community leaders.  Nancy was even awarded the Support Staff Member of the year by the Allentown School District at their annual Light of the Year awards for her work at Sheridan Elementary!

Data Master Award: Dominique Connor - Site Coordinator at Harrison Morton Middle School 

The Data Master Award distinguishes a team or individual committed to using high-quality data to drive timely student and family support improvements. Dominique has set a new standard for how site coordinators should approach data-driven decision-making and program development with attendance data sets in the last year. She continues to use attendance data sets to celebrate student success and identify appropriate interventions. 

Make the Dream Work Award: Eliza Sukanick - Community School Coordinator at Northeast Middle School & Gena Holmes - Community School Coordinator at Lincoln Elementary School 

This award jointly acknowledges the efforts of two CIS of Eastern PA sites or departments who collaborated on a shared vision centered around learning and development to make a larger impact on the students and schools they serve. This year, Eliza and Gena worked together to organize two events with Northside Network: a Health and Wellness Fair and a Housing Fair. Each event provided helpful information and resources; more than 30 community partners, 100 students, and family members attended them. We admire the multi-school collaboration between Eliza, Gena and their respective schools. 

IDEA Excellence Award: Courtney Stunz - Site Coordinator at Mt. Penn Elementary School 

This award recognizes an individual who has enhanced inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility to influence change and promote advocacy for their coworkers, students, families, and the entire agency. Courtney is recognized for her efforts to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Her multidimensional and engaging program gave students three ways to participate, making involvement possible for many teachers and students. 

Congratulations to all of our award winners! We appreciate your consistent efforts throughout the school year and your commitment to carrying out the CIS mission. Join us in celebrating our staff on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. 

Meet our entire staff here!