Leigh Ann Farling, BSW
Social Services Director
Leigh Ann holds a Bachelor of Social Work from West Chester University. Before joining the ECHOS team, she worked as a medical social worker for 20 years. She has worked in hospital, home care, and nursing home settings. Leigh Ann’s passion is to help young moms realize their potential, break barriers and achieve their goals.
What is the most rewarding part of working for ECHOS?
The joy in walking along side our clients and being a part of their journey. It’s an honor to know that ECHOS is making an impact on our community!
Heather Zuppa, BS
Housing Case Manager
Heather obtained her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from the University of Massachusetts. Heather’s passion is to help individuals set goals and persevere through obstacles that may avert accomplishments. Heather joined the ECHOS team in 2018 focusing on housing with the Pathways to MyHome Program.
What is the most rewarding part of my job?
Helping clients recognize their potential and providing them with the necessary tools and resources to work towards stability.
Kristin Kurjiaka, MSW, LSW
Social Worker
Kristin received her BSW from Elizabethtown College, her MSW from Columbia University and is a Licensed Social Work Professional (LSW). She interned with ECHOS and then joined the team as a full-time social worker in September 2019. She is passionate about creating social change and advocating on behalf of her clients.
What do I love most about working at ECHOS?
I enjoy the opportunity to help on a variety of levels, from case managing families to leading group sessions as well as working at a macro level to engage the community.
Chrissie Raffensperger, MSW, LSW
Social Worker and Winter Shelter Coordinator
Chrissie earned degrees in Psychology and German from Messiah College, a MSW from Millersville University and is a Licensed Social Work Professional (LSW). Chrissie has a passion and heart for the homeless population. She is the Winter Shelter Coordinator and works with the permanent supportive housing program.
What led me to ECHOS?
I desired to work in a place which not only addresses immediate needs but also implements long term solutions to alleviate poverty. ECHOS embodies this mission.
Melissa Morehead, MSW
Social Worker
Melissa holds a Master of Social Work from Millersville University. Melissa’s passion is helping individuals realize their full potential and being a support to walk with them through life’s changes. Melissa joined the ECHOS team in May of 2019 as a social worker and works with the Prevention and Bridge House 90 Programs.
What do you enjoy about your job?
I love seeing my clients celebrate their successes and celebrating with them. Even the little things are worthy of being celebrated!
Katlyn Lantz, BSW
Development Coordinator
Katlyn received her BSW with a minor in General English from Millersville University. Katlyn interned in the fall of 2019 and joined the team full time as the Development Coordinator. Katlyn uses her passion for writing and helping others to guide her as she focuses on the sustainability and development of ECHOS.
Why did I choose to stay with ECHOS after my internship?
I never imagined obtaining such a perfect job right out of college! Not only do I get to write what I’m passionate about, but I also get to work alongside an amazing team!
Rachel Barnhart, MA, LPC
Crisis Response Counselor
Rachel earned her Masters in Professional Counseling from Lancaster Bible College and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Rachel previously worked in outpatient settings and York County Prison as a mental health and drug and alcohol therapist. Rachel’s passion is to work with individuals deemed as the forgotten, broken, and “too much” by society.
What drew me to apply for this position in the Elizabethtown Middle and High Schools?
This position allows me to be a part of the students’ journey in the midst of helplessness and hopelessness. It’s an honor to have the opportunity in partnering with the Elizabethtown Area School District to provide these services to the youth.
Destiny Harbison, BA
ECHOS Americorps VISTA
Destiny joined ECHOS in 2019 as an Americorps VISTA. She is a graduate of Elizabethtown College with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology. Her primary responsibility is to create a Job Readiness program for ECHOS and works extensively with the Elizabethtown Area HUB leadership.
Why do I work for ECHOS?
I jumped for the opportunity to give back to a community which gave so much to me over my 4 years of attending Elizabethtown College.
Beth Dreyer-DeGoede, MS
Administrative Assistant
After being a stay-at-home mom and community volunteer, Beth joined the ECHOS team in September 2018 working part-time as an administrative assistant. She has a passion for helping others behind the scenes. Beth uses her problem solving and organizational skills to help her coworkers.
Why do I work for ECHOS?
ECHOS case workers are amazing people! They go above and beyond to help the people in our community gain stability.
Tana Parrett, BS
ECHOS Bookkeeper
Tana Parrett joined ECHOS in late 2017 as part-time administrative bookkeeper. She is a graduate of Elizabethtown College with degrees in both elementary education and business administration. She taught math, worked in banking and ultimately retired from Elizabethtown College as Director of Business Operations.
What do I appreciate when I come in to the ECHOS Office to do my ‘numbers’ thing?
I value being greeted with a smiling welcome, collaborating with a team of caring, dedicated folks and using my love of spreadsheets in support of the ECHOS mission.
Frances Rubis, MSW
Winter Shelter Staff
Frances earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Elizabethtown College and Master of Social Work degree from Temple University. Fran joined the team in August 2018 and works as a case manager with the Winter Shelter. She enjoys working with the volunteers and serving the guests with dignity and compassion.
What’s the best thing about working at ECHOS?
As an employee of ECHOS I count it a privilege to come together with others to serve my community with dignity and compassion. The best thing is the people.
Janice Davis
Winter Shelter Staff
Janice Davis currently serves as secretary of the ECHOS Board of Directors and works with the Winter Shelter staff. Her passion for helping others was instrumental in launching the Etown Winter Shelter in November 2015. Janice is an Administrative Assistant in the Biology Department of Elizabethtown College.
Why do you work/volunteer for ECHOS?
My work with ECHOS provides perspective for my life, connection with others and fills my life with purpose, joy and love. I hope those I meet feel cared for!
Darlene Chapman
Winter Shelter Volunteer Coordinator
Darlene started working as a volunteer with the winter shelter in 2015. In 2019, she joined the ECHOS staff part-time as winter shelter volunteer coordinator. Her main role is coordinating and scheduling the shelter volunteers. She also keeps the shelter donations and supplies organized.
Why do I love being part of the ECHOS team?
I love being part of the team, because by myself I can do so little, but together we can accomplish so much to meet the needs of those in our community.
Jennifer Morrison, M.Ed
Housing Specialist
Jennifer has used her M.Ed. as an educator for the past 18 years within the Harrisburg and Steelton area. Working part-time as ECHOS Housing Specialist, Jennifer keeps up with the housing market and availability of rental units in the greater Elizabethtown Area for our at-risk programs.
What do I love most about working at ECHOS?
Supporting people who have a desire to rise above life’s challenges. Empowering people to make choices for stability is what makes ECHOS an amazing place to work.
Mackenzie Flood
Senior Intern
Mackenzie will earn her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Elizabethtown College in May of 2021. Following an enriching junior internship experience with ECHOS, she decided to return to fulfill her senior internship. She looks forward to furthering her social work skills and developing strong relationships with the ECHOS team.
Why was I drawn to ECHOS for my senior internship?
With ECHOS, I am able to work alongside and learn from an amazing team of diverse backgrounds, while being exposed to various programs and populations.
Our Board of Directors
Back: David Pelletier, Kevin Dolan, Esq, and Rev. A.J. Domines, STS
Middle: Chris Rich, LCSW, Deb Jones, MSW, LSW, Ex-Officio Board Member, Karen Sweigart, MSW, LSW and Jim McCurdy, Vice Chair
Front: Lyn Limpert, Tracy Miller, Janice Wells Davis, Secretary, Peggy McFarland, Ph.D, LCSW, Chair and James Harkness
Not Pictured: Mary Auker-Endres and Jim Reeb, CPA CRE FRICS, Treasurer
