Eastcentral PA AHEC serves Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill counties.
Key AHEC Program Contributions:
1. Developing and supporting community-based interdisciplinary training of health professions students in underserved areas.
2. Providing continuing education and other services to improve the quality of community-based care.
3. Recruiting underrepresented minority and disadvantaged students into health professions through a broad range of programs.
1. Developing and supporting community-based interdisciplinary training of health professions students in underserved areas.
2. Providing continuing education and other services to improve the quality of community-based care.
3. Recruiting underrepresented minority and disadvantaged students into health professions through a broad range of programs.
MEET OUR TEAM
LORI CHAPLIN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Lori Chaplin joined the Eastcentral PA AHEC Office in June 2021 after retiring as a school administrator in Florida. She is originally from Stroudsburg, PA and graduated from Stroudsburg High School and East Stroudsburg University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Chaplin began a twenty-six-year career in education after moving to Florida. She earned her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale and served as a Dean of Students, Assistant Principal and Principal in Brevard County. She is happy to be home and working with the community she knows and loves. In her role as Executive Director, Chaplin brings a fresh perspective to the organization. Her focus has been making new connections with community partners, strengthening existing relationships, updating curriculum and aligning content with standards. Chaplin can be contacted at 610.379.2002 or lchaplin@ecpennahec.org.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Lori Chaplin joined the Eastcentral PA AHEC Office in June 2021 after retiring as a school administrator in Florida. She is originally from Stroudsburg, PA and graduated from Stroudsburg High School and East Stroudsburg University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Chaplin began a twenty-six-year career in education after moving to Florida. She earned her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale and served as a Dean of Students, Assistant Principal and Principal in Brevard County. She is happy to be home and working with the community she knows and loves. In her role as Executive Director, Chaplin brings a fresh perspective to the organization. Her focus has been making new connections with community partners, strengthening existing relationships, updating curriculum and aligning content with standards. Chaplin can be contacted at 610.379.2002 or lchaplin@ecpennahec.org.
CINDY LYND
BUSINESS MANAGER
As the Business Manager for Eastcentral PA AHEC, Cindy Lynd has over 25 years of professional experience in accounting, finance, and taxes. Cindy has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting from Arcadia University with a minor in Business, as well as extensive experience working as an accountant for corporations, partnerships, nonprofits, and small businesses in the Philadelphia area. Attention to detail and dedication are the basis of her work ethic in providing guidance and support to small businesses to help them reach their financial goals.
BUSINESS MANAGER
As the Business Manager for Eastcentral PA AHEC, Cindy Lynd has over 25 years of professional experience in accounting, finance, and taxes. Cindy has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting from Arcadia University with a minor in Business, as well as extensive experience working as an accountant for corporations, partnerships, nonprofits, and small businesses in the Philadelphia area. Attention to detail and dedication are the basis of her work ethic in providing guidance and support to small businesses to help them reach their financial goals.
ELIZABETH (LIZ) SCHAFFER
HEALTH EDUCATOR
Elizabeth (Liz) Schaffer, MPH, MS, CHES is a public health professional. She has over 15 years of experience as a Health Educator and Public Health Professional. As a Health Educator for Eastcentral PA Area Health Education Center (AHEC), her experience includes developing curriculum, facilitating and evaluating public health programs as well as presenting at state conferences. Elizabeth developed the Community Health Worker Training program for the Eastcentral PA AHEC in 2009. Elizabeth has experience as a Mental Health Targeted Case Manager and is a trainer for the Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid program. She also is an adjunct professor for Northampton Community College. Her areas of interest include health literacy and mental health.
HEALTH EDUCATOR
Elizabeth (Liz) Schaffer, MPH, MS, CHES is a public health professional. She has over 15 years of experience as a Health Educator and Public Health Professional. As a Health Educator for Eastcentral PA Area Health Education Center (AHEC), her experience includes developing curriculum, facilitating and evaluating public health programs as well as presenting at state conferences. Elizabeth developed the Community Health Worker Training program for the Eastcentral PA AHEC in 2009. Elizabeth has experience as a Mental Health Targeted Case Manager and is a trainer for the Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid program. She also is an adjunct professor for Northampton Community College. Her areas of interest include health literacy and mental health.
ERIC FIRESTONE
HEALTH EDUCATOR
Eric Firestone joined the Eastcentral AHEC in July of 2021 as a Health Educator. He attended East Stroudsburg University where he obtained a Bachelors of Science in Public Health/Healthcare Administration. He currently takes on various roles at the EC AHEC and isn’t afraid to step outside of his comfort zone to help him learn and experience more. With an eye to the future, he is always looking for ways to expand his impact in the community as well as bring new ideas to the table to help achieve a brighter future for all.
HEALTH EDUCATOR
Eric Firestone joined the Eastcentral AHEC in July of 2021 as a Health Educator. He attended East Stroudsburg University where he obtained a Bachelors of Science in Public Health/Healthcare Administration. He currently takes on various roles at the EC AHEC and isn’t afraid to step outside of his comfort zone to help him learn and experience more. With an eye to the future, he is always looking for ways to expand his impact in the community as well as bring new ideas to the table to help achieve a brighter future for all.