Outstanding Alumni Award

2025 Department of HDFS Outstanding Alumni Award Recipient

Congratulations to Tabita Quashigah Tugulia (HDFS '09)

The Department of Human Development and Family Science Outstanding Alumni Award was initiated in 2012 and is designed to recognize HDFS alumni for distinguished contributions to the service of individuals and families.

The faculty of the Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) Department selected Tabita Quashigah Tugulia (HDFS

'09) as the recipient for the 2025 Department of HDFS Outstanding Alumni Award! Tabita graduated from Messiah College with a major in Human Development and Family Science and a minor in Spanish. After graduation, Tabita worked for Dauphin County Children and Youth as a family engagement caseworker. She currently works in the Human Services Director's Office as a Contracting Manager which involves comprehensive review and approval of all provider program operating budgets. In addition to this position, she works tirelessly in her community through her involvement in the Dauphin County Cultural Celebration Task Force and as founder and executive director of Front End Family Solutions LLC, where she is dedicated to empowering families by providing referrals to supportive services and resource navigation for families in need. Tabita has recently become an adjunct instructor in the HDFS department here at Messiah University. She is currently pursuing her lifelong dream and is working on the publishing of her first Children's Book Pichi Goes to America which describes her journey to a new country and God's faithfulness throughout that time.

We are thankful for her outstanding efforts to share her knowledge and vast network of community leaders with our students. We applaud her for being such a valuable community leader and for the incredibly significant work she has done and continues to do to meet the needs of local families.

Congratulations, Tabita!

2024 Department of HDFS Outstanding Alumni Award Recipient

Congratulations to Kimberly Valvo (HDFS '04)

The Department of Human Development and Family Science Outstanding Alumni Award was initiated in 2012 and is designed to recognize HDFS alumni for distinguished contributions to the service of individuals and families.

The faculty of the Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) Department selected Kimberly Valvo (HDFS '04) as the recipient for the 2024 Department of Human Development and Family Science Outstanding Alumni Award! Kim graduated from Messiah College with a major in Human Development and Family Science and a minor in Gerontology. Having spent time working for Bethany Village and Messiah Lifeways in various capacities since graduating, Kim is presently the Chief Operations Officer at Messiah Lifeways. In her role, Kim provides executive support to the CEO/President, Board of Directors and Executive Team related to the daily and strategic operations of Messiah Lifeways. She also develops and oversees efforts related to quality improvement, compliance, satisfaction, risk management, emergency preparedness, and process improvement for the departments supervised. In addition, Kim oversees and provides vision to ensure the ongoing development of strategic planning, budgetary management, performance improvement and customer satisfaction in the areas supervised. We applaud her for the incredibly significant work she has done and continues to do to meet the needs of older adults. Congratulations, Kim!

2022 Department of HDFS Outstanding Alumni Award Recipient

Congratulations to Jessica Thomas (HDFS '08)

Department of Human Development and Family Science Outstanding Alumni Award! was initiated in 2012, and is designed to recognize HDFS alumni for distinguished contributions to the service of individuals and families.

The faculty of the Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) Department selected Jessica (Debrah) Thomas (HDFS '08) as the recipient for the 2022 Department of Human Development and Family Science Outstanding Alumni Award! Jessica graduated from Messiah College with a major in Human Development and Family Science and a minor in Business. She went on to attain a master's degree in Global Affairs at New York University. Jessica works as the director of strategic initiatives and as the diversity, equity, and inclusion business partner at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City. Jessica was also recently appointed to Messiah University's Board of Trustees and looks forward to assisting her alma mater in providing an excellent education to the next generation of university students. Jessica lives in New York City with her husband Anthony. Congratulations, Jessica!

2021 Department of HDFS Outstanding Alumni Award Recipient

Jason Lehman (Human Development and Family Science '04)

The faculty of the Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) Department has selected Jason Lehman as the recipient for the 2021 Department of Human Development and Family Science Outstanding Alumni Award! The award, initiated in 2012, is designed to recognize HDFS alumni for distinguished contributions to the service of individuals and families. Award recipients are posted on our HDFS Department website: https://www.messiah.edu/info/20406/our_alumni

We are proud to call Jason a graduate of our bachelor's program in Family Studies, and are pleased that he has since earned a master's degree in School Counseling from Messiah College, as well. The HDFS faculty applauds his work at Bethany Christian Services where he served in multiple roles including Post Adoption Specialist and most recently as a Licensing and Recruitment Supervisor. It is heartwarming to realize the positive impact Jason makes on the lives of vulnerable children and families. We are also impressed by his attainment of the National Council on Family Relations' Certified Family Life Educator designation. Relatedly, he has spoken into the profession by contributing to the field and publishing about his experience as a family life educator. For instance, he recently had an article published in the NCFR Network entitled "On the front line: My journey as a family life educator in child welfare." These are laudable professional accomplishments!!

In addition, we can't think of an alumni who is more willing to contribute to the continuing success of our students and Human Development and Family Science program. We have appreciated Jason's eagerness to respond to any call for help whether it be teaching courses or serving as a guest speaker. For this, we are grateful.

We also appreciate Jason's love and commitment to his own family. Jason and his wife have seven children and one grandchild.

2020 Department of Human Development and Family Science Outstanding Alumni Award Recipient

Congratulations to Sheri Peifer, 1995 graduate in Family Studies, for being selected to receive the 2020 Department of Human Development and Family Science Outstanding Alumni Award! The award, initiated in 2012, is designed to recognize HDFS alumni for distinguished contributions to the service of individuals and families.

The HDFS faculty applauds Ms. Peifer's work at Eskaton for enhancing the lives of older adults in the Sacramento, California area. We recognize that Sheri collaboratively works with healthcare, technology, academic and business partners to lead Eskaton's forward-thinking approaches aimed at positively transforming the aging experience. We also understand that her team focuses on establishing integrated service and care networks for the over 14,000 older adults Eskaton serves today, expanding services for people living at home. Ms. Peifer serves on the Editorial Advisory Board for the book series Leading Principles and Practices in Elder Care and participates on the LeadingAge California Planning and EMERGE Leadership Selection Committees, among many other noteworthy activities. She is a graduate of the national LeadingAge Leadership Fellow program, based in Washington D.C. In addition to receiving her Bachelor's degree from Messiah College, Sheri also earned a Master's degree in Gerontology and Education from California State University, Sacramento. These are laudable professional accomplishments!! Congratulations to Sheri for work well done!

Sheri lives in California with her husband, Scott, and their three boys (twin 9 year olds and a 13 year old).

The 2018 Outstanding Alumni Award Winner is Erin (Devine) Shaffer '99 (Family Studies/HDFS)

Each year since 2012, the faculty in the Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) look forward to the opportunity to recognize one of our graduates for the positive impact she/he has on individuals and families. The Department of HDFS Outstanding Alumni Award is designed to recognize HDFS and FCSE alumni who demonstrate significant and professional leadership and a legacy of distinguished contributions to the service of individuals and families. We are pleased to announce that Erin (Devine) Shaffer (Family Studies/HDFS '99) is the 2018 HDFS Outstanding Alumni.

For the past 18 years Erin L. Shaffer has made an impact on the lives of hospitalized children and families in the Child Life profession. Through the years, Erin has worked as a Child Life Specialist, providing emotional and psychosocial support to hospitalized children with both acute and chronic illnesses. These hospitals include: The Bristol Myers Squibb Children's Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ, Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA , Children's Hospital, Greenville Health System, Greenville, SC and most recently, Penn State Health Children's Hospital, Hershey PA.

During her journey, Erin has shown her commitment to the growth of future child life professionals as a preceptor for dozens of interns, students and new specialists in the field. She has also been sought out by her peers as a mentor and support. Erin has served as a leader in the role of Child Life Coordinator as well as developing Child Life programing for a one person Child life program, Neonatal Intensive Care, Pediatric Emergency, as well as Outpatient Pre-op Surgery Units. Her most recent endeavor brought her and her family back to Pennsylvania, to serve as the Child Life Department's Facility dog handler for Penn State Health Children's Hospital. In this role, Erin is the primary handler for the Children's Hospital's 2nd facility dog. She is able to apply her extensive knowledge of hospitalized children and utilize the dog as a tool to promote positive coping and assist children during difficult procedures and treatments. She is a highly competent and respected member of the interdisciplinary team which recognizes the tremendous contribution of the Child Life professional's role. As a Child Life Specialist, Erin's hope and passion is to leave a mark on the hearts of those around her and continue to spread joy and compassion to children and families in the hospital setting.

Erin is married to Mike and has three sons: Ryan, 16; Nathan, 10; and Owen 6.

2019 Department of HDFS Outstanding Alumni Award Recipient

Congratulations to Jeremy Sorzano, 1996 graduate in Family Studies, for being selected to receive the 2019 Department of Human Development and Family Science Outstanding Alumni Award! The award, initiated in 2012, is designed to recognize HDFS alumni for distinguished contributions to the service of individuals and families. The HDFS faculty recognizes Jeremy for the way in which his organization, Soccer Shots, has afforded meaningful experiences to young children and their families through sport. We appreciate how he turned his passion for soccer into a business that benefits children and families. We especially value how children attain better fitness, acquire soccer skills, and develop character through the Soccer Shots programs.

Jeremy's partners in the Soccer Shots business are Jason Webb ('98) and Justin Bredeman ('96), also graduates from Messiah. Jeremy started the first Soccer Shots program in Charlotte, NC in 1997 and in 2005, he and Jason began franchising the program across the US and Canada. Currently, Soccer Shots serves about 350,000 children each year. Ultimately, their goal is simple: To leave a positive impact on the children and families they serve.

Jeremy lives in North Carolina with his wife, Lisa, and their two children, Gus and Olive. He and his family enjoy being outside in nature, riding bikes, and generally anything that keeps them active.

Joel Giovannetti

2017 HDFS Outstanding Alumni Award Recipient: Joel Giovanetti

One of our greatest privileges as a department is identifying outstanding alumni to acknowledge with our alumni award. Initiated in 2012, the Department of Human Development and Family Science Outstanding Alumni Award is designed to recognize HDFS and FCSE alumni who demonstrate significant professional leadership and a legacy of distinguished contributions to the service of individuals and families. We are pleased to announce that Joel Giovanetti (HDFS '98) is the 2017 HDFS Outstanding Alumni.

Upon graduating from Messiah College in 1998, Joel accepted a position at Philhaven Hospital as a residential counselor for children and teens at a day hospital for children and teens and as a case counselor at two different schools (high school and an elementary school) in York. In 2002, Joel transitioned to a post at New Hope Ministries where he remains today. From 2002 to 2010, Joel worked in Dillsburg coordinating an after school program for teens and children. In 2010, New Hope Ministries named Joel After School Program Manager. In this role, he initiated five new after school programs and increased program days from two days per week to five days a week.

As After School Program Manager for New Hope Ministries, Joel oversees eight elementary after school programs, one in New Cumberland, Lemoyne, Mechanicsburg, Wellsville, Dillsburg, Dover and two in Enola. He manages part time staff that coordinate these programs that provide snack, prayer, homework help, reading skills, educational enrichment activities, life skill lessons, Bible/Jesus lessons, fitness, teambuilding activities, healthy lifestyle choices and monthly parent meetings. His programs enroll anywhere from 10 to 25 elementary aged children at each location. Joel also networks with local school districts, churches, businesses, local municipalities, Messiah College, The United Way, and recruits volunteers. He tracks outcomes that measure attendance, poverty level, life skills learned, job skills taught, service projects, character development, academic performance and passing to the next grade.

Joel is married to Marcelle Giovannetti, who works at Messiah College's Engle Center as a counselor. They have a 9 year old son who loves baseball and karate. Their other "child" is a 140 lb Bernese mountain dog named Vader. Vader has made a few guest appearances on campus himself in the last couple of years! Joel has lived in the local area ever since his graduation from Messiah. Congratulations to Joel for his committed service to children and their families.

Marilyn Bellesfield (Family Studies '89)

The 2016 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient is Marilyn Bellesfield (Family Studies '89). After graduation, Marilyn served as a full time case worker for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Inc. It was here that she used her skills in creating and delivering family life education programming, which she learned in Strategies of Family Life Education. She developed a Sisters Plus program for teen mothers, matching each with a mentor/Big Sister to help them and to be a support. She also designed a brochure and worked with the Harrisburg School District to get referrals. At the same time she was at Big Brothers/Big Sisters, she worked weekends as a Weekend Houseparent for Lourdeshouse Maternity Home. After about five years, Marilyn assumed a full time position as social worker at Evergreen House, a transitional housing program for women and their children. While there, she maintained her part time post at Lourdeshouse.

After a number of years, Marilyn transferred to Lourdeshouse Maternity Home as full time program director. This was one of Marilyn's most satisfying positions. As program director she handled every aspect of the program, as well as staffing and the budget. Eventually, however, she resigned this position in order to stay home with her boys while they were young. Catholic Charities kept her on the payroll, so she started working for them again about 6 months after leaving full time work. Her part time role was as a Resident Attendant at Interfaith Shelter for Homeless Families.

When she returned to work full time, she became a case manager at Interfaith Shelter for Homeless Families. She also served as an interim program director when the director was on medical leave since she was the only one who knew how to do all of the reports each month, due to her prior experience at Lourdeshouse.

After ten years at the Interfaith Shelter, Marilyn left Catholic Charities and became a case manager for the Brethren Housing Association. Recently, her position title was changed to Family Advocate, which she likes much better. Marilyn assists the families in this programs to develop and achieve life changing goals surrounding employment, education, parenting, relationships, health, and housing--all geared toward strengthening the families stability and self-sufficiency. Marilyn experiences a great deal of fulfilment in this position and intends to stay with Brethren Housing for years to come.

We appreciate Marilyn's sustained service to teen mothers and their children, and homeless individuals and families.

Nicole Hahnlen

Messiah College Department of Human Development and Family Science awarded its forth Outstanding Alumni Award to Nicole C. Hahnlen, clinical Coordinator of Hummingbird Program at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital.

The Department of Human Development and Family Science Outstanding Alumni Award is designed to recognize HDFS alumni who demonstrate significant professional leadership and a legacy of distinguished contributions to the service of individuals and families.

Nicole C. Hahnlen has devoted her entire career providing emotional, social, and medical support to children living with life-threatening illness. Her work on behalf of children and their families in the pediatric palliative care program at Penn State Hershey's Children's Hospital is particularly noteworthy. Many children and their families are grateful for her kindness and caring support. In addition to addressing the patient's medical needs, she provides psychosocial, emotional and spiritual support throughout the course of an illness and grief and bereavement support in the event that families experience the death of a child.

Nicole Graduated from Messiah College in 1997 with a degree in Family Studies.

Congratulations Nicole!

Lois Mitten-Rosenberry

Messiah College Department of Human Development and Family Science awarded its third Outstanding Alumni Award to Lois Mitten-Rosenberry, President and CEO, Children's Discovery Center-Corporate Office

The Department of Human Development and Family Science Outstanding Alumni Award is designed to recognize HDFS alumni who demonstrate significant professional leadership and a legacy of distinguished contributions to the service of individuals and families.

Lois Mitten Rosenberry founded Children's Discovery Center in 1982 and has served as President and CEO of the company since that time. Mrs. Rosenberry has extensive experience in early childhood development and has served as a college professor, and a child care consultant for several private and public organizations.

Recognized as an innovator in her field, Mrs. Rosenberry has been featured in Inc. Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, Executive Female, Early Childhood News, and others. She is a Milestone for Women recipient and Athena Award winner. She has been named Northwest Ohio Entrepreneur of the Year, Small Business Person of the Year, Ohio Child-Care Administrator of the Year, and serves as Chairperson of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council. In 2005 Mrs. Rosenberry received the Governor's Award for Excellence in Enterprise and was inducted as an Ohio Commodore. She serves on the Boards of 5/3 Bank, AAA Northwest Ohio, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, and Ohio Association of Child Care Providers.

In addition to leadership in her field, Mrs. Rosenberry is committed to several charitable projects. She has partnered with others to create a home (the Deborah Center) for abandoned and abused girls in the city of Timisoara, Romania and serves on the Advisory Board of Veritas, a non-profit organization which provides a variety of services for the families of Sighisoara, Romania.

Mrs. Rosenberry holds a BA degree in Behavioral Science from Messiah College, Grantham, PA and a Master's Degree in Education from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. She is a coauthor of Inspiring Spaces for Young Children and Rating Observation Scale for Inspiring Spaces. She has three grown daughters, all of whom are graduates of Children's Discovery Center. Her five grandchildren currently attend Children's Discovery Center and two of her daughters work for the company.

Sarah J. Daniels

Messiah College Department of Human Development and Family Science awarded its second Outstanding Alumni Award to Sarah J. Daniels '06.

The award is designed to recognize HDFS alumni who demonstrate significant professional leadership and a legacy of distinguished contributions to the service of individuals and families.

For over 9 years Sarah (McDonald) Daniels '06 has boldly advocated for vulnerable individuals and families in her community. She continuously embraces her education, passion and talents to proactively influence societal change and connect organizations with the resources necessary to fulfill their missions. Here is an overview of Sarah's many accomplishments that have afforded her this award:

• Intern as a Legal Advocate at the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg advocating for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault
• Housing Manager for the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County where she helped 14 women and their 36 children navigate paths toward self-sufficiency
• Big Brothers Big Sisters member where she managed over 100 mentoring relationships for at-risk youth and coordinated volunteer retention effort
• Obtained a Certificate in Nonprofit Fundraising from Delaware County Community College and a Master's Degree in Nonprofit Management for Eastern University
• Director of the Elite Charitable Foundation where she oversaw grant making to nonprofits serving children and families
• Development Coordinator for the Garage Community & Youth Center where she raised over $69,500 of funding from brand new funding sources and developed and implemented program evaluation tools to more effectively capture the organization's impact in the community

Congratulations Sarah!

Messiah College Department of Human Development and Family Science presents its first Outstanding Alumni Award to Susan Binkley Van Zant '74

The Messiah College Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) recently presented its 2012 Outstanding Alumni Award to Susan Binkley Van Zant, 1974 graduate in home economics. The award, designed to recognize HDFS alumni for distinguished contributions to the service of individuals and families, was presented to Van Zant at the Pennsylvania Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (PAFCS) Regional Meeting on Oct. 25 in Hershey, Pa.

Van Zant was selected in recognition of her career as a family and consumer sciences teacher in the Cocalico School District, for her commitment to caring for her sister's children after her sister's death, and for founding Jan's Circle of Friends, a group of women who assist children with domestic violence and parental loss. Van Zant's nominator describes her as "an inspiring model and leader who has dedicated her life to providing women with the opportunity for education in an effort to foster and develop women's capacity for charitable leadership."

Congratulations, Susan!