Congratulations, IU13 retirees!
(2024-2025 School Year)

Michelle Greenly
Accountant
Business Services
27 years of service

How long have you worked for IU13?
27 years. 

What have you enjoyed most about your work at IU13?
I have been blessed to be a part of the IU13 family for the past 27 years. During my time here I have held various positions within the Business Services Department. I have enjoyed working alongside my wonderful coworkers and seeing how our work impacts the students and families we serve. It really touches my heart to have been a part of an organization that serves others.

What do you plan to do after you retire?
My plan for retirement is to spend more time with my husband and family including the grandkids. We are planning to do some traveling together.

Kathryn Neyer
Supervisor
Business Services
15 years of service

Patricia Pontz
Associate Program Director - PMO
Business Services
30 years of service

How long have you worked for IU13?
29+ years. 

What have you enjoyed most about your work at IU13?
I appreciate the kind, dedicated, talented people I have had the opportunity to work with over the years. I have been so fortunate to be able to work in support of public education throughout my entire career -- truly "Work Worth Doing!"

What do you plan to do after you retire?
I have been enjoying the flexibility to do some consulting, tackle some projects "around the house," enjoy some hobbies, and do a bit of traveling -- all of which I hope to continue.

Jen Bennett
Manager
Job Training Services
35 years of service

How long have you worked for IU13?
35 years. 

What have you enjoyed most about your work at IU13?
The most rewarding aspect of my work has been the opportunity to contribute to our shared mission—student growth. I have been fortunate to work with students across a wide range of abilities in MDS, LSS, LS, and ES programs, spanning elementary through high school. It has been a true privilege to witness their growth, skill development, and transition into employment. Equally fulfilling has been the privilege of working with many talented and dedicated colleagues who shared the same vision.

What do you plan to do after you retire?
In retirement, I look forward to embracing new adventures through travel and spending quality time with family and friends. Whether exploring new destinations or simply enjoying everyday moments with loved ones, I’m excited for the opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and make lasting memories in this next chapter of life.

Please include any additional information you would like to share with your colleagues/friends.
I am deeply grateful to my husband, children, and parents for their unwavering support.  To my IU13 friends, I’ll miss your support, your drive, and your spark,
your wisdom, your kindness, your light in the dark. You’ve made a big difference — that much is true, And I’ll always be grateful I worked here with you.  Keep lifting up others, keep doing what’s right, keep being the reason someone sees light. Though I’ll be gone, I’ll cheer from afar, because everyone here is a true rock star!

Thomas Esposito
Interim Supervisor
Admin Multiple Services
33 years of service

How long have you worked for IU13?
32 years. 

What have you enjoyed most about your work at IU13?
The people I have worked with and connections I have made, and not to forget the difference I have made too.

What do you plan to do after you retire?
Relax, read, enjoy music, travel.

Mona Fern
Job Trainer
Job Training Services
8 years of service

What have you enjoyed most about your work at IU13?
The most rewarding part of my work is being an integral part of a student's success in developing work skills and ultimately getting hired for a job.

What do you plan to do after you retire?
I plan to volunteer more in the community and in my Church.

Susan Fisher
Head Start Director/Lebanon Building Manager
Head Start
13 years of service

How long have you worked for IU13?
13 years.

What have you enjoyed most about your work at IU13?
I enjoyed working with parents who served on Policy Council. Their commitment to the Head Start program is admirable. Seeing my Head Start colleagues work together to make sure families and children had their needs met warmed my heart. I enjoyed working with the IU fiscal and HR teams. I especially enjoyed the freedom to think outside the box for ways to enhance the program, and support my colleagues and our Head Start families.

What do you plan to do after you retire?
We plan to travel throughout the US to see family and friends. We will spend a lot of time in VA with family. I want to start doing cross-stitch and crocheting again. I’m also hoping to finally sort through years’ worth of both digital and print pictures.

Please include any additional information you would like to share with your colleagues/friends.
I will miss those I worked with, and having the ability to serve others through the Head Start program.

Nancy Flannery
Paraeducator 1:1
Sensory Impaired
6 years of service

Darlene Fletcher
Paraeducator
Autistic Support
13 years of service

How long have you worked for IU13?
Just over 10 years. 

What have you enjoyed most about your work at IU13?
Working with the Students, teaching them and even having some fun with them.  Its been enjoyable throughout the years.

What do you plan to do after you retire?
Travel, have fun and just do whatever I want, when I want.  Enjoying life to the fullest.

Mariah Hershey
Paraeducator
Autistic Support
15 years of service

How long have you worked for IU13?
15 years.

What have you enjoyed most about your work at IU13?
The wonderful teachers and staff I've worked with.

What do you plan to do after you retire?
Spend time with my grandchildren, volunteer, and travel.

Cathy Hower
Home School Visitor
Prof Services Multiple Program
39 years of service

Linda Kilgore-Herr
Part-time Paraeducator 1:1
Center-Based Emotional Support
9 years of service

Tamara Kleine
Teacher of Special Education
Autistic Support
10 years of service

Wendy Mowery
Teacher of Special Education
Itinerant Learning Support
20 years of service

Linda Murr
Program Support Liaison II
Staff Development
25 years of service

How long have you worked for IU13?
25 years. 

What have you enjoyed most about your work at IU13?
The lasting friendships I have made during my time with the IU.

What do you plan to do after you retire?
So many things! Traveling with my husband, finally getting around to cleaning out the garage, painting and redecorating rooms, volunteering, spending more time with my mother and our seven grandchildren, and increasing my online clothing business.

Please include any additional information you would like to share with your colleagues/friends.
It has been my privilege to work for the IU for the past 25 years and hope that I have made a difference with the work that I have done.

Denise Triest
Paraeducator II
Multiple Disabilities Support
26 years of service

How long have you worked for IU13?
Since 9/1999.

What have you enjoyed most about your work at IU13?
Being a part of our students lives. They have taught me so much. To be happy and enjoy life no matter what challenges they have.

What do you plan to do after you retire?
Still work part time at Hershey Park and hopefully sub for the IU.

Please include any additional information you would like to share with your colleagues/friends.
I have been very Blessed to work with all the wonderful caring people through the years. I have made so many friends, But most of all I Thank God for allowing me to be a part of all the children's lives.

Jolene Brill
Conference Center & Front Desk Assistant Manager
Executive Director's Office
32 years of service 

How long have you worked for IU13?
32 years. 

What have you enjoyed most about your work at IU13?
I have enjoyed the opportunity to work in various positions and departments during my time at IU13.  This has given me the ability to keep learning and growing all while working with some incredible people.  The people, by far, have been the best part of this journey.

What do you plan to do after you retire?
I plan to sleep as late as I want.  I would love to find a way to work with animals that will not require me to purchase a farm.  Anyone who knows me knows that I would be a foster fail every time.

Please include any additional information you would like to share with your colleagues/friends.
People say "the IU family" and it truly does exist.  I feel blessed to have been able to spend 32 years as part of this family.

Karen Peterson
Administrative Assistant
Human Resources Services
9 years of service

Lorraine Casanova
School Counselor
Nonpublic
8 years of service

How long have you worked for IU13?
7-1/2 years.

What have you enjoyed most about your work at IU13?
I truly appreciate the professionalism and integrity of the organization. I have had two immediate supervisors since joining the IU, both of whom have embodied the essence of outstanding leadership. They lead with empathy, vision, and commitment to collaboration. They both created a supportive environment, bringing the team together as they guided with heart and strategy, inspiring us and giving us a shared sense of purpose.

What do you plan to do after you retire?
We are considering RV'ing in the continental US, with our two German Shepherds and my cat. I would also like to do some volunteering in the areas of prevention and recovery. In addition, I have a Kindle loaded to the brim with unread books that are just waiting for me to read!

Please include any additional information you would like to share with your colleagues/friends.
I want to take a moment to sincerely thank my colleagues. Working alongside such dedicated, supportive, and talented student advocates has been a true privilege. Your collaboration, encouragement, and shared commitment have made even the most challenging days rewarding. I’m genuinely grateful to all of you for your friendship and for making the last part of my career fulfilling and memorable (in a good way). I'll miss you.

Maria Taormina
School Counselor
Nonpublic
15 years of service

How long have you worked for IU13?
15 years.

What have you enjoyed most about your work at IU13?
 ~The supportive and encouraging supervisors and administration at IU13.
~Professional learning opportunities.
~The opportunity to work with so many students k-12 and watch them learn and grow

What do you plan to do after you retire?
Spend more time with family, travel, relax, read, start new hobbies, and
volunteer

Molly Black
Part-Time Consultant I          Pennsylvania Training & Technical Assistance Network
27 years of service

How long have you worked for IU13?
27 years with the PaTTAN PA DeafBlind Project

What have you enjoyed most about your work at IU13?
I hope I have made a positive impact supporting and connecting with families raising children and youth who are deafblind.  My enjoyment came from witnessing their successes.

What do you plan to do after you retire?
Travel (which is why I am unable to attend,) and love on my twin grandchildren, expected this Fall!

Pamela Kastner
Consultant II
Pennsylvania Training & Technical Assistance Network
15 years of service

Karen Nikolic
Customer Service Representative II
Pennsylvania Training & Technical Assistance Network
17 years of service

How long have you worked for IU13?
16 years.

What have you enjoyed most about your work at IU13?
I have enjoyed meeting and working with so many kind, caring, and dedicated people.

What do you plan to do after you retire?
I plan to spend time with my family (especially my grandson). I also plan to volunteer, garden, and spend more time with my cats.

Please include any additional information you would like to share with your colleagues/friends.
Thank you for your support and friendship over the years!