Leadership & Board of Directors
Committed to Success
Vista would not be what it is today without the hard work and commitment of our team of teachers, administrators, consultants, therapists, coordinators, and board members.
Vista would not be what it is today without the hard work and commitment of our team of teachers, administrators, consultants, therapists, coordinators, and board members.
Mike spent the vast majority of his 35-year professional career as a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania business, tax and securities lawyer with the firm of McNees Wallace & Nurick, LLC. Mike received his law degree, with honors, from Duke University School of Law (1984) and his undergraduate degree, cum laude, from Princeton University (1980). He retired from private practice in 2014 and later took a position as Chief Strategic Officer and General Counsel of The Vista Foundation, from which he retired in July of 2018. He is currently pursuing a Masters of Systematic Theology degree at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD.
In 2002, Mike joined with a group of parents to found a program that became known as The Vista School® (“Vista”) specializing in the education and behavioral health care of children with autism spectrum disorder. In 2003, after significant efforts at collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (“PDE”), Vista became the first such program in nearly thirty years to receive Approved Private School status which allows privately-operated special education schools to receive direct tuition funding from PDE. In 2004, Vista was specially licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (“DPW”) to provide a unique behavioral health care service that is funded by Medical Assistance (Medicaid), joining a short list of dual-licensed (PDE/DPW) facilities of this kind in the Commonwealth. In 2008, Vista partnered with another private, nonprofit organization and Penn State Hershey Medical Center to bid on DPW’s $1.6 Million grant to establish one of three Commonwealth regional centers, which provide hands-on training for professionals and support to families while working to close the gap between autism research and intervention practices. That consortium was selected as the preferred bidder for the Central Pennsylvania Regional Autism Center in June of 2008.
Beginning as a one-room schoolhouse in 2002 serving four children, Vista today serves 115 students in a four-building campus in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Its outreach program currently serves approximately 125 other students in their home school districts. In 2015, Vista Adult Services began a community integration and job placement service for adults with autism spectrum disorder, and in 2016 it opened four group homes serving the adult autism population. In 2017, Vista started a center-based birth-to-three program to serve the youngest age group of individuals diagnosed with autism.
Patricia holds an educational specialist degree in educational leadership from Liberty University and a master’s degree in school business leadership from Wilkes University. Pat has a background in educational finance and business operations. Prior to coming to Vista, held positions as business and operations manager at the Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute and operations manager for the Penn State Center for the Protection of Children, both at The Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. She also served as executive director of business and finance for the Lebanon Campus of HACC and was the assistant director of business affairs for the Palmyra Area School District. Pat enjoys walking and hiking in her down time. She resides in Annville and is a mother of two adult children. Pat’s goal is to expand Vista’s financial development.
Alicia has expertise in behavioral health. She holds a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis (ABA) from The Pennsylvania State University and is a board-certified behavior analyst and a licensed behavior specialist. She is a member of the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts, has participated in research regarding effective toilet training strategies, and has presented at related conferences. For 20 years, Alicia has focused on providing treatment and consultation to individuals with autism and their families across the life span. She is passionate about ensuring individuals receive effective treatment and have the highest quality of life. Her passion for ABA comes not only from the research of successes in the field but also from the pleasure of witnessing successful interventions that make a difference in one’s life. Alicia strongly believes that growing an individual’s personal and behavioral independence is how one measures success in this field.
Dr. Janet Foor earned her bachelor’s degree in special and elementary education from Kutztown University. She served as a special education teacher with the Lincoln Intermediate Unit #12. She earned her master’s degree as a reading specialist from McDaniel University and served as a Title I reading specialist until 1999 with the Lincoln Intermediate Unit #12. She earned her K-12 principal certification from Shippensburg University and served for 10 years as a secondary principal at Spring Grove, Palmyra, and Southern Huntingdon County School Districts. She earned her Superintendent Letter of Eligibility in 2011 from Widener University and served as the director of special education at the Chambersburg Area School District. In 2018, Dr. Foor earned her doctorate in educational leadership from Gwynedd-Mercy University and served as the director of student services at the Central Fulton School District prior to coming to Vista. Dr. Foor also provides instruction as an adjunct professor to master’s cohort students at Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA.
Meredith has nearly 20 years of progressive HR experience in a multitude of industries. Her background and experience with diverse HR customers have given her the ability to drive results and influence the general business.
Before joining Vista in May of 2021, Meredith was a senior human resources business partner with a national organization made up of providers in the field of autism treatment. While in her role, Meredith was partnering with executive leaders to continuously evolve and improve the culture of the business.
Meredith holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, and obtained her HRCI credentials in 2008.
She lives in southern York County with her husband, Sean, and her daughter, Kayleigh. She feels fortunate in her career to continue supporting those who work in direct care with people with autism. Meredith finds it deeply rewarding to have the opportunity to see the world from a perspective that is different from her own….and at Vista, that perspective is nurtured and cherished.
Joe holds a bachelor’s degree in speech communications with a concentration in radio and TV. He has over 20 years of experience in marketing, promotions and special events. Prior to coming to Vista, Joe worked for 17 years with Susquehanna Radio/Cumulus Media in York and has spent the last 12 years working in various non-profit development roles with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and most recently with the York County Literacy Council. Joe resides in York, PA with his wife, Theres, son Collin and dog Brownie. He also has two older children and one granddaughter. In his free time, Joe enjoys running, playing disc golf, traveling, and spending time with the family.
Kendra holds a master’s degree in education from Temple University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maryland. She is a board-certified behavior analyst and a licensed behavior specialist. Since 1997, Kendra has worked in the field of behavior analysis with a focus on the education and treatment of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. She started Vista Outreach Services in 2003 and Vista’s Early Intervention program in 2017. She has presented at professional conferences including Association for Behavior Analysis International, Association for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy, and Northeast Federation for Precision Teaching Conference. Kendra lives in Harrisburg with her husband and son. Her interests include developing systems that support making meaningful differences in people’s lives and translating research into practice.
Sabrina holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Oregon and is certified in Quality Management through the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs. Sabrina worked 10 years in customer service and administrative management with Peace Health, a non-profit health care system located in Oregon, Washington and Alaska, prior to relocating to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 2000. She worked for Northwestern Human Services in Administration before joining The Vista School® in July 2004. She has experience in compliance, licensing, financial reporting, office management, customer service, and human resources. She currently resides in Midtown Harrisburg with her beloved Australian Shepherd “Nissa,” and enjoys playing the guitar, hiking, and writing. Sabrina feels her work enables Vista to function at its best and to “keep the lights on.”
Jessica holds a master’s degree in career and technical education from Ball State University and is working toward her doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction through Liberty University. Jessica has worked for over 10 years in education and training.
Before joining Vista in February 2019, Jessica ran research projects in public health sciences and created training platforms for individuals with a terminal diagnosis. While in this role, Jessica was creating opportunities for underserved individuals to have access to primary healthcare.
Jessica feels passionate about the quality of training and professional development opportunities that she and her team are able to provide to Vista staff and Vista families. She strongly believes in assisting individuals reach their full potential through various training opportunities in order to give back to those who receive Vista’s services.
A Certified Public Accountant, Ms. Young is the financial reporting manager for Delta Dental of Pennsylvania. Prior to holding that position, she spent eight years with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, where she conducted audits for clients ranging from small nonprofit organizations to large public entities. Ms. Young has been active in the Central Pennsylvania community as a treasurer for several nonprofit organizations. Her family of six includes members with autism spectrum disorders, and she has become dedicated to assisting other families facing similar situations.
As partner and chief financial officer of Reynolds Enterprises, Mr. Worrall focuses on strategic planning and asset development. Additionally, he is president of Reynolds’ restoration services and oversees its day-to-day operations, including administration, business development, project management, and staffing. A graduate of Leadership Harrisburg Area, he is a past recipient of a Forty Under 40 Award from the Central Penn Business Journal. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg and a Bridges Member of the United Way of the Capital Region. He is the father of two daughters with autism and a son.
Mr. Kocher retired in 2014 as chief legal officer of Philhaven Hospital in Mount Gretna. Before attending law school full time and changing careers, he held senior executive positions at several healthcare organizations in the Harrisburg area. His most recent healthcare experience was as senior vice president/executive director of Mainstay/Magellan Behavioral Health, Camp Hill. Mr. Kocher holds a J.D. degree, M.S. in health services administration, and M.A. in clinical psychology. He is board certified in healthcare management and a life fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (LFACHE).
Mr. Cassel most recently worked as a senior wealth advisor for SevenBridge Financial Group following a 15-year career in wealth management and public accounting with a regional CPA firm. His experience includes working with small business owners and high net worth individuals and families. Mr. Cassel also has a wealth of experience in consulting with companies related to qualified retirement plan design and specifically the coordination of cash balance and 401(k) plans to achieve tax efficiency.
Mr. Cassel is active in the community serving on numerous boards for charities throughout Central PA. He is a 2010 graduate of the Leadership Harrisburg Area’s Community Leadership Series and a 2013 recipient of the Central Penn Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 Award.
Mr. Cassel resides in Mount Gretna with his wife, son and daughter. He enjoys hiking, golfing and spending time at the beach.
Dr. Waxmonsky is the Division Chief of Child Adolescent Psychiatry at the Hershey Medical Center, the University Chair in Child Psychiatry at Penn State, and Professor of Psychiatry at the Penn State College of Medicine. His research focuses on the integration of medication and behavioral treatments targeting both children and their parents to improve the long-term outcomes of children with ADHD, the assessment and treatment of irritability in children, and the service models for improving access to behavioral health treatments. He runs a clinical practice that specializes in the treatment of ADHD across the lifespan. He oversees the development and expansion of Pediatric Behavioral Health Integrated Care Programs at Penn State Health and is the medical director of the Telephonic Psychiatry Services Program at Penn State Health that covers central and southeastern Pennsylvania.
Jessica currently serves as the Vice President of Development for the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation. She previously served as the Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Harrisburg Academy, in addition to 10 years in various resource development positions at Lebanon Valley College.
She’s a member of the board of the Susquehanna Valley Council of Charitable Gift Planners (SVCCGP), the United Way of the Capital Region’s Women of Tocqueville Society and the Harrisburg Rotary Club. She is a 2014 graduate of Leadership Harrisburg Area’s Community Leadership Series and a 2019 recipient of the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg’s Tribute to Women of Excellence award.
She lives in Hummelstown with her husband, Jeff, and their two sons.
Mr. Ward is a former partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers and has more than 35 years of experience as an audit and health care consulting partner. He also serves as the chairman of the board for Andrew’s Gift and has served as the president of the United Cerebral Palsy of the Capital Area. Mr. Ward has two adult children, including a son with autism, and resides in Harrisburg with his wife, Dorothy.
Mr. Sunderman is a project director at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, where he oversees the design and construction of large capital projects for Penn State University, and has a degree in civil engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. With his family, he moved to the area from State College to manage the building of the new Cancer Institute on the Hershey Medical Center campus. Mr. Sunderman and his wife were instrumental in helping to prepare Vista’s first homes for adults with autism. They are the parents of a high school student at The Vista School. “Working on the homes allowed Sue and me to envision what life after age 21 might look like for our Natalie,” he said. “Vista fills a tremendous need in society by serving this population and does it so incredibly well that it provides a tremendous amount of hope for the families and friends of those on the spectrum.”
Mr. Bakare has served on numerous non-profit boards within the Central Pennsylvania community, including the Harrisburg Young Professionals and the Art Association of Harrisburg. He joined the Vista Adult Services Board in 2013 to work toward improving opportunities for his sister and all other adults with autism in the region. Mr. Bakare is an attorney in the energy and environmental practice group at McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC, where he focuses on regulatory and transactional issues involving electric, natural gas, communications, and water utility services. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his Juris Doctor from Tulane University Law School.
Mr. Shannon recently joined Hershey Trust Company with over 18 years of experience in equity analysis and outside manager selection and oversight. Previously, he served as Vice President – Consumer Sector Portfolio Manager at Goldman Sachs Asset Management in New York. Prior to Goldman, Mr. Shannon was employed with Honeywell Capital Management and JPMorgan Securities.
A graduate of Lafayette College, Mr. Shannon earned a degree in Economics; He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®).
We’re always searching for passionate and qualified candidates to join our team of skilled professionals.