Lucille Piggott-Prawl is a Special Education/ Disability Rights Advocate. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science/Urban Studies from Rutgers University. Presently she is working on completing her Masters in Community Economic Development at Penn State. Lucille has certification from Temple University in the fields of Grant Writing and Nonprofit Fundraising.

Her professional experience includes Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities, State and Federal Government, Education, Intensive Case Management, and Housing. Lucille serves on the boards and committees of the Pennsylvania Special Education Advisory Panel (SEAP), Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania, Monroe County’s Women’s Commission, Pennsylvania Right to Education Task Force, Local Right to Education Taskforce IU 20 and 21 – Past Co Chair, Co-Founder Pleasant Valley School District Diversity Task Force, and the United Way of Monroe County PA – Funds Distribution Committee Member.

Lucille Piggott-Prawl resides in Kunkletown with her family.

Julie Gerhart-Rothholz is a pharmacist, Medical Affairs professional, diversity and inclusion professional, The Arc of Pennsylvania board member, and Arc Alliance Foundation Board Vice President. Her most important role is mom to 7-year-old Evan, who has Down syndrome. After receiving Evan’s post-birth diagnosis, which focused on symptoms and expected medical problems rather than on possibilities, Julie became an advocate for people with Down syndrome and other disabilities. Julie has engaged in “hill days” with her US representatives and senators and has visited her state representative and senator to educate them on the needs of individuals with disabilities. She also worked to connect US and state senators and representatives’ staff with her school district. Julie led the global Merck capABILITIES Network, one of 10 employee business resource groups that focuses on diversity and inclusion. Julie also leads social media engagement for the Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition.

In her spare time, Julie enjoys watching Evan’s soccer games, running her Buddy Walk Auction/Raffle, and reading.

Mr. Broderick joined the board of The Arc of PA in June 2018 as a presidential appointee. He recently retired from The Arc of North Eastern PA after serving that chapter for 46 years, 40 as Executive Director. Don holds degrees in Psychology and Rehab Counseling, both from the University of Scranton. He has been a respected and tireless advocate for the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at home, in Harrisburg, in Washington D.C., and across the nation.

Don and his wife, Rosemary, live in the Clarks Summit area of North Eastern PA. She is President and CEO of Summit Peak Associates, a consulting firm. They have two children, Stephen, 29, Washington D.C., and Sara, 26, London, U.K.

Josh began at The Arc of York County as a high school student working at Camp Pennwood in 1984. He began working as a full time employee in 1987. Since that time, Josh has held several positions including Director of Recreation, Employment Training Specialist, Penn Employment Coordinator, Director of Supported Employment, and Director of Operations. He was named Executive Director in October of 2017.

​I have been the legislative advocate for The Arc of Philadelphia since 2015. In addition, I organize conferences and meetings with policymakers. I also help with the HealthMeet program, an initiative of The Arc of the U.S. to conduct trainings to medical professionals to provide information and increase awareness of health issues that impact people with disabilities.

I received my Associates degree in journalism from Edinboro State University. I live in my own home, and I enjoy sports, politics, and spending time with my family and friends.

Jeanne Downey is a speech-language pathologist and provides early intervention speech therapy in the Erie area. She received her master’s degree in speech pathology from Clarion University. She has been an advocate for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Jeanne has completed two terms as President of The Arc of Pennsylvania and begins a new term on The Arc Board. Her youngest daughter has Down syndrome and this has been a driving force for Jeanne’s focus on families and people with disabilities. Jeanne especially loves spending time with her two young granddaughters who live in Erie.

Catherine Siris has been advocating for children with disabilities and supporting families throughout Pennsylvania for the past 8 years. She has served as the parent co-chair for Early Intervention Connections (the Local Interagency Coordinating Council for Cumberland, Perry, and Dauphin Counties), started the Special Education Parent Advisory Council in Derry Township, and has participated in numerous speaking engagements for promoting family engagement. Her passion for disability rights stems from her experiences with her own child with Down Syndrome. Catherine holds an MBA from the George Washington University and a BA from the University of Virginia.  In her free time, she enjoys reading and playing with her husband and 3 children.

Board member Vicki Wertman leads by example. She lives independently, has worked at Knoebels Amusement resort for five years in catering, and has been a part of The Arc Susquehanna Valley’s Self-Advocacy Group for over 8 years. Vicki brings lived experience to The Arc of Pennsylvania’s Board of Directors. Vicki enjoys being with people, so The Arc is a great fit. Vicki is very proud to serve! She loves the entertainer Tony Orlando, she’s attending her 10th Tony Orlando concert this winter. (Vicki is featured in the photo attending a Halloween dance).