Our Board

Sandra Nardone, Chair

Sandy is a transplant from Erie, PA, residing in NEPA for over 25 years. She is a graduate of Lock Haven University with a B.S. in Education and certifications to teach both Special Education and Early Childhood Education pre-K-12th grades. Locally, she has worked for the Luzerne Intermediate Unit, the Bear Creek Charter School, and, most recently, the Wyoming Valley Montessori School while raising three children. Before moving to the area, Sandy was a Program Director for the Salvation Army’s Developmental Disabilities Program in Philadelphia, a residential program for persons with disabilities and dual mental health diagnoses, living and working in their communities.

Throughout her position there, Sandy witnessed many challenges that persons with disabilities often have to overcome to become contributing, respected members of their communities. She is excited about the opportunity to continue volunteering and advocating for persons with disabilities in their communities and workplaces. Sandy is as passionate about animal rights as human rights and has fostered and rescued many dogs. She resides in Moosic, PA, with her husband Jay, son Marco, and dogs Ellie, Piper, and Livvy. She also has two daughters, Bella, who attends the University of Pittsburgh, and Ayajan, who resides in Plains, PA, and works for the United States Postal Service.

Marie Donahue, Secretary

Ellie Bartoli

Shawn M.J. Casey

Shawn Casey was a 1987 graduate of Wyoming Area. After graduating with high marks, he began his studies at Wilkes University. Through these studies he realized his dream of practicing dentistry in the Wyoming Valley, which he pursued at the University of Pittsburgh dental school. In 1994, after being licensed by the state, Dr. Casey opened a solo Dental practice.

In 2005, Dr. Casey expanded his Dental facility to a multi doctor practice and in 2009, he opened a special needs dentistry center dedicated to his aunt Mary Casey.

When not at work, Dr. Casey enjoys being with his children, George, Shawna and Samantha and wife Michele.

Dr Casey is a member of the Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry and Pennsylvania Dental Association, he is involved with local charities, church organizations, and public service groups.

Jordan Fritz

Jordan Fritz is an NEPA native and a proud Luzerne County Community College and Wilkes University graduate, where she earned her B.A. in Communication Studies with concentrations in Journalism and Public Relations. After graduating from Wilkes, she participated in the Disney College Program in Orlando, Florida. She contracted with local entrepreneurs and nonprofits upon returning home, including tecBRIDGE.

She is currently employed by Johnson College as a Student Success Coordinator, planning events and various activities for the students on campus and acting as a primary resource for student assistance. Along with the Coffee Inclusive Board, she is also on the board of the NEPA Networkers, an ambassador and volunteer for Dr. Jen’s Hope Foundation, and an active member of her community.

She spends time with her family and friends in her free time, traveling, cooking, and enjoying the outdoors.

Annie Keating

Annie is a born and raised resident of Northeast, PA. She started her career in the bar/restaurant industry 18 years ago, which includes local places such as Brews Brothers and, most recently, Pazzo. Here, she established her love for customer service and helping those around her. She transitioned this to a new role as Account Executive for Pride Mobility Products, handling retail mobility product sales to North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. After gaining valuable experience, she decided to take her career to the next level by joining the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority 9 years ago. She currently holds the position of Stormwater Office Manager.

In addition to her professional pursuits, she is very passionate about giving back to her community. She recently started her journey into volunteering with the Coffee Inclusive Board and Bake Inclusive Committee, where she has the opportunity to help people with disabilities grow and achieve their dreams. She is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and looks forward to making a difference in the lives of others.

Ashley Leighton

Ashley Leighton is a proud native of NEPA. Being born and raised in the local area, she attended Holy Redeemer High School and King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA. After graduating from King’s College, Ashley dove into the professional world with her work centering around supporting employees in various ways. Most of her professional work has been within the Human Resources field. Ashley’s passion for helping others and guiding individuals through the employment journey brings her much fulfillment professionally.

Ashley grew up in an environment that welcomed and fostered individuals with disabilities to be themselves and strive to do great things. Being the niece of an individual with disabilities, she was granted the gift of seeing the world through a different lens which molded her into the person she is today. Ashley’s work on the Coffee Inclusive Board will be in honor of her late uncle, Patrick Leighton.

The combination of Ashleys upbringing, local roots, and instinct to help others is what makes being part of the Coffee Inclusive Board so exciting.

John P. Riccetti (he/him/his)

John Riccetti is a Vice President with PNC’s Private Bank division in Scranton/WB and Lehigh Valley. John also serves as Chair of PNC’s Regional DEI Council, which has a primary objective to provide support, guidance, and awareness on diversity and inclusion within our communities – a goal that aligns with PA Inclusive’s core initiatives. In addition to John’s role on the Coffee Inclusive Board, John’s community contributions also extend to his involvement with the Wyoming Valley Chamber DEI Forum, Leadership Northeast, and the University of Scranton Kania School of Management Alumni Council.

John is a resident of Pittston, PA and a graduate of the University of Scranton (BS in Finance/Entrepreneurship) and NYU’s Certificate in Financial Planning Program.

Sarah Ginder

Sarah is a graduate of Scranton Preparatory School, St. Joseph’s University (B.S. Biology), and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies). She is employed as a Physician Assistant with Lehigh Valley Health Network in the Pulmonary/Sleep Medicine Department in Scranton, and her prior experience includes Cardiology and Nephrology. She is also a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Sarah lives in Duryea with her husband, Graham Ginder, and their children, Nina and James. The daughter of the Honorable and Mrs. Joseph F. Saporito, Jr. of Jenkins Township, she and her family are members of St. Joseph Marello Parish in Pittston. In her spare time, she enjoys being with family, exercising, and staying active in her community.

Mark Soprano

Mark graduated from Bishop Hoban High School and then furthered his education by graduating from King’s College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.  Has been employed at Catholic Youth Center since 1985, serving as Executive Director since 2010.  Board Member and volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen, Board Member and classroom volunteer for Junior Achievement of NEPA.  Co-owner of Studio Soprano letterpress printing.

Nour Elbattah Wijahat

Nour Elbattah Wijahat is a dedicated professional, community advocate, and proud native of Northeastern Pennsylvania. She holds both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Wilkes University and has spent the past eight years driving business development efforts at Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services.

In 2025, Nour completed the Leadership Northeast Core Program— an experience that deepened her connection to the region and understanding of Coffee Inclusive’s mission. During the program, she became more closely acquainted with several Coffee Inclusive advocates, including Ellie Bartoli, Matthew Krispin, Administrative/Executive Assistant, and Jeff McLaughlin, PA Inclusive Board Member. Through these relationships, Nour developed a deeper appreciation for Coffee Inclusive’s impact and was inspired to support its work.

Nour brings a strong spirit of servant leadership to everything she does. She currently serves on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Pennsylvania— where she is also a Big Sister and co-chair of the annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser— and Northeast Sight Services, an organization that supports individuals who are visually impaired and promotes early detection, education, and inclusion.

She lives in Laflin with her husband, Omar, and their four cats: Amir, Asad, Shami, and Suhail. Outside of work and community involvement, Nour enjoys hot yoga, strength training, reading, discovering new restaurants, and planning her next adventure.

Cade Bekanich

Cade is a Certified Financial Planner and owner of Park Lane Financial Group. A graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Finance, he leads Park Lane in providing financial services tailored to parents of children with disabilities. He is also involved in several nonprofits, including Junior Achievement Young Professionals, which focuses on the professional development of students in the region.

In addition to his work in finance, Cade is the owner of Cade’s Gold and Coins, specializing in the buying and selling of precious metals. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his two Bernese Mountain Dogs, Buffalo Chicken and Bleu Cheese.