Sonia Pitzi - ECYEH Coordinator

Sonia has worked with students experiencing homelessness for close to 20 years, eliminating educational barriers through partnerships and coordination with school districts, shelters and other community agencies. She is responsible for providing training and technical assistance to all educational entities in ECYEH Region 3, which spans eight counties in southcentral Pennsylvania (Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, and York). In order to reach the non-sheltered homeless population, and the population of unaccompanied homeless youth, she coordinates a summer outreach and camp program that provides much needed services for this population. Sonia obtained her bachelors degree in Outdoor Education (Special Populations) from Northland College in WI and is also certified as an Olweus Bullying Prevention Trainer.

CONTACT Information:  slpitzi@iu12.org

Kara Vojcesik 

Kara Vojcsk has been a school social worker for over ten years. She is also a licensed therapist in a private practice setting. Kara has the strong belief that everyone is on a journey and is working through their own life path to become their happiest and healthiest self. It has always been a passion of hers to help others develop the skills to allow their own light to shine. Kara is passionate about youth mental health and has made it her mission to help others feel supported and access their own resources no matter the circumstances. With courage and compassion, Kara strongly believes we are all worthy of living a wholehearted life.

CONTACT Information: vojcsikk@sesd.k12.pa.us

Mental illness affects 1 out of every 4 persons. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death nationally and over 2,030 Pennsylvanians died by suicide in 2018.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or is considering suicide, help is available. Reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting PA to 741-741.

Cindy Richards - President and    Co-Founder of Suicide Prevention of York 

Since 2007, Cindy has been working with the community to empower our community to provide suicide prevention, intervention & response to suicide attempts & completions, in order to reduce the number of suicide deaths.

With great compassion and empathy, every element of the organization seeks to reduce the rate and eliminate the sigma by increasing survivor support. Survivor support for the individual as well as the families and friends whose lives are touched by suicide. 

CONTACT Information: suicidepreventionofyork@gmail.com

Dr. George E. Fitch, Jr. , Supervisor of Student Services, The School District of the City of York

Dr. George E. Fitch, Jr. is a graduate in Educational Leadership from Shippensburg/Millersville University, graduate of Howard University, holds a Superintendent Letter of Eligibility, and certification in Administration (K-12). Dr. Fitch taught in D.C. and P.G. County public schools. Dr. Fitch then moved to his hometown of Pittsburgh Pa. and became a founding teacher of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School. Dr. Fitch obtained two Master's Degrees and became the founding principal of Propel Schools - Homestead. Dr. Fitch moved to York, PA to serve as the Principal/ CEO of the only conversion charter school in Pa., Lincoln Charter School. Dr. Fitch then worked as an Assistant Principal at William Penn Senior High School in The School District of the City of York. Dr. Fitch worked as an Assistant Principal in the Cornerstone Tier III District program, Bearcat Cyber Academy and Saturday School program. Dr. Fitch currently is Supervisor of Student Services for the School District of The City of York. He also is the Pandemic Coordinator and Athletic Director

CONTACT Information: fitchgeo@ycs.k12.pa.us