Angela Linse
Angela is the Executive Director and Associate Dean of the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence at Penn State. The mission of the Schreyer Institute is to advance and inspire excellence in Penn State’s teaching and learning community. She has written and presented widely on enhancing teaching and learning, diversity, and assessment. Dr. Linse has also been successful obtaining funding from government organizations and private foundations for grants and projects focused on integrating teaching and research. Dr. Linse received her Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Washington based on years of archaeological projects in the American Southwest. She was born and raised in the Seattle area and has family in the Pacific Northwest. She brings a variety of leadership and administrative skills to her service on the House of Care Board. More importantly, she brings a commitment to providing critical health care and social support with compassion and dignity to those in need.
Angela is the Executive Director and Associate Dean of the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence at Penn State. The mission of the Schreyer Institute is to advance and inspire excellence in Penn State’s teaching and learning community. She has written and presented widely on enhancing teaching and learning, diversity, and assessment. Dr. Linse has also been successful obtaining funding from government organizations and private foundations for grants and projects focused on integrating teaching and research. Dr. Linse received her Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Washington based on years of archaeological projects in the American Southwest. She was born and raised in the Seattle area and has family in the Pacific Northwest. She brings a variety of leadership and administrative skills to her service on the House of Care Board. More importantly, she brings a commitment to providing critical health care and social support with compassion and dignity to those in need.
Miriam Powell, President of the Board of Directors
Miriam Powell lives in the State College area and is currently in her 4th year as Executive Director of Pink Zone. She and her family moved to this area from Hershey six years ago. Prior to moving here, Miriam was a high school social studies teacher and a girls’ basketball, cross country, and track and field coach in the Mechanicsburg Area School District. In her new role as the director of Pink Zone, she is passionate about making a difference in her community and uniting others in the fight against breast cancer. Continuing the growth and scope of Pink Zone remains a top priority for her professionally. She still maintains a love of athletics and volunteers as an assistant track coach for St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy in Boalsburg. Her husband Jim Powell is a pediatric hematologist/oncologist with Mount Nittany Physician Group. Together they have 2 boys.
Miriam Powell lives in the State College area and is currently in her 4th year as Executive Director of Pink Zone. She and her family moved to this area from Hershey six years ago. Prior to moving here, Miriam was a high school social studies teacher and a girls’ basketball, cross country, and track and field coach in the Mechanicsburg Area School District. In her new role as the director of Pink Zone, she is passionate about making a difference in her community and uniting others in the fight against breast cancer. Continuing the growth and scope of Pink Zone remains a top priority for her professionally. She still maintains a love of athletics and volunteers as an assistant track coach for St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy in Boalsburg. Her husband Jim Powell is a pediatric hematologist/oncologist with Mount Nittany Physician Group. Together they have 2 boys.
Peter Miraldi, Secretary
Dr. Peter Miraldi is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Communication Arts and Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University. He teaches Effective Speech for engineering students and students with severe speech anxiety. Dr. Miraldi has served as Director of Undergraduate Studies, Internship Coordinator, and Faculty Advisor of the CAS Club. He consults organizations such as The Jana Marie Foundation, TEDxPSU, and Executive Programs in The Smeal College of Business on how to deliver effective presentations. He and his wife, along with two daughters, reside in State College.
Dr. Peter Miraldi is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Communication Arts and Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University. He teaches Effective Speech for engineering students and students with severe speech anxiety. Dr. Miraldi has served as Director of Undergraduate Studies, Internship Coordinator, and Faculty Advisor of the CAS Club. He consults organizations such as The Jana Marie Foundation, TEDxPSU, and Executive Programs in The Smeal College of Business on how to deliver effective presentations. He and his wife, along with two daughters, reside in State College.
Steve Harp
Steve has been a resident of Centre County since December of 1987. He is employed by Penn State Applied Research Laboratory as an electrical engineer. Steve is married with two adult children. He attends the University Baptist and Brethren Church. Steve has a long history of community and volunteer involvement with Tussey Mountain Ski Patrol, boys and girls youth sports, church activities, and service on the Camp Blue Diamond board of directors. Steve enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, motorcycle riding, sitting by the campfire, and helping and receiving help from friends. His experiences and traits include having been above the Arctic Circle, a native New Mexican, and met his wife in Idaho Falls while serving in the United States Navy.
Steve has been a resident of Centre County since December of 1987. He is employed by Penn State Applied Research Laboratory as an electrical engineer. Steve is married with two adult children. He attends the University Baptist and Brethren Church. Steve has a long history of community and volunteer involvement with Tussey Mountain Ski Patrol, boys and girls youth sports, church activities, and service on the Camp Blue Diamond board of directors. Steve enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, motorcycle riding, sitting by the campfire, and helping and receiving help from friends. His experiences and traits include having been above the Arctic Circle, a native New Mexican, and met his wife in Idaho Falls while serving in the United States Navy.
Susan Knell, Treasurer
Susan currently serves as the Director for Penn State’s Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network. Prior to her current position, she worked in the Science Career & International Education Office in Penn State’s Eberly College of Science from 1995 until 2011, serving as the Director from 1998 until 2011. In her professional roles at the university, Susan is committed to helping students to develop their skills and explore the wide range of career opportunities available to them. She enjoys helping students to make connections with alumni and employers and finds it gratifying to introduce people for mutual benefit. Before joining the University in 1995, Susan worked for Nittany Geoscience, Inc., a small environmental consulting firm in State College, where she managed their accounts payable, edited reports, served as receptionist, and did whatever else anyone needed her to do! Susan earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Penn State along with a minor in Business and the Liberal Arts, to assure her family that she would have some marketable skills. She also earned her Master of Education in Counselor Education from Penn State with a focus on working with college students. She and her husband, Jeff Deitrich, live in State College.
Susan currently serves as the Director for Penn State’s Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network. Prior to her current position, she worked in the Science Career & International Education Office in Penn State’s Eberly College of Science from 1995 until 2011, serving as the Director from 1998 until 2011. In her professional roles at the university, Susan is committed to helping students to develop their skills and explore the wide range of career opportunities available to them. She enjoys helping students to make connections with alumni and employers and finds it gratifying to introduce people for mutual benefit. Before joining the University in 1995, Susan worked for Nittany Geoscience, Inc., a small environmental consulting firm in State College, where she managed their accounts payable, edited reports, served as receptionist, and did whatever else anyone needed her to do! Susan earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Penn State along with a minor in Business and the Liberal Arts, to assure her family that she would have some marketable skills. She also earned her Master of Education in Counselor Education from Penn State with a focus on working with college students. She and her husband, Jeff Deitrich, live in State College.
Alex Rotelli, Penn State Student Liaison to the Board
THANK YOU ALEX FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A STUDENT LIAISON THESE PAST TWO YEARS. YOUR WORK WITH OUR FOOD TRUCK PROGRAM WAS GROUND BREAKING! WISHING YOU ALL THE VERY BEST IN YOUR NEXT ENDEAVORS!! (Alex graduated from our board in March 2020.)
I first heard about the House of Care through our Alpha Kappa Psi representative, Athena Pyros. In hearing about some of the amazing things that the organization does for the State College community, I immediately knew that I wanted to be part of the team and be able to give back to such a worthy cause. Throughout my life, I have always championed philanthropy. During high school, I founded a chapter of an organization called Bringing Hope Home. The organization’s purpose is to raise money for cancer research as well as cancer treatment. Within my role as the leader and facilitator of the chapter, I was responsible for organizing events, thinking of creative solutions, and delegating tasks. My primary responsibility was fundraising. I chose to host unique fundraisers such as a 5 v 5 basketball tournament, car wash, 5k run, bake sales, restaurant fundraisers, and merchandise sales. Within one year, my team was able to raise over $2500 for the organization. I was also able to leave the chapter as a legacy at my high school and every year the total fundraising amounts continue to increase. This philanthropic initiative is just one of the examples of community involvement that I have been a part of throughout my life. THANK YOU ALEX FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A STUDENT LIAISON. YOUR WORK WITH OUR FOOD TRUCK PROGRAM WAS GROUND BREAKING! WISHING YOU ALL THE VERY BEST IN YOUR NEXT ENDEAVORS!!
THANK YOU ALEX FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A STUDENT LIAISON THESE PAST TWO YEARS. YOUR WORK WITH OUR FOOD TRUCK PROGRAM WAS GROUND BREAKING! WISHING YOU ALL THE VERY BEST IN YOUR NEXT ENDEAVORS!! (Alex graduated from our board in March 2020.)
I first heard about the House of Care through our Alpha Kappa Psi representative, Athena Pyros. In hearing about some of the amazing things that the organization does for the State College community, I immediately knew that I wanted to be part of the team and be able to give back to such a worthy cause. Throughout my life, I have always championed philanthropy. During high school, I founded a chapter of an organization called Bringing Hope Home. The organization’s purpose is to raise money for cancer research as well as cancer treatment. Within my role as the leader and facilitator of the chapter, I was responsible for organizing events, thinking of creative solutions, and delegating tasks. My primary responsibility was fundraising. I chose to host unique fundraisers such as a 5 v 5 basketball tournament, car wash, 5k run, bake sales, restaurant fundraisers, and merchandise sales. Within one year, my team was able to raise over $2500 for the organization. I was also able to leave the chapter as a legacy at my high school and every year the total fundraising amounts continue to increase. This philanthropic initiative is just one of the examples of community involvement that I have been a part of throughout my life. THANK YOU ALEX FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A STUDENT LIAISON. YOUR WORK WITH OUR FOOD TRUCK PROGRAM WAS GROUND BREAKING! WISHING YOU ALL THE VERY BEST IN YOUR NEXT ENDEAVORS!!
Maggie Ellis
I feel a very strong calling towards social justice. I have always been drawn towards work that focuses on bringing equality and justice and inclusion to everyone. Specifically, I have long felt drawn toward healthcare, environmental protection and gun violence prevention. I feel that I am able to answer the call to improving the health of our community every day in my work as a PA in pediatrics. I love interacting with families, working together to strengthen the health and well being of the children and parents. It is a joy to be part of their lives. I was part of an amazing group of women who started a Moms Demand Action chapter in the Centre Region, 1 year ago. We have worked hard these past 13 months, making repeated trips to Harrisburg and successfully passing a domestic violence protection bill last fall. We are now working on an Extreme Risk Protection Order bill in PA and we continue to build relationships in the community. I love being around people who share my passion for ending gun violence and who are willing to have the difficult conversations in order to bring about change. I feel that the House of Care is a wonderful organization that serves an essential role for people in our community. I am honored to be a part of the board, serving that mission.
I feel a very strong calling towards social justice. I have always been drawn towards work that focuses on bringing equality and justice and inclusion to everyone. Specifically, I have long felt drawn toward healthcare, environmental protection and gun violence prevention. I feel that I am able to answer the call to improving the health of our community every day in my work as a PA in pediatrics. I love interacting with families, working together to strengthen the health and well being of the children and parents. It is a joy to be part of their lives. I was part of an amazing group of women who started a Moms Demand Action chapter in the Centre Region, 1 year ago. We have worked hard these past 13 months, making repeated trips to Harrisburg and successfully passing a domestic violence protection bill last fall. We are now working on an Extreme Risk Protection Order bill in PA and we continue to build relationships in the community. I love being around people who share my passion for ending gun violence and who are willing to have the difficult conversations in order to bring about change. I feel that the House of Care is a wonderful organization that serves an essential role for people in our community. I am honored to be a part of the board, serving that mission.
Evelyn Bellinger
What I find most rewarding about being a Nurse Practitioner in Palliative Care is being able to provide compassionate care and promote quality of life for individuals while focusing on their individualized goal related to their plan of care. I was initially drawn to the House of Care by the linear vision I personally hold with providing optimal care and dignity to those most vulnerable in our community. I currently hold a position within the Mount Nittany Health System as a CRNP on the inpatient Palliative Care Team. Additionally, I hold a casual position as a CRNP with AseraCare Hospice. Prior experience includes working in the medical intensive care unit at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center as an RN and also as a traveling RN in a variety of states. Additionally, I have experience working in altitude and travel medicine, arranging international medical evacuations. I also has experience working as a faculty member within the College of Nursing at The Pennsylvania State University. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from The Pennsylvania State University in 2006, and my Master of Science in Nursing/Health Care Systems Management Degree from Loyola University in 2009, where I completed an internship at Hospice of Lancaster. I attended Thomas Jefferson University focusing on a post-master’s certificate which was completed in 2012. I became certified as a CRNP (Nurse Practitioner) by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. I am a member of the mid-state chapter of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners. Additional passions I have include my family, minimalism, and planning the next adventure with my husband, Ross and our twin 5 year old daughters. “No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted” - Aesop
What I find most rewarding about being a Nurse Practitioner in Palliative Care is being able to provide compassionate care and promote quality of life for individuals while focusing on their individualized goal related to their plan of care. I was initially drawn to the House of Care by the linear vision I personally hold with providing optimal care and dignity to those most vulnerable in our community. I currently hold a position within the Mount Nittany Health System as a CRNP on the inpatient Palliative Care Team. Additionally, I hold a casual position as a CRNP with AseraCare Hospice. Prior experience includes working in the medical intensive care unit at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center as an RN and also as a traveling RN in a variety of states. Additionally, I have experience working in altitude and travel medicine, arranging international medical evacuations. I also has experience working as a faculty member within the College of Nursing at The Pennsylvania State University. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from The Pennsylvania State University in 2006, and my Master of Science in Nursing/Health Care Systems Management Degree from Loyola University in 2009, where I completed an internship at Hospice of Lancaster. I attended Thomas Jefferson University focusing on a post-master’s certificate which was completed in 2012. I became certified as a CRNP (Nurse Practitioner) by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. I am a member of the mid-state chapter of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners. Additional passions I have include my family, minimalism, and planning the next adventure with my husband, Ross and our twin 5 year old daughters. “No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted” - Aesop
Phil Jones, Executive Director and Administrator
Phil is the Administrator and Executive Director of the House of Care as of October 1, 2014. He has close ties to the HoC as he also served in 2010 and 2011 as administrator and director during a transitional time in its history. He comes to the House of Care with a broad range of ministry, non-profit, and community involvement experiences. Phil is currently the Mission Associate at the State College Presbyterian Church. Previously he was founding director of the area Church World Service Refugee Resettlement Program. Phil has served congregations in Florida, Virginia, Illinois, and North Carolina as minister, and has experience as a prison chaplain. He served the Church of the Brethren for six years in Washington, DC, as national staff on public policy and peace and justice education and witness. Phil has been involved in community organizing and nonviolence training throughout his career. He holds an undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University and a Master of Divinity degree from Bethany Theological Seminary, Oak Brook, IL, with a Peace Studies Emphasis. Phil lives with his wife, Jill Loomis, in Boalsburg, PA.
Phil is the Administrator and Executive Director of the House of Care as of October 1, 2014. He has close ties to the HoC as he also served in 2010 and 2011 as administrator and director during a transitional time in its history. He comes to the House of Care with a broad range of ministry, non-profit, and community involvement experiences. Phil is currently the Mission Associate at the State College Presbyterian Church. Previously he was founding director of the area Church World Service Refugee Resettlement Program. Phil has served congregations in Florida, Virginia, Illinois, and North Carolina as minister, and has experience as a prison chaplain. He served the Church of the Brethren for six years in Washington, DC, as national staff on public policy and peace and justice education and witness. Phil has been involved in community organizing and nonviolence training throughout his career. He holds an undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University and a Master of Divinity degree from Bethany Theological Seminary, Oak Brook, IL, with a Peace Studies Emphasis. Phil lives with his wife, Jill Loomis, in Boalsburg, PA.
Michael Chan, PSU Student Liaison - Michael is from West Chester, PA, currently a junior at Pennsylvania State University studying Computer Science and Economics. Michael developed a passion for technology and computers at a very young age, and is studying Computer Science with the goal to make technological innovations to improve the lives of everyday consumers. He is also studying economics because of strong interest in behavioral economics and decision-making. Michael is a member of the Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity, and is involved with various other organizations on campus. During his free time, he loves hanging out with friends, going downtown for food, and climbing at the Penn State rock wall. In high school, Michael worked closely with the local organization Friends Association for Care and Protection of Children doing administrative work and other various tasks. During his final year volunteering for the organization, he was tasked with managing both a back-to-school backpack drive as well as maintenance projects at the nearby shelter. He hopes to be able to contribute these experiences and skills to better the House of Care.
