North East, PA | NAWBO Member Bios

NAWBO Member Biographies

Michelle Bersch is the owner of Design Done Right, a full service graphic design, photography and website design agency. She started the company in 2005 where it has now grown to include a variety of designers who bring a multitude of design and marketing skills to the table. Michelle's primary focus is on customer satisfaction and will walk her clients through each phase of the design process while providing affordable solutions for all their creative needs. In addition to design, she can also assist in developing a marketing/advertising campaign to allow businesses on a budget make each dollar count. Michelle holds a bachelor of fine arts degree from Marywood University and is a member of the Southern Wayne Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and the Wayne County Economic Development Corporation. Michelle was selected as a recipient of the Top 25 Women in Business award for Northeast Pennsylvania and the business was a recipient of the First Liberty Small Business Spotlight Award. Please view designdoneright.com to view her online portfolio. She also is serving as the newsletter chairperson of our local NAWBO chapter.

Jill Boehler is the owner of Tron Wedding and Party Rentals. Tron specializes in fine linens, chair covers, and Chiavari ballroom chair rentals. Jills' eye for detail and customer service has led Tron to be the premier linen rental company of NE Pa. Jill was general manager for American Candle in Tannesville for over 10 years. This experience was very helpful in now managing a company that does over 500 weddings and corporate events each year. She is also a member of the WilkesBarre and Scranton Chambers of Commerce.

Beverly Bright is a woman with eye for detail and a mind bursting with ideas. When looking for the perfect finishing touch, Beverly is the person who provides it. Her impeccable taste defines any special occasion.

In 2004, Beverly started Bright Happenings to help clients actually enjoy their big events instead of endlessly preparing for them. Her organizational skills are a testament to her 25-year tenure in a non-profit environment. Her experience is backed by the professional guidance of the SmallBusiness Development Center at the University of Scranton.

As an event planner, Beverly helps charities raise funds and loved ones celebrate life's special moments. Her contacts in the entertainment industry of Northeast Pennsylvania are some of the region's best. Her profitable side venture entails the marketing of her own developed line of custom occasion baskets and wedding favors.

Beverly is also a member of the Abington Business & Professional Association, the Abington Marketing Alliance, Scranton Women's Organization for Referral Networking & GCG Event Partners.

Patti Brown owner of Dinner is Served! and current President of NAWBO Northeastern Pennsylvania, has worked in the restaurant industry and been cooking for family and friends for over 20 years. Her specialty is Italian cooking with a concentration in heart healthy meals. Chef Patti is a Certified ServSafe Food Safety Manager Presented by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. Chef Patti provides a free consultation to assess your eating habits, likes, dislikes and dietary needs. "Together we will create a healthy and delicious menu for you and your family". Meals will then be prepared according to your specifications, packaged and labeled. All you need to do is heat and enjoy! Patti is aso a recipient of the 2009 Top 25 Women in Business award.

Kathy Casarin was raised in Dickson City and now calls Archbald home with her husband Matthew and three children Claudia, Jack and Lucy. Kathy’s husband Matthew is also a Prudential Preferred Realtor, so between the two you will transcend and not blend in the market.

Kathy’s Real Estate roots run deep through the history of her makeup. Kathy grew up amongst family and friends in the

Architecture, Real Estate Development, Interior Design and Construction professions. Kathy has a Bachelor of Science degree

from The Pennsylvania State University.

Kathy has been a Quality Assurance Manager for a World Class distinguished Customer Service firm for the past 12 years.

It was her love of this area, with its family values and “mom and pop hometown charm” that convinced Kathy to pursue her passion

of Real Estate full-time.

Do you have residential or commercial property that needs to sell or do you require help finding that perfect place? If yes, then put

Kathy to the test! Her welcoming personality and commitment to her clients will be sure to win you over.

Kathy can be reached via

(cell) 570-351-1444, (office) 570-585-1500 x227

or (e-mail) KathyCasarin@yahoo.com.

Orna Clum, owner of Advantage Fire Protection Design, LLC, created the company in July 2003. Advantage is a full service fire protection design firm. We provide fire sprinkler design drawings, hydraulic calculations, design review and project management services for commercial, residential and industrial construction projects. Advantage is WBE Certified.

Joann Cummings, is the owner/operator of Sanderson State Street Salon for 15 years and has been involved in the hair industry for 31 years.

The Salon was voted "Best Salon" of NEPA in 04,05,06 & 07 with Joann receiving "Best Stylist". This past year the staff of Sanderson State Street raised $28,000 for the benefit of the American CancerSociety in memory of Chris Sender. Joann is currently Vice President of NAWBO NEPA. She also sits on the board of the Abington Business Association. Sanderson State Street is an extraordinary, dedicated salon, motivated to providing uniquely superior services by our staff of world class professionals. As a team, we demonstrate respect and support for one another through open communication, trust and loyalty. We create fabulous client experiences that generate success and profits for all!

Lenora Cunningham has over 17 years in the financial services industry. She specializes in helping to develop financial solutions for individuals, families, and retirees. To help implement these solutions, she offers a variety of financial strategies, services, and products including life insurance, annuities, and investments, as well as college, business, estate, and retirement planning, including asset protection from the cost of long term care. What sets Lenora apart from other financial service professionals is the extra time she takes to really listen to her clients, discover their needs, and help provide recommendations for real solutions. Lenora is currently the Treasurer of NAWBO Northeastern Pennsylvnia.

Frann Edley opened Sugarplum in 1995.. Sugarplum began its quest into the world with its tempting chocolate dessert trays. It is a chocoholic's dream, and always makes a great Corporate, Thank You, Happy Birthday, Congratulations, Etc. All of our chocolate is made fresh daily. Gourmet gift baskets can be created for every occasion including baby and bridle showers, Secretarys Day, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Chanukkah, Christmas, and any occasion you wish to celebrate. Most importantly these gift baskets can be made to fit your price range. In addition to catering to corporate needs we can, ina matter of minutes, take care of your holiday list. We also do shower and wedding favors, baby favors, and create items for any theme. We deliver locally and ship worldwide. Check us out on the internet at sugar-plum.com

Lynn S. Evans, CFP™, is the founder and President of Northeastern Financial Consultants, Inc. (NEFCI). Since 1984, she has held the CFP designation, the first in Northeastern PA. Through NEFCI, she is a Registered Investment Adviser, and has been offering fee-only financial life planning advice since 1990. Listed as an honoree of Who’s Who in American Women and Who’s Who in Finance, she was named by the governor of PA as one of the Top 50 Best Women in Business in PA in 2002.

She is a member and a founder of the Women's Resource Center, Inc. of Scranton, PA. and has also served on an allocation panel of the United Way of Greater Lackawanna County and of Luzerne County. She is also a founder and Past-President of the Northeast PA chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners.

Marianne Gilmartin is a shareholder in the 200-lawyer commercial law firm of Stevens & Lee, which has offices in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Delaware. Her practice, based mainly in Scranton, involves litigation of issues in the areas of banking, insurance, construction and complex commercial litigation. She represents colleges and universities, banking institutions, local government, manufacturers, contractors and insurance companies in a wide range of litigation matters. She is board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and is a construction neutral for the American Arbitration Association. Marianne is currently the Public Policy Chairperson for NAWBO Northeastern Pennsylvania and President of Women in Construction.

Ashlyn Gomez In early March, 5 years ago, Ashlyn set out to provide freelance marketing and business communication services to companies in NEPA. Clients throughout the Northeast (from industries including healthcare, hospitality, B2B services, energy, real estate, manufacturing and retail) now rely on Inkwell Business Writing for highly persuasive brochures, website content, PR campaigns, direct mail, fundraising and recruitment material, white papers and articles. For organizations that need additional support, Ashlyn and her staff also create business plans, targeted marketing plans, and other strategic documents.

“Helping companies reach their customers and reach their potential is what motivates us,” says Ashlyn. As part of the major developments on Main Street in Carbondale, Inkwell is establishing an office on the second floor of the Greater Carbondale Chamber building this month. For more information, call 570.561.9463 or visit www.inkwellbusinesswriting.com

Pat Greenfield has been the owner and operator of Grico's Retaurants and catering since 1986. She is an everyday presence at the original Gricos Restaurant in Exeter, offering fine dining in unique private booths and rooms suitable for both business meetings and romantic meals. Pat opened Gricos in Kingston 15 years ago to expand good, fresh food for breakfast and lunch to the southern end of Wyoming Valley. Grico's Catering stages memorable events in both the social and business fields - from weddings and showers, to grand openings and cocktail receptions.

Pat is a member of Diamond City BNI and is Treasurer of the Fox Hill Country Club Ladie's Association. For the last 5 years, Pat has run a golf tournament to benefit St. Joseph's Center in Scranton. Pat also hold memberships in the Wilkes Barre Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and the Pittston Chamber of Commerce.

Susan M Kelly, CPCU

In a career spanning more than 18 years with Knowles Associates, Susan is a licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Agent, specializing in customized insurance programs for large commercial risks in Northeastern PA. Susan has earned the designation of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), the insurance industry's most respected professional recognition, and is a member of the Greater Scranton Insurance Women, National Association of Insurance Women, V.P. of the NE PA Chapter of CPCU's, and serves on the Board of Directors of Dress for Success Lackawanna.

Deana M. Kilmer, RN is the founder and president of DMK Medical Legal Consulting, LLC. Her 11+ years of civilian and military nursing experience gives her the edge to save attorneys and insurance company’s time and money. She has experience in critical care, medical-surgical, flight/trauma, home health, and with preparation of Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health surveys.

She serves in the United States Air Force Reserves as a Flight Nurse providing in-flight care to injured patients over the last 10 years. She served during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Deana is actively involved with the professional nursing organizations, the American Nurses Association, Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, National Alliance of Certified Legal Nurse Consultants, and American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants.

Deana provides case analysis support to attorney's and claims adjusters utilizing her current nursing experience and knowledge. She is an experienced case manager in the home health setting, and medical casemanager to patients suffering from worker’s compensation and catastrophic-related injuries.