Staff
Dr. Roché Vermaak, Ph.D.
Executive Director
I have served as the Executive Director since 2024. I hold a Ph.D., a Master of Theology, a Master of Divinity, a Bachelor’s with Honors in Greek, and a Bachelor’s in Theology, all earned cum laude. A proud Bruin, I also completed my certification in Nonprofit Management at UCLA.
Originally from South Africa, I immigrated to the USA in 2001. I am an avid traveler, having visited 36 countries, and I have a strong passion for sports, particularly rugby and cricket.​​
Liz Pifer
Operations and Volunteer Manager
A lifelong Erie County resident, I studied dance for almost 40 years. I attended university on a dance scholarship at 16 before returning home to begin a career in HR, teaching dance periodically.
​
I love ziplining, white water rafting, and working out. When I'm not active with my family, I'm learning new things. I returned to college and graduated again, after a 25-year break, in 2023 with a concentration in Sociology and Criminal Justice. I also love to read and drink too much coffee!
Miranda Bernhardt
Development Director
Having a heart for the community, my background is in non-profit advancement. I have a bachelor's degree in journalism, with a specialization in public relations. I am the wife of my hard-working husband, Adam, and a mother to three children, ages 14, 17, and 20. I currently homeschool my two youngest. Being out in nature brings me such joy, especially when I'm near the water. I love traveling and experiencing different cultures, both domestically and internationally.
Tom Smith​
Construction Manager ​
I am an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting.
Steve Luke
Construction Supervisor
Dave Sickles​
ReStore Assistant
Board of Directors
Louis Colaizzo​
Board President
Dr. Elisa Konieczko
Board Vice President
I am a second generation American of Italian and Polish descent. I was raised in Erie, PA but lived in several East Coast cities while completing my dissertation and postdoctoral fellowships. I returned to Erie as an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at Gannon University and am now a full Professor of Biology, active in teaching, research, and service.
​
I began volunteering at Habitat when I was a postdoctoral fellow, going on worksite with friends, helping to build simple, decent homes for people in my community. When I returned to Erie, I joined the Greater Erie Area Habitat as a family selection committee member. Currently, I am chair of the family partnership committee and a board member. I enjoy my Habitat activities because it is faith in action.
In my spare time, I like cooking, making jewelry, crocheting, and reading/watching science fiction. I met my husband, Chet LaPrice, at a Gannon University Christmas party. He is the Operations Manager at Gannon University's radio station, WERG 90.5. Together, we like to travel, cross country ski, bike ride, and attend local and national baseball games.
Angela Diver
Board Secretary
I am a Branch Manager/AVP for Marquette Savings Bank with 25 years of banking experience. Mother of two sons, residing in the Erie area for the last 26 years. I am proud to be involved with an organization that makes the dream of home ownership a possibility for those that can’t obtain a traditional bank mortgage. The Habitat program provides, opportunity, education, and support for applicants, guiding them start to finish with the journey to home ownership!
Paul Kuklinski
Board Treasurer
I’m a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a Master’s in Accountancy from Case Western Reserve University, where I also minored in marketing and Mandarin Chinese. Currently, I serve as a Financial Business Partner at Erie Insurance, bringing strategic insight and fiscal expertise to support business growth.
My career began in public accounting, where I spent seven years honing my skills in the nonprofit industry. I’m also a passionate supporter of Habitat for Humanity and its mission to build stronger communities and empower individuals through affordable housing.
Tom NeCastro
Board Member
I’m involved with Habitat because it offers a hand up, not a handout. Through the process, families learn the essential skills of homeownership. Working on the build site not only teaches them how homes are constructed but also gives them the knowledge to handle repairs when issues arise.
Scott Totten
Board Member
I am proud to support Habitat’s mission to help families help themselves to attain a home of their own. Each Habitat Family puts in sweat equity hours to learn the financial and mechanical skills needed to own their own home. Each Family who completes the process starts making mortgage payments with escrow for taxes and insurance, not rent. Pride of realizing the American Dream of home ownership is felt by the Habitat Family and their success motivates me to be a volunteer for Greater Erie Area Habitat for Humanity.