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Staff

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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.​​

Ryan Heisler

ReStore Manager

I am a veteran of the United States Army. I play basketball and love my large family and many pets.

Tom Smith​

Construction Manager​

I am an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting. 

Steve Luke

Construction Supervisor

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Miranda Bernhardt

Donations Coordinator

Dave Sickles​

ReStore Assistant

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. 

Board of Directors

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Tom NeCastro

Board Chair

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.

Louis Colaizzo​

Board President

Scott Totten

Board Vice President

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.

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Angela Diver

Board Member

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!

Jim Haas

Secretary

I’m a retired Presbyterian pastor, and I volunteer with Habitat for Humanity because I believe it changes lives and helps build God’s kingdom. I also enjoy the opportunity to keep learning through the work we do.

Dr. Elisa Konieczko

Board Member

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.

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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.

Habitat for Humanity Erie
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4922 Pittsburgh Ave,
Erie, PA 16509 
Phone: (814) 454-7025
ReStore: (814) 464-8946

 

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Greater Erie Area Habitat for Humanity is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards. We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of our site. Please email info@habitaterie.org if you encounter disability barriers on habitaterie.org.

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This distinction is the highest level of recognition offered by Candid (formerly GuideStar) and is awarded only to the most trusted and accountable nonprofit organizations.

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