Meet Craig Lukatch
Craig Lukatch, a Hazleton native now residing in Lake Ariel, PA, brings more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit administration and fundraising. Before joining Lacawac Sanctuary, he served as CEO of the Greater Pittston YMCA and as Director of Development at the Wyoming Valley Children’s Association in Forty Fort. A graduate of the University of Scranton with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Theology, Lukatch has dedicated his career to strengthening community organizations. Over his tenure, he has successfully secured more than $15 million in foundation support and capital funding for local nonprofits.
He currently serves on the Boards of Directors for the Rainbow Alliance, Lake Paupac Conservancy and the Newfoundland Rotary. His past board service includes the NEPA chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Hazleton YMCA, Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators and Indraloka Animal Sanctuary.
Lukatch has been with Lacawac Sanctuary for more than 11 years, where he continues to advance its mission of research, education, and preservation.
Meet Beth Norman
Beth grew up in a small town in New Hampshire where interaction with the natural world was a way of life. She has always been interested in science, particularly ecology. She received a B.S. in Biology from Bridgewater College, a small liberal arts school in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. After a short interlude teaching middle and high school science and math classes, she earned a M.S. degree in Biology from James Madison University and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Virginia Tech. Beth has also worked as a post-doctoral researcher for Trent University and Michigan State University.
Beth is an ecosystem ecologist interested in how interactions among organisms influence the structure and functioning of freshwater habitats. Her research investigates how essential elements like nitrogen and carbon are transformed and transported through ecosystems and the role microorganisms, plants, and animals play in these processes. She also studies how these relationships are affected by human activities such as land use change, nutrient loading, and pollution. Beth uses experimental manipulations as well as natural studies in her research, at scales ranging from laboratory microcosms to whole ecosystems.
Meet Sue Cosgrove
Bringing more than 20 years of experience as a middle and high school science teacher in Fredericksburg, VA, Sue Cosgrove has also served as a nature center educator in Fredericksburg and San Jose, CA. She holds a B.S. in Biology from West Chester University, an M.S. in Chemical and Life Sciences from the University of Maryland, and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from the University of Alabama. Originally from Upper Darby, PA, and raised on summers in the Poconos, she recently returned to the region after two decades in Virginia and now lives locally with her husband and two dogs. A trained flutist who still plays for fun, Sue is passionate about hands-on environmental education and connecting learners of all ages to the plants, animals, and geology of the Pocono Mountains.
Meet Casey Arnold
Casey is an avid outdoor enthusiast with a strong passion for the environment. He has been the Director of Facilities for the last two years working on various projects to improve and restore Lacawac. Prior to Lacawac he was a professional free-skier traveling the country skiing for Samuel Adam’s, Ski The East and Peak resort. He was a freestyle skiing coach for a range of kids from beginner to Olympic level athletes. He loves anything that is adrenaline packed and is always seeking out the thrill. He has 10+ years of experience as a carpenter/construction worker. When he is not holding a power tool he is planning his next thrilling adventure mountain biking, rock climbing, or anything exciting outdoors.
Meet Allison McDermott
Allison is a longtime resident of Lake Ariel, PA. In 2024, she graduated from Marywood University with a BFA in Graphic Design. With a strong passion for art and design, Allison takes pride in approaching every project with creativity and care, always finding new ways to bring ideas to life. During her final year of college, she took up photography and has since developed a passion for capturing the beauty of the natural world.
Meet Theresa Black
Before teaching, Theresa worked as an industry professional completing environmental site reviews and hazardous materials inspections. Her interests lie in water resource management. She has been developing 360° video virtual field trips of various watershed features for use in the classroom. She is also researching the use of 360° video to further learning outcomes and will soon be publishing a case study on her classroom experience. Theresa has a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Science from Towson University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lycoming College.
Meet Dana Gilman
Dana Gilman brings over 13 years of hands-on experience in maintenance and property care, working with multi-unit residential properties as both a technician and supervisor. He has a strong background in general maintenance, renovations, landscaping, and problem-solving, and is comfortable tackling everything from apartment turnovers to special projects. Dana is also active in his local community, volunteering with his HOA on building upkeep and trail maintenance, including work on a historic 1920s-era clubhouse. He enjoys working independently or as part of a team and is excited to contribute his skills to Lacawac Sanctuary—a place he and his family have enjoyed spending time together.
Meet Carlos Roca
Experienced Senior Director Finance with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services and other industries including Non for Profit Organizations. Skilled in Analytical Skills, Management, external/internal audit and SOX compliance, Financial Accounting, Systems implementation, Month-end close efficiency improvements and USGAAP/IFRS accounting standards guru. Strong finance professional graduated with MBA from Fordham University – Graduate School of Business Administration. CPA in US (NY/PA) and Spain. Double nationality and proficient in English, Spanish and French.
Meet Rich Arthur
Rich Arthur is an Environmental Educator and Veteran Program Manager at Lacawac Sanctuary, bringing together his passion for outdoor learning and his commitment to supporting the veteran community. An Army veteran, Rich draws on his military experience and his background in environmental science to create trauma-informed, resilience-building programs for veterans and military-connected individuals. Through engaging ecological education and immersive outdoor experiences, he helps participants build confidence, well-being, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Meet the Team!
Diane Tabone
Head Gardener
Meet the Team!
Bela
Senior VP of Treat Distribution
(Owner: Diane Tabone)
Chachi
Senior Nap Strategist
(Owner: Sue Cosgrove)
Halley
Director of Trail Inspections
(Owner: Rich Arthur)
Cooper
Chief Snack Procurement Officer
(Owners: Deb & Dana Gilman)