About Us
Our educators imagine the possibilities. We help make them a reality.
For more than #### years, with the support from the greater Wyalusing community, the Wyalusing Area Education Foundation has helped enrich the curriculum and fund innovative learning opportunities for students in the Wyalusing Area School District.
Located in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, the district serves students in grades K-12. We are proud of our strategic partnership with the District and are committed to making a positive impact on our students' educational experiences.
The Wyalusing Area Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, earned a 2025 Gold Seal of Transparency by GuideStar.
Our Mission
The mission of the Wyalusing Area Education Foundation is to provide additional funding and support to the Wyalusing Area School District to enrich, maintain, and expand innovative educational opportunities. Through a variety of programs, we advance the district’s mission of equipping students with the skills essential for personal growth, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning.
Our team
The Wyalusing Area Education Foundation is led by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors and an Executive Director who work together to advance the Foundation’s mission. Our team brings diverse experience, community insight, and a shared commitment to enriching educational opportunities for all students in the Wyalusing Area School District.
The Board provides strategic direction, governance, and oversight, while the Executive Director manages daily operations and partnerships to ensure the Foundation’s programs make a meaningful impact.
Dr. Alexis N. Muench, DBA
President
Alexis Muench, a Wyalusing Valley High School graduate, serves as President of the Wyalusing Area Education Foundation. She is President & CEO of Mutual Capital Services, Inc. Alexis resides in Laceyville with her husband and children.
Dr. Deana Patson, EdD
Vice President
A 1993 Wyalusing Valley High School alumna, Dr. Deana Patson teaches at the Wyalusing Area School District and serves on the Foundation board. She resides in Dushore and is passionate about supporting local students and education initiatives.
Kelly White
Treasurer
Kelly White, a 1995 Wyalusing Valley High School graduate, is Director of Lackawanna College’s Towanda satellite center and represents Region 2 on the Wyalusing Area School District Board. Kelly resides in Wyalusing with her husband, Nathan, and daughters, Katherine and Sophie.
Warren Howeler
Secretary
Warren Howeler is the Managing Editor of the Rocket-Courier and serves as President/Secretary of the Wyalusing Chamber Council. He resides in Dushore with his wife, Lisa Robinson, a 1996 Wyalusing Valley High School graduate, and their two children, Jonathan and Grace.
Jennifer Newton
Jennifer Newton has served on the Foundation board since 2016. She is the Taylor Family Office Manager and Executive Director of the Kenneth & Caroline Taylor Family Foundation. Jennifer resides in Wyalusing with her husband, Ralph, and their two daughters, Ashlee and Priscilla. She is actively involved in community and school activities.
Richard Robinson
Job title or function
Richard Robinson is retired from the Sullivan County School District after 36.5 years as a learning support teacher, elementary teacher, and Elementary Principal/Supervisor. He holds a BS from Mansfield University, multiple graduate degrees, and an MBA from the University of Scranton, and an Honorary Doctorate. Richard represents Region 1 on the Wyalusing School District Board of Directors and resides in Albany Township.
Liz Vanderpool
Job title or function
A 1999 Wyalusing Valley High School graduate, Liz Vanderpool is a Science teacher at WVHS. She resides in Wyalusing with her husband and three children and enjoys coaching volleyball, strength training, outdoor activities, and attending sporting events.
Tony Belcher Jr.
Job title or function
Tony Belcher Jr., a 2011 Wyalusing Valley High School graduate, works at Bob Johnson Flagstone Inc. and owns The Blind Guys Plus LLC. He resides in Wyalusing with his wife, Maria, and daughter, Olivia.
Kelly Wurzler, Pharm.D.
Job title or function
Kelly Wurzler is a Guthrie preceptor specializing in Ambulatory Infusion, Ambulatory Hematology/Oncology, Inpatient Hematology/Oncology, and Palliative Care. Kelly resides in Wyalusing with her family.
Gabe Sheldon
Job title or function
Gabe Sheldon, a 1998 Wyalusing Valley High School graduate, co-owns Sheldon Funeral Homes. He resides in Laceyville with his wife, Carly, and their three children.
Natalie Smith
Executive Director
Natalie Smith, a 2010 Wyalusing Valley High School graduate, earned an Associate in Business from Liberty University. She works in Corporate Purchasing at Guthrie and will begin serving as Executive Director of the Wyalusing Area Education Foundation in August 2025. She resides in Albany Township with her husband, Justin, and their two daughters.