Career Symposium

We were pleased to kick off Catholic Schools Week with our Career Symposium. It was a huge success! Thank you to the 51 professionals who volunteered their time to speak to our students. We had speakers from various fields, such as aviation, finance, technology, engineering, performing arts, marketing, nursing, medicine, law, and more. Read the bios below to learn about our 2024 professionals.

“Seeing today’s students, there is no question that the school’s Christ-centered curriculum is preparing well-rounded young men and women in mind, body, and soul. There is no question that Seton LaSalle prepared me for my vocation as an architect.”

-Will Seath, SLS class of ’02, graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a BSBA (Political Science), a master’s degree in architecture, and a master’s degree in architectural design and Urbanism

MEET THE PROFESSIONALS

Construction Mechanic Second Class Petty Officer John Borra

United States Navy

Petty Officer Borra is the Navy representative for Seton LaSalle High School. He has been serving in the US Navy for 13 years. During his Naval career, he completed his Associate's and Bachelor's degrees in Computer Science from the University of Maryland Global Campus. During his 13 years, he has deployed 3 times, lived in Italy for 4 years, and Germany for 2.5 years. He is now responsible for processing all active and reserve component enlisted Navy applicants and NROTC Scholarship applications for the South Hills district of Pittsburgh.

Bridget Bowes, SLS ‘03

Performing Artist

Bridget Bowes spent the past 15 years working in the entertainment and media industry. Beginning her career with The Walt Disney Company, she performed for several years at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts bringing to life beloved characters such as Cinderella, Snow White, and Mary Poppins, before transitioning to a career in communications. Eventually trading in Cinderella’s Castle for Hogwarts, she moved to NBCUniversal first working at Universal Studios Hollywood and eventually working on the global launch of their streaming service, Peacock. Leveraging this experience, Bridget now leads her own boutique agency, working with organizations and nonprofits to develop a cohesive communications and social media strategy to aid their long-term business growth. Bridget was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Georgetown University; a certificate in Digital Media and Marketing from Duke University; and a Master’s of Business Administration from Temple University. She graduated from Seton LaSalle High School in 2003.

Bill Caye, SLS ‘86

Lawyer

Bill Caye, Member "of counsel" at OGC Law, has 30 years of intense courtroom advocacy and trial experience in good standing. Bill is a Senior Assistant District Attorney in Mercer County, PA, and he was a former Senior Deputy Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Past Chief Deputy District Attorney, and he had been a prior Assistant District Attorney and Judicial Law Clerk, in Allegheny County. He is a graduate of the Duquesne University School of Law and a proud SLS Class of 1986 Alum. Bill focuses his active practice of law on addressing a variety of commercial related disputes, municipal, or land use controversies, and contentious business dealings, construction issues, as well as white collar, government regulatory, and professional law enforcement investigations, and parallel litigation. Bill devotes significant time volunteering in Southwestern Pennsylvania mentoring young students and professionals in areas of career development and serving in leadership roles on the Executive Board for the PA Sports Hall of Fame as Senior Regional Vice President, and Senior Advisor at Brookline Teen Outreach.

Tracy Dabkowski, RPh

Pharmacist

Tracy Dabkowski is a graduate of Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. She is a Registered Pharmacist and works as a community retail pharmacist for Giant Eagle. With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to changing the lives of patients for the better, Tracy has worked in the community setting for over 30 years.

Staff Sergeant Taariq Darrabie

United States Marine Corps

SSgt Darrabie is a Legal Services Specialist (Paralegal) with the United States Marine Corps. He attended The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College, where he earned an Associate's Degree in Culinary Arts. He has many significant career achievements, including:
Meritorious promotion to rank of Corporal
Martial Arts Instructor and Combat Conditioning Specialist
Top Performer Navy Region Mid-Atlantic 2016
Western Region Trial Services Paralegal of the Year 2019.

Dr. Michael DeMasi

Chiropractor

Dr. Mike is a board-certified Chiropractic Physician serving Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas for over 20 years. He graduated from Central Catholic in 1990, then earned both his undergraduate degree and Doctorate of Chiropractic from Life University in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Mike recently earned Diplomate status in Neurology from the Carrick Institute in 2020, along with Fellowship in Traumatic Brain Injury. He is the practicing Clinic Director at DeMasi Wellness in Fox Chapel.

Brian Dieckmann, SLS ‘95

Financial Advisor

Brian Dieckmann began his investment industry career in 2000 at Merrill Lynch and then joined Stifel in 2012 as a First Vice President/Investments. He is currently a Senior Vice President/Investments and Portfolio Manager for the Solutions Program. Brian earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Duquesne University with a major in Finance. He currently holds Series 7 and 66 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities). In addition, Brian has earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ designation. His team at Stifel was recently included in the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management teams. Brian is a proud Rebel Alum from the Class of 1995.

Heather Dieckmann, SLS ‘00

Mortgage Loan Manager

Heather Dieckmann is the Mortgage Department Manager at SSB Bank and has been working there since January 2017. Heather oversees consumer loan origination and servicing for SSB Bank, along with overseeing the residential mortgage team. She has been originating mortgages for 20 years after earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Duquesne University in 2004. Heather is a graduate of the 2023 Entrepreneurial Fellows Class through the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence at the University of Pittsburgh and a Rebel Alum from the SLS Class of 2000. She currently serves on the Executive Board and Board of Directors of the Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh (BAMP), President and Executive Board member of Professional Women in Building (PWB) of Pittsburgh, Regional Legislative Officer for Pennsylvania Builders Association (PBA), Board of Directors of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Southwest PA (MBA), Board of Directors of Every Child Inc., Board of Directors at Seton LaSalle Catholic High School, and member of the Rotary Club of Bethel-St. Clair.

Jon Dieckmann, SLS ‘03

Financial Planner
Jon Dieckmann earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Duquesne University and holds Series 6, 7, 63, and 66 securities licenses, as well as life, health, and variable insurance licenses (including annuities). He began his career in 2010 at PNC Bank, where he wore two hats – one on the banking side and one on the investments side. At PNC, he discovered his passion for working with people and investments. Realizing that a full-service wealth management firm would allow him to better serve clients, he joined Morgan Stanley in 2013. At Morgan Stanley, Jon partnered with his father, Herman, to form the Dieckmann Group. Jon became a Senior Portfolio Manager, where he worked with clients who chose advisory services to create discretionary portfolios that aligned with each client’s specific needs. Jon joined Stifel in 2022 to create a family wealth management team, Dieckmann Wealth Management Group, made up of his father, Herman, and his brother, Brian. Jon is the First Vice President/Investments and Portfolio Manager – Solutions Program. Jon is a proud Rebel Alum from the class of 2003.

Jon Doctorick, SLS ‘01

STEM Careers

Jon Doctorick graduated from Duquesne University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and English Literature, then earned his Master of Science in Education from Duquesne University, with a focus on secondary language arts education. For the past 16 years, John has worked with Carnegie Science Center in various roles, beginning as a part-time presenter and leading up to his present role as Director of STEM Outreach. John oversees operations of both Science on the Road and Fab Lab, the CSC’s in-house and traveling makerspaces. John graduated from Seton LaSalle in 2001 and he credits Mr. Schwille for introducing him to the wonderful world of biology in a way that influenced how he develops and delivers educational and entertaining science content.

Jennifer Little-Fleck, Founder and CEO of BrainCelling, Inc.

Medical Writing

Jennifer, a University of Pittsburgh graduate with a degree in Molecular Biology, began her exciting journey in Transplant Research at the renowned Thomas E. Starzl Transplant Institute. There, she made a significant impact through her research in immune cell modulation and contributed to a host of scientific publications before going to work in the public sector. Curiosity about how we learn led Jennifer to study with Dr. Kieran O’Mahony, a respected figure in cognitive learning neuroscience, uniquely positioning her as one of the few medical writers in the world with both instructional design skills and a certification in brain-centric Design. Jennifer’s diverse talents have been key in developing and implementing educational programs in the pharmaceutical and health and wellness fields. Her focus on disease state and brain-based communication skills highlights her knack for merging scientific knowledge with innovative educational strategies.

TPR. Rocco S. Gagliardi, SLS ‘13

State Police Trooper

With a strong sense of duty, Rocco proudly served as a Trooper in the Pennsylvania State Police, undergoing rigorous training to enforce the law and maintain public order. Transitioning into the role of Public Information Officer, he has become the vital link between the police force and the public, ensuring timely and accurate communication during critical incidents. His commitment to transparent communication is reflected in crafting press releases, conducting media briefings, and actively engaging with the community. Through outreach programs and educational initiatives, Rocco aims to build trust and enhance overall public safety. Commended for his dedication and exemplary service, his journey as both a Trooper and Public Information Officer embodies a commitment to justice, integrity, and community partnership. Rocco graduated from Seton LaSalle in 2013 and attended the Police Academy.

John Gargani, SLS ‘82

Chemical Engineer

John Gargani received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering with Petroleum Specialization from the University of Pittsburgh in 1986 and has over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. He is a 1982 graduate of Seton LaSalle and currently serves as the school’s Board Chair. Prior to retiring in 2017, John held various Vice President positions at Southwestern Energy Company in Houston, Texas including Economic Planning & Acquisitions; Midstream Services; Human Resources; and Strategy, Performance & Innovation as well as other management roles within the Company. Before joining Southwestern Energy in 1993, John held various engineering positions with Conoco Inc. in its Midland, Texas office. John serves on a number of non-profit Boards including serving on the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering Board of Visitors. He was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award for the Chemical Engineering Department in 2022.

Randy Gore

Sports Broadcasting

Randy Gore is the webmaster for the North Allegheny Athletics website and “The Voice” of the North Allegheny Tigers, broadcasting an array of sporting events for NA since the fall of 2010. Gore is a broadcast veteran, who has spent over 12 years broadcasting minor league baseball for the West Virginia Black Bears (Pittsburgh Pirates Class A Short-Season Affiliate) and the Washington Wild Things. Annually, Gore is a member of the broadcast crew for the Pony League World Series on WJPA Radio in Washington, PA and Gore also spent 7 seasons as “The Voice” of Saint Vincent College football on WCNS Radio in Latrobe, PA. While with the Wild Things, Gore was twice named the Frontier League’s Broadcaster of the Year and was also recognized by the minor league circuit with the Commissioner’s Award of Excellence. Gore has been recognized with 12 Pennsylvania Associated Press Broadcasters Association awards. He is the owner of the PAC Sports Network, which video streams athletics in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference. The PAC Sports Network also broadcasts Carnegie Mellon University athletics, one of the top NCAA Division III programs in the nation. Gore is a proud alumnus of McKeesport High School and Waynesburg University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Communications with a concentration in Sports Broadcasting.

Dr. Jake Grefenstette, SLS '12

International Poetry Forum

Dr. Jake Grefenstette is President and Executive Director of the International Poetry Forum. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, a Master of Arts from the University of Chicago, and a Master of Philosophy from Peking University in Beijing. He completed undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame and the University of Oxford. A scholar of Romantic literature and theology, he has instructed undergraduates at Saint Vincent College and the University of Cambridge, where he is a Senior Non-Resident Member of King’s College. Grefenstette has also published and worked on film, including a “Special Thanks” credit on the extended cut of Terence Malick’s The Tree of Life.

Professor Robert Healy III

Sports Information Director

Prof. Robert Healy III is the Founder and Director of the Sports Information and Media program at his alma mater, Duquesne University. His accomplishments were recognized by Pittsburgh Magazine with a 2022 "40 Under 40" Award. Healy's undergraduate degree is in Communication Studies and he also has a Master of Science Degree in Multimedia Technology. He is pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with an expected graduation date of 2026. Healy was a news reporter and Sports Information Director prior to becoming an academic.

Loni Howsare, MSN, CRNP

Nurse Practitioner

Loni Hosware completed her undergraduate nursing education at UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing in their Diploma Program in 2010 and at Chatham University for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2012. She completed Carlow University's Family Nurse Practitioner Program in 2018 with a Master of Science in Nursing. She has worked in a variety of settings and specialties in nursing and as a provider, including critical care and pain management. She is currently employed as a Nurse Practitioner for Allegheny Health Network in the Division of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, providing care to patients in both the inpatient/hospital and outpatient/office settings including both virtual and home visits.

Jason Jesso

Chief Executive Officer Gateway Engineers, Inc.

Jason Jesso is the Chief Executive Officer for The Gateway Engineers Inc., a 200-person multi-disciplinary civil engineering firm headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. As CEO, Jesso’s focus is on establishing, implementing, and communicating the vision of the organization, both internally and externally. Prior to joining Gateway, Jesso was a Landscape Architect for two independent architecture and engineering firms in Pittsburgh where he learned how to combine both design and engineering into a single solution. Jesso obtained his Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from West Virginia University and his Master of Business Administration from Waynesburg University. After completing his MBA, he received a certificate from the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz School of Business, Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence. He then went on to complete more professional certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and join multiple industry associations such as the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Project Management Institute. Outside of his professional organizational involvement, he has also volunteered on the St. Bernard School Advisory Council, the Nine Mile Run Watershed Association, and the Mt. Lebanon Hornets hockey program.

Bridget Meacham Kowalski, SLS ‘02

Finance Executive

Bridget Meacham Kowalski graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, with a minor in Public Policy, and a Master's Degree in Accounting. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). She has enjoyed a wide-ranging career in accounting that started in fraud investigations, patent infringement, and litigation consulting. For the last 10 years, Bridget has combined her lifelong passion for music with her professional skills at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as the Controller, Vice President of Finance and Administration, and now Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. She oversees Finance, Human Resources, and IT. Bridget is a 2002 graduate of Seton LaSalle and 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee. Her favorite classes were English classes with the most outstanding department of teachers, including Frank Hall, Ted White, and John Manear (though her favorite coach is Mr. K).

Chris Leonard

Athletic Trainer

Chris Leonard graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor's Degree in Athletic Training and then obtained a Master’s Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Exercise Science. After graduating from VCU, Chris began working with AHN and has been with the company for 24 years. Chris has worked with the US Olympic Bobsled team, Washington Wild Things, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, and six local high schools throughout the Pittsburgh area. He is currently at Chartiers Valley High in a supervisory role, overseeing the South Region schools affiliated with AHN Sports Medicine.

Diana Lowry

Social Worker

Diana Lowry is a Licensed Social Worker and Certified Case Manager for Highmark Wholecare, where she works as a Medical Case Manager for the PA Case Management Special Needs Unit. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from California University of PA, now Penn-West University, in 2004 and then a Master’s degree in 2007. She has a background in Behavioral Health, having worked in the inpatient psychiatric unit at Penn Highlands Hospital for 12 years, starting as a Social Worker and later becoming the Director of the unit. Diana worked for both UPMC Mercy and Highmark Wholecare. She is now the Special Needs Unit Coordinator and takes great pride in assisting members of the health plan with coordinating their health care and improving their overall well-being.

Darlene Luzar, SLS ‘91

Physical Therapist

After graduating from Seton LaSalle in 1991, where her favorite teacher was Mr. Ted White, Darlene went to Duquesne University to complete the 5-year Master’s degree program in Physical Therapy. In 1995, she received a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences and in 1996, a Master’s of Physical Therapy. Darlene worked for the West Penn Allegheny Health System in various areas, including acute care, pediatric outpatient and orthopedic outpatient physical therapy, subacute rehabilitation, and long-term care. She has worked at Allegheny General Hospital and skilled nursing facilities. In 2017, Darlene earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree through an online program at Arcadia University. Darlene currently works at Saint Clair Hospital providing inpatient physical therapy within the acute care setting.

Maureen Macel

Digital Marketing

Maureen Macel graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in 2006 with a double major in Sociology and Anthropology and a concentration in Public Policy. She worked in IT Project Management for nine years before transitioning to Digital Marketing. Most recently she worked at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in a Digital Marketing role where she was responsible for developing digital marketing strategies for clients, then implementing and managing their digital advertising campaigns. She is now a freelance digital marketer and freelance writer.

Matthew Mallory

Entrepreneur

Matthew Mallory is a serial entrepreneur with a richly varied background across multiple industries. His academic journey at Marshall University, where he obtained degrees in Accounting, Economics, and Finance, provided a robust foundation for his diverse entrepreneurial endeavors. Mallory's business career is distinguished by his successful ownership and management of companies in sectors including: Hospitality, Textile, Medical, Agricultural, and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG). His ability to adapt and excel in these various fields highlights his versatile business skills and deep industry knowledge. Currently, as the CEO and Founder of CAMO Energy, an energy beverage company startup, Mallory is bringing his extensive experience and entrepreneurial flair to the forefront of the energy drink market. His latest venture epitomizes his ongoing quest for innovative business opportunities and his potential to significantly influence the energy beverage sector.

Fr. Ken Marlovits

Religious Life

Fr. Ken Marlovits is the Director of the Office for Priestly Vocations as well as the Chaplain at Bishop Canevin High School. He holds a Master's degree in Education from The University of Pittsburgh, a Master's in Philosophy from Duquesne University, and a Master's of Divinity from The Catholic University of America. Fr. Ken's main focus in his ministry is helping people to discern God's will for them specifically as it pertains to serving God within the Church as a priest, religious, or lay person.

Laura Miller

Certified Public Accountant

Laura Miller attended John Carroll University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, then received a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a Senior Managing Director at FTI Consulting, where she helps clients with problem construction projects that are over budget. Laura leads a team that performs various types of analyses to determine the reasons for construction issues and the related costs that can be recovered. She often testifies in court on behalf of clients who are trying to recover their costs due to delays or impacts on their projects that are beyond their control.

Dylan Modesitt

Investment Quantitative Forecasting

Dylan Modesitt is the Chief Investment Officer for SESCO, joining the company in 2018 as a Quantitative Researcher, gradually taking on more responsibilities and eventually becoming the Head of Quantitative Strategies before assuming his current role. Prior to joining SESCO, Dylan was an undergraduate and did research at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, CERN’s CMS and ATLAS experiments, and the MIT Media Lab. Dylan earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. At SESCO, Dylan is responsible for designing and building the trading simulation and analytic systems and designing and executing the investment strategy. This includes designing and implementing a systematic approach to portfolio construction.

Tim O’Brien, SHC ‘78

Corporate Communications

Tim O’Brien graduated from South Hills Catholic High School in 1978, alongside more noteworthy classmates including Stephen Flaherty and David Morehouse. A Brookline native, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Duquesne University, starting his career at KDKA-TV and Radio while still in college. He had a 40-year career in public relations, crisis and issues management, founding his own firm in 2001. He’s worked on the national rollout of broadband technology, the sale of the Pittsburgh Pirates and the building of PNC Park, as well as hundreds of crises. In 2023, he wrote a book called “The Essential Crisis Communications Plan,” and he hosts the Shaping Opinion Podcast. His favorite teachers were Mr. Palmer, who he had for detention, and Brother Wise, who helped him with questions about faith and religion.

Emily O’Neill

Digital Marketing Coordinator

Emily O'Neill is a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania, where she earned an Associate of Arts in Graphic Design and Multimedia. During her time at CalU, Emily gained experience in design, photography, marketing, advertising, printing, social media management, and more through multiple internships. After working with Brunner, a full-service advertising agency with offices in Pittsburgh and Atlanta, Emily worked as a Graphics Specialist/Marketing Coordinator at Petrosoft, LLC, a software company based in Kennedy, PA. Since starting at Seton LaSalle, Emily has led marketing efforts including digital, mail, online, and print advertising. It is nearly impossible to look around the school without seeing some of Emily’s design work.

Michelle Peduto

Secretary of Catholic Schools / Superintendent, Diocese of Pittsburgh

Michelle Peduto exemplifies a genuine passion for education through her personal educational journey and professional experience in the field. Michelle attended high school in Lincoln, Maine and earned a bachelor's degree from the College of New Jersey, a master's degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a master's degree from Duquesne University. Michelle Peduto began her career in education as a teacher in Fort Dix Elementary School in New Jersey. Her passion for education and leadership continued. She became a principal at St. Agnes School in the Diocese of Pittsburgh and later became the principal of Carlow Campus School. Her post-secondary career includes work as a U.S. Army Math Instructor and as a Carlow Adjunct professor, where she was awarded the adjunct professor of the year. Michelle went on to serve as the Director of Educational Programs and Partnerships for the Extra Mile Schools. In 2019, Michelle became the Director of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Pittsburgh and is now the Secretary of Catholic Schools and Superintendent.

Jeff Peretin

Industrial Engineer

Jeff Peretin is President and CEO at Connors Group, a leading management consulting firm, where he is responsible for partnering with executive teams to develop and deliver transformational strategies and tactics to establish operational excellence. Jeff has spent the majority of his career in the consulting industry working with over 500 organizations throughout the world. He is a recognized thought leader who has spoken throughout the country on the topics of industrial engineering, lean, and productivity improvement. Prior to Connors Group, Jeff worked for Accenture and H.B. Maynard and Company. Jeff is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and a veteran of the United States Navy, who served on active duty during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Jeff is an active volunteer and has served on several advisory boards for organizations such as Young Life, Seton LaSalle Catholic High School, and the University of Pittsburgh Department of Industrial Engineering.

Mariangela Peters

Supply Chain Manager

Mariangela Peters has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and a Minor in BioEngineering from the University of Pittsburgh. She earned her Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt Certification from Sony and Bayer. Mariangela’s current role is an End-to-End Supply Chain Manager for Covestro, LLC. She leads improvement projects across Covestro's Supply Chain for our Engineering Plastics division. Mariangela has previously worked as a Process Engineer for Sony Electronics, Associate Scientist for Bayer Material Science, and a Rapid Deployment Manager for Bayer Corporation. She is a graduate of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH) High School, and two of her three sons currently attend Seton LaSalle.

Kristine Pisarcik

Medical Aesthetician

Kristine is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. She is also a graduate of South Hills Beauty Academy and is a licensed Esthetician in Pennsylvania, currently employed at Aestique Medical Spa and Plastic Surgery Center as a Medical Aesthetician. Kristine has certifications in Dermaplaning through Dermaplane Pro and a Laser certification through Sciton in Ablative and Nonablative Laser Treatments. She is certified as a Master Skincare Specialist with ZO Skin Care and has a certification in Permanent Makeup, Lip Blushing, and Lash Line Enhancement with Izora Ink.

Rod Quinn, SLS ‘83

Aviation Safety Inspector

Rod graduated from Seton LaSalle in 1983 and the University of Pittsburgh in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He is an Aviation Safety Inspector/Federal Investigator with the Federal Aviation Administration in Atlanta, Georgia. He has been in the aviation field for 37 years, having worked for 7 airlines and held positions in cabin safety, hazardous materials, security, management, and emergency response. Significant events in aviation that directed his career were the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Scotland, the ValuJet accident in the Everglades, TWA Flight 800, and the events of 9/11. His favorite class at SLS was Engineering, Graphics, and Design taught by Harry Pitchok.

Dr. Jim Reilly, SLS ‘97

Physician

Dr. Reilly is a graduate of the Seton LaSalle Class of 1997 where he was class Salutatorian, Student Council President, and a Captain of the Varsity Football and Baseball teams (including the 1995 WPIAL Baseball Champions). His favorite class was Chemistry, and although he had many wonderful teachers, Mr. Rutter was the one who made the biggest impact on him as both a teacher and coach! Dr. Reilly attended St. Joseph’s University (PA), earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Verizon/Co-SIDA Academic All-American recognition for Baseball. He then went to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine for his Doctor of Medicine. Dr. Reilly completed his medical training at the University of Pennsylvania, where he performed a residency in internal medicine, a fellowship in nephrology (kidney disease), and received a Master’s Degree in Health Policy Research from Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine. After a brief time on the Penn Medicine faculty, Dr. Reilly returned to Pittsburgh, joining Allegheny Health Network in 2013. He is currently the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at AHN, and Professor of Medicine and Regional Associate Dean for Drexel College of Medicine’s Allegheny Regional Medical Campus. He oversees the medical training of 560 physician residents and 250 medical students at AHN hospitals in Pittsburgh and Erie, while still caring for patients admitted to AHN Allegheny General Hospital on the North Side. He has received several awards during his career for patient care, teaching, leadership, and service.

Andrew Rodgers, SLS ‘15

Healthcare Consultant

Andrew earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from The University of Notre Dame and is a Manager in Healthcare Consulting at Huron Consulting Group. At Huron, his team is contracted by hospitals and health systems to help improve their Revenue Cycle performance, which includes most non-clinical hospital functions that generate money, such as scheduling, billing, and collection of payment from insurance. As a manager, Andrew leads a small team, oversees project areas, and typically owns the relationships with director-level counterparts at the client hospital. Andrew has been with Huron since graduating from college, previously as an Analyst and then as an Associate before being promoted to Manager. Andrew’s favorite class at SLS was Latin with Mrs. Maleski.

Michelle Salisbury

Emergency Medical Technician

Michelle Salisbury is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), with 23 years of experience in initiating treatment to stabilize patients prior to commencing transport to the hospital. She works for Pittsburgh EMS as a Senior EMT Crew Chief.

Will Seath, SLS '02

Architect

Will Seath graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Master’s Degree in Architecture, and a Master’s Degree in Architectural Design and Urbanism. Since 2014, he has been a Project Architect with McCrery Architects in Washington, D.C. and more recently became the firm's Chief of Staff. His work for the renovation of Hoynak Hall at Hillsdale College in Michigan was awarded the John Russell Pope Award from the Institute of Classical Art and Architecture in 2023. He is currently the Project Design Architect for the Shrine of the Holy Protection of the Mother of God being planned in Collier Township. Will is a 2002 Seton LaSalle Alum and his favorite classes were his four years of Latin with Mr. Robert Roemer, which prepared him well for his studies of classical architecture in Rome.

Patrick Sentner

Commercial Real Estate Agent

Patrick Sentner earned a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Westminster College and a Master of Business Administration from West Virginia University. Patrick’s primary responsibilities focus on local user and national Corporate Services tenant representation. His vast knowledge of the local market, ability to quickly and accurately evaluate a prospective tenant’s needs and options, as well as his connectivity with the brokerage community enable him to guide his clients successfully toward their real estate objectives. Mr. Sentner brings more than 25 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. Patrick was the Founding Principal at Colliers Pittsburgh and NAI Pittsburgh Commercial where he specialized in directing office, industrial, and user representation, while also playing an integral role in overall corporate services. He was also at CBRE where he served as the Executive Vice President within the Advisory & Transaction Services division of CBRE’s occupier services group. During his real estate tenure, he was also a Vice President at Oxford Development Company. He has an extensive history of handling the national real estate requirements of notable local and national corporate clients.

Dan Simon

Captain at American Airlines

Dan attended the Community College of Beaver County as a student in the professional pilot program and attended Parks College of St.Louis University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics. Dan also earned a Master’s in Business degree from Waynesburg University. He has worked as a flight instructor teaching students to become private, commercial, instrument, and/or multi-engine pilots. Dan has also worked for a regional airline starting as a First Officer and then as a Captain on several different airplanes. Dan is presently working for American Airlines as an Airbus 320 Captain.

David Skalniak

Media Services

David Skalniak is the Media Services Manager for the Pittsburgh Public School District. He is responsible for the production of electronic media and overseeing the broadcasting of school board meetings. He also freelances as a front-of-house sound engineer for events at the Petersen Events Center at the University of Pittsburgh. He is a 1991 graduate of Robert Morris College with a degree in Communication Management. David is also the Sound Designer/Sound Engineer for the Performing Arts Departments here at Seton LaSalle, a position he has held since January of 2022. He designs the sound for the fall drama and the spring musical.

Kerry Smigielski, SLS ‘10

Special Education Teacher

Kerry Smigielski is a Paraprofessional and Social Skills instructor for the St. Anthony School Programs in Pittsburgh, PA. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education, as well as a Master's Degree in Reading Education from Gannon University. Kerry is currently working on a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Duquesne University and is a proud Seton LaSalle Alum from the class of 2010. While at SLS, her favorite class was Spanish and her favorite teachers included Mr. Schwille, Mr. Schrader, and Mr. Ziders.

Kevin Varley

Cyber Security

Kevin Varley has been in the Cyber Security field for the past 25 years. He has spent time in the Healthcare vertical at UPMC and Gateway Health Plan, Retail vertical at Dick’s Sporting Good and Rue 21, and in the Manufacturing vertical at Coherent (II-VI) and Xylem (Evoqua Water Technologies). Kevin has worked in the roles of Security Administrator, Security Analyst, Manager, Director, and Chief Information Security Officer. Kevin has also attained many certifications in the IT Security field, including ISC2 Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s of Business Administration from Waynesburg University and is currently the Director of Factory Cyber Security at Xylem Inc.

Dr. Frank Vento, SHC ‘71

Geologist

Frank received a Master’s of Art from the University of Pittsburgh, Department of Anthropology, and a Master’s of Science from the University of Pittsburgh, Department of Geology and Planetary Science. He also earned his Ph.D. from the Department of Geology and Planetary Science. His research and consulting work has focused primarily on mass wasting, surficial and shallow groundwater, fluvial, glacial, and coastal geomorphology. Specifically, the effects of climate change on fluvial and coastal systems and in turn, the potential for the burial of archaeological resources. Notable grants and consulting groups have included the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Pennsylvania Bureau for Historic Preservation, U.S. Navy, and various local, state, and federal agencies. Frank has taught and worked extensively in the eastern U.S. Coastal Plain, Appalachian System, and Caribbean as well as in the Upper Orinoco River Valley, Venezuela, Malta, Puerto Rico, Antigua, and Morocco. As a dual citizen, he has worked across Italy and Sicily for Universities and the Italian government. In 2001 Frank was a first responder on September 11th, using geophysical equipment to aid in recovery efforts. Frank is a proud Alum of South Hills Catholic Class of 1971 and was inducted into the Seton LaSalle Hall of Fame in 2023. His favorite teacher at SHC was Brother Flavian, who taught Latin.

Robert Walters, SHC ‘66

Electrical Engineer

Robert received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 1970 and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University in 1974. His career has taken many paths, including NSA, ARCO Medical Products, and 32 years as a Professor at Penn State University. Robert has been involved in several company startups, most recently Blueroof Technologies, which builds smart homes for older adults. He has earned 10 patents in medical electronics over the years, and his favorite teacher at South Hills Catholic was Brother Henry. Robert is a graduate of the SHC Class of 1966.

Tim Wisyanski

Skilled Trades

Tim has 40 years of service with Local 5 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in various roles, including 12 years as the Assistant Training Director of Apprenticeship, 10 years as Electrical Apprenticeship Instructor and 18 years as an Electrician on various projects around Pittsburgh. He is currently the Assistant Training Director with Local 5 IBEW.

Donielle Young

Dental Hygienist

Donielle Young is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Dental Hygiene Program, and recipient of the 2019 Western Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists’ Association Outstanding Student Award, as well as recipient of the 2018 Elizabeth Pechan Award and Scholarship. She continued her education and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from University of Pittsburgh in 2020. Donielle is a current member of the Pitt Dental Medicine, Dental Hygiene Program, Advisory Committee and currently works for Grey and Associates Family Dentistry as a registered dental hygienist, where she takes pride in saving smiles daily.

Aubrey Zielinksi, SLS ‘10

Software Developer

Aubrey Zielinksi is a 2014 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from its College of Engineering. She spent several years working as a software developer in Chicago before returning to Pittsburgh. Currently, she works remotely for Hyland Software as an Implementation Engineer, building and developing document management software solutions for corporate clients. As a student at Seton LaSalle, Aubrey recalls many excellent teachers who challenged her to be a better student and person, including Mr. Dale Carmassi, Dr. Anthony DeCaria, Ms. Nancy Denman, Mr. Fred Jackson, and Mr. John Manear. She also credits her guidance counselor, Mrs. Judy Caves, who helped her pursue her college aspirations.